Gloria in Excelsis Deo

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men." (Luke 2: 8-14)

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

From all of us at White Cottage a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

The Big Night

Do I really have too much time on my hands?

Okay...I know, there are SO many other things I should be doing but I stumbled on this and it is too cute not to share. My 10 year old daughter found it just as amusing (hmm, what is that saying about my sense of humor?). Anyway, it's a fun little website that gives you a wacky, royal title. Check out mine!

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Her Most Serene Highness Lady Lisa the Sentient of Fritterton on the Marshes Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Now that's just plain cool...

I love finding new uses for great old classic pieces. These ideas are fantastic! I found these while perusing the HGTV website and knew I had to share them with you. So many times something will just "speak" to you but you don't know what to do with it? How about those wonderful vintage Christmas stands you see in every antique shop this time of year? Check out these ideas and photos. First is a cake, plant or anything you want to elevate stand. Simply cut a decorative wood curtain rod to fit the hole and attach a wood plate to the top!

Second is as a great candle holder, tapers, pillars, any will work depending on what size tree stand you find.

Third is to make it into a great lamp! Add a shade and another decorative curtain rod and voila!How fun is that? If you are not electrical savvy ask us and we can refer to our favorite lamp guy.

tis the season for shopping...and baking...and sledding...and wrapping...

Here it is the first week in December, the beginning of the gift buying frenzy. I actually thought we would be slowing down and was not looking forward to this. But our customers have been returning and returning and returning...and the beginning of the gift buying frenzy has not really even begun! We even had some drive up on Saturday, loaded their car with as much as they could, drove it home and had lunch, unloaded the car and drove back for more the very same day! Last Thursday I left the shop around 2:30 to do my Mom taxi duties, when I returned at 4:45 there were 2 ladies oohing and ahhing. I told Janet they both looked familiar. She said "That's because they were here when you left." Two hours and fifteen minutes! This just warms my heart! So it is with heartfelt thanks that I extend my appreciation to you.

Janet is winding down from a week of prepping for her space at the Cherry Valley Lodge Home for the Holidays event. This show is so wonderful and is packed with shoppers. If you haven't been to it plan on it for next year. You will not be disappointed. Janet almost always sells out no matter how much she takes. Too bad she can't pull up a semi packed with her treasures!

With all that's been flying out the front door we are bringing in just as much through the backdoor. Some recent finds are two nice vintage wicker chairs. Unless they have great vintage barkcloth cushions I almost always give them a makeover with a great new European pillow for a seat cushion. Also found a WONDERFUL 18th century urn with fantastic scrolly arms. I LOVE these things and would have them all over my house for everything! If my dogs were taller they would be eating out of them! Seriously, this one is stunning and would be fantastic in some stately garden, would make you're entry fabulous or imagine it with a Christmas tree! YUM!

And away we go!

Today is the day! All Halloween and Fall disappears and we start the transformation of the shop. We have so many wonderful items for you whether you are looking for spruce your home for the holidays or you need the perfect gift for someone special. We can't wait to share it with all of you...but for now...it's hush hush. It is Christmas secret time after all!

Countdown to Christmas

Well, nerves are starting to fray. I was at auction all day Friday trying to grab up a few more one of a kind pieces to add into our Christmas vignettes. (I found some really great things and soooo want to put them out now but I know they are pefect for Opening Night and I am fighting the temptation.) Anyway, about every 45 minutes or so one of the auctioneers would ask over the loud speaker "how many days is it until Christmas?" Urging on folks to buy their Christmas gifts right then and there I suppose. They are all answering with the correct number but in MY head I keep saying 14...14...14!!!! I am starting to feel like the rabbit in Alice Wonderland...`Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!'

Spent Friday night in the "dungeon" of the shop as we affectionately call it. Unpacking and pricing ornaments and such. I am realizing I need more and have scheduled a trip to market ths Friday. Next Friday, I start inventory and packup of the remaining Fall and Halloween. The paper goes on the windows Saturday and then we will start the orchaestration of flipping the shop into all it's wintry glory. They windows come first...there in lies the first problem...we are still trying to decide what we're doing...we've had all year to decide!! 14 days now!!!!

A New Venue

Well, Fall & Halloween is in full swing here at White Cottage...at least it is on the first floor. Tucked secretly away in the dungeon are Janet and I busily unpacking, assembling and pricing Christmas goodies. We're just like two little elves. "Mrs. Claus...we need more cookies and hot cocoa!" Each season it seems as though we have to start thinking about C-Mas earlier and earlier and I start to dread it. There is always SO much to do to flip the shop into the Winter Wonderland you all know and love. My "C-Mas To-Do" list(s) start forming in March and by the time October rolls around there are at least 15 of lists floating around in my car, the shop, my purses, at home and places unknown. That staff of 12 nevers seems to show up when I need them most! :-) But as I am opening and unwrapping every little puti house and glass glittered treasure my "dread thoughts" start turning to excitement and anticipation. I can't remember half the things I ordered so unwrapping each box is a surprise and I truly feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The store is going to look fabulous and I think you all will feel the same way I do. Mark your calendar for November 8th, 5PM!