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Wooden cutting boards are easy-to-find
collectibles that still perform their intended function
as well as dress up a wall or countertop. I often look
for antiques imported from England and Ireland, where
breadboards are stilled used on a daily basis. I sometimes
use them for casual dining when friends stop by for rustic
sandwiches and wine and cheese. Wash cutting boards with
soapy water and revive with a unflavored cooking oil. |
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Red and White linens bring festive
color to every room in your house.
I've been collecting Turkey Red Linens
for the last ten years. I often find great pieces at
antiques shows and higher-end shops. There are also
many slightly damaged versions at the flea market which
can be cut into napkins, placemats, runners and even
pillows. When the holiday season rolls around we get
out everything from intricate table cloths to vintage
dish towels. I use them for setting up a buffet
table, swathing a bread basket or layering under hot
foods as a trivet. Check e-bay for auctions on Turkey
Red, or look for reproductions at Crate and Barrel
or Williams-Sonoma. |
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Ribbons are the essence of what makes
a wrapped package so beautiful and tempting to open.
I collect
all types and styles of ribbons from flea markets in the summer months and stash
them away for very special gifts all year long.
Vintage ribbons tend to be a bit pricey
and often only come in small quantities. There are
reproduction ribbons being made now and some of the
old companies in New York City have large quanities
of stock from the 30’s and 40’s. Here are
some of my favorite ribbon outlets and web sites.
www.hymanhendler.com
www.mjtrim.com
www.tinseltrading.com |
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An
oversized, hand-painted German ornament is prized
not only for its great color but also its longevity.
My wife, Jenny, was lucky enough to inherit
great holiday ornaments passed down through her family.
Its inspired us to add to the collection whenever we
see oversized decorated ornaments at flea markets
and antique shops.
We spend lots of time each year gently
packing and unpacking ornaments from tissue paper and
carefully hanging on the tree… but there are
many uses beyond the tannenbaum.
Gather ornaments in glass vases or large punch bowls, hang from chandeliers
or suspend in a window from fishing line. November and December are the perfect time to go shopping in
antique shops for ornaments... as the dealers know the season is short
and want to get these items on the shelves. |
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Turn
an old fishbowl or rose bowl into a charming
self-watering terrarium.
In early December my Grandmother would
create glass terrariums of moss, berries and tiny seedlings
in old fish bowls or flower vases. With a trowel in
hand, explore your yard or nearby woods for tiny evergreens,
mosses, lichens, and berries to place in a glass vessel.
Cover with a small piece of plastic wrap and tie with
twine and a gift tag... this terrarium will litterally
take care of itself and will be loved and well appreciated
by its recipient. |
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