The Enchanting Winter Nest

Welcome to a Winter Wonderland...

...the enchanting, magical home of my fun loving friend Paula!

I spent a whirlwind 24 hours with Paula...

...catching up on each others lives, Christmas shopping and visiting our friends in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley.

Each year I am astonished at the amazing way Paula

 decorates her home for the holidays.

Always paying attention to the tiniest detail...

... at Christmas time, Paula is at her best...

She creates magical vignettes with her beautiful antiques and the fabulous imaginative and one of a kind creations of some very talented artist friends.

This incredible angel was made by Cathy of 

The Cheswick Company.

It is perfect for Paula's home with its antique bird cage

 under the full skirt of the vintage doll jacket.

We were antiquing together when she found this old iron crib

 which she has since made over into a settee. 

She just bought the brown ticking

 and intends to have the cushion tufted.

It is very comfortable to sit on!

 We sat here early this morning sipping our cups of coffee

 before we had to say our goodbyes

 as she went off to work and I left for the trip home.

:(  I hate goodbyes!

We were chatting about our fun day yesterday...

...which would have been even more fun if our good friend Evi had been able to come. Unfortunately Evi's back was acting up and she had to stay home. We missed her!

Paula is an avid collector of Evi's fabulous dolls, Santas and rabbits.

  This sweet Snow Girl on the mantle has a bell shaped hat.

Santa in an old Victorian shoe!

Paula created this charming vignette set upon an old wooden architectural piece borrowed from our sweet friend Carole.

Good luck getting that back Carole!

If you are new to 52 Flea then you might not be familiar with

 Paula's style of decorating...

...light and airy, inspired by nature and her beautiful gardens outside.

Touches of silver shimmer and sparkle in the morning sun

 and evening candlelight...

Paula trimmed this little tree with beautiful creamy ribbon

 that she hand stamped with birds and leaves.

She bought the ribbon in Carole's enchanting Christmas shop...

which has an outstanding selection of beautiful and unique ribbons

 along with so many decorative things and unique gifts!

 A tiny vintage stocking hangs, while a white bird perches

 on one of a pair of wonderful antique sconces.

Paula found the metal sconces along with this fabulous 3 tier "cake" side table at the recent closeout sale of her friend John's shop.

This is an antique wire hoop which Paula has transformed into the base for another charming Christmas tree.

Another of Evi's fantastical creations sits on the wicker hamper.

This is one of two wire skirt hoops that Paula bought

 from Ginny at Waterside Antiques.

 I think these wire circles are stunning pieces of graphic art

 when displayed on the wall like this.

 An original Nicole Sayre doll is displayed in front of this one.

A glittered crown from Carole's shop at Maynard Greenhouse sits atop this candle stand next to one of  Evi's magical Santas.

When I climbed into this cozy and welcoming bed last night

 with this darling Lori Ann Corelis bunny...

the fairy lights were twinkling on the Christmas tree

 set up in the corner of the room.

I slept soundly...

...while visions of sugar-plums danced in my head.

:)

Check back tomorrow as 

I have lots more to share including Carole's Christmas shop at Maynard Greenhouse, Deanna's shop Gather in Ivoryton,

 Taken for Granite in Stony Creek and

Dina Varano, Frock, The Red Pepper and C & G...all in Chester.

Whew!

  What a fun day Christmas shopping!

Hope you are having a great weekend too!