I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Because it's such a busy time of year, my blog has been neglected.  It seems to always be that way but it's hard to squeeze everything in...I don't know how some of you do it!

I hung plain grapevine wreaths on my windows last week at 1:00 a.m. just so I would have something up. 

I finally took each one down and embellished them just a little last night.

  
While I was doing this, I thought, these are just fine.  I don't have to make them real "fancy" this year.  And  I realized how much I don't want to miss by making things too complicated.

The memories of doing things with friends and family are what stays with us, not that I didn't add berries to my wreaths :)

We've made gingerbread houses with friends,

went ice skating a few times,

and have baked loads of Christmas cookies.  (cookie dough truffle recipe here.)

It's been fun.
 
As far as decorating is concerned, it is a very simple Christmas this year.  I've got enough lights, enough gifts, and enough ornaments.

I've been so very blessed with my family and business, I am grateful. 

And just in case you don't hear from me before the New Year...

May God bless all of my blogger friends with a merry, happy Christmas and wonderful 2013! Thank you for your friendship, kind words and big hearts.  I treasure each and every one of you!!!

Christmastime at 1824 Antiques

We had the most wonderful time at 1824 Antiques Christmas open house this past weekend.  David and Audrey are the kindest and most welcoming hosts.  They really go out of their way to make everyone feel special.

The doors opened Friday evening at 6pm with a line waiting to get in.  Many antiques and primitives everywhere.  Lots of pretty Christmas greens and arrangements for decorating.  Candlelight tours of their private home, with ham cooking on the open hearth.  Also to enjoy were cheese and crackers, local apple cider, cookies and much more.  It was delightful!

Saturday proved to be a most pleasant day also with a nice steady flow of the best customers.  More chatting happened on this day with lots of friends coming back from the night before.  The only thing missing was a few snow flurries or even flakes here or there.  That darn sun was shining, can you imagine?

Thank you to all who came.  We love and cherish our time and friendships with you.

Below are a few pictures for those who could not make it.  I hope you enjoy.

1824 Antiques

Co-op Shop with Sister's Three and Me and Red Rabbit Antiques.

 

They have the prettiest view from their porch.

I always say it's like a little piece of heaven.

David does all the Blacksmithing.  Think we sold out of these!

Audrey and me (see that sun?!!!)

"Big Santa"

Inside the 1824 House.  This is where Audrey and I were set-up.

Everything was so pretty.  I can't even capture it in these pictures.

Audrey and her brother Pat, dressed up as "Oliver", one of the son's of the original owner.  Doesn't he look great?

Christmas tree in the parlor.

A snow lady to greet you!

Stockings hanging in a bedroom

Antiques and prims in the kitchen.

and more in the buttery.

Snowman snowglobe make-do, made from an old pantry jar.

I will have a few of these on my website soon.

Denise, Melinda, Darlene, and Kate had their lovely wares in the co op shop.

It looked beautiful, with so many pretty things.  Christmas music was playing.  They had wine, cookies and coffee also.  I wish I had more pictures.  While I was taking this, there was a line of people right outside the door staring in at me waiting for the doors to open.  I snapped this one and the next, and got the heck out of there!

Henry James was not the least bit concerned about the line.

Good friends and good times....who could ask for more?

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas season!