What is it about fresh greenery that really elevates a Christmas vignette just a tad above one with artificial? I'm not sure, but one thing that makes it SSSOOOOO much more attractive to me is the ease with which it tucks into its spot. I guess my thrifty side tells me not to cut store-bought garlands and picks into the size I need, because next time I might need a larger piece. And the real stuff seems to lay just right, wherever you put it. Not to mention, it's free!!! I emptied all the stuffy, English china I inherited from my Godmother (It really is beautiful, but I was ready for a change...it will go back in there one day!) out of my china cabinet the other day. Then I scoured the house for antique kitchen gadgets...they tend to get scattered, used for this display and that...

I filled that empty cabinet (um, amazing how dirty the dishes and cabinet shelves got, considering they were closed in behind glass doors) to the hilt with all things kitchen...

Tucked holly, pine and cedar here and there, and in a flash, it's done!