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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A Very Ivy & Elephants Christmas

What's It Wednesday # 4


A very Ivy & Elephants Christmas is very diverse, in fact down right eclectic. It is an compilation of several collections from Santas and snowmen, to Wedgwood and Waterford and everything in between. 



I absolutely love angels. Placing this angel in the foyer under my favorite cloche is the perfect way to set the holiday mood as you enter our home. 



The setting of my great-grandmother's dining table with my grand-mother's wedding china is a special tribute to the matriarchs of our family. Though they are not with us here on Earth we place two gold angels on the table to represent these two very strong women. This is where the family Christmas dinner will take place. 

This beautiful lady stands at the head of the dining table representing four generations of strong women in our family. 

When I was a little girl, my grandmother made this Christmas tree. We place it on my great-grandmother's buffet every Christmas.

My great-grandmother's Philco television is adorned by this beautiful angel. 

Christmas bunnies are adorable. Plus she looks so cute next to the picture of my dear grandmother.

These are my absolute favorite snowmen and women. They are actually candle holders. I just love them grouped together.

I have a few Christmas obsessions. I have a weakness for a gorgeous Santa Claus adorned in a regal suit or robe. So I will show you a few of my favorites. 

I hide Christmas cookies in this ceramic gentleman.

This jolly fellow greets us for Christmas breakfast.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus flank a picture of moi.

This little doll reminds me of when I was a little girl.

Carolers just put the whole family in the mood to sing all the Christmas favorites.

I use my favorite snow globe as a center piece on the cocktail table surrounded by a red berry wreath. Once you wind up the snow globe Christmas music plays while the cutest train rides along the track.

You can never have enough Christmas trees in the house. This whimsical tree is in the guest bathroom and is chock full of some of my favorite ornaments.


My son has been collecting Christmas ornaments ever since he was two (two whole years). These are four of his favorites. 

I love a chocolate nut cracker....yummmmmmy!!!!

This Santa is my latest acquisition. Thank you Cracker Barrel!!! The little guys down in the front, I collected in college. Every year, the Dollar Store use to sell them. The Nutcracker, on the right with the cutest tall furry hat, was found at Tarjay (Target of course).

I have a confession, of all of my collections my Waterford collection of ornaments is the largest. I will share a few of them with you. This  piece is from the Songs of Christmas collection. 

This Waterford crystal is the Ten Lords a Leaping ornament from the 12 Days of Christmas collection. It was one of my very first pieces. In addition to the ornaments being beautiful, the hooks that come along with the ornaments are equally as beautiful.


Another very recent acquisition from the good folks at Cracker Barrel. He now sits on the refrigerator. 

Waterford also has beautiful heirloom ornaments. This Santa seems to have so much personality. 

Ok I am a little obsessed with Santa. There was no way I could leave this salt and pepper shaker at the Cracker Barrel.

So let me share with you how my little Waterford ornament collection grows. I hit Bloomingdales and Macy's the day after Christmas, each and every year. That is when they go on sale and funny enough I run in to the same ladies each and every year at the Waterford display.

I love collecting ornaments when traveling. The ornament on the left I picked up while visiting Jekyll Island, the cotton ornament came from St. Simon Island, and the third ornament is made from a shell that I purchased in the Cayman Islands.

So where do I go from here? I just keep going. Now I have added to my obsession collections. I have fallen in love with Wedgwood ornaments.


The Whitehouse ornaments are also my newest love. They have a new, fabulous one, every year.

I hope you enjoyed your visit and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Paula

Thanks to all of you who partied with us last week. 
These are our featured picks for this week:

Common Ground
You have to see what Debra did with her vintage sugar containers and creamers. 


Cottage and Broome
Have you met Henry, the dear garden friend of Cottage and Broome? Oh but you must meet him.

On Sutton Place
Ann Shares her family's tradition of trimming the tree. It is absolutely delightful.




Capers of the Vintage Vixens
Debra and Nicole do amazing things with fabulous vintage scales.

Welcome to Boxwood Cottage!
Stop by Boxwood Cottage to see Carola's gorgeous Christmas decorations. Be prepared to stay awhile because totally outdid herself.
This vignette is so fabulous and a must see.


Thank you all for participating in our linky party. Don't forget to grab a feature button


Ivy and Elephants


So let's Party!!!
Share your Christmas obsessions collections at the 
What's it Wednesday #4 Linky Party.


86 comments:

  1. Your home is so lovely and festive ! Such beautiful collections and displays! Sending wishes for a very Merry Christmas to you!

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  2. Beautiful collection Paula. Love the Santa's. I am also obsessed with Santa's. I have them all over. You are right about not having enough trees,. I have put 5 up this year. I am now on the hunt for a white one.
    I could swear I saw you at Cracker Barrel this weekend. Actually on saturday. But I was not sure so I did not go up to you.
    I did not see these Santas, if not I would have purchased one for sure.
    Beautiful post. Loving all your collections.

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  3. You have lovely decorations. Our oldest daughter gives us a White House ornament for Christmas every year! They are beautiful! Wishing you well! Cathy

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  4. Lovely collections, loving the decorations...Thank you for hosting, I left a what it is wreath? Have a wonderful holiday and a very Merry Christmas. Di@cottage-wishes

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  5. Love your collection. I think the chocolate nutcracker may be my favorite. Merry Christmas.

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  6. I love all of your beautiful dolls and brown Santas! My favorite is the pretty brown caroler I just know shes singing "Oh Christmas Tree"!I have been on the hunt high and low for one beautiful brown angel but alas nothing yet!

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  7. I love all of your collections. That's what makes your vignettes and displays to interesting. Have a very Merry Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  8. You have beautiful collections. The Santas and Waterford ornaments are gorgeous and so is the Wedgwood.I'm completely blown away by the Philco TV, amazing that you kept it and it looks like new. Thanks for hosting again this week. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  9. Patti....you have such a vast and lovely collection of things. Wonderful....so interesting to see.

    Many thanks for hosting. Merry Christmas to you and your families!

    Barb ♥

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  10. Paula, what gorgeous collections!! You have displayed everything beautifully; and I love the sentimental pieces from your family members! Your home looks so festive and inviting! Thanks so much for sharing! Merry Christmas!!!

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  11. You have a lovely collection of Christmas decor. Love the Santas! Have a very Merry Christmas!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

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  12. oh i am in love with your collection but that stunning beautiful lady in the red filigree dress is just to die for!!!! WOW!!!! thank you for sharing with us all -- just gorgeous!!!! sending holiday hugs...

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  13. Beautiful decorations and tree. I love your collection!

    Dee

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  14. Your home looks stunningly beautiful!
    I really loved this post and tour of your Christmas decor and oh my those snowmen are so cute.
    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones xxx

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  15. You have so many beautiful Christmas items that have wonderful memories. Thank you for hosting this linky party and sharing with us.

    Merry Christmas,
    Carol

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  16. Hi Gals, thanks so much for the wonderful shout out! What a great collection of Christmas figures you have! So many neat ones! Hope your having a wonderful Christmas Week! xoxo

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  17. Love all your holiday decor. I'm a biggy on Santa's, and yours are so adorable. Thanks for hosting.

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  18. How in the heck have I missed your beautiful blog?? Oh my goodness! That is not going to happen again. I just hit the follow button! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and inviting me to your party! I will be visiting often. ♥ ♥

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  19. Hi Paula! Oh, my goodness! Look at all of your Christmas pretties! You just never disappoint us with your treasures. Love seeing your collectrions - your Santies, snowmen and your beautiful decorations! Love the little snap os your grandmother, you and your little son!
    Thank you for hosting your wonderful party.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  20. Paula, what a treat this was to see and I especially love your tradition of the two gold angels at the dinner table. Thank you for hosting and have a very merry Christmas. xo

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  21. Hi Paula ~ you have quite the Christmas collection! Wow, so many amazing things! I'm glad I stopped by. I have to say, you are too, too sweet for the comments you left about my tray! Haha. Creative Genius. You don't mind if I quote you, right!? At least with my husband anyway! Linked up and I am gladly a new follower! Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  22. My MIL collected many Wedgwood ornaments, too. Your collections are wonderful! And I love it that you honor the strong women in your family -- our mothers and grandmothers were creative and resourceful in troubled times...

    Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas, Paula, filled with love and laughter. xoxo

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  23. ...how fun to see all these different christmas collections:)

    merriest christmas!!
    xo, Rosemary

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  24. Love love your vintage Christmas decorations...such memories...how wonderful...The collections are marvelous...thanks for sharing...I am a new follower and I will be back soon...

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  25. This is such a gorgeous collection - I don't know where to begin. Everything is beautiful! I think one of my favorites is the very first angel (is she in a bird cage?) I love, love, love her! Thanks for hosting and Merry Christmas to you and Patty!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  26. Well, this is just all toooo gorgeous for words!!! And so are your spotlighted guests' pieces!!! They are some totally awesome women with fabulous style!!

    Thank you so much for hosting this party~Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  27. Your home looks gorgeous, I love the angel inside the metal cloche. Such great vignettes and beautiful Santas and things all over the house. Thank you for hosting and having me Paula and wishing you the merriest of Christmas.
    FABBY

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  28. You are welcome to join my very little show off.

    Hugs
    Elna

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  29. Hi Paula... oooh, your collections are just stunning!... soo hard to pick a favorite Santa, but I think it would be the darling Santa cookie jar, too cute!... everything is so pretty and festive, I bet Christmas at your home is just pure enchantment!... wishing you and Patti and your families a very Merry Christmas!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  30. HELLO THERE PATTI AND PAULA! Paula, you may not know me, but Patti knows me and I just want to thank you for being such a kind friend and commenting on my posts. Your decorations are fabulous and I love that beautiful woman in her red dress and turban, signifying the strong women in your family. BRAVO!!!!!!!!! And Merry Christmas to you all! Anita

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  31. Patti and Paula, Thanks so much for selecting Cottage and Broome as one of the posts you featured from last week! Loving all your collections but I think my favorite item was the figurine with the red dress representing your 4 generations of strong women, beautiful. Hope you both have a wonderful holiday season! Laura

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  32. Such wonderful collections...Merry Christmas.

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  33. your house looks like Christmas heaven!I love your collection and the first angel is just beautiful!

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  34. Paula, you truly have a wonderful collection of Christmas decorations, how lovely to have so many things with deep meaning and sentimental value around you at Christmas!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  35. What a great collection of Christmas! I love you pretty dishes too!
    I think this is the first time linking to your fun party! Thank you!

    Merry Christmas
    mary

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  36. I always love and admire everything you gals post. You both have exceptional taste. Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours from...Lu

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  37. You do have some beautiful ornaments and I love how they are from generation to generation. The old Philco is a treasure and my Mom made a ceramic tree like that too.

    Thank you for inviting me over and the kind comments on my blog. Merry Christmas!

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  38. you have a delightful Christmas home. I love the beautiful ambiance and your pieces are esquisette. Thank you for having me here. Marry Christmas to you and your. Mica

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  39. Your Christmas decorations are all so lovely.
    I hope you have a delightful and blessed Christmas.
    Rhonda

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  40. I love seeing all your wonderful collections! Your Christmas decorations are so wonderful to look at. Thank you for sharing and hosting this weeks party.

    Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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  41. Thank you soooo much for featuring me:) I am is great company aren't I?
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  42. Paula, thanks so much for inviting me to your party!!! I LOVE all YOUR santas too! We Santa lovers are a rare breed:):) I just this year heard about the White House ornaments! So pretty. Love that globe with the train too! Have a beautiful, blessed Christmas!!!! XO, Pinky

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  43. Patti and Paula....as always I love visiting your lovely blog! Your collections are wonderful and what I love most is the great way you celebrate the strong women in your family tree. It's very inspiring. Merry Christmas to you all!

    Sue
    at Pretty Victorian Delights

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  44. Soooo many pretties! I love the waterford ornies too, they are gorgeous! Thank you for the party... I need to visit those features from last week, beautiful! t.xoxoox

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  45. Paula, you have an amazing collection of Christmas ornaments and decorations! I have never heard of the White House ornies- I'd love to see them. Thanks for hosting the party, again. Merry, Merry!! Sue

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  46. Hi Paula, I love all of your wonderful vignettes! Thank you for your kind words on my blog and for following. I am excited to be here among such talented people. It's so inspiring!
    Merry Christmas

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  47. Hi lovely lady.
    Your Christmas collections is so Beautiful. You did a lovely job putting this all together for the Holidays. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my new Tablescape,
    And thanks for having your sweet linky party also. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
    XXOO Diane

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  48. These are beautiful...love it all.
    I, too, adore the regal Santas. Something so comforting about them.
    A joyful, blessed Christmas to you, Paula and Patti!! Many wonderful blessings...
    Sending hugs,
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  49. Merry Christmas.

    Hugs
    Elna

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  50. Thank you for hosting. Great collection of Christmas decorations.
    Rob

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  51. Your Christmas collection is amazing! AND Beautiful! I love the picture of your Grandmother and the one of you. Merry Christmas!

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  52. Your home must be quite magical at Christmas, Paula! And that's quite an impressive collection of Santas you have there. ;)

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday this week, and have a WONDERFUL Christmas!

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  53. This a very lovely post of favorite treasures of Christmas and the elegant way you display everything. Your way of honoring your strong women in your family says everything about you. You have my admiration and that includes this beautiful endearing and sentimental Christmas post. No wonder you have become so many of your blogging friend's favorite place to visit.

    Merry Christmas with many blessings to you both and to your families.
    Hugs, Jeanne

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  54. Hello, Paula, and Merry Christmas! You have the most amazing collection of ornaments and Santas! I don't know where to begin...each one was more amazing than the last! You looked SO cute in that little sailor outfit!!! I think we all wore one of those little outfits at one time or another in our childhood. Mine was for my 5th grade photo, and I thought I was really stylin'!!! I think it's cute that your son as been such a "longtime collector" of ornaments, too! It's good to start them young! He will come to appreciate the beauty and nostalgia of it all. I hope that you and your family enjoy all the blessings of the Christmas season. Have a great holiday weekend!

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  55. Hi Paula
    Thanks for the invite, it is festive over here! Your ornament collection is amazing!
    Wishing you a very blessed Christmas
    Rebecca

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  56. Hi Paula
    Thanks for the invite, it is festive over here! Your ornament collection is amazing!
    Wishing you a very blessed Christmas
    Rebecca

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  57. Wonderful collection !!! Wishing you both a lovely Happy Christmas ! Gail x

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  58. Paula, I love your collection of Santas and your home is so beautiful decorated for Christmas. A very Merry Christmas to you.
    Xmas hugs,
    Sherry

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  59. Wow! What a feast for the eyes!! I love that you've incorporated so many things that have special meaning and a history behind them! The pictures of you as a little girl are just too adorable!

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  60. Wow! Everything looks so awesome! Really beautiful! Thanks for inviting me to your linky party. Thanks also for adding your link to the Creative Thursday Blog Hop. I am now a new Follower of your wonderful blog. Take care and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
    Judy - JUDY H-J'S THOUGHTS

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  61. Paula, everything is simply lovely! Looks like you are all ready for Christmas! Thanks so much for your sweet comments about my BIL's omelettes! Please let me know how you like them! Thanks so much for hosting! Merry Christmas!...hugs...Debbie

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  62. Things sure look festive at your house. I love your lovely angel. I have a Santa collection too. And I love the White House ornaments. I have back to 1999 -- I'm gradually going backward and getting the older ones. Hope to have the full collection one day.

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  63. So I am in love with cookie jar Santa! What a wonderful collection you have -- I especially love how you honor the women in your family.
    Beautiful.
    Merry Christmas, new friend!
    Cass

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  64. How wonderful to display your Grandmother's Christmas Tree Paula.
    I love unpacking the tree ornaments and finding a memory in every one.

    Wishing you the very best Holiday weekend.

    Anna

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  65. Hello darling Patti and Paula!

    WISHING YOU BOTH A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS!!!!!! WIth much love, Anita

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  66. You have wonderful Christmas collections...love the Santas and carolers!
    A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  67. It's so neat to see what everybody has collected over the years for the holidays. Your collections are very beautiful, and I'm sure will be heirlooms for the future.
    Thanks so much for hosting!
    And for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!
    Blessings, Doni

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  68. Merry Christmas my new blog friend. I hope you and your loved ones have a blessed season and the Happiest New Year ever. I love all your '"people of color," inspired decorations,I had Santa's at my shop this year in hand blown glass ornaments and they were a big hit. I hope to see you real soon. Merry Christmas, Richard from My Old Historic House.

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  69. Wow! What a collection you have. I love the chocolate nutcracker and especially ... the Philco television! Thanks for letting me know about your linky party.

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  70. Look at all of your Christmas collectibles! Wonderful! Thank you for hosting this party for a creative group. Thanks for including me. Happy Holidays!

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  71. Thank you so much for inviting me to your party! I love how your decorations reflect you and your family's heritage--that is what Christmas means to me. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  72. Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit, and for the wonderful complement! I have joined your party and am so honored that you asked! I will be your newest follower just as soon as I am done typing...and I can't wait to be able to come back and look at your blog more closely...waiting for company right now...or I would be doing it now...from what I can see of it...I will probably be spending quite a bit of time here! Thanks again,
    Sharon

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  73. I'm so glad to link up! Your home is beautiful!!! I LOVE it! I'm glad to be your newest follower and would LOVE to have you return the "love" on your next visit!!! XO, Aimee

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  74. So much to enjoy here! Hard to pick a favorite! I enjoyed my little trip around Blogland with you recommendations, too. Merry Christmas to you!

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  75. Thank you for inviting me to your awesome blog party :)

    xoxo
    Myric

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  76. Merry Christmas Patti and Paula... Your home is so warm and inviting.. I just adore your collections... What a beautiful post... I can see all the love that has gone into everything.
    Happy holidays,
    Penny

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  77. So glad to be part of your party. Love your Christmas decor, isn't this the most beautiful time of the year?! Merry Christmas to you and your families.

    Mary

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  78. Your home is beautiful and all decked out perfectly for Christmas. You have some awesome collections and it is a pleasure to see them all. I am your newest follower too! Merry Christmas.

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  79. You have such amazing collections of Santas, Nutcrackers, Angels and more. You can just tell they have each been chosen with care, making them extra special. Hope your Christmas was merry and bright!
    CAS

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  80. WOW - SO MANY WONDERFUL features.. I LOVE these.. : )) Wishing you a WONDERFUL and AMAZING NEW YEAR TO COME.. Thanks for being a great bloggy bff this year.. Cheers to SO much more.. xoxoxoxox..

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  81. No What's it Wednesday today though?
    Looks like I missed out on playing along last Wednesday, but it was such a busy week. Thanks for the feature Pattie and Paula!:) Hope your Christmas was fabulous and I wish you a wonderful new year 2012!
    xoxo~ Carola

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  82. these decors are all lovely
    Ces of http://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/

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  83. Hi Girls!
    Wow, you shared some just gorgeous and beautiful Christmas decor with us in this post! What a wondeful collection you have!

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  84. Paula I'm a little speechless....So many wonderful traditions and ornaments and decorations and...and.....great stuffs! *winks* It's Christmas beautiful at your house!
    Vanna

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.