Those of you who know me know I take the term “vintage” pretty seriously, and at no time is that more evident than Christmas:-)
I wanted to recreate the Christmas I imagine my dad grew up with here in Balsam during the 1940s and 1950s. This is the original house here I write so much about and where all the trims, doors, windows, etc., we are using in our house came from. Can you just imagine Christmas morning here…running down the stairs to the parlor to see what Santa has brought?
But back to the reality of our little cottage…
My great grandmother’s chaise was in that parlor along with her end table, the original oil pastel, and the square medallions.
This is one of many windows from the house I have used.
My dad made the wagon wheel table for me, and I decided to put one of the beautiful wreathes made by a friend in Tennessee around the hub accented with Shiny Brite ornaments and pine cones. I can tell you it has now been replaced by a train set as I have a seven-year-old boy:-)
My grandmother made the little pink pillow.
I still love the French provincial couch I found for $50, and we are loving having a large couch again.
We do enjoy watching old Christmas movies and cartoons on DVD during the Christmas season. For those who asked, there is a TV in the armoire. I don’t want to see a TV ever…especially if it’s off, so I keep it hidden.
Of course the biggest symbol of Christmas past is the scraggly Hemlock tree we got out of the woods here. I have loved that little tree so much and enjoy the odd shape and scraggly branches. My dad loves it too:-)
I wanted to use large colored lights for a true vintage tree, and even though I had some old ones that had never been used, I was wary since this is a real tree and these lights burn really hot. I decided on the colored mini lights I remember from the late 1970s…they have a pink in with the other colors. I also added C7 LED clear lights so I still got the big lights, but not the heat.
I used Shiny Brite and Jewel Brite ornaments from the 1950s and 60s as well as ornaments my mom bought in the early 1980s. My great grandmother’s glass beads, crocheted snowflakes, hand cut snowflakes, popcorn and tinsel really bring the past to life.
One thing is for sure, you can really see the ornaments on this tree because there is plenty of space. I really wish I had some tear drop-shaped Shiny Brites, but I didn’t find any here and never run across those when I’m out thrifting. Maybe for next year.
Great grandmother’s angel is on the top, and we are ready for Santa to arrive:-) Well, I’m actually not, but for the first time ever, there are some gifts wrapped before Christmas Eve!
Brown craft paper with bits of lace and ribbon is used for wrapping presents. I cut snowmen from the printed paper and used them for name tags.
I feel so connected to my family history, especially at Christmas, and being here on this property surrounded by things they used makes that feeling even stronger.
But, as much as I love the cultural traditions we celebrate at Christmas, it’s the message of hope I love most. Regardless of how I decorate my tree or wrap my presents, the most important thing is celebrating the birth, death and resurrection of Christ…God’s greatest gift to anyone who will receive it:-)
I’ll be joining:
Your home looks beautiful Anita! I love your tree with all the open space ~ you can see all the pretty ornaments perfectly. I remember putting tinsel on our tree when I was about 10 (in 1970).
I love the tree. It's totally charming. Like a well loved family tree should be. Perfection can be boring. I find a lot of shiny brites but they are all round.
I am a big fan of vintage myself. Love it all!
Stunning!
I loved seeing your vintage decorating ideas, and I loved seeing your story in the newest issue of Country Woman — my copy came yesterday, and how nice it was to sit down (for just a few minutes!) and read it last night. You always offer lots of inspiration. I, too, am dedicated to using old things that are full of meaning and are valuable in the true sense of the word. Thanks, always, for sharing!
Evening Anita, Your home is so warm and welcoming! I love the eclectic mix of romance, country and french! I enjoy seeing cottages and older homes…..we just purchased a true cedar shake cottage and will start serious renovation after the first of the year……Love to see bloggers reno projects! Blessings~~~Roxie
Your decorations are lovely and I love your space, all the rooms open to the others. I love your ornaments and the brown paper wrapping paper. Happy Holidays!
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Hi Anita! Your home is just gorgeous. Love all of your sweet Christmas touches. The little tree and your sentimental angel. I have those Currier and Ives dishes too. They are just perfect for Christmas. Hope you're doing well and have a blessed Christmas.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Oh wow…B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!! I absolutely love it all!
Hi Anita, It is so nice to meet you. I love your home and tree and all your connections to family. I too love old things with a history. Seems it doesn't even have to be a personal connection but I do love having a story of how I acquired it to share. Makes for great conversation, doesn't it?
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
I adore your hanging lights…and must ask where you found them. Perfection!
Susie, I searched for iron candle holders and found these, I think $8 for both on ebay. I painted them black then added the chain and hooks for the ceiling. It works great for over the table as we moved the piano to the dining spot:-)
Anita!! So beautiful all the touches down to the gift wrapping!! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday linky party that is live right now and share this with us. thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/12/centerpiece-wednesday-106.html
Karin
Gosh, Anita, this is so pretty! I love seeing the whole room all dressed for Christmas. You have really outdone yourself this year! The vintage touches are perfect! The spirit of the season is so evident in your pictures. Beautiful!
Your last sentence touched my heart. Thank you, Anita. I actually love your tree, it brings back memories to me too of my childhood. WE always had a Charlie Brown type tree and I was always SO jealous of my best friend down the street who always had a beautiful, long needled tree. I think back and can laugh at myself now. Silly little girl. You know I love your home. Merry Christmas!!
I love the way you are continuing your family history by using things from the past. Your home is beautiful for the holidays!
Oh Anita! Everything looks so beautiful already but then as I read your words it adds an extra layer of beauty. Your heart and love for your family shines through in every gorgeous detail! 🙂
Vanessa
I love your tree, Just so gorgeous. The tinsel totally takes me back to my childhood,
So beautiful Anita, I love all the fresh greens everywhere. I love the burlap and pretty much everything. Amazing home!!!
MJ
$50??!?! Seriously??? $50??? Oh, Anita…that couch is SO pretty, and the price makes it that much prettier!!! My goodness! How on earth did you get such a great deal?!??! I need to start thrift shopping right! 🙂
You're making memories now for YOUR family. I can just imagine your son waxing nostalgic about the vintage wonderlands Mom used to create for Christmas.
I love the "Charlie Brown" Hemlock tree!!!!!!! I have a faux one in our kitchen. Even though they are sparse in girth, they really make a neat impact.
Not one single detail is lost on me! From the light fixtures to the armoire to the gift wrap to the tablescape…all beautiful and very well thought out! Just like you said: Serious vintage!!! Have a Merry Christmas!
Muy linda decoración, y en realidad la época de navidad es para compartir en familia y esperar nuevamente la venidad de nuestro señor en nuestro corazón.
Your home is gorgeous and full of memories. It must be wonderful to be surrounded by such memories. I adore your tree so much. I can see why you love it so much, I'm smitten with it myself.
I love the table set with blue transferware. I think it works well at Christmastime too! I may have to start collecting Shiny Brites, they are so fun!
Karee
Anita, your home is always beautiful, but you definitely took it to another level for your vintage Christmas. And your "O Holy Night" is phenomenal.
Janet
Anita, I just happened upon your blog. Your holiday decor is just lovely!
Your home is beautiful, all ready for Christmas.
I love hoir ttee anf your home is lovely.
Hello. I love your décor. It is so beautiful. Your kitchen actually inspired me to paint my kitchen blue. I am in love with your kitchen curtains. I can't find curtains like that anywhere. Where did you get yours?
Hi Kimberly, thank you so much! I made them form a discontinued Waverly fabric I found locally. I cannot remember the name of it either.