Garlands Galore or the Halls are All decked

I really prize my antique candle holders. I also found these punched tin stars that fit over the candles in a thrift store
I especially like the little church vignette in the Christmas ornament at the left.
In early days before electricity the trees were lit with candles. Everyone would stand around the tree while the candles were briefly lit,making sure a couple of buckets of water were handy in case of fire.

antique Christmas tree,love the birds

full view of the antique tree,I probably enjoy it and appreciate it more than anyone 

Finally after recovering from an injury and dealing with a recurrent chronic back pain my home is ready for the big day tomorrow. I really enjoy making it a special day for the family..its just my contribution as my husband has his very special prime rib and other dishes that we all look forward to. I am sure not complaining..It affords me more time to do the Christmas thing.

a garland with french horns adorn the cat walk

I wish to share with you the fruits of my labor and tomorrow there will be another edition with all the lights on and all the family enjoying the day.

loft banister with angels to announce the birth of Christ and a star to guide the wise men

dining room centerpiece ,we serve the dinner buffet style in here and eat in the living room, the festive  style antique satin red and green embroidered tablecloth purchased from Goodwill for $8.00 ..it washes beautifully

 

old chandelier pieces used to decorate antique mirror in dining room,silver star ornament is antique and purchases for $.50

garland in living room where we enjoy the dinner

dining table is antique accordion table that fold into a side table and is expanded with 3 leaves $75.00

love this old candlestick,just needs it's crystals added,a future project

I claim this is for my grandchildren

arts and craft sconces for $20

saw this last year in Victoria magazine but didn't have the antique cardboard  church from the 30's and 40's found this this year at Agoura Antique Mart

Just to give you a perspective of my church

oh Christmas  Tree

Spice Up My Kitchen or Made For Each Other

For many years I have admired the lovely canisters Victorians used to keep spices, tea ,coffee, sugar, salt  etc. on their kitchen cabinets, making these frequently used ingredients readily accessible and also providing a delightful treat to the eye. They come in a numerous number  of canisters,along with salt and pepper shakers all lined up in order and decorated in various Victorian themes, usually floral. Their base color was generally of  an opalescent  glow. These, as are many of the Victorian items that I enjoy so much, seemed a bit cost prohibitive for me, usually well over $100.

While visiting folks at home I found 2 examples for a bargain and decided I could have at least these to enjoy. Later at the Salvation Army I eyed blue and white canisters of a similar genre ...well they really weren't similar to my first two canisters at all, but I  concluded that probably I could display them in a different area of my kitchen. At $30 I still  was reluctant to purchase them so I played the waiting game and prayed no one else would fancy them. Patience is a virtue and this time it paid off. The canisters eventually were greatly reduced and I carried them home for a song. Granted,they had a few chips and a crack or two,but I could envision  them contributing to my kitchen's Victorian ambiance.(besides at the rock bottom prices I usually pay, I never let scratches and cracks deter me.)
To my delight when I placed the two designs of canisters together, they really complimented each other! Hurray for serendipity!

note the lovely opalescent background,these canister sets are usually several in number

I saw one of these for over $100 in Old Town Orange

M-m-m-m Majolica

Majolica in the form I appreciate is of purely Victorian origin. It developed as a more economical form of decorative table ware than the current expensive porcelain or china. Being enraptured by things of nature the Majolica theme was usually of just that,. nature. Some of the most ugly ones are also now the most expensive. Platters,compotes, etc. were mounded with bugs,snakes,frogs and and a plethora of creepy things. Even if I found one of those pieces,I would hesitate to buy it.
The colors of this pottery on the other hand are vivid and very appealing from deep cobalt blues to ethereal teal blues and turquoise.This is due to the tin glaze used in firing.

A true victorian lady and a treasure box plus a majolica lea?shell? as a backdrop

displayed on my cupboards

don't think vase with handles on right is majolica,let me know if you know it's origin

more top'o'cupboard display note lemon and pineapple pitchers

one of my favorites

basket with mushroom on top casserole

This is bottom of jardinare that I use as a vase, my most expensive at $45

As the clay is in the potter's hand ,so are ye in mine hand.Jer.18:6b

Many are not marked but also many are marked made in Italy,Portugal and also England. Minton was the one well known manufacturer although many others followed suit.The most desirable mark is George Jones in case you should happen upon one such.All of  these pictured, though more valuable, were purchased for miniscule amounts...only two were purchased in an antique shop.

How to Cover that Ugly Vent

Our house has a large vent for the central heating and cooling. It is placed on the stair landing, right in a very prominent place readily visible as you enter my home and if you sit at certain places in my living room. Not really a very pleasing sight.
The problem is ,you can't block the vent as it will impede the flow of air. Other than the obvious, placing a piece of decorative material over it I was in a quandary what to do.
First I purchased a very tall narrow antique bird cage to obscure it's appearance. It would allow air flow and worked to a certain degree but it seemed awkward  and wasn't quite tall enough.
Then I remembered a hall tree that I had bought some time ago for $35 from the Salvation Army. It's back was very open and would look great in that spot.
It had carvings and brass poles across the top along with a few hooks to hang some of my collectibles.
I ventured again into my "Hoarders" garage dragged  my prize and put it in place and my problem was solved!

maybe some would say the vent looks better

The birdcage found it's way into my garden making a home for my$.99 store ceramic birds.

Chandelier Made Into a Candelier

Psalm18:28 For thou wilt light my candle:the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

Bought this great little chandelier yesterday from Council Thrift Shop in Canoga Park for $8.00. It needed rewiring as the wiring was of the cloth covered vintage type. Instead of rewiring ,I took all the wiring out,which entailed taking the whole lamp apart. I then reassembled it and hung in the corner in my dining room. It adds a delightful candlelight ambiance with battery operated flickering candles. It will be especially delightful during the holidays...which believe it or not, I am already looking forward to!