Tis the Season

"Whose heart doth hold the Christmas glow
Hath little need of Mistletoe..."
                ~John Kendrick Bangs

    This week has been a flurry of activity! I have taken to writing long lists of things that must be done each day and then amending them in the evening because so many things just didn't fit into those few short hours! I was doing alright up until about wednesday and then my body decided it didn't like the frenzied pace I was moving at and hit me with a cold. I am staying positive though! What happens happens and everything will work out in the end. :) (That's positive right? It sounds positive.) 
On one of the many excursions I have been on this month to find treasures to fill my shop I came across a beautiful curly wrought iron Christmas tree and fell in love with it. I spray painted it cream and it looks soooooo lovely and whimsical! 

A wonderful customer and friend who I have been doing custom orders for recently sent me these gorgeous Madonna Inn glass goblets as a thank you gift. These are just two of the four she sent in different stunning colours. My little niece calls them princess goblets (because we taught her the word "goblet") and has confiscated the purple one to have with her supper in the evening. Thankyou Linda! You are such a sweetheart!

A handmade ribbon flower wreath just listed in my shop.

This gorgeous vintage rhinestone necklace is in my Etsy shop now - it just reminds me of Christmas! 

Christmas...the very word!

"Christmas! The very word brings
joy to our hearts. No matter how we
may dread the rush, the long Christmas 
lists for gifts and cards to be bought and
given - when Christmas Day comes there
is still the same warm feeling we had as
children, the same warmth that enfolds
our hearts and our homes. "
                     ~Joan Winmill Brown

    I love any chance to decorate and decorating for Christmas has always been one of my most favourite things! There is something about the Christmas season that endlessly inspires me.  It is a season for gathering together and joyfully spending time with family and friends. I love to have "tea parties" and transform the dining room into a wonderland (I do this year round but at Christmas there is something extra special about it :). I lay out my best Limoges china and fill vintage cake stands with pretty treats. Whether these parties are small or large they always have an intimate atmosphere. This year I am pretty obsessed with soft colours. Vintage silvers and golds and, of course, pink. I love pearls at Christmas! I hope these pictures inspire you to have a little holiday tea party of your own!

Florentine Gold

"In November, the earth is growing quiet.
It is making its bed, a winter bed for
flowers and small creatures. The bed is
white and silent, and much life can hide
beneath its blankets."
                  ~Cynthia Rylant

    The air is cold and my daily walk to our mail box has become a chilly affair. Time for boots and scarves and coats filled with down. Still, the weather does tend to make one feel like the Christmas season really is approaching!
    This week I came across a magnificent find! I have been wanting one of these for years and never seen even one in my city. I would stare at photos from antique fairs and shows in the US and be green with envy because it seemed like there was such a surplus there! My chance finally came as I was browsing through my local antique mall. I turned a corner and there it was... I stared for a moment and then gasped and then ran towards it with glee. :) A sweet little Florentine night stand. Mine! I sat it in the dining room so that I could take pictures of it and now it has a new home in the family room. I have been busy making these little handmade Christmas trees and wreaths. The glittery Merry Christmas sign is in my Etsy Shop now! 

The winner of the Tree Classics Scenticles giveaway is MARTHA from MARTHA'S FAVORITES!!! Please get in touch with me Martha so that I can arrange to have your gift sent to you! Thankyou so much to everyone who participated! 

I am sharing with:

Make It Pretty Monday

Tree Classics Christmas Giveaway

"Freshly cut Christmas trees 
smelling of stars and snow and 
pine resin - inhale deeply and 
fill your soul with wintry night..."
                 ~John Geddes

   Christmas is fast approaching and if you are anything like me you will already be thinking about decking the halls with your festive treasures! To help you get in the spirit I have a Christmas giveaway for you! The wonderful Tree Classics to celebrate their 40th anniversary is partnering with 40 bloggers to give away 40 different Christmas products! I am so flattered to have been selected to participate! 

Tree Classics was founded in 1976 and has a long history of designing the world's finest artificial Christmas trees. They have since expanded their holiday range to include artificial wreaths, garlands, and a multitude of accessories such as stockings, tree skirts, ornaments and more! They are known for their superior quality and classic designs. Browse their incredible selection of holiday decor on their website! I am excited to offer one lucky winner two sets of these wonderful Christmas scents to infuse their home with this holiday season. 

Pine and Snowberry Wreath. Each set includes three bottles. These scented ornaments will infuse your holiday foliage with the lovely essences of snowberries and pine for up to 30 days! The ScentSicles are equipped with hooks for effortless hanging on trees, wreaths, or garlands. 

To enter simply leave a comment on this post or on my Facebook page! The winner will be randomly selected and contacted to get an address so that they can receive their free gift! Open to US residents only.