Isn't the beginning of the holiday season exciting! Catalogs arriving to mark a beginning Decorating, shopping, menu planning all seem to beckon at once. The 50's and 60's were such a time of unique holiday magic, so much so, that today you find all sorts of the "classics" reproduced. Unfortunately, for the true aficionado, the manufactured impostors of today steal a bit of the magic and surprisingly, reach costs that can quickly exceed the balance of your Christmas Club account.
June and I were looking at some of what is available today and were so shocked at the prices. We have to wonder if our lady friends out there know how to get their little while gloves on the "real" bits of seasonal magic.
For example, we saw these in our new Garnet Hill Catalog:
These bell ornaments are described: "Ring in the holiday season with antique-looking bell ornaments in jewel-like shades of teal, fuchsia and lime, backed by silvered glass. Complete with hooks and packed in a vintage-inspired box. By Bethany Lowe. Set of six. Imported". $48
$48 for 6? Oh my. "Imported" we presume is code for "Made in China". Let's see if we can't do a little better, shall we?
These little darlings were found on ETSY. (Etsy now has "vintage" vendors as well as handmade - real vintage - not "inspired", the joy) This set of 12 authentic ornaments is available for $36 isn't that a better holiday value and much, much more fun.
Another example from Garnet Hill for a beaded tree trim garland:
Retro Beaded Garland: Festive strands of glass beads lend a traditional twist to this holiday garland. Each strand is six feet long and has attached hooks on each end. Arrives in an old-fashioned box. By Bethany Lowe. Imported. $29.00
Lets see if we can find an authentic one that might also arrive in an "old-fashioned box" . . .
This one is lovely, a bit longer and costs just a bit more, listed on Etsy for $32.95.
Here is another, quite similar to the impostor for $17.95 also on Etsy
Also try looking on Ebay for some wonderful and creative (less expensive) ways to trim your tree. Don't forget, if you purchase a "lot" and some items don't fit with your own decor consider using those to top off a gift wrap or give as a hostess gift for your next invited tea.
Isn't decorating for the holidays outside of that "big box" just wonderful.
Happy Holiday Home-Making!
Betty
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