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 ... Keep Reading...
Pink Christmas
Last Spring while in Campinas, Brazil, I found myself at a thrift store. Imagine that... Unfortunately, the group I was with insisted we had only 10 minutes to shop. And they weren't kidding. So, I could (a) complain that it wasn't enough time or (b) SHOP! Easy choice! Ten minutes can be an eternity for a thrifty shopper like me -- and some of you... My thrift store magnet kicked in and drew me over to a pile of linens. Easy to pack in a suitcase? Yes. Lightweight? Yes. Go for it! One item in the stack was pink with a wide hand-crocheted trim. Hmmm ... pretty -- but not my usual "thing." What is it anyway? Curtains? Bed cover? Whatever it is, it's big... ... oooooh, and hand-painted... ... with bells??? ... What IS this ... Keep Reading...
Ivory and Gold
Ivory and gold ... I told you in a recent post (click HERE if you missed it) that -- besides the "memories attached" ornaments, these are my very favorite ones. I'm glad you stopped by again today to see the tablescape I did to complement them. I do love the combination of ivory and gold! I set the table knowing ahead of time that it would need a little something to give a "punch" of color ... What should it be? Click on pics to enlarge Aaah ... Much better! The simple holly candle ring gives just a touch of color ...and makes all the difference. I filled a favorite ivory and gold centerpiece bowl with vintage glass beads. Then I tucked in a vintage ornament, a ... Keep Reading...
