The Exent of my Halloween Decor

After admiring so many gorgeous, creative fall decorations in the blogs I follow, I have come to accept that my fall display  is what it is.  The pieces mean something to me, and while not on a grand scale, I like them.  Christmas however, will be a different story.  I already have tons of ideas of how I want certain things, my family treasures mixed in with (new to me) thrifted items to be be grouped and displayed. 

On top of the piano is my Carnival Glass Harvest Compote, a recently thrifted ghost tealight holder, a ceramic witch that I had as a child, the black cat metal candle holder that was my mom's when she was little, and a few pieces of orange and gold California Pottery.  The little IKEA spice jar on the right was my son's touch- it's filled with orange Cheez It crackers.  Take a last look at that lovely Carolina blue paint. My husband is a die hard Tarheel fan, and I never got around to changing it.  It is now "Divine White".  I've been busy painting for the last three days.

My mom's Independence Ironstone in the Old Orchard pattern creamer with Swedish Ivy and Boxwood topped with a seventies era scarecrow pick.

So that's it so far with the fall decor, except for a few pumpkins on the front porch on a mini haybale wrapped in grapevine.  It's been rainy and the whole porch is covered with soggy pecan leaves, so I'll spare you that lovely sight.

Four Hours of Thrifting

Today I spent four hours in pure happiness searching for treasures at two stores I don't visit often.  That may change.  I usually travel south instead of north for some reason, even though the two towns are both about 20 minutes from my house.  I'm glad I took my road less traveled.  It paid off.  Content is how I would describe how I felt today, having the alone time I rarely get. 

The first store was full of new "old stock" Christmas decorations from the late sixties and seventies.  Flocked reindeer, miniatures galore, floral picks with holly leaves and poinsettas.  Love them!  I'll have pictures posted later this week after I sort through everything.  They had tons of little picks too.  Cardinals, bumblebees, ladybugs, even peacocks.   Here is a sampling of the non-holiday craft supplies I brought home.

I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with all these nifty things, but I'll think of something.  I love the chenille googly eyed bees!

The second store had a Christmas section that would rival that "W" store.  Candles, tins, vintage tree skirts, vintage aprons, ornaments- and I found a red wicker sleigh that needs an overhaul.  Another project for another day.  The best part was the manager was bringing out stuff by the crate full, and said there was tons more in the back!  Sounds like a return trip (or two or three) to me.  Hopefully I'll be able to contain myself and not go back for at least a few days!