Around here, the neighbors know Christmas is coming when they start to see the return of the Red Light District....or the red glow from the "Harlot's House" as the Casa du Borghese is called. The halls were decked two weeks ago, and my main color for years has been red. It's a long shot, you'll be shocked, but it seems to suit me. You'll be even further shocked to learn I decorate with not only red, but lots of balls, of all sizes....current, old ones, and some vintage ones. I thought I'd open the doors to the Casa for a gander...but don't ask for a drink till we get to the bar, huh?
This year I added in my little bottle brush trees in this cloche with a little porcelain reindeer that had been part of a big wooden advent calendar my grandmother had for me in my youth. Each door contained a little porcelain figurine to hang on a little tree for me. Upon her death, we could never find the calendar, but did find some of the little figurines which I still have. So I placed the deer in this scene.
Another is this squirrel.
I always have one of several of my Christmas Pyramids out. I could watch that thing spin all night. This was a gift from my aunt and uncle and was made in Germany.
BALLS!!!!!
The kitchen apothecary's were all switched out to BALLS, BALLS AND MORE BALLS! I love balls they make me happy! I also did a snow scene in one with a old church piece from my grandmother and some bottle brush trees.
Where the hooch is!!!!!!!!!! Anyone need a cock-a-tail?
This angel head is from a dear friend who worked in the John Wanamaker Department store when he did visual there. He rescued one for me since it was my favorite store. When they were taken over by the new company, they were trashing all the old holiday assets. WHAT A CRIME!!! So I enjoy this piece very much as it was used in their trees from the late 1940's to late 1950's. But it was long retired from the floor trim when he worked there. I'm happy to have a piece of the magnificent store.
And yes, even where all the action takes place....in the boudoir....is even decked out.
These antique bubble candle lights are a gift from the Dame. I have one on each nightstand and usually keep them on all night.
And yes.....even Harold the Deer is decked out again this year.
Just imagine the debauchery that poor deer as seen!!!!!
Now, can I get anyone some balls or a cock-a-tail?
Very festive and, dare I say, your balls are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing your holiday touches. So neat, warm and festive. I could curl right up there on that sofa. And I love the red. Harlot or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWarm, cozy, chic and welcoming just like the Mistress.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that came to mind was Big Balls by AC/DC!
ReplyDeleteDenis
🎵🎵🎶I've got big balls
DeleteI've got big balls
And they're such big balls
Dirty big balls
And he's got big balls,
And she's got big balls,
But we've got the biggest balls of them all!🎵🎶
I love all your touches! So well appointed and comfy. Is you tree in a huge vase!?! I myself have silver and blue lights on a tree for Hanukkah. The deer head is cracking me up. What I really enjoy is the use of your grandmothers Christmas decorations. Family heirlooms are to be treasured as is that cherub head from Wanamaker's.
ReplyDeleteI love your balls! So shiny and glam.
ReplyDeleteThey were just waxed!
DeleteI love the pictures and what you've done with the place. When you mentioned Harlot House I couldn't help but remember an old Iron Maiden song called Charlotte The Harlot.
ReplyDeleteMy, it is all ballsy up in here, isn't it. I admire your dedication as the level of work this implies is staggering, but the results truly are worth it. We had one of those whirligig thingies where the heat from the candles make the angels spin around and incessantly ting the teensy chimes. It MELTED all over the fireplace.
ReplyDeleteI do have the one with the chimes, but didn't put it out this year. The balls were easier to handle.
Deletethe mistress' balls bring all the boyz to her yard! now please to be pouring me a gin gimlet (or 3)...
ReplyDeleteDo I hear four?
DeleteCozy and festive! xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteI'm curling up next to you, and enjoying the tree. I like the all red, it suits you fine.
ReplyDeleteSo business has been good I assume?
ReplyDeleteYes it has! Business up front, party in the back, wink!
DeleteYou make even the Red Light district classy. Have you ever considered doing this kind of thing for a living? Ummm... either the designing or the red light district, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteHell.....I'd be rich now if I hadn't given things away free all these years. Designing and red light district.
DeleteI would one year like to watch you play with your balls and arrange your yule log.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously your home is very warm and welcoming. Very festive...i know, I've met you.
Oh what you might find under your tree of hung by your chimney with care,
ReplyDeleteOh, absolutely get me your balls! :-D
ReplyDeleteOur house is decked out this year. Last year we were too depressed (after the election). We do gold and silver...and Pooh characters everywhere. There are two purple trees, and a live Norfolk pine in the entry, and a Charlie Brown tree (with a red ball) in the living room. We've got Christmas in every room, too. Where the optimism is lurking this year, I'm not sure.
Happy Winter Solstice! Hugs!!!!!!
I don't know....I may have a hard time mail my balls...there so fragile you see.
DeleteEverything just looks too, too divine, Mistress!
ReplyDeleteI love that China cabinet used as a bar and the pine just sets it off. Your place just glows red. I love the red. With Ptown now quite...thank goodness I relaxed and did my decorating early this year, before the Christmas shows start.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your place Mistress. I certainly reveils and right up there with the Red light District here. I'm only blooms away. But the Casa is more more elegant and warm. Love the deer Harold.
ReplyDeleteDeck the halls with balls of...every kind imaginable!
ReplyDeleteYour place has such good taste mistress. I love all your touches of Christmas. And better red balls, then blue balls!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the old and new mixed together....gives everything a special meaning.
ReplyDeleteYour place always looks so warm and inviting. And that cherub head from Wanamakers?!?!? Now that is very cool. I say keep the red too.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping one year we'd get the festivus pole with lights on it!?!
ReplyDeleteYour place puts mine to shame ......I'm hiring you next year.
And I suppose your available to lend a hand?
Delete"Just imagine the debauchery that poor deer as seen!!!!!" He has seen more sex scenes then a Bel Ami video no doubt.
ReplyDeleteFrom the wreath to your tree to your balls...your a gay inspiration for me!
Love your apartment Mistress and love that you take such pride in the décor. Loving the red, I may have to try that one year. I also was looking at Christmas Pyramids, as I love them. Had no idea they were that pricey.
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to New Year in your decked at place. The red tree is pretty, but I adore the little one on the dresser in the bedroom and the deer head.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, life-affirming decorations. You've done a fine job keeping Christmas. All my best holiday wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Geo. I do like to keep my traditions alive from tester year.
DeleteIt all looks so,fabulous. And I'm partial to red myself.
ReplyDeleteI envy your commitment, time and taste to your décor. Everything always looks so beautiful, especially your apothecary jars and other glass receptacles, but my favourite this year is the colourful little tree in the boudoir!
ReplyDeleteI love your balls! They add such festive and glitter anywhere. But candle light makes the season.
ReplyDelete