The Finishing Touch

The finishing touches on Christmas

On the dining room sideboard

Are a pair of International Silver Company's lead glass sleighs

One was a Christmas gift from friend Shirley Ann

She has a pair as well.

She bought one, had a "do" and borrowed mine

And then we both realized that we both needed a pair!

She bought another from the store where she got the first two .  . .

My second one was a garage sale find for $1!

They're great to hold nuts and mints when you entertain,

The green and red Hershey kisses look good in them as well

They're also perfect for a bouquet of flowers for a luncheon centerpiece.

But this year . . .

I put some antique left over Christmas bulbs in them.

The ornaments can be dumped if we need them for nuts or mints!

* * * * * * *

From 2003 to 2010, our Christmas tree was artifical

A big 9 foot tree (and we have 8 foot six ceilings -- but the top foot or so is usually a stick that sticks straight up!)

But it did reach the ceiling

Christmas Tree 2010

 Which means that we didn't need or use a topper!

But last year and this year, we got a real tree

A shorter real tree

Which is tall but doesn't come anywhere near the ceiling.

But alas, we didn't have any kind of tree topper.

I prefer vintage rather than new -- I like the patina of age.

And alas, there was nothing vintage in our little town

So I turned to ebay.

I found an angel, made a bid

And surprisingly was the winner!

She came today . . .

She's German, dates from the 60's, her gown is real velvet, her wings are of gold, and she's got gems in her crown and a real wax face.

She looks perfect on top of the tree

Overlooking all the Christmas festivities.

Now that the tree is complete,

The glass sleighs are on the sideboard and filled with ornaments . . .

It's time to get back to Christmas baking . . .

Tomorrow is pain des epices and peppernuts

It's Tuesday and I'm joining Marty at a Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday.