Four weeks til Christmas!

It's hard to believe that Christmas has rolled around already for 2010.. My mother and I always have a rather subdued day, last year we spent an early morning having breakfast at the beach before lounging around the house with antipasto platters, cocktails and a few decent movies to enjoy (Gone with the Wind included). It was wonderful!

This year I'm a little uncertain of plans.. it's possible I'll be traveling so I've invested in a few little tokens to make sure that Mum & I can have a special day together, even if we're apart.

First, we have matching tea cups from T2.. there're an affordable $18AUD and are made of a thicker porcelain which I find easier to travel with when needed.

Next, we have a recipe for the most delightful scones to bake and eat on the day.. even though mine are gluten free! (Will post recipe soon..)

Thirdly, we have a set of Villeroy and Boch vintage Christmas bells with delicate little roses around the rim. We each have one special bell on our tree!

I've got a small collection of these bells, found mostly in antique stores and very occasionally at a good quality garage sale. They are also readily available to buy online if you're running behind on decorating!

'Merry Christmas hand embellished glass ornaments'

$8USD by AMAZONART on Etsy

Whilst it's not always easy to spend time away from family at these sentimental times of year, it's a lot easier when you have a few sentimental items to remind you of home.. as well as for those at home to be reminded of you!

Photo inspiration; Rita Hayworth with Cigarette 1947

Rita with her Cigarette, 1947

Australian buys; Prints @ Domayne

I was flipping through a Domayne catalogue recently and was surprised to find some wonderful decorator items on sale.. I love the prints especially. Although most prints in my possession are picked up from garage sales or antique stores, here are a few of my favourites from 'off the shelf' at Domayne.

Spring Unfolding Print
$299 AUD

Life needs more green lights
$599AUD

Keep calm and carry on - blue
$300AUD

Keep calm and carry on -red
$300AUD

Paris journal 1
$199AUD

Where there is love
$119AUD

x

Vintage buying; Springtime dinner sets

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;

John Howard Payne

I'll soon by moving interstate and, along with all the other preparations, I have started looking at lovely second-hand dinner set to make my new house feel much more like a home. 

Whilst I'll most likely find something in a local antique store, (can you really trust overseas postage to keep porcelain intact?), here are a few I've found and drooled over on one of my favourite sites, Etsy... (pictures are linked to original source)

Springtime dinner set; $199USD

Tea cup set; $15USD

Matching dinner plates; $17USD from same seller

Czech royal blue tea set; $16.50USD

April flowers 5 piece set; $195USD

Chinese floral 10 piece set; $175USD

Have a wonderful Thursday..

x

Photo inspiration; Greta Garbo 1928

Greta Garbo in 'A Woman of Affairs' 1928

Pick of the pack; Ruffles from Etsy.com

It's now been one week since my birthday, and I wanted to share with you one of my more recent passions (and a sneaky present to myself), the fabulous ruffle collared dress.

I've most recently purchased this dreamy number, at an absolute bargain, for my birthday dinner and subsequent party. It's a beautiful silk / rayon blend and the original floral lace detail is in immaculate condition. It arrived in the mail from Texas just 3 days after posting (who knows how!) and is a perfect fit!

The Birthday-girl dress

The birthday girl in said dress, with charming boyfriend.

The ruffle collar can be incredibly flattering to a pear-shaped figure, which I happen to have, and conveniently covers the arms enough without leaving too much to the imagination or making one appear bulky.

I have one other handmade ruffle dress in my wardrobe, of a more modern design, and I have a feeling I might be buying more online through Etsy.. check these five wonders out;

Yellow Broderie Englaise ruffle dress, now sold

Pretty in pink lace ruffle sleeve dress
$20USD from florasvintagecloset

1970's floral ruffle maxi dress
$22USD by fancypantsvintage

White chiffon ribbon nautical dress
$42USD by fluffypinkbunnies

Navy & white polka dot dress
$31USD by vintagesensibilities

Orange peach swiss dot formal ruffle
$15USD by anotherseason

Until next time x

Photo inspiration; Three pretty ladies..

x Sianne