Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!  

Happy Holidays! 

& Happy New Year!

Mercury Glass

For some unknown reason I am always drawn to things with a vintage feel and mercury glass is certainly no exception.  I love the way you can almost see through it if you hold it up to the light.  Apparently true vintage mercury glass had double walls with silver nitrate sealed between the walls to give the silver appearance.  Although mine are not double-walled, they have now become one of my favorite Christmas decorations.  I usually line them up on our marble mantle and I decorate the whole fireplace with silver ornaments.  Hopefully Santa won't knock them over when he comes down the chimney this year!

Elephant Wrapping Paper

The other night I asked George if he could wrap my sister's birthday present.  He asked me what paper he should use.  I sometimes have a hard time using paper that I love, love, love.  You know the kind that is almost too beautiful to use that you don't want to even take it out of the package?  (Yes I know you are thinking I am a crazy hoarder).  But when I saw this roll in the closet I thought it was perfect occasion to finally use it.  When George finished wrapping and came over to show me my jaw dropped and I thought, "this could quite possible be the cutest wrapping paper in the world!" 

So as the author of this blog I try and anticipate my readers' questions so I know you are just dying to know two things.  1) Where did I get this awesome paper? and 2) What is inside?  I won't hold you in suspense because I am terrible at that.  The answers are that I bought this paper at World Market in Columbus (boo hoo we don't have one here in Cincinnati anymore).  And the gift is a most wonderful book I just read entitled, "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos.  I highly recommend it if you want an enjoyable read this holiday.

And last but not least I would like say "Happy Birthday Girlda! Lots of hugs and love!"

Christmas Flowers

Yesterday the doorbell rang and as I ran downstairs I was surprised to find this beautiful flower arrangement on the porch.  At first I thought maybe they were for my neighbor, but then I read the card and they were from my friend Erika and they were for me!  It is such a lovely thing to receive unexpected flowers.

Of course I immediately started fussing over where I would put them.  I usually have candles in the center of this berry wreath, but I have done that for years.  When I took the candles out and put the flowers in, it took my breath away.  I think I actually let out a little squeal of delight.  It was so perfect there and it totally made my day.  Thanks again Erika!

Vintage Metal Bird Trays

This year when I opened up the big chest where I keep my Christmas decorations these two vintage bird trays were on top.  I remember when I bought these at the flea market I was so pleased with the stylized bird design.  I'm no art historian, but they are so 60's to me while at the same time having a Scandinavian (top one) and Asian (bottom one) flair.  They remind me of the birds from one of my favorite books of all time Designs of Chinese Indigo Batik (this book is a must-have if you like this style!). Regardless, they couldn't be more me and they are a wonderful addition to my vintage metal tray collection.  And if you come visit me this month it is very likely I will even serve you tea and scones on one of them!