Putting My Heart into the Valentine's Tree

As 2010 made its grand entrance with a wintry blast and a shiver, I found that while I was well-ready to say goodbye to the tinsel and Santas and angels and stockings for another year, there was one holiday guest I wasn't quite ready to bid adieu... The livingroom Christmas tree.

The truth is, I'd grown quite fond of the warm light it produced in the evenings. It was like a smoke-free fireplace in a way, helping chase away the blues of Seasonal Affective Disorder better than any candles I'd ever had.

So it occurred to me that this welcome holiday visitor didn't need to go quite so soon... if it had a little makeover. And that's how the Valentine's tree was born...
Green ornaments were traded for pink ones. Gold, for fuschia. Peacock feathers were replaced by small pink feathery birds. And Valentine's Day ribbon, which I'd gotten last year after the holiday for virtually nothing, worked its way in place of more Christmassy strands...

The red medieval-styled tree skirt has been exchanged for the pink, rose-printed Shabby Chic one I normally use in my guest room...
And some of the birds from that tree perched down here as well...
I already had some heart-shaped ornaments, which I use on the Christmas tree every year. They stayed...
And I added some with pink roses embedded in them, for a little extra Victorian flair...
The bow up top, printed in hearts, also was something I'd put away from last year. The angel that was there has been relieved of duty until next Christmas season...
In between putting the rest of the decor away, I've also been noodling around with my blue sitting room, transitioning it from Christmas to everyday. I'm still working on it, but it seems like it might be a good place for some fairy figures I have...

A little floral garland hides the lamp cords, while the "Joy" and a "Believe" are left from Christmas and seem to apply equally well to the fairy theme...
The white and blue Christmas tree has been replaced by a salvage yard cherub lamp and thrifted fringed shade. It still looks like it isn't quite right, but I imagine I'll figure out what it's missing in a few days...
Wishing you all a wonderful 2010 filled with warmth, happiness and inspiration!