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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:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

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

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

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.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

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

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

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

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

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

Comeca Jones said...

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!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

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

Karen said...

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.

Barb said...

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 ♥

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

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!!!

The Charm of Home said...

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

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

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...

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Beautiful decorations and tree. I love your collection!

Dee

Anonymous said...

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

Carol said...

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

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Love that chocolate nutcracker!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

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

cathy@my1929charmer said...

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

Kathe said...

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. ♥ ♥

Anonymous said...

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 ;)

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Curtains in My Tree said...

I love your chocolate Santa's

Mary said...

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

Unknown said...

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

merriest christmas!!
xo, Rosemary

Phyllis @Around the House said...

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...

Cindy Adkins said...

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

Cindy Adkins said...

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

FABBY'S LIVING said...

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

Anonymous said...

You are welcome to join my very little show off.

Hugs
Elna

Julie Marie said...

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

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

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

Cottage and Broome said...

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

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Such wonderful collections...Merry Christmas.

art by wendy said...

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

Tracy said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

romance-of-roses said...

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

Debra from Bungalow said...

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!

Unknown said...

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

Blue Creek Home said...

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

Tina said...

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.

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

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

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

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

Sue said...

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

the old white house said...

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

Sue said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Tablescapes By Diane said...

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

Palomasea said...

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

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas.

Hugs
Elna

Rob Hunt said...

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

c. Joy said...

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

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

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/

jeanne said...

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

Alycia Nichols said...

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!

Rebecca said...

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

Rebecca said...

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

john said...

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

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

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

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

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!

Unknown said...

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

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

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

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

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.

Cass @ That Old House said...

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

Anna at the Doll House said...

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

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello darling Patti and Paula!

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

Marigene said...

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

Doni said...

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

Richard Cottrell said...

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.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

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.

Candylei said...

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

Highpoint Circle said...

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.

Sharon said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Leslie's Garden said...

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!

Myric said...

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

xoxo
Myric

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

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.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

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

Marilyn said...

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..

Boxwood Cottage said...

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

Mom Daughter Style said...

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

Diann said...

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

lvroftiques said...

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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Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula