And the stockings were hung...

When I was a little girl my mother made my brothers and me some amazing felt appliqué Christmas stockings from a kit. My brothers' stockings were in a toy soldier theme and mine was in an angel theme.  Sadly, a certain little girl loved her stocking so much that she was known to wear it around a sometimes wet basement.  Needless to say, Mom's handiwork, along with her mood, was ruined pretty quickly. But, it goes to show how much love and attention can go into this magical Christmas ritual and how important the memory of Christmases long ago can be.<br /><br />Here are 5 to buy and 5 DIY stockings to make your holiday special.<br /><br /><strong>5 Christmas Stockings to Buy</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.294517755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.294517755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Repurposed Burlap Holiday Christmas Stockings:</strong> Grain sacking has been very on trend these last few years and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85903936/christmas-stockings-industrial-holiday?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=christmas+stocking&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank">Habitation Boheme on Etsy</a> offers a lovely group of repurposed burlap coffee sack Christmas stockings that are one of a kind and sure to charm. Made from natural materials and topped off with a jingle bell. $45.00<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.292166962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.292166962.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><strong>Chamberry Cherry/Etsy Whimsical Christmas Stockings:</strong> Whimsical Elf stockings by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87534398/christmas-stockings-personalized?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Chamberry Cherry on Etsy </a>come in an assortment of colorful fabrics and are trimmed with beautiful finishing materials. The curl toe shape makes these stockings truly unique and they can be personalized. $65.00<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/T_WithZoom?$w400$&$src=FM139_main&$B1=bhb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/T_WithZoom?$w400$&$src=FM139_main&$B1=bhb" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Ballard Designs Personalized Stockings</strong>: Another colorful and whimsical offering is from <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/personalized-ballard-christmas-stockings/10274" target="_blank">Ballard Designs</a>. Colorful green and red over scale polka dot boots topped with a zippy animal print makes these boots cute enough for kids but still stylish enough for grownups. These stockings can be personalized and also come in pet-sized versions. $25.00<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201139/0101/img29b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201139/0101/img29b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Pottery Barn's Velvet Stocking:</strong> These <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/velvet-stockings/?pkey=cwhats-new" target="_blank">Red or Green Velvet stockings</a> come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The elegant velvet in classic green and red is luxurious while the variety of shapes keeps these from being too old-fashioned looking. Customize in a variety of fonts. $16.0<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JKYg6vcFxh8CkeUutxTJwG1PEmPna35Dwuk1nBTjeXd-07BtYEpu6g8Nmb9ZO1vcskpEAfCzp4IFMQ9L3pWZvqj4IATpjf0gJ8Fi40YqEYmH-hegmd37PUDzcX2CfxM9Ttr6IliUdh1I/s1600/horchow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JKYg6vcFxh8CkeUutxTJwG1PEmPna35Dwuk1nBTjeXd-07BtYEpu6g8Nmb9ZO1vcskpEAfCzp4IFMQ9L3pWZvqj4IATpjf0gJ8Fi40YqEYmH-hegmd37PUDzcX2CfxM9Ttr6IliUdh1I/s1600/horchow.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>Beaded Christmas Stockings:</strong> If glitz-and-glam is your holiday style, <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod84480114&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horchow.com%2Fproducts%2Fchristmas-stockings-and-tree-skirts.jsp" target="_blank">Horchow</a> offers a selection of gorgeous beaded and sequined stockings by designer Janice Minor in a variety of elegant cream and green toned fabrics. The beads are applied in a variety of patterns, one more beautiful than the last. $110.00<br /><br /><strong>5 DIY Christmas Stocking Ideas</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2001Q4/ka99011_hol01_stockings_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2001Q4/ka99011_hol01_stockings_l.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong>Martha Stewart's Nutcracker Stockings:</strong> The classic Nutcracker Ballet is an enduring Christmas theme and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/271796/nutcracker-stockings?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/workshop-christmas-stock" target="_blank">these felted stocking patterns</a> are sure to inspire the budding ballerina. Patterns for soldier boots, ballet shoes and even a toy drum are included. Customize the colors to your interiors or keep them more traditional to the story. It's a good thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2005Q4/1205_kids_stockings_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2005Q4/1205_kids_stockings_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><strong>Martha Stewarts Keepsake Stockings:</strong> No one does holiday crafting quite like Martha Stewart and these adorable <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274512/handmade-christmas-stockings/@center/307034/christmas-workshop#/202607" target="_blank">Keepsake Stockings</a> are charming and quaint as you could want. Simple felt stockings are embellished each year with felt cutouts of a favorite memory or hobby for that year. By the end of childhood, these stockings will tell the story of your child's childhood in a very special way. Just keep them out of reach in the off-season!<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=chameleoninte-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=160140445X&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Leisure Arts' Crocheted Christmas Stockings:</strong> Gather together your favorite extra yarns and the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crocheted-Christmas-Stockings-Leisure-Arts/dp/160140445X" target="_blank">Crocheted Christmas Stockings</a> will show you how to make customized stockings in a variety of themes and sizes. A variety of crochet techniques can be employed for these adorable stockings that would make wonderful presents.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/399411" title="Crazy Christmas Stockings! by bora on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img /></a> <br /><br /><strong>Crazy Christmas Stockings:</strong> Printed on a variety of ground fabrics, these <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/399411" target="_blank">Crazy Christmas Stockings featured on Spoonflower</a> make for a fast and easy DIY project. Simply cut out the printed pieces and sew together per the attached instructions. This would make an excellent group project for scouting groups or senior centers as the stockings could be sewed by hand or even glued.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/boston/IMG_0926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/boston/IMG_0926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Modern DIY Christmas Stockings:</strong> Found on <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/look/diy-christmas-stockings-072110" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a>, these shaggy Christmas Stockings were inspired by ones found in a magazine. The surprise is the material used to make the stockings. They are nothing other than basic shaggy bathroom floor mats, cut up and hand stitched together. These couldn't be any cuter or easier.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

And the stockings were hung...

When I was a little girl my mother made my brothers and me some amazing felt appliqué Christmas stockings from a kit. My brothers' stoc...

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Sandwich House Tour: Decorating an antique

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://partners.static.cityvoter.com/GetImage.ashx?img=00/00/00/57/09/42/570942-410813.jpg&w=400&pad=%23FFFFFF&cb=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://partners.static.cityvoter.com/GetImage.ashx?img=00/00/00/57/09/42/570942-410813.jpg&w=400&pad=%23FFFFFF&cb=0" /> </a></div><br />House tour can now by checked off the list! I worked with the owner of a local B&B to add some special drama to his existing decorations. This is an 1830's era Georgian style home that has been a private home, a doctor's office and now a B&B. Interesting tidbit: a woman came to the tour today who is 91 years old and was born in the house when it was the doctor's office! She remembered coming with her mother as a little girl. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Note: Click on the images for larger views]</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497238455_d65bf3125f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497238455_d65bf3125f_b.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br />When I first visited the house, I noticed this beautiful hall tree and immediately knew how I wanted to style it. You can't be on Cape Cod and not do a little nod to the ocean and hydrangeas we are so known for!  I'd like to thank<a href="http://www.greenvalleychristmastrees.com/product-p/ffg25nd.htm" target="_blank"> Green Valley Christmas Trees</a> for providing the fraser fir garland. It smelled so good! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6497244005_4e5bc30698_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6497244005_4e5bc30698_b.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was so in love with the green ribbon with the silk roses on it that even tho it cost a fortune, I just had to buy it! Of course, I love that these types of ribbons can be used over and over again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497261107_51ccdb6f72_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497261107_51ccdb6f72_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found the glittery word decorations: Peace - Hope - Joy - Noel  in a local store and strung them together and hung on top of the mirror. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6497274413_71207b4dd3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6497274413_71207b4dd3_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main parlor is blue and red, so was thrilled with the floral arrangement provided by <a href="http://www.eastsandwichflowerandgift.com/Home_Page.html" target="_blank">East Sandwich Flowers</a>. They do the most beautiful arrangements and were kind to provide this gorgeous arrangement for my space. Filled with thistle (my new favorite flower!), deep red roses and hydrangea - great minds were thinking alike!  I'd also like to thank <a href="http://www.balsamhill.com/Autumn-Harvest-Artificial-Christmas-Wreath-p/aut-w.htm?1=1&CartID=0" target="_blank">Balsam Hill</a> for providing the beautiful artificial wreath that I hung over the sofa. It's so life like, isn't it?  There are times when faux foliage is necessary - such as when hanging on expensive wallpaper. Evergreen sap is not fun to remove if it should bleed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497279887_d8b6296cd1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497279887_d8b6296cd1_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6497286029_e70064b4e9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6497286029_e70064b4e9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6497300325_7a958a77e3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6497300325_7a958a77e3_b.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the mantle in one of the suite bedrooms. I made the wacky boots several years ago for another showhouse, so it was fun to be able to re-use them here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497306201_c75d874934_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6497306201_c75d874934_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6497318753_0b30d5d504_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6497318753_0b30d5d504_b.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's another fanciful boot that I made.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6497311925_c657889c0f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6497311925_c657889c0f_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Just a little detail. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6497318753_0b30d5d504_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6497323655_d31873c877_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6497323655_d31873c877_b.jpg" width="587" /></a></div>I like adding a few swags of live evergreens around to add some nice pine scent to the air. Often, we use artificial trees in these houses - but the real stuff is much needed as well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6497329889_5b576047af_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6497329889_5b576047af_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6497340433_f0cafddde6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6497340433_f0cafddde6_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Here is a little 4' tree I set up in a small sitting area. The tree skirt is just a swath of gold silk I have in inventory. I hand wrapped all the silver ball ornament groupings with green organdy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6497346233_41c307c985_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6497346233_41c307c985_b.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd like to thank my friend Rob for the loan of the star - which I manage to borrow every year for one thing or another. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6497365995_a83292d345_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6497365995_a83292d345_b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />And here is the tree in the upstairs front window. The artwork in the area is all about birds, so I took that cue and every ornament on the tree is a bird. Some are in nests, some look like they are about to take off. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6497356285_43ee65c82b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6497356285_43ee65c82b_b.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6497361481_3391688099_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6497361481_3391688099_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>And here is a closeup of the tree topper - the glittery love birds lording it over their less ornamental compatriots!<br /><br />The housetour had a record attendance - they even ran out of the tour books.  <br /><br />I'd like to thank several of my blog readers who made the trip to the show. It was so nice to meet you all! <br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Sandwich House Tour: Decorating an antique

  House tour can now by checked off the list! I worked with the owner of a local B&B to add some special drama to his existing decorat...

Read more »

Flights of fancy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDSyqDMpeQXJZ_IhAXSLnAOxYLRXPdcglIorpq36DdaM8C-kkZhjKReVeRrHWjfuTyPiT49xK9zn_D3ia1Gc5vwsgCvx8mEPuT2HdsiaP7Ux0ZLocHg3wpwAp6hwUWLl2SFj3Q6Wr65If/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+birds+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDSyqDMpeQXJZ_IhAXSLnAOxYLRXPdcglIorpq36DdaM8C-kkZhjKReVeRrHWjfuTyPiT49xK9zn_D3ia1Gc5vwsgCvx8mEPuT2HdsiaP7Ux0ZLocHg3wpwAp6hwUWLl2SFj3Q6Wr65If/s640/Merrill+Xmas+birds+nest.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />When I did my cover photoshoot with <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Michael J. Lee</a> for the <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/nov_dec_2011" target="_blank">Holiday Style issue</a> of my magazine, Michael took some additional detail shots of the decorated dining room. One one my favorite things was this birdsnest centerpiece that I created using live plan material and a gorgeous Oiva Toikka hand blown glass bird that I borrowed from the <a href="http://www.3riverstreetstudio.com/oiva-toikka.html" target="_blank">River Street Studio</a> in Sandwich, MA.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds5vWTbWA4aPUeOnIxwixk6UxUYsT_683b2WUYrxVbXDOHzALtQMidDmFG5_wUkvViocAKCpjObaGHcYQa2NOCPyZvPoVQ4biPcm0iaRYL1g5F9H8OdxwV8fcHYcGLmmYqUvon0U7XRrl/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+table+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgds5vWTbWA4aPUeOnIxwixk6UxUYsT_683b2WUYrxVbXDOHzALtQMidDmFG5_wUkvViocAKCpjObaGHcYQa2NOCPyZvPoVQ4biPcm0iaRYL1g5F9H8OdxwV8fcHYcGLmmYqUvon0U7XRrl/s640/Merrill+Xmas+table+detail.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>I made the nest using a wire cake stand to give it height and included these gorgeous purple/blue ruffly thistles, red berries and a green/red striped stalks (I forget the name) and another plant (with another forgotten name) that looks a lot like soft pine. I wired these elements to the stand and then added some straw and gold painted mini-pine cones. The beautiful glass bird was such a statement! I love the combination of rough and precious, high vs. low. I also made a display of clove spiked oranges on a bed of evergreens (an old concept that's been around since the middle ages at least). What a beautiful aroma that carried throughout the house! The bird theme was carried to the napkin rings which I made with mini-grape vine wreaths and tiny glittery birds.  I also added some of the birds nest material to the candle bases on the chandelier, just for fun. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvpq3O0JpOkhrpD38Rbd2xxmiDdJNT-uHS-o2UFCqihnPChdIsRocjrWu6t953PB2zdW0qgF7xGzvkHp9IZEm9NA9LvqrN3s0UDq2zzGMqeqBjfDoPA1WQ5AEKydXiiLgULZXOvGG4Jam/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+DR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvpq3O0JpOkhrpD38Rbd2xxmiDdJNT-uHS-o2UFCqihnPChdIsRocjrWu6t953PB2zdW0qgF7xGzvkHp9IZEm9NA9LvqrN3s0UDq2zzGMqeqBjfDoPA1WQ5AEKydXiiLgULZXOvGG4Jam/s640/Merrill+Xmas+DR.jpg" width="494" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Boston Globe ran a <a href="http://bostonglobe.com/arts/2011/12/08/holiday-decorating-that-comes-naturally/WkCDBmWFeTFHKtpV6D1foM/story.html" target="_blank">story yesterday</a> on creating centerpieces using natural materials. Originally, the above photos were going to be run in the story, along with an interview on how I made use of natural materials in a formal setting. Unfortunately, most of my part of the piece, including the photos, were cut at the last minute. Sad. But, what are you going to do? Nice to have a blog to post my own stories to!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvpq3O0JpOkhrpD38Rbd2xxmiDdJNT-uHS-o2UFCqihnPChdIsRocjrWu6t953PB2zdW0qgF7xGzvkHp9IZEm9NA9LvqrN3s0UDq2zzGMqeqBjfDoPA1WQ5AEKydXiiLgULZXOvGG4Jam/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+DR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41zIJ0T6cgwNIbFOHOSzVxRWu-B8TFC1CNq0cj2AqC-agzaaeX0GDaN4DxJxo-RaMQkExBEZ_iwm2QD-jP8qJqlofJg_m-uvT_BoXkwbOo3wzJEzVq-Le51X9OxMuUfyPrfyQ2ZB10SV1/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+sideboard+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41zIJ0T6cgwNIbFOHOSzVxRWu-B8TFC1CNq0cj2AqC-agzaaeX0GDaN4DxJxo-RaMQkExBEZ_iwm2QD-jP8qJqlofJg_m-uvT_BoXkwbOo3wzJEzVq-Le51X9OxMuUfyPrfyQ2ZB10SV1/s640/Merrill+Xmas+sideboard+detail.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>Here's the final shot of the day. Notice on the bottom left the tiny silver pot with the evergreen. I love that little detail! You can also see them on the wide shot of the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ6vGcvyRCJCxErfzdc5LSa-P4HtQcQdUXXYUeS4XbFa35pez5jXsX8rk1UAx_fmA2lYvvOou1uqdvWW0FiNnFBu-YW-rkq9jCEOQzDdH-x-HHIrZnZa9hWgOn43fiZKcBoaMgDATizj8/s1600/DSCN5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ6vGcvyRCJCxErfzdc5LSa-P4HtQcQdUXXYUeS4XbFa35pez5jXsX8rk1UAx_fmA2lYvvOou1uqdvWW0FiNnFBu-YW-rkq9jCEOQzDdH-x-HHIrZnZa9hWgOn43fiZKcBoaMgDATizj8/s640/DSCN5508.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The silver pots are cordial cups that I found in the back of my mother's buffet cabinet (apparently a gift for my parents 25th wedding anniversary from my brothers and I. (I have no memory of this, but I was a still a teenager at that point.) I found the little spiky evergreen trees in the back yard - no idea what they are, but spiky doesn't begin to cover how sharp those quills are! I filled the pots with sand and added water, topped with moss and a mini gold pine cone. Cute, no? And nearly a month later they look just as good!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvpq3O0JpOkhrpD38Rbd2xxmiDdJNT-uHS-o2UFCqihnPChdIsRocjrWu6t953PB2zdW0qgF7xGzvkHp9IZEm9NA9LvqrN3s0UDq2zzGMqeqBjfDoPA1WQ5AEKydXiiLgULZXOvGG4Jam/s1600/Merrill+Xmas+DR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDDR85FjVhDH3QfewL4V0_UHLS2H-pQbNkHxhudOJ9yhl4s2JIrPqOgOg2q41SQrBcHEq8km0Le-yRf7jazSrlPGFKdS76r5l-Y9Bgtva428FO8hBi6Zs0vl9vjreOT-0AcbJ1OogqOyq/s1600/Home+Tour+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDDR85FjVhDH3QfewL4V0_UHLS2H-pQbNkHxhudOJ9yhl4s2JIrPqOgOg2q41SQrBcHEq8km0Le-yRf7jazSrlPGFKdS76r5l-Y9Bgtva428FO8hBi6Zs0vl9vjreOT-0AcbJ1OogqOyq/s400/Home+Tour+book+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This Sunday! Tickets are an extremely reasonable $15 ahead of time, $20 at the door. For 14 homes! </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sandwichhollydays.com/Home_tours.htm" target="_blank">Click here to order. </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Flights of fancy

When I did my cover photoshoot with Michael J. Lee for the Holiday Style issue of my magazine, Michael took some additional detail shots o...

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