IVOM: Seasonal shift

All the browns and oranges and gourds and pods that were starring in this space for the last month or two are back in their hiding places until next year. I decided to go for a completely different look this year for my holiday decor that I display on this pair of Chinese wine tables. I wanted something warm, elegant and glowing without glitter. So I brought together all the myriad gold-toned items that lurk in corners and china cupboards the rest of the year. The first image below gives you an overview. The following pictures look at the items in more detail going from left to right.

I've had this gold rimmed bowl longer than I can remember. I originally bought it because I thought it would go well with my grandmother's stemware that is similarly edged. Over the years I've made orange and lemon pomanders as gifts and to spice up my own closets. 

This heavy brass vase has a different design on each side and a wooden stand that raises its stature. The greens and Hellebore leaf are from the garden.

The black lacquer tray holds a brass box from WWI that was given to UK soldiers that first Christmas of the War. There's also a needle case, a puffy pillow-shaped box, a reproduction antique Egyptian mirror and a brass tea strainer filled with stars. On the right side is a piece of hand-painted jewelry with a gold-colored frame. It's meant to be worn as a brooch but I am always worried about losing it so it never leaves home. I think of all the items on this tray as toys for grown-ups.

Moving down the table is a gold plate that my sisters and I bought for our mom on her 50th wedding anniversary as it matched a vase that was one of her wedding gifts. On the plate are tiny accordion poetry books with gold-leaf covers. The pair of British brass candlesticks were one of the last things we bought when one of our favorite local antique stores closed. The picture frame holds two photos of Mark at an early childhood Christmas. At the far right are a Japanese tea container and a bowl with gold-wrapped candies.

Baby Mark celebrates in 1948!

To see what other gardeners have put in a vase or around their homes this holiday season, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this meme.

Comments

[Peter/Outlaw]

Again, I'm in awe of your style. You've definitely achieved "warm, elegant and glowing without glitter!" Love, love, love this!

[Cathy]

Thanks for sharing all your little treasures, Linda - I especially love the pomanders. I did buy big bag of cloves one year with the intention of doing something like this but didn't get roind to it... Do they keep for a number of years?

[Linda Brazill]

Thanks for the kind words. I did have fun going all through the house looking for shiny things to group together.

[Linda Brazill]

These pomanders are anywhere from 5-10 years old. I keep them in a closed darkish place when it's not winter so they retain their fragrance. But you can roll them in cinnamon and cloves to refresh them as well. It works best if you have a sharp tool like a nut pick to make the holes. Stuffing those cloves in is harder than it looks but a great thing to do while watching TV or listening to music.

[Kris P]

You have a masterful touch with these vignettes of collectible items, Linda. I imagine they inspire all sorts of interesting discussions with visitors. I admire the pomanders and can imagine (just about) how wonderful they smell!

[Susie]

A festive, sophisticated look for the holidays. Enjoyed seeing your many treasures and especially love that brass vase.

[Eliza Waters]

Your holiday decor is sophisticated and charming, Linda. So many interesting items to pore over. Adding Mark's photos is inspired!
I was astonished to see that I have the same gold-edged bowl, inherited from my m-in-law. It may have been her mother's before that. I've used it for anything from serving cranberry sauce to displaying potpourri.

[Amelia Grant]

Lovely collection of memories and goldtone objects - I have some similar inherited items. Your fingers always get really sore after making the clove pomanders!

[Linda Brazill]

You are so right about sore fingers. I don't think there is any way to avoid that happening when you make pomanders.

[Loree / danger garden]

Golden perfection, I just love your collection. That vase is quite fabulous and I love the simple contents that let the design itself shine.

[Noelle]

You've talked us through a very thoughtfully curated collection Linda...so pleased I persevered and found you...there appears to be a problem connecting from Cathy's blog this week. My son still has his pomander which we made together many years ago!! Thanks for reminding me.

[Barbara H.]

Linda, your beautiful display and loving explanation touched my heart. Thank you for sharing the beauty and the memories.