Are You Ready for the Holidays?

It seems a shame to put up all kinds of decorations and only leave them there for one short month. Because of this, I like to get my holiday decorating started early in the season. This drives my husband crazy, but tough beans to him. I'm planning to start hanging wreaths and garlands and all the other pretty things on Saturday. Every year I do a slightly different theme. This year I'm going with metallics- silver, gold, copper etc. Here are some inspiration rooms I'll be using as a guide as I prep this weekend.

I love these cream and gold stockings. So elegant!

The contrast of the mercury glass and candles with the rustic table top is really lovely here.

I adore this entry way. This is just how I want to decorate my tree this year.

A gorgeous gold feather tree decorated with balls and leaves looks fantastic here

I really want to stock up on feather trees this year. Silver and gold!

This garland is to die for!

A stunning vignette with lots of silver, gold, and glass looks ultra chic here.

I'll be displaying some of my antique ornaments under glass cloches just like this.

I've admired this picture for several years now. I've always wanted to try the ornaments hanging from a branch.

Here's my Christmas tree from 2012.

and my 2011 Christmas tree.

A Pair of Chippendale Chairs

       I loved these chairs as soon as I saw them at the flea market. For a moment I thought they might be first period (18th century), but they are 20th century. Interestingly, they're marked on the inside of the seat rail "Oxford Antiques August 17 1971". They're very well built with a nicely shaped crest rail and slipper feet, a cross between Newport and Philadelphia style Chippendale. I had a little internal battle, debating whether to put them in the shop or keep them for myself, and decided they had to stay with me.
       I painted them in ASCP ochre and then waxed them. The seats are recovered in a soft blue velvet. I've got one by the wall in the master bedroom, and the other by the new antique desk. Pretty sweet right? I think they add just the right amount of Swedish Country freshness to the room.

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Flea Market Finds

Yesterday was the first Sunday in a very long time that I didn't have to work. My schedule has changed so I actually have both Saturdays and Sundays off, which is amazing. I went over to the flea market bright and early with two good friends. Even though the market was pretty small, we all found something special and exciting. All with the mittens, hats, gloves, and slippers that I was buying compulsively because it was freezing out, I also got a gorgeous little vintage pie stand. The lady threw in the three vintage pie plates too! I also got a banner weathervane. It's vintage but not antique, but I absolutely love it. I wanted to hang it somewhere where I could admire it all the time, so I put it on the main wall of the master bedroom. I also hung curtains in the bedroom (finally). On Saturday evening while I was out with my dear friend, Leslie, we spotted some treasure free on the side of the road. I scored this lovely vintage galvanized metal bucket, and she got a great antique oak dresser. I filled the bucket with the last of my hydrangea blossoms and put it on the porch.

Also, on Saturday morning I drove about an hour to pick up THE BEST dining set. It's so stunning- six chairs, a table, and a leaf- very French Country and in smashing condition. I've already got the table sanded, and let me tell you- that mahogany is delicious!

How cute is this plate stand! What should I put in it for my Christmas tabletop decor?

My sweet little girl Toni was helping me take photos. 

It's solid copper, with just a hint of oxidation. I love love love it!

hmmm I probably should have fluffed the pillows before photographing the bed LOL.

Just wait till you see the six chairs that go with this- solid mahogany and STUNNING!

Here we are right after the flea market. We all got matching headbands that were super cozy. I'm the one in yellow. You'll note I matched my scarf, headband...and pick up truck. 

A Farmhouse Coffee Table Set

I picked up this great solid pine coffee table set at the flea market last weekend. It was in perfect shape, but very dated. I added the pine board tops for a chunky rustic look, and painted the bases in ASCP cream. All the nooks and crannies were certainly a pain to paint, but well worth the work. Before and afters below! Happy Monday!

*Before*

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