The Christmas of 1977 I was nine years old. A dear family friend, Inge, gave me a very special gift. It was a sweet yellow ceramic house that lit up and seemed magical to me. You will learn about a special gift on Friday Freebie Dept. 56. Friday Freebie Dept. 56 Every Christmas ever after, the house was displayed in a very special place. Once I was settled in my own home as an adult the house came with me. A few years later I was at the Warner Robins AFB (in Georgia) thrift ... View the Post
Who is Sinterklaas
We all know Santa but Who is Sinterklaas? Who Is Sinterklaas If you're getting ready to fill your shoes with carrots or straw and set them outside, then you probably know who Sinterklaas is. This is Sinterklaas. Does he look familiar to you? In the 4th century, there was a Bishop in Turkey named St. Nicholas who was widely known for his good deeds involving poor children all over Europe. His companion, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) was thought to be ... View the Post
How Will You Celebrate
How Will You Celebrate Thanksgiving? Will it look something like this? How Will You Celebrate I was raised celebrating Thanksgiving day fairly traditionally. We would begin the day watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, followed by football. As the last of eight kids, our 20 ft table practically groaned from the weight of the turkey and all the trimmings. "Freedom From Want" by Norman Rockwell I've even been to Plymouth Rock and of course heard the story of the first ... View the Post
Thanksgiving Naturally
Have you decided how you are going to set your Thanksgiving table? The elements for a naturally beautiful table might just be found in your own backyard. Thanksgiving Naturally. Thanksgiving Naturally I love this simple centerpiece that starts with a wire basket. Begin with a bit of florist foam and cover it with moss, make sure to dampen it, but not saturate it. Add a few roses, bittersweet and sunflowers then fill in the spaces with artichokes and gourds. Bittersweet can be ... View the Post
Veteran’s Day
This is a favorite Veteran's Day image of mine. I never cease to grow teary when I view it. Veteran's Day I am deeply indebted to the many men and women who have taken leave of their families, jobs, and daily lives in order to ensure my freedom and the freedom of those living in other countries who are unable to fight for themselves. A few of my favorite veterans are: Mr. Decor's paternal grandfather, Landen, who was a Marine during the 1930's. Here's my paternal grandfather, ... View the Post
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween! Are you ready for the big day? This is a surprise display on our formal dining room table that will greet my children when they come home from school. I found the vintage-inspired noisemakers at Home Goods last July. They are stuck into glass vases of candy corn, which is a family favorite. Happy Halloween Most of the day I will be at my son's school giving an art lesson to his classmates, helping with the costume parade and the afternoon party. This was our photo from ... View the Post