A Peek At The Enchanted Winter Nest 2012

So many of you have asked about my dear friend
 Paula's Enchanted Winter Nest...
...how did she decorate her charming farmhouse in Connecticut 
for Christmas this year?

You all know that I visited Paula and we made our rounds...
you've seen Carole's Christmas shop at Maynard Greenhouse...

Michele's shop...Taken For Granite...Deanna's shop...Gather 
and even, new to me this year...Robin's shop...BonVivant.

 But what about Paula's enchanting magical cottage this year? 

Well....

( doll by our friend Evi of Evi's Country Snippets)

I have hesitated to do this post as I am not the only one

 who has photographed her amazing home this season.

And some day...

you just might see those professional photos in a magazine.
:)

But...after chatting with Paula...

and in order not to disappoint you all...

we decided to share some photos focusing on the magical details that are the signature of Paula's styling.

While treasure hunting at Brimfield in September,

 Paula spied these very special antique skates.

The price was well beyond her budget but after some impressive
 and very creative haggling she was able to get the dealer to agree
 to accept a more reasonable figure and a cheeseburger!

 She was delighted to be able to bring them home with her

 and this is why it's so fun when we shop together!

Here, Paula has posed another of Evi's snow girls
 as part of a vignette on a large old basket in front of the window.

As the beautiful Christmas tree in her back room
 soars toward the ceiling...

...and a fantastic French bird cage from Deanna's shop Gather
dangles from the rafters...
...a lovely glittered paper bird flies between the two...

Please enjoy a peek and some close ups of the special details
 in Paula's Christmas displays...

Another wonderful snow girl
 created by our favorite doll maker Evi is perched
 on an old metal skirt hoop.

From an English bathhouse...
...now in Paula's downstairs bathroom.

One of Evi's wonderful Santas from past years.

The springs from an old seat hold a candle
 and a Christmas tree decorated with burlap birds.

The wire dress form on the wall

 was another discovery from Gather.
Paula worked her magic and now it holds bits of lace, Christmas
 stockings, vintage family photos and a tiny pair of mittens.

Every nook and cranny holds something to delight the eye.

Even her tiny upstairs bathroom holds a sweet Christmas tree.

An upstairs guest bedroom is decorated with more handmade dolls,

 whimsical touches, vintage ornaments and fresh greens. 

These shutters which once graced the outside of the house...
now act as a backdrop for this wonderful Christmas scene
 while providing a place for storage under the eaves.

I know we have shown you this wonderful angel
 created by Cathy Pendleton in the past.
She is truly special and worth a second look for sure!

In the dining room Paula's brown transferware
 is enhanced with a button star this season.

One of Evi's winter rabbits stands amid a string of jingle bells

 on the old white bench in the living room.

Hope you enjoyed this peek into Paula's wonderful world.
To see full shots of the rooms in this enchanting nest....

well...

...patience is a virtue!

I promise...it will be worth the wait!
:)
Hope that you are enjoying a meaningful and peaceful
 Christmas season.

Gather...Deanna's Eclectic Collections

When I visited Deanna's shop Gather in Ivoryton, CT

 before Thanksgiving...

...she was just beginning to put a few Christmasy things out.

Deanna believes in enjoying each and every moment...

...and since we hadn't even had a bite of turkey yet...

:)

Both Paula and I loved this small rustic corner table

 that was sitting outside the shop.

Inside...I was smitten with this old stamping set.

I know...I already have two or three or more of them.....

They are just so intriguing to me...authentic and useful!

Deanna has had an unexpected and unusual fascination with taxidermy of late.

This is Phil the Pheasant.

Love, love, love this romantic vanity!

Another old wood tool tote.

This one came home with me. :)

Deanna told us a hilarious story about the fabulous mannequin lounging on the davenport here.

Without going into too much detail...

...let's just say she surprised her commuting husband when he got off the train and jumped into his car.

 Ask her about it when you next stop by!

Aren't those two urns on the mantel wonderful?

Oh yes...that's Chuck, the Duck in the center.

Beautiful vintage furs...

Pretty vintage inspired decorations in a great old Dr. Pepper crate.

I just loved these old cards and viewer.

....the sepia tones and pink coloring...so romantic!

Don't forget the kid's corner.

This is just one of the reasons

 they all stop in to Gather after school!

No matter who is on your list...

...you are sure to find the perfect gift here.

And...you're sure to have fun finding it too!

Pretty colored glass mixed with vintage costume jewelry.

I always get a little weak in the knees when I see violets. 

Isn't this a pretty vintage dresser set? Love the green...

By now...

Deanna has whipped Gather into a Christmas fantasy land!

The charming town of Ivoryton

 has had its Illuminations celebration and it is beautiful.

Even Santa Claus has been making regular visits to Gather!

If you are in the area...

and want a dose of  good old fashioned Christmas ...

...you won't want to miss stopping by Gather

 and having a visit with Deanna and seeing all that she has to offer.

While I was there...I even had a delicious chocolate croissant.

Yum. :)

I hope that you are enjoying this Christmas season.

Although we are anticipating many wonderful get-togethers with friends and family in the next few weeks...we were saddened to have to come together to say goodbye to my dear Uncle Don on Saturday. At 89, he was my Dad's oldest brother and we spent lots of time together, especially summers at the lake.

 He was special and will be greatly missed.

Peace and love to you all...