The Christmas Corner at Antiques, Etc.
The holiday season has arrived, ready or not! It always takes me by surprise. Each year I vow to make this Christmas season simpler than the last. I do enjoy making the house festive without going overboard. Thoughtful ornaments and natural decorations add just the right touch of warmth and holiday cheer.
This year I chose hand painted ornaments from Austria for my shop and home. They range from small painted eggs to large glass balls, each painted individually with scenes of horses and hounds, horse-draws sleighs, country churches, and singing angels. Starting at under $10.00, they make delightful gifts with an authenticity that can be lacking in the giant malls.
Austrian handpainted egg ornament
Another great gift idea is a Trapp Holiday Candle or Diffuser. Trapp offers the most luscious Christmas scents: White Fir, Holiday, and (my favorite) Orange Clove. They are a wonderful way to fill the house with the aromas of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Trapp Holiday Candles and Diffusers
If somebody on your list has been very, very good and deserves a luxurious gift, consider one of our lambswool throws from Scotland. They come in a variety of reversible tartan patterns. Even my teenage son says that our Scottish throw is the softest blanket he’s ever had.
Another fabulous gift is a lambswool or cashmere scarf by Sonia Mackintosh. I like the “Sabrina” ruffle edge scarf. Sonia’s color combinations are absolutely yummy: raspberry and espresso, nasturtium and copper, jade and basil. They’re warm, soft, and very sophisticated. Don’t buy a new winter coat; spruce up last year’s with a new scarf!
Sabrina lambswool scarf by Sonia Mackintosh
After all the decorating and shopping is done, I’m looking forward to relaxing by the Christmas tree with a good cup of coffee and a thick piece of stollen. My biggest holiday weakness is that sweet German cake dusted in powdered sugar. It’s simple, and it’s my favorite ritual of the holidays. May you indulge in your favorite ritual soon.
