Growing up in Henderson, KY, was a wonderful thing, and especially at Christmas! I remember watching the Christmas parade downtown with my Daddy and almost crying with excitement when the bands marched by playing Christmas carols. Later on in life, I got to be in that band marching down the street! I remember shopping downtown in the evenings with the Christmas carols playing from the Salvation Army booth that was set up in front of J. C. Penneys with people on the loud speaker calling out your name and asking for donations for a good cause. I remember living on my little street with all the neat little houses in a row with their Christmas trees in the windows with wonderful families inside celebrating being together! I remember the Christmas Eve service at my church at 11 pm - it was a candlelight service and when it was over at midnight we all lit our candles, held them up and sang Joy to the World! And what a joy it was to remember the birth of our Saviour in such a special way.
Now, after living away for many years, I am blessed to be able to return to my Hometown and experience all the wonderful things offered by a small town. People smiling and wishing each other a Merry Christmas, families coming home for Christmas celebrations, little children laughing, and all the traditions and wonders of a small town Christmas. I used to only dream of coming home for Christmas. This morning I was thinking of this familiar song:
I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have some snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree
Christmas eve will find you
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Here's hoping that you are blessed to be celebrating Christmas with family and friends and continuing old fashioned traditions! We may be living in a newer, faster paced world today than it was in our past, but we always keep coming back to the old traditions. That is where we are most comfortable and happiest. Merry Christmas from Memories Past and Present, wherever you are! Share some of your childhood memories with us - we would love it!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Reflections of an Antique Dealer - Why Am I Doing This?
In the current society, we are surrounded by stuff - stuff that we have accumulated over the years, gifts received, treasures inherited, things we bought to decorate our homes, stuff we made such as needlepoint, painted items, cross stitch, and more - the list goes on and on! Many people are coming to the realization that they don't need all this stuff around them - in fact, it only adds to the confusion of an already busy and rushed world.
But yet, here I sit in my antique/gift shop surrounded by thousands of treasures yet to be bought and accumulated in different homes throughout this world. People still like to give gifts and decorate their homes, but are a little more selective these days and want the item purchased to mean something. Memories is full of such treasures waiting to be loved once again! Everything here has a history and has been once loved!
Our treasures come from all types of circumstances and people. Many items have been inherited and packed in boxes for years and never used, the person not even really knowing what they have. We also help people who have parents or grandparents who have passed away and need help gleaning the treasures from their homes. Some come from individuals who are downsizing or moving to assisted living and having to keep only their most treasured items and let go of the rest. In many cases the transition of giving up these treasures is difficult and stressful. That's where Memories comes in to help make it easier. When I say we, and Memories, I mean myself - I am Memories and am very sensitive to people's feelings and anxieties. It somehow seems easier to hand these treasures over to me to research and place in my beautiful store and find a new home for them, than to send it to an auction to be picked through by strangers who don't know or care where it comes from.
This is my specialty - making the transition easy for others if I can. I lovingly arrange items in my store into beautiful displays so that someone else can discover them and take them home with them. They know they are buying something once loved, and that makes it unique and more special in many ways.
At Memories, we are more than just another antique store - you can ask anyone who has ever entered the doors and they will tell you that it is just different from any other they have ever entered. When I'm tired of being surrounded by stuff every day, and overwhelmed by all the pressures of trying to market my business and keep up with all the stuff coming in, I take a deep breath, look around and remember those who have brought me their treasures - and I am once again inspired. It's a good life - being an antique store owner, helping others, and being a friend to my clients and customers.
But yet, here I sit in my antique/gift shop surrounded by thousands of treasures yet to be bought and accumulated in different homes throughout this world. People still like to give gifts and decorate their homes, but are a little more selective these days and want the item purchased to mean something. Memories is full of such treasures waiting to be loved once again! Everything here has a history and has been once loved!
Our treasures come from all types of circumstances and people. Many items have been inherited and packed in boxes for years and never used, the person not even really knowing what they have. We also help people who have parents or grandparents who have passed away and need help gleaning the treasures from their homes. Some come from individuals who are downsizing or moving to assisted living and having to keep only their most treasured items and let go of the rest. In many cases the transition of giving up these treasures is difficult and stressful. That's where Memories comes in to help make it easier. When I say we, and Memories, I mean myself - I am Memories and am very sensitive to people's feelings and anxieties. It somehow seems easier to hand these treasures over to me to research and place in my beautiful store and find a new home for them, than to send it to an auction to be picked through by strangers who don't know or care where it comes from.
This is my specialty - making the transition easy for others if I can. I lovingly arrange items in my store into beautiful displays so that someone else can discover them and take them home with them. They know they are buying something once loved, and that makes it unique and more special in many ways.
At Memories, we are more than just another antique store - you can ask anyone who has ever entered the doors and they will tell you that it is just different from any other they have ever entered. When I'm tired of being surrounded by stuff every day, and overwhelmed by all the pressures of trying to market my business and keep up with all the stuff coming in, I take a deep breath, look around and remember those who have brought me their treasures - and I am once again inspired. It's a good life - being an antique store owner, helping others, and being a friend to my clients and customers.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Vintage Teacup Collection Ideas
Have you been collecting beautiful vintage bone china teacups, or inherited such a collection? You could use them with a different teacup at each place setting at your afternoon tea table, but besides having a lovely tea party for your lady friends, how else can they be used or displayed? Here's some creative ideas for you!
Arrange in a grouping at your next gathering and light floating candles in them or place one at each place setting - this will show off the cup and saucer and also create a welcoming warm glow! Make a small rose topiary by filling with a water filled oasis and moss and tying together a group of rosebuds in the center with a pretty ribbon - add a single rosebud in the saucer and you have an instant, beautiful arrangement for your table or desk.
At Christmas try tying each teacup with a pretty ribbon onto a special Christmas tree, either in the dining room or kitchen - what a delight! Display the saucers at the base of the tree. Serve miniature iced cakes in a cup and saucer - what a delicate and delicious alternative to serving on a dessert plate! Make a beautiful teacup bouquet at each place setting at your next dinner party! Tie a teacup with pretty ribbon from each branch of your chandelier for a festive and delicate change!
Use your special teacups to treat your guests with an after dinner treat of tiramisu - a combination of ladyfingers, espresso, eggs, sugar, cream, liquer, and rich mascarpone cheese! What a delight! You can find a recipe on http://www.allrecipes.com/ and prepare it ahead in individual teacups, refrigerated and ready to serve topped with whipped cream and cocoa!
Do you have other ideas? This would be a great place to share them!
If you don't have a collection of teacups and saucers, this would be a great time to start! Either start a collection for a friend as a special gift and include teabags and a pretty teaspoon - or give to yourself! At Memories we have quite a collection of teacups and saucers and demitasse cups and saucers with which to start your gift giving or collection! Come check us out or go online to see what we have listed at http://www.hendersonmemories.com/
Arrange in a grouping at your next gathering and light floating candles in them or place one at each place setting - this will show off the cup and saucer and also create a welcoming warm glow! Make a small rose topiary by filling with a water filled oasis and moss and tying together a group of rosebuds in the center with a pretty ribbon - add a single rosebud in the saucer and you have an instant, beautiful arrangement for your table or desk.
At Christmas try tying each teacup with a pretty ribbon onto a special Christmas tree, either in the dining room or kitchen - what a delight! Display the saucers at the base of the tree. Serve miniature iced cakes in a cup and saucer - what a delicate and delicious alternative to serving on a dessert plate! Make a beautiful teacup bouquet at each place setting at your next dinner party! Tie a teacup with pretty ribbon from each branch of your chandelier for a festive and delicate change!
Use your special teacups to treat your guests with an after dinner treat of tiramisu - a combination of ladyfingers, espresso, eggs, sugar, cream, liquer, and rich mascarpone cheese! What a delight! You can find a recipe on http://www.allrecipes.com/ and prepare it ahead in individual teacups, refrigerated and ready to serve topped with whipped cream and cocoa!
Do you have other ideas? This would be a great place to share them!
If you don't have a collection of teacups and saucers, this would be a great time to start! Either start a collection for a friend as a special gift and include teabags and a pretty teaspoon - or give to yourself! At Memories we have quite a collection of teacups and saucers and demitasse cups and saucers with which to start your gift giving or collection! Come check us out or go online to see what we have listed at http://www.hendersonmemories.com/
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Christmas Gifts on a Shoestring Budget
Christmas is here, and we are all considering what gifts to give our family and friends. Money is short this year because the economy has been bad. But we still want to give something special because, after all, this is the season of giving!
Instead of getting caught up in the rat race of finding bargains at the department stores, what color or size, or in trying to impress others with the brand name of a gift, consider giving a recycled treasure, a gift with meaning and given from the heart!
We all have accumulated so many things in our lives that we are overburdened by the sheer volume of stuff in our homes in the closets, display cases, cabinets, etc. Who can use or even appreciate things when they have too many? Be innovative with your gift giving this year and look outside the norm and consider recycled treasures, either from your own collection or from the collection inside an antique/vintage store which specializes in recycled treasures!
You could dress up an old doll of your own to give to your grandaughter (she will cherish having something that was yours) or give your grandson one of your favorite little toy metal cars or vintage train set that you have kept all your life. Or maybe you have a favorite book that you have read that you can pass along to a friend, or perhaps find a copy to purchase for them. If you have a teacup collection, or a crystal collection, ornament collection, or lighted Christmas village collection, etc. - part with some of it and help your child or grandchild start their own collection. You can always consider giving a gift of your time - take a child to a movie or take your Mother to lunch or on a shopping trip. There are so many ways to give that don't cost a lot - besides the gift is not meant to impress but to say "I love you" or "You are important to me".
Of course, at Memories this is what we specialize in - the recycling of treasures from the past. Our store is filled to the brim with items that bring back memories of a cherished Grandmother and times and places of the past. Consider giving the gift of "memories" by purchasing an item that reminds you of your past for a member of your family or a friend - they will cherish it and the memory forever. The cost of an item is not what is important - it is what is in your heart when you select and give the gift.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Give the gift of love and memories this year for Christmas - you will be blessed for it. Take the time to browse you own home for special items that could be gifts, or stop by Memories and we will find the perfect treasure for you to pass along to your friends and family as a thoughtful reminder of your love for them. Merry Christmas!
Update: 12/7/12 - It is a year later and these words still have great meaning. But I have something new to add. In early November, my little grandaughter (16 months) old was diagnosed with Acute Myeloma Leukemia and we have all gone into shock as a result. Suddenly, all the things that were important in life paled in comparison to the importance of getting the proper treatment for her so that she can live the long and wonderful life that we had envisioned for her. As a result, I have basically closed my store (except for brief openings) so that I can care for my 3 year old grandson while the parents are keeping watch over their daughter in the hospital - she will most probably be hospitalized for 6 months of treatment. I have realized that of all the things I have to give, my love, encouragement, support and time are the most important. So many friends and even strangers have stepped up to assist this family in any way they can, and it has overwhelmed us and humbled us in the process, to discover so many people with love in their hearts to share during this terrible time for us. It has helped us to find the joy that is in each day, even with the tragedy that has fallen upon us. Please remember in this time of Christmas giving, that the gift of your time is probably what people want and need the most. Give of yourself this Christmas.
Instead of getting caught up in the rat race of finding bargains at the department stores, what color or size, or in trying to impress others with the brand name of a gift, consider giving a recycled treasure, a gift with meaning and given from the heart!
We all have accumulated so many things in our lives that we are overburdened by the sheer volume of stuff in our homes in the closets, display cases, cabinets, etc. Who can use or even appreciate things when they have too many? Be innovative with your gift giving this year and look outside the norm and consider recycled treasures, either from your own collection or from the collection inside an antique/vintage store which specializes in recycled treasures!
You could dress up an old doll of your own to give to your grandaughter (she will cherish having something that was yours) or give your grandson one of your favorite little toy metal cars or vintage train set that you have kept all your life. Or maybe you have a favorite book that you have read that you can pass along to a friend, or perhaps find a copy to purchase for them. If you have a teacup collection, or a crystal collection, ornament collection, or lighted Christmas village collection, etc. - part with some of it and help your child or grandchild start their own collection. You can always consider giving a gift of your time - take a child to a movie or take your Mother to lunch or on a shopping trip. There are so many ways to give that don't cost a lot - besides the gift is not meant to impress but to say "I love you" or "You are important to me".
Of course, at Memories this is what we specialize in - the recycling of treasures from the past. Our store is filled to the brim with items that bring back memories of a cherished Grandmother and times and places of the past. Consider giving the gift of "memories" by purchasing an item that reminds you of your past for a member of your family or a friend - they will cherish it and the memory forever. The cost of an item is not what is important - it is what is in your heart when you select and give the gift.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Give the gift of love and memories this year for Christmas - you will be blessed for it. Take the time to browse you own home for special items that could be gifts, or stop by Memories and we will find the perfect treasure for you to pass along to your friends and family as a thoughtful reminder of your love for them. Merry Christmas!
Update: 12/7/12 - It is a year later and these words still have great meaning. But I have something new to add. In early November, my little grandaughter (16 months) old was diagnosed with Acute Myeloma Leukemia and we have all gone into shock as a result. Suddenly, all the things that were important in life paled in comparison to the importance of getting the proper treatment for her so that she can live the long and wonderful life that we had envisioned for her. As a result, I have basically closed my store (except for brief openings) so that I can care for my 3 year old grandson while the parents are keeping watch over their daughter in the hospital - she will most probably be hospitalized for 6 months of treatment. I have realized that of all the things I have to give, my love, encouragement, support and time are the most important. So many friends and even strangers have stepped up to assist this family in any way they can, and it has overwhelmed us and humbled us in the process, to discover so many people with love in their hearts to share during this terrible time for us. It has helped us to find the joy that is in each day, even with the tragedy that has fallen upon us. Please remember in this time of Christmas giving, that the gift of your time is probably what people want and need the most. Give of yourself this Christmas.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thanksgiving Blessings From the Past
As I look around my home which is furnished with a mix of antique and vintage items, new gift items, and collectibles, it causes me to reflect on my home and family and friends and all the blessings that I have this Thanksgiving and every day.
I'm not one of those people who hire an interior decorator and do away with every mismatched item in my home and go with the suggestions of the decorator to have everything perfect and matching. I prefer to display all my favorite things, put together in a pleasing arrangement, so that I can be comfortable and cozy in my home.
For example, in my living room the featured item is the grand piano that my husband surprised me with 25 years ago. I had always wanted one, and my daughter was traveling to Kentucky from Florida to spend the summer with her Dad. I was so uptight and depressed that he chose this time to have it delivered and surprise me on the day that she got on that plane. Each time I see it or play it, I remember that day when I walked into my living room and said "Who put THAT there?!?" What a gift of love - I would never dream of replacing it.
Also, in the living room is a beautiful bookcase with glass doors that belonged to my husband's father - it holds all my music books, and is a clear reminder of the past and the books and treasures that his father must have kept there.
I also have an antique corner cabinet filled with old ironstone serving pieces accumulated by my Granny and left to me when she passed away. She loved antiques, and I think of her when I look into that cabinet.
There are also little trinkets and gifts that friends and family have given me displayed throughout that room - a silver tussie mussie filled with flowers bought for me by my parents, a hummingbird figurine given to me by my Uncle Charles, Hallmark ornaments featuring a choir and bell ringers given to me by friends, a little dish my brother gave me where I keep my glasses for use at the piano - you get the idea.
Memories Past and Present is filled with items such as these with a past - and they can be given as a loving gift to someone who will cherish them and display them in their home. When they see them, it will remind them of you and the occasion of the gift. Life is made up of memories from the past and special events of the future. Treasure your memories - and display your treasures!
This Thanksgiving take the time to look around you and remember all the blessings that God, your family and friends have bestowed upon you. No matter what the circumstances, there are always blessings to be found! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I'm not one of those people who hire an interior decorator and do away with every mismatched item in my home and go with the suggestions of the decorator to have everything perfect and matching. I prefer to display all my favorite things, put together in a pleasing arrangement, so that I can be comfortable and cozy in my home.
For example, in my living room the featured item is the grand piano that my husband surprised me with 25 years ago. I had always wanted one, and my daughter was traveling to Kentucky from Florida to spend the summer with her Dad. I was so uptight and depressed that he chose this time to have it delivered and surprise me on the day that she got on that plane. Each time I see it or play it, I remember that day when I walked into my living room and said "Who put THAT there?!?" What a gift of love - I would never dream of replacing it.
Also, in the living room is a beautiful bookcase with glass doors that belonged to my husband's father - it holds all my music books, and is a clear reminder of the past and the books and treasures that his father must have kept there.
I also have an antique corner cabinet filled with old ironstone serving pieces accumulated by my Granny and left to me when she passed away. She loved antiques, and I think of her when I look into that cabinet.
There are also little trinkets and gifts that friends and family have given me displayed throughout that room - a silver tussie mussie filled with flowers bought for me by my parents, a hummingbird figurine given to me by my Uncle Charles, Hallmark ornaments featuring a choir and bell ringers given to me by friends, a little dish my brother gave me where I keep my glasses for use at the piano - you get the idea.
Memories Past and Present is filled with items such as these with a past - and they can be given as a loving gift to someone who will cherish them and display them in their home. When they see them, it will remind them of you and the occasion of the gift. Life is made up of memories from the past and special events of the future. Treasure your memories - and display your treasures!
This Thanksgiving take the time to look around you and remember all the blessings that God, your family and friends have bestowed upon you. No matter what the circumstances, there are always blessings to be found! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Thanksgiving & Christmas Spirit Can Last All Year Long!
I've been hearing a lot lately about how awful it is to rush the Christmas season - all the stores are starting to put out their Christmas trees and merchandise, Christmas music is playing, and some of the big box stores already have reduced their Christmas items. I mean, we even skip right over Thanksgiving - how terrible is that? Truly, Christmas has become a very commercial season; however, just like anything else in life, there are two ways of observing and reacting.
To me, the true spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving can last all year long! Every day we can be thinking about all the blessings we have and say to ourselves and to others how thankful we are. We can just look around and find the simplest things to be thankful for - the beautiful, colorful Fall leaves, the sunshine, our families, our health, our friends - all these things that God has given us. We take the time to look back at family celebrations from the past and remember those who are no longer with us and all the fun times we had together. And we look forward to our family and friend gatherings this year! Oh, so much to be thankful for in our lives!
When we see the Christmas trees and lights and ornaments already up in the stores, instead of reacting to the negativity of commercialism, we could instead be reminded of all the good that there still is in the world. Remember the birth of our saviour, Jesus, and the star shining on the world the night He was born. When we look at all the sparkling lights and ornaments, we can think of friends and family with love and start to plan on something special that we can buy or do for them during the Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to remember and love each other.
When I decorate my trees, whether it be at home, or in my antique store, I think about the beautiful nativities and music boxes, angels and ornaments, and who gave them to me, or whose home they will bless. When shopping for Christmas (and we all do), let's try to take our time, take a step back to a quieter, simpler time, and reflect on each gift as a gift of love for the person we are buying for. It's OK for Christmas to be commercial in a way - it gives us a special way to show our love for each other, and to remember the birth of Jesus and just how much his presence means in our lives.
Oh, I could go on and on about Christmas and Thanksgiving Past and Present! Reflect on your blessings - and shop for Christmas gifts with joy in your heart this season! No "Bah Humbug" allowed inside Memories Past and Present!
To me, the true spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving can last all year long! Every day we can be thinking about all the blessings we have and say to ourselves and to others how thankful we are. We can just look around and find the simplest things to be thankful for - the beautiful, colorful Fall leaves, the sunshine, our families, our health, our friends - all these things that God has given us. We take the time to look back at family celebrations from the past and remember those who are no longer with us and all the fun times we had together. And we look forward to our family and friend gatherings this year! Oh, so much to be thankful for in our lives!
When we see the Christmas trees and lights and ornaments already up in the stores, instead of reacting to the negativity of commercialism, we could instead be reminded of all the good that there still is in the world. Remember the birth of our saviour, Jesus, and the star shining on the world the night He was born. When we look at all the sparkling lights and ornaments, we can think of friends and family with love and start to plan on something special that we can buy or do for them during the Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to remember and love each other.
When I decorate my trees, whether it be at home, or in my antique store, I think about the beautiful nativities and music boxes, angels and ornaments, and who gave them to me, or whose home they will bless. When shopping for Christmas (and we all do), let's try to take our time, take a step back to a quieter, simpler time, and reflect on each gift as a gift of love for the person we are buying for. It's OK for Christmas to be commercial in a way - it gives us a special way to show our love for each other, and to remember the birth of Jesus and just how much his presence means in our lives.
Oh, I could go on and on about Christmas and Thanksgiving Past and Present! Reflect on your blessings - and shop for Christmas gifts with joy in your heart this season! No "Bah Humbug" allowed inside Memories Past and Present!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Christmas Past and Present
The Christmas season is upon us, and the stores are starting to display all their Christmas trees, decorations, cards, etc. It's time to start thinking about how you will decorate your home and what treasures you will choose to display.
The Christmas tree is the main focal point of the decorating for the season. Are you one who goes with the modern trends purchasing all new ornaments for your tree and having it professionally decorated? Maybe lime green or hot pink this year - all silver or all gold? Well, that's not for me. For me, Christmas is all about tradition and memories - bringing family together in a home filled with the warm glow of Christmas past and Christmas present.
My main tree (yes, I do have more than one) is Victorian in style. It is a slim tree filled with decorations that go with the Victorian style, but I didn't go out and buy all new ornaments to decorate it - oh yes, maybe a few to fill in here and there - but mostly it was a gradual thing. Each year a few new items are added that are special ornaments bought for me by a friend, or one I spotted in a local store that took my eye, or even hand crafted ornaments that are one of a kind.
My Mother makes the most beautiful decorated ball ornaments, fashioned out of satin balls decorated with vintage jewelry, beads, sequins, tassels, braid and trim - each one is unique and full of her creative ability. I probably have about 20 of those on the tree, and each year add at least 1 or 2 new ones. She has literally made hundreds of them over the years, and I treasure each one that I have!
Added to those are about six similar ornaments made by a favorite member of our church lovingly called "Aunt Kat" who gave one to each of our Church choir members each year. She has passed away now, and it brings back fond memories of her each time I hang one on the tree and imagine her aging fingers making them even into her late 90's and even over 100 years that she lived. (She was my craft teacher at the YMCA when I was a child - and a real treasure of a person!)
Added to those special ornaments are little birds nests, bird cages, glass birds with tail feathers, other glass Victorian style ornaments, little Victorian people ornaments given to me by friends, and then to top it off burgundy and gold glass ornaments to reflect the light and burgundy poinsettia blooms. This year I will lovingly add 6 Thomas Kinkade Santa ornaments which I was lucky enough to acquire on Ebay.
This tree is filled with memories, acquired over time. When you are shopping or looking around at decorations to place on your tree - think about what you already have and add items of meaning to them. Shop for the unique in little out-of-the-way specialty shops, antique stores, thrift stores, etc. Make the tree a part of "your" personality - not something that is just bought straight off the shelf and impersonal.
Each year when you decorate that tree, you will be filled with "memories" just as I am when I decorate this special Victorian tree in my home! Of course, at Memories Past and Present, we have such a selection of treasures for you to feast your eyes on! Each of our trees is decorated with specialty ornaments where you can pick them right off the tree - a perfect little gift for a friend or family member perhaps that they will hang on their tree year after year - and remember you with a smile on their face! Have a Blessed Christmas!
Stay tuned for other Christmas tree ideas based on the trees I decorate in my own home!
The Christmas tree is the main focal point of the decorating for the season. Are you one who goes with the modern trends purchasing all new ornaments for your tree and having it professionally decorated? Maybe lime green or hot pink this year - all silver or all gold? Well, that's not for me. For me, Christmas is all about tradition and memories - bringing family together in a home filled with the warm glow of Christmas past and Christmas present.
My main tree (yes, I do have more than one) is Victorian in style. It is a slim tree filled with decorations that go with the Victorian style, but I didn't go out and buy all new ornaments to decorate it - oh yes, maybe a few to fill in here and there - but mostly it was a gradual thing. Each year a few new items are added that are special ornaments bought for me by a friend, or one I spotted in a local store that took my eye, or even hand crafted ornaments that are one of a kind.
My Mother makes the most beautiful decorated ball ornaments, fashioned out of satin balls decorated with vintage jewelry, beads, sequins, tassels, braid and trim - each one is unique and full of her creative ability. I probably have about 20 of those on the tree, and each year add at least 1 or 2 new ones. She has literally made hundreds of them over the years, and I treasure each one that I have!
Added to those are about six similar ornaments made by a favorite member of our church lovingly called "Aunt Kat" who gave one to each of our Church choir members each year. She has passed away now, and it brings back fond memories of her each time I hang one on the tree and imagine her aging fingers making them even into her late 90's and even over 100 years that she lived. (She was my craft teacher at the YMCA when I was a child - and a real treasure of a person!)
Added to those special ornaments are little birds nests, bird cages, glass birds with tail feathers, other glass Victorian style ornaments, little Victorian people ornaments given to me by friends, and then to top it off burgundy and gold glass ornaments to reflect the light and burgundy poinsettia blooms. This year I will lovingly add 6 Thomas Kinkade Santa ornaments which I was lucky enough to acquire on Ebay.
This tree is filled with memories, acquired over time. When you are shopping or looking around at decorations to place on your tree - think about what you already have and add items of meaning to them. Shop for the unique in little out-of-the-way specialty shops, antique stores, thrift stores, etc. Make the tree a part of "your" personality - not something that is just bought straight off the shelf and impersonal.
Each year when you decorate that tree, you will be filled with "memories" just as I am when I decorate this special Victorian tree in my home! Of course, at Memories Past and Present, we have such a selection of treasures for you to feast your eyes on! Each of our trees is decorated with specialty ornaments where you can pick them right off the tree - a perfect little gift for a friend or family member perhaps that they will hang on their tree year after year - and remember you with a smile on their face! Have a Blessed Christmas!
Stay tuned for other Christmas tree ideas based on the trees I decorate in my own home!
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