I’ve decked the halls as much as I’m going to this year. My daughter who lives in New Jersey comes home on Thursday night, and there’s a house to clean, groceries to buy, and presents to wrap. Tonight I’ll show you a few more of the changes I’ve made for the holidays. But before I do, there’s a tradition I want to share with you…
When my oldest cousin was a little girl sitting on Santa’s knee, he told her to “be sure and put out an apple for Rudolph.” That’s how it started … A couple of days before Christmas, we purchase the biggest, most fabulous red apple we can find. Then on Christmas Eve, all of the little ones gather ’round with a cup towel and take turns “polishing” the apple ’til it shines! Then they all trek to the front porch to lay it carefully in place for Rudolph. Santa, of course, gets his cookies and milk — or if he’s really lucky, he gets his preferred pie and coffee — then it’s off to bed. On Christmas morning Santa’s treat is gone … and there is an apple core on the front porch!
This tradition has been part of our family for 50 years. I’m happy to share it with you … in case there are little ones in your family who would enjoy it, too. (Have any of you ever done this — or heard of it?)
Now, back to the final decking of the halls…
Spode Victorian Children plates
This is my bedroom mantel. I left my vintage boxes on the top shelf and the lamps and mantel scarf on the bottom. Faux plants were replaced with fresh magnolia. Then I added my collection of Victorian Children plates
and a few vintage cobalt ornaments.
and a few vintage cobalt ornaments.
 |
| Click blog pics to enlarge |
Santa Claus
This “icy” wintertime scene with Santa and his reindeer is on our upstairs landing. The set looks a lot like something by Jim Shore but it’s not. I found it a couple of years ago at a local salvage store — for $10. I love Santa’s reflection in the old mirror.
Angel Tree
Until recently, one of my daughters has lived abroad, and she has yet to take the Christmas ornaments she received from grandparents as a child; she didn’t want them to get broken in transit. She hasn’t seen her special ornaments in years. I just wonder what memories these will evoke when she sees them this year…
Vintage chalkware
A few pieces I’ve picked up through the years. The musician trio is a music box that plays Silent Night.
Partridge in a Pear Tree
This little tabletop tree sits on the desk in our kitchen. Here’s a little tidbit for you: All of the pears started out alike … but some of them I covered with glue and sprinkled with clear glass glitter. Big difference, huh? I’ve also done the same thing to plain ol’ plastic fruit. Remember that next time you want some “classy” fruit.
The Nativity
I have a U-shaped stairway. I placed this nativity set on the first landing so it’s visible from upstairs or down. After all, the Baby IS the focus of Christmas…
Speaking of nativity sets … I recently told you that ivory and gold are my favorite Christmas colors for decorating (click HERE if you missed the post) — and I showed you this picture of my dining room sideboard …
Do you see what I see? There’s something new. I found it yesterday…at Goodwill…in the original box…unopened…for $2.50.
I hope you enjoy the next few days leading up to Christmas — and that you have a blessed and relaxing holiday with people you love.
You’re invited to join me for these festive parties …
Mosaic Monday at Little Red House
Blue Monday at Smiling Sally
Silent Night, Holy Night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy Birth!
Jesus, Lord at Thy Birth!
I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
I hope you’ll stop back by for Tablescape Thursday. I’ll be giving you a peek at a college president’s home decorated for Christmas…complete with TWO tablescapes!
What a charmingly romantic bedroom you have. Your decorations are lovely and I had to have a closer look. Wow! You had a banner day at Goodwill yesterday…that’s a delightful find!
love your nativity scenes. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Love the ivory and gold decorations. It all looks wonderful together. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Stunning… every photo is just beautiful and have been composed into such thoughtful and special mosaics. Love the Spode Childrens Plates in Blue…that is an eye popper on the mantel for sure. Your home looks so warm and inviting and very festive…I think you are ready, too. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Love your Christmas decor! So festive!
Merry Christmas!
It was wonderful to look at all your lovely things. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Hi Susan, Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your home and decorations are lovely; and, of course, I also have some of the Spode winter scene plates. I usually hang them in the kitchen, but I didn’t change my plates out this year. I also love your icy winter scene and wreath. Have a great week!
~ Julie
I love your nativities!
Happy Blue Monday, Susan.
Love all of your decors!
Blues at Play
I’ve really enjoyed seeing your beautiful Christmas decor. And I’m jealous of your Goodwill purchase…what a find! ~Cheryl
How very special and a lovely tradition! Enjoy your daughter’s visit and Happy Holidays!
Such a beautiful post! I love the nativities.
Blessings~
Gwenny