Sunday, December 13, 2020

HOUSE OF BORGHESE

 The Red Light District is open!!!!

Maybe not quite as red as it usually is, but when the red glow pours out the windows, some in the neighborhood do a second glance. Can I control the husbands of these women???  With going home to see the Mother and stay for a extended visit, I didn't know if I would even decorate. GASP!!!! Me not decorate?!?!? That would be like the Casa without houseboys!!!! Christmas is not actually my favorite holiday, but I do enjoy the spirit of the holiday and all the happy feelings certain aspects bring, and decided I did need to decorate, since I won't be seeing anyone really. I like to keep busy and some normal possible. And I enjoy changing things up for each season. It gets boring to have 365 days a year to be the same, day in and day out. So I broke open the crates. I also have to many things with memories to lay in a box and be discarded for a year. Thats the fun thing about decorating, certain things have a story or memory to them, that I enjoy.

My nutcrackers! And you'll see lots of balls!!!! Some are newer glass balls mixed with very old shiny brite balls. The large Nutcracker was a gift from MM#1 Fan.
Some of my bottle brush trees , some old and new. The little Russian house was a gift from a co worker of mine from my first job I had. She went to Russia and brought it back. She ended up becoming a Russian interpreter. The little porcelain deer was my grandmothers from a collection of a series of little animal ornaments she had. I have three of them, this deer, a blue jay and a owl. I think I have a squirrel too, but can't seem to find it.
My most expensive piece. This Christmas Pyramid was a gift from the aunt and uncle years ago, and I light it nightly. I have two others also. I could really get into collecting them,  but don't know where Id store them all. They are all handmade from Germany and an art form really.
Some of my oldest Shiny Brites that were a gift from the Dame. These are in a platter on the lower part of the coffee table.
With exception to the red bottle brush, these are very old bottle brush trees. I have a thing for them did you gather that? The little sheep was a gift from the mother. And they of course adorn my Henri Bendel boxes. The suitcase actually is where I store the bottle brushes after the holidays. 
One of my wall collages for Mr DeVice who like wall collages. 
My favorite morning corner!!!!
My most used thing in the kitchen. Holds all my stainless steel cookery, silverware in the drawers, and to mention I do all my baking on the top of this island.  I soon have to refinish the top as there has been many bread loaves beat and readied of that surface.
Who remembers the old bubble lights????  I decide to put this out this year. I used to love bubble lights. My grandmothers had many that would sit in the candlestick plug in models. I still had one until this year. The wiring was bad so out it went. And yes, the corks are from wine bottles from this year.
Whose ready to get lit????? I'm stocked!!!!! And always ready!
Caroler tree toppers that were my grandmother Swartwout's on my Dad's side. 
I adore these! I got these at Longwood Gardens several years ago now.
My main and inner sanctuary , where all the magic happens!
A collection of very old glass ornaments of all kinds. See...I told you I had blue balls.
Oh dear.I saw him at Tarjay years ago and couldn't pass him up!
This night stand houses some of my more naughty and lighter reading, and a much loved collectible sent to me by fellow blogger RJ,  of my idol- Poison Ivy.
A bell jar on the other nightstand I made up this year. It is very tricky to create that scene and still get the lid to cover it. I just about gave up. The little houses were also my grandmothers.
My daily wrist stacking daily catch all.
The two pictures I sat for, my very good friend gifted me,  when he and his partner moved away. They still sit there, and I sort of like them there under my Herb Ritts picture of the Queen in her Marie Antoinette garb from the VMA'S years ago. This was a gift from fellow queen, Coco De Mere. The angel head is a huge ornament that used to hang on the tree in John Wanamaker's legendary store in Philadelphia. A fellow display friend of mine took it when he worked at Woodward & Lothrop,  when the May company brought them out. May company begin just purging the old decorations in the trash!!!!  This ornament started hanging on trees in the grand court sometime in the early 1940's till sometime in the late 70's...so over 40 years it hung in the store. It's one of the most expensive things in my place. I had an offer when I had a antique consultant look at it in Lambertville, but I can't part with it. I like having a piece of my favorite store, and history of that company. 
Hey I like a lot of pillows!!!!!!!!!!!!
I even have Phil, the deer decked out again this year.

I have other little tidbits to share at a later day. But I actually scaled back a bit this year. I didn't even put the whole tree up. My tree can be a floor or a table top tree, and I think I wanted a smaller tree this year. I like to switch it up.  My newest addition to the pied de terre this year arrived yesterday.

A box got delivered  from the fabulous Agnes. To my delight I found a very adorable elephant, a handwritten card and some of her homemade Pfefferuusse cookies! OMG!!!! The elephant is very heavy too. Once I read her note, turns out it is a door stop so my bedroom door won't  slam shut, on windy days. My windows are always open.  She also remembered my love for elephants, from my post I did about the Sheldrick Trust. Her and William, not only didn't have to send me anything, but she also did a donation in my name to them. I know the elephants and the trust appreciated it too I bet. Well, you never saw a ice queen get teary eyed. So Agnes, this was a most generous gift and I truly thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Your too much...and it certainly did make my season brighter. And those cookies? They didn't stand a chance dear! I can't thank you enough, and that elephant will be treasured always.

Now who needs a drink??????

59 comments:

  1. Oh what a delight your home tour is. I bet everyone who comes to visit stands in awe of your decorative talent. I couldn't for the life of me match a pillow on a couch, much less create the display that you have.
    I love your favorite morning corner. And the history of all your items, each one telling its own story.

    Thank you for sharing...and yes, I'll have a bloody mary now.

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    1. When I go to his home, I never want to leave.

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    2. Thank you JM! It certainly made me feel better this year. Even though I'll be by myself most of the time.

      And MM#1 Fan....yes....the slumber parties of four guys in a queen bed just isn't the same!!!!!

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  2. gin gimlet please. and agnes's cookies look divine; I like those spicy things!

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    1. spicy things. probably why you like the mistress.

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    2. Oh what a surprise they were! They sure didn't last long. Hope your on the mend toots.

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    3. Thank you Anne Marie. I tried to access your blog yet again, and got some weird message. Two weeks I couldn't access it. It's always the same three blogs.

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  3. Gorgeous. As expected.

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    1. Your too kind my friend, but thank you.

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  4. your windows aren't the only always open.....

    and i must say, that agnes is one classy broad!

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    1. You are aware raise time is coming up aren't you Ms Moorecock?

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  5. Now I'm in the mood!!!!!!!!!!! I love that you still do the red lights. Your the only person I've seen do it, but sure many do it. What I like most? The deer head with garland and balls. That is just cool as hell.

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  6. I adore decorating with apothecary jars~ and I too think bottle brush trees are so cute. But your opening picture just made me so calm and peaceful. I should down size from my larger place. Yours is so cute and charming and just the right size. Lovely pieces & decorations Mistress!

    Thanks for sharing these glimpses and inspiration.

    xo*

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  7. "Do you know where a flowers shop is?"

    "Oh yes, go down the street about two blocks, and make a left when you see the house with red light flooding out of the windows, and nude men on the lawn.. then make a right, and follow that."

    It's all so pretty.

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  8. Delightful display!!! I enjoyed the variety of design and color...must be a special delight to be in the casa!!!
    ...also the inspiration derived from the liqueur cabinet...I’m attempting to fill mine with an assortment of French delights.Pernod, cognac, calvados, crème de cassis...for both drinking and cooking along the French theme ive been lately into (if I can’t go, at least I can eat and drink french!)

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    1. I would love to be invited and share some of those French delights you mentioned. With exception to cognac, I've not tried any of them.

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  9. That's "scaled back a bit this year"?! Sheesh. We usually string up a single humbug, and even that's not happening this year because we can't have our traditional NYE party; so no guests to see it...

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    1. PS Gunpowder Gin with a glug of tonic, loads of ice and a slice of lime, please. Clink, clink, sweetie. Jx

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    2. Couldn't you just lay the humbug on a table? Or are you afraid Madame Arcati make swallow it?

      Yes scaled back darling. Compared to my clients homes, this is scaled back.

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    3. And then, there's THIS. Jx

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    4. OMG. I need my smelling salts.

      The Divine Bette Midler comes to mind with her quote, which would be fitting this lady- "I wouldn't say I invented tacky, but I definitely brought it to its present high popularity.

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  10. My goodness, you deck the place! I for one and ready - more than ready to get lit. And, don't you worry, I can help you with those blue balls.

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  11. You do know that this is my probably my favorite post of yours all year? I have no idea why, but it always make me feel warm to see it. Your place is always warm and welcoming , but this time of year it just shines. And you have a bed pillow with a parkette on it?!?!?!? OMG!!!! That's too funny.

    Agnes is certainly a class A dame for sure. How thoughtful. Now to choose my drink......

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  12. There's nothing wrong with a big nutcracker when you can get one. Love the color of the boudoir, so rich!

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  13. Maddie, thanks for the festive tour! What beautiful holiday decor and treasures. Your eye for subtle detail is a fierce decorating weapon. I love how you arrange thing in collages on the walls. It's not a house...that is a home, and your love sings though.

    I haven't seen a Christmas pyramid in years. What memories. And those picture in your bedroom you posed for??? I need to get my glasses....... And that BAR!!!!!! This has certainly made my night.

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    1. Yes Dame Micaux. About over a year ago, my friend asked me to sit and pose for him. He wanted to submit work for a show here called Naked in New Hope. All mediums of art work featuring nude subjects. I thought why not..... These are two of the five he did. the other three sold.

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  14. You always used the word pied de terre, and you know what? It fits. Your place is like a charming little jewel box. I always loved the all red. Which also seems to fit you, lol!!!!

    Pfefferuusse cookies! I haven't had authentic ones in years. I think Agnes adores you Maddie. Thanks for the tour tonight....so good ideas you gave me.

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  15. Yes indeed....this is the home of a QUEEN. I just went out and got a Charlie Brown tree this year.

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  16. Maddie, your home and decor are exceptional, as I would expect. The main tree is amazing I love the color of the glow from the red light. And I adore the elephant Agnes sent you...it's so cute. But Im with you on your favorite corner in the kitchen...that would be mine too.

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  17. I went to a guy today down near the corner who sells trees and got one. All the money he is donating to homeless here in Brooklyn. Now I need to decorate it. Your place always looks festive...especially in the bedroom with your balls. Seems weird to not be there this year.

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  18. Lovely as always, Mistress! You deserve a drink after all that decorating!

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  19. Oh I too always love this post. Since marrying William I celebrate Hanukah with him, but this year I did do my old little white feather tree. We really switched it this year, why not? I too always loved the red, so not white or colored lights. And to have a piece of John Wanamaker's!!!!!! Not a year goes by I don't miss that store. That is truly amazing that piece. But you have cozy, warm and all the hootch in the bar, what more does one need?

    And if tickle me so daily, so no worry of thanks. It's my way of saying thank you for making my day many a time. Happy Holidays to you.

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  20. Thank you for the tour, Mistress. You always walk that line between demented & beautiful with such style. LOVE.

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  21. You were right, sweetpea! This made me smile A LOT! G&T please, sugar! ;) xoxox

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  22. So festive!
    A true Mistress of The Balls and decor....

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  23. Oh the Happy Holidays are there I see. I must say Mistress Borghese it all looks so chic and so comfy. I love it all. I also notice odd things I like. Like 1- Is that you in the picture on your book shelf? 2- Are those cow boxes on you nightstand? and 3-Above the Madonna picture appears to be a illustration of the Casino in Monte Carlo?

    And have I mentioned I love a man who keeps a bar? HO HO HO.

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    1. You do notice things! 1- That is the Lad.. I guess you could call him a friend with benefit but maybe a tad more? 2- Yes, they are faux cow skin boxes. Don't ask what's in them. And lastly it is indeed a illustration of the casino in Monte Carlo. I always loved the architecture of that building.

      Come sit by me, we shall have a tipple.....

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  24. I love the tours of the casa. Yore decorating is top notch and the history of some of the items are remarkable.

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  25. You never do anything part way, looks fabulous! Nice Balls.

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    1. Anything or anyone is worth doing right, I say.

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  26. Indeed everything is so beautiful.
    I like the blue trees the best.

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  27. I don't know how you have the energy to dust all your treasures. I've got one of those German wooden nutcrackers, bought in Frankfurt many years ago.

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    1. Oh Helen, I bet that must be beautiful. The cleaning doesn't take to long, and it's just me , so the dust and dirt doesn't collect to fast lol

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  28. I used to not decorate, but after seeing your yearly post, I realized it made me happy and it used to make me happy, so the last three years I have decorated again and I do love it. I got the biggest tree I ever had this year I think.

    But Mistress your place not ever does not glow. I can see why you have a talent for it. I love your bedroom! And it wouldn't be Christmas without you and your red lights.

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  29. I love everything! No surprise there. You are gifted. I'm, however, a bit confused. In the bedroom photo, you comment it's "where all the magic happens." I have a feeling magic happens all over that place. On the same subject, why aren't you in the photo captioned "My most used thing in the kitchen"?

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    1. Bedroom ...kitchen...Ill in both room very well equally dear.

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  30. I can see you in the mirror! You have your clothes on this year, though...

    I love it all! Especially those beautiful blue ornaments in that urn, but ESPECIALLY the wall collages of pictures and mirrors (you remembered - thank you)! You have such an eye for dressing, display and decor... Oh, for a visit. Perhaps one day when I get a new Broom capable of a transatlantic crossing...

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    1. Yeah, I kept clothes on this year!!!!!

      I love the blue too. My grandmother LOVED silver and blue at Christmas. She always said it was very calming.

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  31. Well, what can I say?
    I love everything. The style, the stories, the baubles, everything! I'm partial to the little brush mas trees. Absolutely adorable! I love your storytelling with the vignettes. I'd spend hours just chatting about each and every one of the things you've showed us.
    Love.

    XOXO

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    1. Thank you handsome. Next year, I may omit the large tree and do a smaller Charlie Brown style tree. I would have you in my home anytime.

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  32. I love the elephant!
    Thank you for putting on such a festive show!
    Sx

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    1. Thank you Scarlet, and it wasn't x-rated.

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  33. You sure have a way with balls!

    Looks so warm and cozy...but fun.

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    1. Especially your heavy ones. Handle with care.

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  34. *Waves at Ivy* Hi!!!

    I'm sorry I was offline. I was taking a break from most social media all week. Seeing those bottle brushes really made my day. I never had them as decorations, but I remember seeing a lot of them when I was a child. They always bring back good memories.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!