Tag: Christmas

Unique Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas

Exceptional and inspiring Christmas tree decoration ideas are wonderful by-products of holiday decorating.

Christmas-tree-Roosevelt-Hotel-New-Orleans-lobby

The Roosevelt New Orleans Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Unique interpretations of the season speak magnificently for themselves and hopefully offer unique and inspiring Christmas tree decoration ideas.

Christmas Tree decoration ideasBallard Designs

Pastels, primaries, and flocked to perfection, this stunning showstopper Christmas tree epitomizes the traditional and the whimsical spirit of the season.

flocked-tree-southern-living

Madcap Cottage – Southern Living -Photo by Hector Manuel Sanchez

This vintage themed tabletop tree mini in size and mighty in presence takes on its larger counterpart offering inspiration for smaller spaces and tabletop places in the home.

christmas-tree-ideas-vintage-tree

Good Housekeeping Magazine – Photography by Melanie Butcher

Star stacked French toast tree- delicious!

Christmas-tree-French-toast

Pinterest

Traditions of old are well represented through the Henriette von Stockhausen designed Christmas tree displayed in the entrance hall of the Regency house in the West Country.

Austrian-traditional-Christmas-tree

House & Garden – Photography by Paul Massey

tabletop-foyer-Christmas-tree-James-Farmer

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – Photography by Emily Followill

Tabletop Christmas trees accentuate areas ideally fit for festive finery.

Say that three times!

hallway-christmas-tree-townhouse

tabletop-foyer-table-tree

Elle Decor – Josh Yöung Design House

Eclectic in nature and elegant in execution, this fireplace mantel features a center point Christmas tree bedecked in old-world flair.

John-Derian-paperless-post-christmas-tree-tinsel

John Derian – Paperless Post

moss-bottom-tabletop-Christmas-tree

Charleston designer Matthew Monroe Bees exemplifies exactly what his idea of holiday extravagance is – a once a year magical time full of visual stylish surprises.

Christmas-tree-in-blue-white-porcelain-planter-bowl

House Beautiful – Photography by Peter Frank Edwards

Dressed to impress for the season.

dress form Christmas tree

An artificial bonsai tree spray-painted in shades of gold and accented with glitter coated birds of beauty is as spectacularly unique as it is beautiful.

bonsai Christmas tree

Martha Stewart 

Doweled into the cozy modern hygge vibe, this minimalist tree becomes a modern model of new traditional.

dowel Christmas tree

Better Homes & Gardens

Celestial charm.

celestial-Christmas-tree

Elle Decor – Anthropologie

jasperware-Christmas-tree

Martha Stewart

Wedgwood Jasperware came to be in the late 18th century, and to faithful collectors remains a sought after collectible.

Jasperware pieces in colors of blue and green adorn glittering branches to create a unique holiday tree.

moss-skirt-Christmas-tree

House & Garden Magazine – Photography by Rachel Whiting

chalkboard-Christmas-tree

Hunted Interior

 Whimsical creativity draws the eye to these unique interpretations.

Christmas-tree-on-wall-tulle-skirt

Style Me Pretty

elegant-Christmas-tree (1)

Rowen & Wren

Woodland-inspired trimmed is on trend and on point.

woodland-inspired-Christmas-tree

Martha Stewart

christmas-tree-candlelight (1)

Vintage touches evokes memories of yesteryear.

House & Home

It’s a festive fest of wonder found under the tree with this under the sea lobster adorned Christmas tree in all its ruby red and gorgeous gold glory.

red-lobster-Christmas-tree

Elle Decor – Bronson van Wyck

Pencil trees in pairs and pattern.

pencil-christmas-trees

Traditional Home

Puttin’ on the Ritz.

Ritz-Carlton-New-Orleans-Christmas-Tree-2024

Ritz Carlton New Orleans

This circa 1946 photograph of Charles Eames, designer extraordinaire, with a Christmas tree made of molded plywood chair legs is creative genius.

Eames-christmas-tree

LOC

All that glitters is gorgeous, grapevine, and gold gilt.

grapevine-christmas-tree-in-urn

Nell Hill’s

 Festively flocked and perfectly perched.

flocked-tree-house-and-home

House and Home

Pretty in pink, blue, and shiny bright pastels.

blue-pink-color-scheme-flocked-Christmas-tree

Southern Living – Photography by Hector Manuel Sanchez

Fresh greens, candlelight, and a skirt of apples eloquently convey the message step into Christmas!

Southern-Christmas-foyer

Traditional Home

O Christmas topiary tree!

topiary-Christmas-foyer

Southern Living – Photography by Melina Hammer

Your designer, luscious, vintage, delicious, whimsical, and traditional with a spirited twist branches beautifully engage and delight us.

Darleen-signature-love

In The Style Of Christmas Decorating Ideas

Home at the Holidays beauty reigns supreme with in the style of Christmas decorating ideas gifting guided inspiration.

English-Christmas-Persian-rug

House & Garden – Photography by Michael Sinclair

Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, especially at this most wonderful time of the year.

Stavith Crystal and Metal 8-light Chandelier-1

Stavith Crystal and Metal 8-light Chandelier

Sourcing furnishings and decor items in the style of consists of searching sites for antiques as well as new pieces that complement the primary style, and then utilizing those finds to create visual harmony, balance, and beauty.

SAFAVIEH Kashan Velitchka Oriental Rug with Fringe

SAFAVIEH Kashan Velitchka Oriental Rug with Fringe

King George III Settee

King George III Settee

La Rosa 69 in. Opal Grey Velvet 2-Seater Chesterfield Loveseat with NailheadsLa Rosa Velvet 2-Seater Chesterfield Loveseat

 

Pair Country French Paint Decorated Candelabra Sconces

Vintage 1940’s Mahogany 5 Drawer Hand Painted French Commode (1)

garland-draped-oil-painting (1)

Victoria Magazine – Photography by Stephanie W. Steele

Greenery, gold, and the glow of candlelight mingle to set the quintessential Christmas scene.

Italian Florentine Vintage Gilt Painted Chest of Drawers

Artist Signed Framed European Meadow Scene Oil Painting On Canvas

Artist Signed Framed European Meadow Scene Oil Painting On Canvas

garland-draped-oil-painting (2)

French Louis XV Style Serpentine Front 50” Wide Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

French Louis XV Style Serpentine Front Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Vintage Italian Florentine Wooden Wall Plaque Italy1

Vintage Italian Florentine Wooden Wall Plaque Italy

ivory-LED-flameless-votives-pillar-candles

antique jardiniere

Single Mid 20th Century Italian Giltwood Wall Shelf Bracket

john-derian-christmas-tree

Elle Decor – John Derian

I don’t believe I’d go as far as to associate this unique Christmas tree with a designer version of a Charlie Brown tree for beauty is in the eye and the urn table vase of the beholder.

Traditional Aluminum Bucket Wine Cooler

Traditional Aluminum Bucket Wine Cooler

Unique reinterpretations of traditional ways have the ability to result in a visually glorious outcome.

Handmade+Ceramic+Table+Vase (2)

Handmade Ceramic Table Vase

Robins-Song-print-blue-dress Robin’s Song – Fine Art Print

Hermes-decorative-head

In the style of serves more as a guideline. More often than not sourcing the exact items hits a wall in terms of locating the source of purchase.

Redpoll Birds Illustration

Redpoll Birds Illustration

Borrowing from (not outwardly copying which is a design no-no) an impressive look seems to gain speed at the holiday season.

fireplace-mantle-busts-garland

Barry Dixon welcomes Christmas to the spaces and places of Elway Hall.

Large vintage brass chandelier with glass pendants. handmade

Large Vintage Brass Chandelier with Glass Prisms

Halls decked with thoughtful holiday hospitality the goal, touches and traditions depict an air of holiday finery in grand casual form.

Paris Market 6 Light Antique White Chandelier

Paris Market 6 Light Antique White Chandelier

marble bust drawing

Marble Bust Drawing

decorative-male-bust-interiors

Bust sketch drawing

Bust Sketch Drawing

Elegant Victoria Floral Engraved with Handle Serving Tray

Elegant Victoria Floral Engraved with Handle Serving Tray

woodland-Christmas-tree-dining-room

 Flower Magazine – Photography by Erik Kvalsvik

Collected accents blending with the presence of natural accents and lighting achieve the cabin-like overtone in the breakfast room.

cones (1)

Staffordshire Figure on Horse (1)

Friendly-Village-serving-bowl

Johnson Brothers “Friendly Village” Oval Serving Bowl

Set of 6 Cups and Saucers - EIT

Set of 6 Cups and Saucers – EIT

garlands-with-fresh-fruit-blue-cabinets

Flower Magazine – Photography by Mary Craven Dawkins

Genius and gorgeous Christmas decorating ideas are well worth repeating and reproducing.

oranges-greenery-holiday-decorating

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Hector Manuel Sanchez

Whole or dried oranges, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks grouped together and placed in a decorative bowl or atop a serving platter become a festive and fragrant Christmas decoration.

oranges-silver-urns

Embellishing further with perhaps a decorative tassel draped across the top or to the side produces a simple yet elegant accent.

Mantel-garland-oranges-silver-trophy

Southern Lady Magazine

Conversing with a fellow decorista brought up the subject of when do you begin decorating home and hearth for Christmas/the Holidays.

Believe it or not, I know someone who keeps the Christmas tree up all year long- loves it and it brings joy to the home.

grocery-store-roses-silver-bowl

Midwest Living

You’d be surprised the number of folk who for various reasons do not wish to decorate for the holidays, and believe me I get it.

My mother-in-law was one who fell into the latter category, and for many years I didn’t get it.

Vintage Crescent Silver Mfg Co Silver Plated Metal Footed Bowl with grapevine pattern

Crescent Silver Plated Metal Footed Bowl with Grapevine Pattern

Older and with many life miles on me, I understand, but as I did with my mother-in-law I still suggest at least one little something placed here or there to reflect the season.

One lovely bowl filled with fresh clippings, buds, and blooms sitting atop a book becomes a festive focal point.

Vintage Books Mixed Lot of 8 Decorative Customizable by Colors

Vintage Books Mixed Lot of 8 Decorative Customizable by Colors

Following my own suggestion I filled a cut crystal bowl with an array of Christmas tree balls, and, voilà, a holiday decoration comes forth.

pink-white-holiday-ornaments-in-crystal-bowl

Waiting to decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve is a fascinating prospect, one that crescendos to the main event in oh, what fun seasonal splendor.

oh-what-fun-silver-graphic

Adorning a chandelier with vintage or in the style of vintage ornaments is a home for the holidays Christmas decorating ideas classic that is  delightfully elegant in presence and simple to achieve.

Ornaments on High

Better Homes & Gardens

Oh come, let us adorn thee.

christmas-decor-dining-room

Country Living Magazine

Introduce a sense of simple elegance into your holiday decor by decorating a chandelier(s) with garland and glass ornaments looped in ribbon in your choice of colors and material.

charlotte-Moss-blue-white-Christmas (1)

Charlotte Moss

Classic colors of blue and white befit winter’s color palette.

Spode Blue Italian Hexagonal Vase

Spode Blue Italian Hexagonal Vase

Visits to the grocery store this time of year go with the it’s the holidays territory.

holiday-fresh-floral-bouquet-greenery

Keep it seasonal simple by picking up a fresh holiday bouquet from the floral department for centerpieces and spot arrangements.

Blue and White Christmas Tree Plate

Seasonal fruits become stunning decorations.

charlotte-Moss-blue-white-Christmas (2)

Charlotte Moss

Small touches take the ordinary to holiday extraordinary.

holiday_hosting_bar

Ballard Designs

Well-appointed home for the holidays decorating ideas do not have to be costly to be remarkable.

concrete-urn-planter

White Cast Stone Fiberglass Ornate Low Urn

White Cast Stone Fiberglass Ornate Low Urn

Balsam Mixed Greens Fresh Wreath

Pears paired with fresh greenery and placed in a decorative urn housing bottles of your favorite holiday beverage on ice becomes a festive beverage  holder focal point.

fresh-Christmas-pears

Photo by Jodie Morgan 

Absolutely gorgeous describes the details found in these French Lyre back chairs.

Christmas decorating ideasHouse & Garden

French Louis XVI Style Painted Opera Chairs 

snowy white Christmas French armoire1

Midwest Living

Neutral-toned antiques and quality antique reproductions layers a space in softness.

HENREDON French Louis XV Style 2 Door Armoire

options-graphic-1

loden green 1 1/2" swiss velvet ribbon

Loden Green 1½” Swiss Velvet Ribbon

Farmhouse Style Distress Painted Graduated Open Bookcase

Antique Hand Carved Painted Royal Rocking Horse

Antique Hand Carved Painted Royal Rocking Horse

Hanging a wreath(s) or greenery bunches from the top of a door (armoire, cabinet, exterior) with ribbon adds a custom touch to your holiday decorating presentation.

Finding wider ribbon works best, I like to use a ribbon that is at least 2½” wide.

Festive kitchen

House & Home

This look is winter woodland wonderful straight through to the first sign of spring.

20-ft Fresh Cedar Christmas Garland

Park Designs Wintertime White Platter

Park Designs Wintertime White Platter

Pinecone Flameless Candle

plastic-greenery-pine-cone-swag

Green House 24″ Plastic Greenery Swag with Needle Pine

Vintage~9.5 Tall~Decorative Woodland QUARTZ CLOCK

Vintage Bread Boards Extra Large

Vintage Bread Boards Extra Large

Some are just beginning to deck where others halls have long been decked and ready to impress.

Whenever the time is right for you consider one of these in the style of Christmas decorating ideas.

Merry Christmas!

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

Merry Christmas To You!

Merry Christmas to you, my treasured friends.

farmhouse-christmas-entryway-plaid-packages

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Rikki Snyder

This Christmas collection of pretty pictures, delightful treats, and Christmas at home is a visual to you, from me gift that hopefully fills the eye and the heart with the most wonderful time of the year sights of the season.

Enjoy!

pink-white-green-dining-room-at-holidays

At Home in Arkansas – Photography by Rett Peek

christmas-treats-divinity

Divinity with Cherries and Pecans

December-poem

Christmas-wreaths-above-fireplace

Country Home Magazine

Christmas-tree-in-blue-white-porcelain-planter

House Beautiful – Photography by Peter Frank Edwards

Forest Beauty

Forest Beauty

gold-lantern-sconces-above-bed

Flower Magazine

Christmas-cookie-box-Curly-Girl-Kitchen

Curly Girl Kitchen

All is calm, all is bright.

pine-trees-covered-in-snow

Unsplash

angel-figurine-Christmas

Raspberry Almond CakeRaspberry Almond Cake

The Toy Store Window by Timoléon Marie Lobrichon (1)

The light in a child’s eyes is all it takes to make
Christmas a magical time of the year.

tree-gif

May the beauty of the season be bountiful in the spaces and places of your holiday home.

With much love to one and all,

Darleen-signature-love

Festive Photos of the Christmas Season

Festive photos of the Christmas season reminds and reinforces the notion it’s magically beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Christmas at Forde Abbey

Christmas at Forde Abbey

“…freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night…”

– John Geddes

Victorian-Christmas-tree-Photography-Kimberly-Finkel-Davis

Victoria Magazine

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

– Norman Vincent Peale

House-Garden-pusey-house-stairs-Simon-Upton

House & Garden

“Christmas isn’t a parade or concert but a piece of home you keep in your heart wherever you go.”

– Donna VanLiere

man-Christmas-tree

Pinterest

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”

– Marjorie Holmes

Holiday-decorated-entryway

Bless’er House as featured by Better Homes & Gardens

“Christmas… is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”

– Freya Stark

snow covered fur trees

“Kindness is like snow- It beautifies everything it covers.”

– Kahlil Gibran

Martha-Stewart-Christmas-tree

Martha Stewart

“The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money.  There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.”

– Andy Rooney

regency-house-photo-Paul-Massey

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”

– Pindar

Market Street – Corning, NY

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.”

– Richelle E. Goodrich

farmhouse-bedroom-Jason-Donnelly

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Jason Donnelly

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”

– Louisa May Alcott

church-South-Tirol-Italy

South Tirol, Italy

“Thank you, Dear Creator, for Life.  Thank you for Dreams.  Thank you for Ideas and Thoughts and Feelings.  Most of all, thank you for choosing me to grow – just for today – and to know the Wonder of Your World and its many Possibilities.”

― Janie Jasin

Jennifer-Chapman-Christmas-tree-photo-by-Marcy-Black-Simpson

Victoria Magazine – Photography Marcy Black Simpson
Styling by Melissa Sturdivant Smith

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.”

― Tom Baker

Darleen-signature-custom

Christmas Songs and Sights

Christmas songs and sights rule the festive fun around Places In The Home this time of year.

Why certain things come to mind when we hear Christmas songs is anyone’s guess, but I believe traditions old and new, coupled with cherished memories near and dear to heart and mind, work together to awaken the spirit of the season that beautifully dwells within all of us.

As I was listening to classic Christmas songs late Saturday night, an imagined slideshow broke out in my thoughts- some obvious, some silly, but all telling.

So here you go, my wonderful friends, a Christmas songs and sights ’tis the season pictorial.

dashing through the snow

Flickr

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling “yoo hoo!”
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you

snow covered Smoky Mountains2

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I met a man who lives in Tennessee, and he was headin’ for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania, folks are travelin’ down to Dixie’s sunny shore

Santa on beachFrom Atlantic to Pacific

– I know it means from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean(s), but the line always brings to mind thoughts of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known to some of us as A&P

A&P Coffee

Gee, the traffic is terrific

Christmas traffic

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas

Christmas-shopping-image

Chasing Daisies

Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)

Christmastime in the City

Flickr

It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling)
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day

Santa and friends

Santa and Friends

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland

blue jay in snow

Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song, as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland

candy-canes-on-Christmas-tree

Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel

Frosted window panes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa’s on his way
He’s filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
It’s that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true

Silent-Night

And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too

heading home in the snowstorm

Fine Art America

the snow’s comin’ down
(Christmas) I’m watchin’ it fall
(Christmas) lots of people around
(Christmas) baby, please come home

montana-christmas-home-living-room

Elle Decor – Photo by Douglas Friedman

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

mistletoe

Skonahem

Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year

candle-in-a-window

In The Fields

For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Candles in the window
Carols at the spinet

Christmas-tree-on-pianoYes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Hasn’t snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear we’re in a hurry

retro Christmas partyThere’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting

Carol-Brady

And caroling out in the snow

sears-1969-christmas-wish-book-cover

There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago

twas the night before christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

Christmas-stockings

Country Living Magazine

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

holidays-at-home-blog

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Christmas songs

tis=the=season-in-red

 

 

Our Home For The Holidays

Happy Holidays friends!  We are T-3 to Christmas 2015, and the joy of the season is electric by way of white Christmas lights and treasured traditions.   Welcome to our Home for the Holidays where the theme of comfort and simplicity is well represented.

grape-vine-tree

Our tour is of the dining room and the part of the foyer decked for the holidays. The dining room, a forever work in progress, has seen several design and decor changes in 2015, and will continue to see more in 2016.  The walls are devoid of artwork (the piece you see in this photo is part of the kitchen gallery wall) and the style jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision on accent rug vs. hardwood floors.  The dining room isn’t the only space getting a makeover.  My Mother’s Day gift from our son was paying for the new wallpaper I fell in love with at first sight but took several months to decide if I really had to have it. Turns out I did. Dave the Builder began the project, but real life obligations and unexpected circumstances stepped in and halted the foyer beautification project.  Patience is not only a virtue it is a necessary tool of the trade in design and decorating.

our-home-for-the-holidays

On the Monday before Christmas, my true love gave to me.  A single Santa leopard-ing

Santa-dinner

and a Christmas goose in the foyer displayed in front of the new zebra wallpaper sitting pretty (pronounce it prit-tee and it rhymes with tree.  Get it?  Partridge. Pear Tree).

Christmas-Goose-in-foyer

A  holiday table centerpiece of magnolia leaves and holly is indeed so Southern, so holiday, so easy and so beautiful.

magnolias-berries

angel

Bob’s Sweet Stripes as swizzle sticks and crystal finial ornaments as wine charms? You bet!

home-bar

I purchased these vintage mini framed Madonna prints for my kitchen gallery wall.

place-setting

Inspiration is everywhere.

ring

The subject matter is holiday appropriate, and the petite size of the framed prints sealed the DIY deal.  Napkin rings it is!

frame-napkin-ring

mother-and-child

I have collected Victorian inspired Santa Claus figurines for years.  Due to the epic move aka the gift that keeps on giving, combining two households into one and the renovation of my childhood home into our new to us home, most of my Santa collection now resides in climate controlled storage.  These inexpensive stand-in Santas have no great provenance or famous artist signature assigned to them, but I do love the colors and facial features of these old world replicas.

Santas

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this perfectly imperfect image serves as a visual reminder of my personal design and decorating philosophy.  Perfection, style and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  The life lived within a home comes alive through personal style and taste, and there is nothing more gorgeous than a home that beautifully illustrates personal style lives here.  Design and decorate it with a sense of you!

dining-room-table

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Love your style!

Christmas Past: Vintage Christmas Memories

Vintage Christmas memories from Christmas past have a very special place in the hearts of many a kid at this time of year.

Cleveland_at_ChristmasCleveland at Christmas

Remember the excitement of a fully holiday stocked Western Auto showroom?

western-auto-sign

Flickr

It almost measured up to the thrill of the sight of the local department stores windows.

Victorian-Christmas-toy-shop-window

Victorian Christmas – Toy Shop Window

Downtown streets decorated with overhead greenery swags decked to the holiday max in traditional red and green thrilled the eye and hit the holiday high notes.

Christmas Town Scene with Children Playing in Snow

Christmas Town Scene with Children Playing in Snow

Anticipation began to hit a fever pitch toward the last of October with  Halloween excitement and the Sears Christmas Book catalog soon to be in a mailbox near you.

sears-1969-christmas-wish-book-coverAirplanes and Rockets

If I had a nickel for every hour spent combing the pages, making a list, and checking it twice…

Sears-Christmas-Book-1963

Hard candy, the shiny aluminum Christmas tree, color wheel and glass ornaments, and an extensive collection of inexpensive dime store decorations adorned my grandmother’s den and living room in holiday wonder as only a grandmothers den and living room could.

candy-dish

vintage-Christmas-morning-gifts

Vintage Christmas Memories

Our local television station gifted our community a version of  must see holiday TV each weekday afternoon between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, complete with letters from Santa and his magic telescope made for watching good boys and girls.

santa-face

Being a true believer, I was totally convinced he could see every move my brother and I made.

Norman-Rockwell-is-he-coming-Christmas

Norman Rockwell “Is He Coming?”

Our late November to late December behavior reflected that theory much to the delight of our parents.

Westgate-Santa

Weekly visits to the local shopping center to visit with Santa ranked high on my lists of priorities.

vintage-toys-at-Christmas

Photo by Annie Spratt 

Under the Christmas tree with a Suzy Homemaker stove was in my sights.

suzy-homemaker-stove-green

Click Americana

As you can see in the picture below, my Christmas wish list dreams came true.

Christmas-living-room

 Do you remember?

Darleen-signature-love

A Seasonal Blend Of Old World And Modern Day Holiday Decors

Christmas In Provence and Eastern Europe comes to life through the pages of Art & Décoration and Campagne Decoration.  These wonderful publications feature two stunning homes in their holiday issues.  The first of these features takes the reader on a private tour of the Chateau d’Ansouis.  Steeped in history and dating back to the thirteenth century, Château d’Ansouis overlooks the village of Ansouis and the valley of the Aigues.

Ownership of Château d’Ansouis has shuffled through the centuries. Owned since the tenth century by the powerful house of Forcalquier, the medieval fortress was next sold to Ansouis Zosimus-Elzear-Louis, Duke of Sabran in 1836.  Elzear de Sabran and his wife Delphine. Honorably devoted to the causes of the poor resulted in Elzear being canonized and Delphine beatified in 1369.  In January 2008, Gérard and Frédérique Rousset-Rouvière acquired Château d’Ansouis and a refined renovation soon began. Designer Jean-Jacques Bourgeois was brought on board and the beauty is in the details now more than ever, but especially at the holidays.

The arms of Sabran with diamond points grace the entryway.  Lanterns and candlelight greet visitors in quaint and quiet splendor reminiscent of old world charm.

Soft candlelight in the stone stairway from the rows of candles, lantern, and wall table festively light the way to summer, the terracotta statue standing in the niche on the landing.

candle-lined-stairs

An exquisite interpretation of the list of thirteen traditional Provencal Christmas desserts is represented in grand detail.  Mandarins, candied fruits, dates, dried apricots, chocolate and fresh grapes sit beautifully displayed between crystal candelabras atop a marble top buffet.

Eighteenth century antiquities set the tone for holiday dining with a festive, yet understated tablescape.  After midnight mass on Christmas Eve, a gourmet meal of  roasts, turkey and wines from Provence precedes the famous thirteen desserts.  The thirteen desserts stand in remembrance of the Last Supper with Jesus surrounded by his twelve apostles.  The Murano glass chandelier is stunning, as is the mantel and eighteenth century Rocaille.

The Grand Salon Rocaille, the 18th-century style of plaster-work featuring elaborately stylized shell-like, rocklike, and scroll motifs, is ranked among the best of Provence.  The painted almond green walls are original to the decor.

Excuse me while I gain my composure after swooning over what I can only describe as an armoire cupboard.  The contrast of the rich walnut armoire and original green patina of the interior cupboard is a Provincial design masterpiece.

Christmas en Provence are very traditional gatherings of  family and community. The celebration begins with a vigil of songs, hymns and stories and concludes with gifts being handed out. The Big Dinner is a meatless meal held before midnight mass on Christmas Eve.  The traditional table is set on three white tablecloths removed successively during the meal and adorned with three large white candles which represent the Trinity.  Copper utensils and Moustiers earthenware shine as characteristically French features of an understated, utilitarian beauty.

The second feature has us shifting gears from historically traditional to whimsical wonder represented through warmth, color, and texture.  This nineteenth century mansion of Slavic origin stands amidst a village in the north of the Ile-de-France. The dining room crystal chandelier and glass mercurisées reflect the reds, metals, and magentas of the holiday decor. My eyes immediately widen in decor amazement at first glance of the magenta branches on the mantel and the Reindeer skin draped garden chairs.

‘Tis the season for color, texture, velvet, silk, ribbons, embroidery and florals.

A lone display works as the perfect compliment to the whimsical decor~ a Christmas cuckoo clock with mushroom glass mercurisé.

Accessories inspire the gift of creativity.

Old world and modern day traditions at Christmas, both celebrated and decorated in other parts of our world, fittingly represent history, culture, and design.  The beauty, joy, and traditions of the season translate well.

Love your style!

 

 

 

 

Château d’Ansouis photo source: via

Nineteenth century mansion photo source: via