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!

Christmas is coming

Season's greetings!  I love this time of year.  I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and ate way too much!  I know I did.  (Misery loves company.)

I've been sewing day and night for my friend's lovely Christmas open house this weekend at 1824 Antiques. I can't wait to see what she's done.  I know the minute I walk in, I'll want everything!  Next week I will post some pictures for you.

 
I can't wait to decorate!!  How far along is everyone?  I'm so glad we have that extra week in there this year.  I love Christmas time.....did I already say that?

My tree is decorated.  It's been a tradition forever in our family to get a tree the day after Thanksgiving.  I'm so glad to have that finished. 

And this little girl better be good this year... 



because this is exactly what cats like to do!

Have a happy happy day.

Love ~ Jenn

Cranberry Apple Crisp ~ a sweet comfort food

I have been on a "crisp" making kick lately.  They are so simple to make, even when your busy, there is always time to make a fruit crisp.  .....there is ALWAYS time for something sweet!

Do you have a sweet tooth?  Just today my sister and I were talking about how I have such a sweet tooth and she doesn't, but her daughter does, and mine doesn't....how does that happen?  I need a little something sweet everyday or I would die.  No, not really, but I did just finish making and eating that whole plate full pictured below and I'm already thinking about another dessert I want to bake.

We all have out own crisp recipes and all are good.  Besides sharing with you these recipes, I like to keep them on my blog for my own personal use and o-r-g-a-n-i-z-a-t-i-o-n.  It really helps because I am not.

This is one of my favorites.  Apples, cranberries, and oats are so old-fashioned and homey.  They are saying "hello autumn"!  Plus makes your house smell so good!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cranberry Apple Crisp 

Ingredients

• 4 large tart apples peeled, cored, and sliced....I used the old reliable, Granny Smith Apples
• 1~1/2 cups cranberries...you can reduce or increase by 1/2 cup to your liking
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup  flour plus 3 tbsp more
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl add the apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and 3 tbsp flour. Mix together and place in a buttered baking dish.

Combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, and oatmeal in a large bowl.  Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork.  Stir in the nuts.  Spoon over the fruit mixture.

Bake for about 40 minutes, until bubbling and top is golden brown.

Home again!

We had a wonderful time at the Simple Goods show this year.  Everything was set up so primitive and fantastic.  I was drooling!  

It was such a pleasure to see everyone...old friends and new ones we just met.  Everyone was in such a happy mood.

 This was our area that Audrey (1824 Antiques) put together....don't you just LOVE that quilt?

That's us.  I wish I had a picture of Audrey's full outfit.  It was beautiful!

A few of my things.

Audrey sold some of my sister's lovely candles....the cornbread scent is my new favorite! 

There are lots more pictures on facebook, if you want to send me a friend request, I'm there under Jenn Tavoletti, just click on the badge picture and it will take you there.

Now I can't wait to go to 1824 Christmas Open House!  November 30, 6 pm - 9pm and December 1, 10 am - 4pm.

It's going to be so much fun!  Audrey will have her historic 1824 House open and filled with antiques and primitives as well as in the main shop.  David (her hubby) will be working hard making some more wonderful blacksmith items for sale.  I also have a "little" bit of work to do for the show.  And on Friday evening only, Audrey is cooking ham in the hearth of her lovely private home which will be decorated for an early style Christmas.  For more info, visit her website here.

Thank you always for stopping by and visiting my little blog here.  It really is a blessing.  Wishing you all a very happy day!!  ~ Jenn