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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Auld Lang Syne (What's It Wednesday #5)


As this year draws to an end we want to thank each and every one of you who have made this blogging experience such a pleasure. We have made real friends that we cherish deeply and wish you all health, happiness and prosperity in the coming New Year. May all your photos come out clear; your Blogger never goes on the fritz; your links always work; and your comments be plentiful and sweet.

Hugs & Happiness
Always,

Patti & Paula

Please enjoy our fabulous features this week they are amazing!

Jennelise
Once again, Jennelise takes our breath away with her romantic décor and gorgeous photography.

Ozma of Odds
  Rosemary shares the sparkle and shine of her winter wonderland dining room.

A Re-Purposed Life
Rebecca’s home tour is a treat not to be missed. Grab some eggnog and plan to stay a while.

Art by Wendy
 Wendy’s keychains are a must for your crafting to do list!

Antique Chase
 Marcy’s dreams come true with this fabulous armoire. It will make you believe in miracles.

My Romantic Home
 Cindy never disappoints, her apothecary jars are so unique!

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


Ivy and Elephants

So join us for our last party of 2011,
let's make it the best one yet!!!

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.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Victorian Dreams (What’s It Wednesday #3)

 My favorite décor for Christmas is Victorian. It is romantic and oh so excessive!

 So in true Victorian style, that means I can keep buying ornaments and just pile on more and more. Don’t you just love Christmas!

 This is my idea of a “Victorian dream catcher”. The wonderful Rosemary at Ozma of Odds inspired me. She makes the most incredible creations! I hope I did you proud, Rosemary.

  I think I’ll sew on some more pearls and be on the lookout for more butterflies. After all, it is a “Victorian” dream catcher, right?
Hugs & Happiness,
Patti

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


Ivy and Elephants
Burlap Luxe



Ivy and Elephants
A Cottage Muse



Ivy and Elephants
Boxwood Cottage



Ivy and Elephants
Thistlewood Farm


Ivy and Elephants
Savannah Granny





Ivy and Elephants
Castles Crowns and Cottages



Please linkup and join us again. Remember, it’s not a party without you!