DECK THE HALLS

Well kids, can you believe it's that time of year again already? I feel as though I was just putting my pumpkins and turkeys out in the autumn, and now it's time to deck the halls of the Casa du Borghese. My inspiration for my own decorating has always been a combination of old vintage pieces from my grandmothers, items that were gifted to me, and a few new pieces. All my decorations are about bringing about memories of family or friends, and past memories, and that's why I like decorating, as it brings about those memories of that person and good times past. Sort of like a little ode to that person each year, and a way of remembering them. Most years I deck out the Casa and as a regular reader will tell you, most of my friends nickname my place the Red-Light District, as my tree is decked out in nothing but all red lights and balls of all different red tones and sizes, with my clip bird collection. Not to mention all the other red all over the house. Always seems to be fitting...me and red! This year since I won't be at the Casa du Borghese but two weekends, I couldn't see spending hours hauling the big tree out, and I was very hard pressed not to. So, I curated carefully what I wanted to put out. And for many reasons, this year it seemed fitting, and I was happy with the results. Lumbersexual stopped in when I did the decorating last week, and he loved all the balls. Every year, most seem to enjoy seeing my balls all over the house, and it's the simplest thing to do. And nothing better than lights and candles. Don't you just love the glow Christmas lights on a tree can bring? Nothing easier than how cozy a home can feel at Christmas then Christmas lights and tons of candles. And when it comes to candles, my place is like a seance. I have candles lit galore. Couse, my mother always worries one day I'll go up and out like Claudia Blazedale at the La Mirage on Dynasty. This year's tour of some of the sights...

My tree usually goes up in this corner by the window, but the little tree I put in the boudoir was put in the corner this year with two antique carolers that were a gift from the The Dame.

Just some of my bottle brush collection. New, old, and most from friends and my grandmother's collection.

Old Shiny Brites and two new handsome, square bird ornaments that were a gift from the Fabulous Agnes Goldberg De-Woofs this year. They were waiting for me last time home and were quite the surprise.  THANK- YOU AGNES!!! You're such a thoughtful soul. I just had to place these with these treasured balls, since I didn't put out the tree. 

A fabulous coffee table book, and one of my favorites from the talents of Tomass Hawkke. 

My treasured Christmas Pyramid, one of three from my aunt Barbara and uncle Jack.

One of many, many bird ornaments and another from Agnes last year. This one hangs on the berry sprigs on the coffee table. I couldn't bare not to place some about.

The wall collages continue, in the hallway. A mix of black and white architectural photography and framed prints of Rene Gruau's work that I adore. 

I saw these ornaments at the farmers market one day and couldn't resist them. A local lady made these. I thought they were cool looking and love the use of wood scraps.

Some early card arrivals. I love displaying cards from friends far and near.

The butcher block island I did a small assortment of glass balls old and new, as well as all the apothecaries around the kitchen. A bell jar with bottle brushes and my treasure red earth ware vase with pine to feature some of the bird ornaments that are usually on the tree.

Nutcrackers. OUCH!

A drawer with measure spoons and such. I might have a problem with measuring utensils.

When my neighbor came over to bring my mail packages, his cat Virgil slipped in and made himself at home. quite quickly.

I even placed a few Christmas touches on the terlet in the bath. Those pink tear drops ornaments are ancient.

In the boudoir...blue balls reign supreme. And they are probably the oldest balls in the place. My grandmother loved all blue and white at Christmas.

Of course, I had to get Prancer ready for the holidays.

Some vintage bowties that were my paternal grandfathers that I placed in this shadow box.

That's the tour this year.... and some of the sights. And the lumbersexual even inspired me to try my best butch lumbersexual look for the season. But I can think of other things to swing other than a ax.

Have you decked the halls yet?