Cottage Christmas Decor

Yesterday was such a wonderful day. It started with a fantastic trip to the flea market. I spent the late morning working on some furniture projects, then I toured the most spectacular c. 1840 farm, owned by my new friend, Buddy. Finally, I came home and decorated my house for Christmas while listening to the Classical Christmas station on Pandora and drinking Granny Apple Woodchuck Hard Cider (one of my favs). Here are some pretty pictures of what my downstairs looks like today. I haven't done the upstairs yet. This is the first year I've had a real upstairs to decorate for holidays, and I need to make more wreaths!

The Kitchen

The Dining Room and Living Room

The Front Porch

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Flea Market Finds

Yesterday was a great flea market, lots of cool stuff, the weather was gorgeous and everyone was in high spirits. I didn't buy a lot of stuff but I did get some really wonderful pieces. I got an entire box, like a HUGE box of vintage glass Christmas balls. They're my favorite for decorating because they fade to the most spectacular shades and ombre. It was $5 for the entire box!!!!!! I also got the most adorable antique highchair. It's a lowback Windsor, probably from Southern New England c1830-1855. The best part about it is the surface, which is an early (probably right after the Civil War) black paint over the original green. The wear and patina is delicious. I got a sweet little cutting board to add to my collection and a pair of solid bowback Windsor barstools to replace the ugly ones I've been using. I painted them the lightest shade of green. How was your weekend?

Top Picks from Garth's Americana Auction

Every year my favorite auction house, Garth's, does an Americana auction for Thanks giving. It's one of the best of the year, chock full of fantastic folk art and antiques. I've never actually bought anything from Garth's, but it's so fun to window shop. You can view the whole auction catalog here - and I really encourage you to do so, it's wicked entertaining.
So here are the things that caught my eye ~

The vibrant blue early paint surface on this corner cupboard contrasts so nicely with the orange of the interior. 

Blanket chests have to be the single most useful piece of furniture on Earth. You can put them anywhere and they look smashing, provide extra storage, and a flat top perfect for a coffee table or at the foot of the bed. This one is in a terrific yellow further accented by smoke decoration.

I love these old display stands. I have visions of putting one in my walk-in closet and displaying antique quilts folded on it. Maybe someday.

An enchanting portrait of a woman in a blue dress c.1815. She's making lace, which is so so cool. Don't you think she looks just a bit reproachful too? I love this portrait.

I'm not sure why it's never occurred to me to frame an antique flag. This one looks so fantastic in a gilt frame. I am absolutely going to do this come Spring and hang it in my kitchen. 

This mirror is simply spectacular. Just divine. 

Another beautiful portrait, c1805. The background is so pleasing,
and I love this young ladies decidedly modern haircut. 

Being that I adore silhouettes and that my husband is a pianist, this seems the perfect thing to hang on my wall. Occupational silhouettes are all but unheard of, making this c.1845 example quite rare and special.

A really wonderful sampler with bold floral border and central house motif. It's remarkable that the colors have remained so crisp after all these years.

A whole cloth quilt in the most amazing shade of green. I want want want this. 

The graceful form of this eagle weathervane is very fine.  

Such a neat thing- an advertisement for a silhouette cutter. 

And finally, the most lovely little group of glass, an amber pitcher and two emerald green glasses. Stunning. 

My 2014 Wishlist

I always have a little list running in the back of my mind of things I'd like to add to my collection etc.
Here's what I want in 2014.
1. A large Swedish style arched top gilt mirror.

This one is exactly what I want. I love the richness of the color of the gold, especially paired with the muted creams of the chairs and chest.

2. A pair of gold frame upholstered chairs

This pair is absolutely spectacular. I really need to learn how to upholster.

3. A Crewel work bedspread for the master bedroom.

This style was popular in the second half of the 18th century. Time consuming to make, but absolutely breathtaking when completed, these spreads served then and today as a testament to the maker's skill and patience. Luckily, my mother just happens to be an exceedingly skilled needleworker, and she's making us one of these as we speak!

4. An Antique Shop Counter

This one is a great example. I want to put one in my workshop for storage, display, and just to admire. I'm almost certain I'll end up buying one next summer at Brimfield.

5. A Marble Bust

There's something so elegant and mysterious about a graceful marble bust. This one, Diana, is particularly lovely. 

6. An Antique Painted Screen

This is a stunning example. I love the detail and classically influenced design elements. I'm not even sure where I would put one if I got it, maybe in the master bedroom, but I know I just have to have one!

7. A few small and sweet oil landscapes in gilt frames.

These little impressionist landscapes are like jewelry for your walls. They're small and subtle, but add just the right hint of sparkle to a space. 

8. An antique hanging lantern (or two)

This is such a gorgeous pair. I want to hang them in my kitchen, so they can reflect light and add some dimension to the space. 

9. A Venetian Mirror

The final word in elegance and glamour, these mirrors are so unique and so beautiful. Also, note the gorgeous painted screen in this stunning bathroom.

10. A Fancy Schmany Decanter Set

I'm a brandy girl myself. I'd love to have a nice set like this in our guest house.