I've been busy over the past few weeks doing things big and small to get ready for Christmas.
I helped my parents decorate their Christmas tree which involved much rummaging through boxes of vintage decorations and hearing about which ones were bought when. They were all so lovely that I was oohing and ahing over them.
Many of the decorations were bought in the early years of my parent's marriage over 59 years ago.
Even the box storing the spire was vintage.
Some of the oldest ornaments were bought in the 1920s when my father's parents were first married, like the one below.
And the tree looked so pretty decorated from head-to-toe in its vintagey loveliness.
I finally finished my Christmas shopping in a flurry of activity last night. The presents may not be wrapped, but I can tell you my favourite way to wrap them - with kraft paper and tied with ribbon, wool, or twine. Love the simplicity of it.
We have a few decorations up around the house like the mantel and sideboard, but haven't done the tree yet.
And the tree cake pan that I covered in cloth got some brown ribbon trim along the sides which definitely made it look better. In fact, it is now one of my favourite Christmas things rather than an oops-this-didn't-work-out-as-well-as-I-had-hoped category (you can see it in its original version here, although you can't really see that the sides looked ratty with the judicious angle I took the photo). I like it so much that the cake pan tree gets pride of place beside the hot chocolate bar which is ready and waiting for the younguns to get home from university.
I also made another paper star - this time using a beautiful bronzey paper.
And finally we got into the Christmas spirit by going to the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District a few weekends ago with friends. Nothing like beer, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and wood smoke to get you into the Christmas mood.
How are preparations around your house - nearly finished? in full on panic mode? sitting back with tea in hand and a grin on your face? Do tell.
Linked to Christmas Tree Link Party at A Thoughtful Place
I helped my parents decorate their Christmas tree which involved much rummaging through boxes of vintage decorations and hearing about which ones were bought when. They were all so lovely that I was oohing and ahing over them.
Many of the decorations were bought in the early years of my parent's marriage over 59 years ago.
Even the box storing the spire was vintage.
Some of the oldest ornaments were bought in the 1920s when my father's parents were first married, like the one below.
And the tree looked so pretty decorated from head-to-toe in its vintagey loveliness.
I finally finished my Christmas shopping in a flurry of activity last night. The presents may not be wrapped, but I can tell you my favourite way to wrap them - with kraft paper and tied with ribbon, wool, or twine. Love the simplicity of it.
We have a few decorations up around the house like the mantel and sideboard, but haven't done the tree yet.
I also made another paper star - this time using a beautiful bronzey paper.
And finally we got into the Christmas spirit by going to the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District a few weekends ago with friends. Nothing like beer, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and wood smoke to get you into the Christmas mood.
How are preparations around your house - nearly finished? in full on panic mode? sitting back with tea in hand and a grin on your face? Do tell.
Linked to Christmas Tree Link Party at A Thoughtful Place
Getting there......slowly! You seem very organised. I really like vintage ornaments, they remind me of the Christmases of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteWe use vintage ornaments here in our humble bungalow.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of whirl away but what a great name for a mixer.
Your home is looking much more Christmassy than ours...I need to get a move on.
Happy Holidays!
I loved seeing your parents vintage ornaments, they are beautiful!!! Their tree is simply lovely. Your Christmas decor is gorgeous, I love the mantel and sideboard. Your pan tree is sweet!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Grace, those ornaments are beautiful. I love the tear drop kind. My grandparents had the same kind when i was young and I loved them. I wish they had saved them.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much done all of my decorating, still need to pick up some more gifts but then I can sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy the rest of the month.
I so love that you helped your parents...so sentimental. We are all finished decorating but kept it pretty simple this year in our new place.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
I love your mantel!!! :D
ReplyDeleteBy the way, there's nothing I love better in the world than vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. They always make me smile! They remind me of my childhood.
xo,
RJ
Wow, everything looks wonderful! Your parents oranaments are lovely. I am now in surprise mode. I like to use the next few days to do little special things for my family. Makes the holiday for me. :) Merry Christmas! Kit
ReplyDelete