Well here we are again, Jesus. Just once, I'd like Monday to take a vacation for a few weeks.
I think he agrees.
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Yours truly had a busy one. We started to get the Casa decked for the holidays on Friday. On Saturday night I had my first Christmas party to attend, and of course, had to be unzipped and put to bed. The merriment and other earthly delights got the best of me. Then on Sunday I and two other friends went to tour the beautiful homes of Fairmount Park here in Philadelphia. If your in the area go check out the historic tour, called Charms of the Park. I'll share some of that later in the week.
Have you ever decorated with bottle brush trees? The last couple years, I've really been enjoying using them to decorate with. I remember my grandmother using them all over the house and in many ways. They are quite adorable. I would like to amass a few more. But what is the story on them??? The only thing I remember is my grandmother telling me that bottle brush trees and wreaths, was that the Addi’s Bottle Brush Co began to dye their toilet bowl brushes in post-war times and assemble them into Christmas trees. The English, in particular, took to them since they had a shortage of evergreens after the war. It seems now we are currently experiencing quite a revival in interest in these adorable trees, along with full-sized and smaller wreaths. They are festive don't you think? I can only imagine what the Dog's Mother would come up with for use? Take a gander.....
HAPPY MONDAY!!!!
Oh, yes, I did. I did learn you can't put them in a snow globe - the dye comes off and your water goes green. I did make a 'rain' globe for my DIL. Little green tree and silver beads - this was when she was doing her internship is San Jose. The gnomes are not interested in them since they don't involve beer.
ReplyDeletegnomes are to beer as maddie is to gin!
DeleteI should really apply for a job at the Bluecoat Distillery.
Deleteso is this where all the toilet brushes went? on the mantle?
ReplyDeleteI hope they weren't used first!
DeleteI haven't seen bottle brush trees in ages. They're cute!
ReplyDeleteYes, Monday can bite me.
It was not unusual for people to set up creches in their homes. I grew up in NE PA and still sort of live northeast of there in the lake region. I'm sure being so close to Bethlehem you know the definition of a creche: a representation of the manger scene. It's a very old German (Moravian) tradition. Growing up in a polish area, they were common in polish homes under the Christmas tree, too. Bethlehem must be full of them this time of year. I'm surmising, but the advent of wind up and then electric trains probably also had something to do with the popularity of these trees as people tried for more realistic layouts and creches melded with train layouts under the tree. I use vintage postcards in seasonally appropriate place card holders on stair legdes, on top of cabinets, on tables etc. You can still buy Easter, Christmas and patriotic cards for a buck or three at antique shops and malls. Good luck finding any Halloween ones so reasonably priced. You've given me a fantastic idea to also place vintage wire trees by the postcards....they'll look like festive billboards. Thanks for the idea! If it's a hit I'll take full credit for it. Nah, just kidding, I'll reference your blog with gratitude.
ReplyDeleteOpps..forgot about Putz which I thinks is the same as a creche but more of German origin.
DeleteThanks for stopping in and welcome!!!! You have some great decorating ideas. Yes, I do know the creche. My mother has a beautiful set from Italy that she places out every Christmas. When it comes to cards, I always save my favorites and frame them, and then place about. My very good friend has booth at the Old Sledworks just above Harrisburg. He specializes in only antique and vintage holiday decorations. You'd probably love it. Thank you for your lovely comment.
DeleteYes!! I hit the Sled Works couple times/year...along with the Rabbit of Red and the Mattress Factory in Lemoyne (or Lemonee as we pronounce it up dar in Scranen henna or no? I've probably bought cards from your friend. I may be there again soon because I have a 10 card display rack also bought @ the Sled Works that's somehow empty this Christmas! I must have squirreled away more cards under my delicates or somewhere less obvious.
DeleteYes, you may have well. He has a heavy assortment of Christmas, but has a bit for just about every holiday. And if your familiar with Lemoyne, then your also probably familiar with the Lemoyne Market Place. The have some fun and interesting antique vendors there. I have the feeling you have been there too!!! When I visit my mother who lives in CampHill I always go there if to not just browse and check out the wears.
DeleteSine I married William and converted to be Jewish, I don't decorate, but I adore the bottle brush trees. My parents used to have them all over the house. Beautiful Monday post
ReplyDeleteNever heard of bottle brush trees - - I love the festive photos!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, they make me very happy.
DeleteI love those little trees. The possibilities to do things with them would be endless. What a happy post.
ReplyDeleteYour lovely post brought back lots of memories of these little trees. I have no idea what happen to mine over the years.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this idea. do tell, maddie, you find such interesting things!
ReplyDeletemondays suck diseased donkey dick AND blow goats!
Now don't hold back, tell us how you really feel!!!
DeleteSince I'm on a roll of four day work weeks, with a couple of three day work weeks tossed in the mix, I'm getting through the Mondays.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I love the trees on the mantle, all kinds; I may do that next year!
They would look very fun on a mantle wouldn't they? The whole way across.
DeleteI love bottle brush trees, they remind me of my childhood! Those are particularly lovely ones on your blog banner and in this post. I have a little decorated bottle brush tree on my table. That's all the Christmas decorating I do anymore!
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I had forgotten all about these. What fond memories they bring up.
ReplyDelete