Since I'm so busy studying and writing essays for my environmental management course (which ends Nov.29) and working full-time, I haven't had much time to blog, to read blogs, or more importantly...to begin preparing for our first (proper) Christmas in the new house. Woe is me. I need decorating time! I need time to peruse magazines, to shop for ornaments and decorations, to fashion my house into a lovely warm inviting Christmas home (while also trying to buy as little as possible and not be too consumerist!).
This year, I've decided to buy a few very lovely things. And then supplement it next year. And the year after that and so on...at least that is the plan...
Please note of course, (and this comment is for Linda) that this doesn't mean that I can't go to Zellers (thanks for the tip!) for silver balls (20 for $4.99) or perhaps the Superstore for some cost-effective (and very stylish) supplies, just in case....
But anyway, what I did want to say is that one thing my heart desires this Christmas is...
MERCURY GLASS!
I just adore it. From what I understand, mercury glass is actually just layered silvered glass (not actually made with mercury, a toxic metal which remains liquid to a very low temperature, which is why it is used in thermometers). This silvered glass was first made in the late 1800's and was a very decorative fancy glass. I imagine that real antique mercury glass exists, but I don't think I've seen much in antique stores. Have you? Mercury glass, or its modern knock-offs (which just look like mercury glass but aren't always made the same way) has a very classic, old-fashioned, often vintage look.
Aren't these pieces lovely? I already have some of the ornaments but I also love these wee Pottery Barn trees...what do you think?
(All images Pottery Barn)
Hi Terri,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE mercury glass...real or its spitting image knock offs! Since you mentioned it, I actually got the most beautiful mercury glass ornaments at Superstore last year. They look very much like the ones in your first pic, and I plan to hang them in my front window transom this year. Another thing you might be interested in are the most stunning "mercury glass" (I'm quite sure they are not, but they sure look similar) ball ornaments at Canadian Tire of all places. They come in different muted shades and are sold individually. They look very vintage...probably more of a crackled glass effect, but I think they will fit in with the look you are going for. Oh, and don't forget to check out Homesense/Winners. You may actually get the real McCoy there (well, the modern day version). Good luck with your search. I have never come across the true vintage variety, but you just might get lucky! Living in Small Town, N.S. I am all about the knock-offs...!!!
oooh eye candy. I love this time of year - AFTER - Thanksgiving that is. So so pretty and sparkly.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteWhat I have done each year since being married is to go to the stores that have the lovely ornaments I love in the days right before Christmas. Usually I find great markdowns! And then after Christmas I find even better deals!
That way I am continually collecting but not at full retail!
I also have filled up gaps in my tree with ribbon that goes with my decor and organic material. That goes a long way to making my tree feel finished even if my ornaments are few and far between!
How much fun to have your first Christmas in your new home!
xo,
Melissa
Ohhhh, I love it! My grandmother has some vintage pieces from her mother and grandmothers. Some of it is in rough condition, but I still think it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I know that you'll create for yourselves a splendid Christmas home. It takes a little planning, but the process itself will be fun.
Thanks for the beautiful images today!
:-)..i am in a similar spot...not with christmas, but with 'Diwali; this friday, and not enough time to think and plna the decorations! I guess I will go whole hog with tealights this year around ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd all the best for your paper Terri! :)