Father Christmas in the House

I thought I would share a little more of the downstairs sitting area

where the Holiday Cupboard resides. 

This Santa, I like to call my "Father Christmas",

because he doesn't sport a red suit or have a sleigh.

He makes his gifts by hand 

and carries them in a burlap duffle over his shoulder.

He's a kindly old soul and sort of keeps to himself.

He walks with a lantern on a shepherd's crook

 and isn't known for loud bellows of Ho Ho Ho.

He's a much quieter sort.

The woodland creatures love him and reindeer

 have been known to pull a small cart for him on his journey.

He knows each child by name,

 and fashions their gift according to what they would love.

So glad you could meet my Father Christmas.

Lot of things on my table to keep the old man company:

Graphic print with some sweetie pie sheep.

I've shown this strange photograph several times before.

I love the authentic weirdness of it!

I don't have any history on it, but it looks European to me.

My table also holds a few of my vintage bisquit tins.

I found these this Fall

Some ironstone and a little quail.

Just a cozy spot to relax.

My mom made my Father Christmas character in the late 80's, 

and he's one of my favorite Christmas items.

She hand painted the face and stitched the garments.

She made quite a few to sell at a Christmas show one year,

and I was thrilled to receive him from her.

Each one was different and unique.

If you haven't linked up for the Vintage Christmas Edition of 

The Christmas Blogger Block Party,

it's still open, just scroll down to the next post.

Come join in on the fun!

Just a note to let you know I put a 15% Off code 

on over at the Etsy Shop.

WINTER 2011

Hope you're having a fun Saturday,

xoxo

Christmas Block Party, Vintage Inspiration Friday # 67 and a Give Away!

Hey Everyone, The Christmas Blogger Block Party is going strong!

Hope you'll join in today for all the fun,

"anything vintage or vintage inspired Christmas".

So what have I been doing this week...?

Well... decorating like a crazy woman,

and then trying to clean up my mess!

I started collecting vintage Christmas Churches and Houses

a few years ago; they really bring out the kid in me,

they're so much fun to play with.

This year I let the Holiday Cupboard hold them all.

I usually keep the lower level of our house a little more "rustic and country",

but this year I changed it up a bit.

Now it's a glitter paradise!

I was able to fit most of them in,

and what I couldn't, went on the Dining Room tree.

Some of these aren't vintage, but I love blending them all together.

The cupboard is a conglomeration of vintage prints, trays, some ironstone,

glitter reindeer, and a few vintage nativity lambs.

Vintage red bottle brush wreath

I also wanted to share some of the ornaments 

from my little tree in the Dining Room;

Little Putz houses and vintage Shiny Brites.

It's so pretty when the lights are dimmed.

Hmmm...and the backend of a reindeer.

OK, so here's the front end!

Last week was one of the biggest parties yet,

Thanks everyone who participates!

Here's some of the wonderful inspiration:

Di at Cottage Wishes has been collecting clock parts and silver

to make the most amazing Christmas gifts!

Amy from All Things Home decorates her wonderful farm table

with some great vintage elements.

Danielle from  Blessed Serendipity decked out a beautiful tree

with some wonderful vintage ornaments,

please check out all her great photos!

Down to Earth Style is showing off their great Rustic Front Porch

and take a look at this wonderful sled with the house number on it!

Head over and check out the complete front porch.

Holly is a new blogger, so give her a big welcome!

Lina from Fancy Frugal Life

shares her wonderful decoupaged ornaments.

Love the "France" theme.

 Please go check out Ms. Bingles Vintage Christmas' 

Nativity boxes; they are amazing!

 Dana from Circa Dee uses an old Cola Crate

for her rustic mantle display.

And Lisa from Tarnished and Tattered

has created the most precious little Holiday Slippers,

and is hosting  a Newspaper photo shoot,

head over for a look at her beautiful home!

(oops, this one was created by Karla Nathan at Karla's Cottage)

Hope you'll be joining in for the party today,

Thanks so much Heather and Vanessa for including me in all the fun!

and all the sponsors

And here's the Give Away

a little Santa Girl for one participant

(My Camera is MIA, but there are a few more 

added goodies on the necklace.)

(Please be sure that you have a link within your post.)

to Enter:

1. Please join as a follower if you aren't already, then let me know

2. And leave a comment letting me know you linked up

I'm joining these great Christmas Parties:

French Country Cottage

LaurieAnnas

Stuff and Nonsense

My Romantic Home

The Charm of Home

2805

At the Picket Fence

Funky Junk Interiors

Lots of love and Christmas hugs,

Out on the Porch

I can't take credit for this one,

I totally stole it from my sister,

who stole it from Robin...

And mine is pretty lame in comparison to the one Robin

had at her wonderful Vintage Suitcase Open House a few weeks ago.

(can you see that cute plaid peeking out under all the awesome branches?)

Love this plaid from Thermos and Scotch Plaid

And it does seem like every post has some plaid in it this time of year...

maybe cause I'm just in love with it!

(Pinterest)

I haven't seen my sister's yet, 

but I'm sure it's way better than what I threw together.

Although, I DO have to say that this is REAL Holly

from my mega bushes in the back yard.

No faux here...

OK, the little trees are faux...

and the wreath...

and the green poinsettias...

But the Holly is real!

Things haven't changed too much since my 

pre-Thanksgiving makeover.

I just put my pumpkins out in the back for the critters to chew on.

There's one of my helpers at the front door.

I'm done, cause it is now way below freezing and I can't

stand to take any more pictures.

Brrrrrr...

See ya tomorrow for 

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Hope you've dragged out all that old stuff,

cause we're havin' a party!!

Joining in for the Porch Party at 

At the Picket Fence

and a little p.s.

Be sure and link up tomorrow for VIF,

'cause there's a cute little Santa Girl Necklace for a Give Away!

big hugs,