Sunday, December 20, 2015

A Christmas Tree of Saccharine Fantasies

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


For those of us who relish the decorating of our Christmas trees with keenest anticipation, there is something rather magical about unwrapping fragile ornaments which have been in hiding for the better part of a year, or longer as is often the case in my household.  The element of surprise always surfaces upon finding these cherished objects buried in layers of tissue paper that one had entirely forgotten were even owned.  The process of reacquainting oneself with these bewitching baubles is all part of the childlike spirit of the season.  It never fails but to delight and amuse me.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


Over the many years I have collected vintage glass ornaments, I don't think I have ever decorated the tree the same way twice.  I began collecting whatever I could find in terms of color and shape, as long as the patina of age was evident upon their dulled surfaces. Finding these ornaments became somewhat of a minor sport which, I'll admit, is as sporty as I'll ever get.  I soon honed my attentions on collecting the futuristic geometrical shapes so popular in the early decades of the twentieth century, along with naturalistic pine cone, nut, berry, and fruit forms.

Chronica Domus
Bacchus would surely approve of this little beauty
Photo: Chronica Domus


Chronica Domus
Hmmm... not quite sure what to make of this one since Ms. Kardashian infamously attempted to break the internet
Photo: Chronica Domus


Chronica Domus
Ah, that's better ... an enchanting spun cotton sugar plum encrusted with crushed glass
Photo: Chronica Domus


Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


The colors chosen to decorate our tree each year depend upon the room in which it will reside.  When our drawing room walls were painted pale green, an evergreen tree was often dressed in shades of turquoise blue and silver.  It suited the room and its decoration whereas a more traditional color scheme did not.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


This year, our diminutive ivory goose feather tree is set against the dark walls of our dining room.  A zesty palette of coppery orange, raspberry, silver, gold, and pale pink seemed most appropriate. Whimsical visions of saccharine sherbets and magical sugar plums materialized before my eyes as I carefully wired more and more of the fragile ornaments to the feathery boughs. Tchaikovsky's "Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy" filled my head making me want to leap about like a clumsy over-grown ballerina. Not a sight to behold I can assure you.

Stepping back to admire the finished tree, I was utterly enchanted at the outcome.  My daughter declared it "the prettiest tree we've ever had".  Of course, I love to tease her a little and remind her that she says the same thing each and every year.

The drum-shaped base of the feather tree reminded me of those old-fashioned stripey cardboard drums one finds for sale at Fortnums, filled with champagne truffles, my favorites. With that in mind, I set about gussying up the plain base with bands of vintage silvery grey silk ribbon and another of raspberry grosgrain.  I think it looks rather splendid and befitting of a sugary tree which might not seem so out of place in the Land of The Sweets.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


You will have noticed there are no presents beneath it, but I urge you to look again.  You might just spy them second time around.  Secreted away in beguiling little cardboard confectionery containers in the form of silver walnuts and orange foil wrapped snowballs, are diminutive gifts.  Made in Western Germany when it existed, the walnut and snowball containers conceal sweet treats for family and friends to enjoy over the duration of the holidays.

Chronica Domus
Photo: Chronica Domus


I think my daughter might just be right. This may indeed be the prettiest tree we have ever decorated.

36 comments:

  1. We have enough ornaments at our house to decorate three trees although we only do one, so each year the tree (a fresh cut frasir fir from the farm) looks different. Of all our ornaments, my most treasured are the ones my mother used to decorate the family tree with from the 1950s. They are so delicate, the glass so fragile, that I've put them away now that my six-year old grandson likes to come over to decorate the tree for me. Some day I'll get them out again. I love your vintage ornaments as they remind me of my mother's.

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    1. Hello slf,

      The fragility of the vintage ornaments we both enjoy so much is definitely an issue around small children and animals. Not only that, I have noticed however careful one is with storage, inevitably one or two of these beauties are smashed to pieces annually which is why I shall never end my hunt for them.

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  2. It is an absolutely gorgeous tree filled with so many memories of past Christmases, the ornaments are enchanting and magical!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    The Reason for the Season!

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    1. Hello Karena Albert,

      Thank you so much for your very kind comment. I am so pleased you are as enchanted by our little tree as we are.

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  3. Hello CD, Your vignette is, as always, a visual treat. The pastel ornaments complement the white tree, and the various gilt surfaces relate through their well-cared-for age. I especially like the foil orange and walnut boxes--the best gifts do, after all, come in small packages.

    You perfectly describe the archaeological excitement of going through put-away and half-forgotten items; the feeling matches that of discovering and acquiring the objects in the first place.
    --Jim

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    1. Hello Jim,

      Thank you for your lovely comment, and yes, those sweet little candy containers are a visual feast aren't they (and how lucky that they hold sweet treats too).

      I never thought of rummaging about for half-forgotten items as an archaeological pursuit but you are right. One of my earliest memories was the thought that I would like to grow up and become an archaeologist. Perhaps this is the closest I'll ever get.

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  4. beautiful collection! Love the Kardashian reference too -haha.

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    1. Hello AD,

      So pleased you caught onto that one.

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    2. Me too! So good! I have a question....where on earth did you find an ivory goose-feather tree?

      YIKES!!!! So small and civilized!

      ps my husband grew up on the corner of Vallejo and Buchanan. It is still there (at least the last time we visited!) What a lovely city!
      Merry Christmas!

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    3. Hello Penelope,

      I wrote about why and where I acquired my goose feather tree last December here:

      http://chronicadomus.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/the-golden-glow-of-christmas.html

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    4. Thank you so much! They are still in business for a limited time; and I have sent a request for one your size for next year!

      My fingers are crossed! So chic!!!!!

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    5. Do please let me know if you are successful as I thought the husband and wife couple that made them had retired.

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  5. Your tree is beautiful. I feel so special to have seen you "in the hunt," as it were. Something I hope we repeat in 2016! And, my mother always said, "It's the prettiest tree we've ever had." Sure sign of a lifetime optimist, I think:). Wonderful habit.

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    1. Hello Lisa, and thank you.

      Yes, a few of those ornaments I unearthed "in the hunt" went up on this year's tree. Hoping you bring me as much good fortune on our next trip to Alameda early next year.

      I do hope I have a lifetime optimist on my hands. That would be the best gift in the world.

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    2. I hope this isn't bragging....but my daughter tells me (among others) as I say....."that is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen"!

      ("You always say that!" ) "Lifetime optimist" is a great description!

      It sure leads to a happy life! I am still saying it all the time!!!

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    3. The world can always do with a lot more optimists.

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  6. Utterly charming! Well done indeed.
    Happy Christmas.

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    1. Thank you, Anon., and a Happy Christmas to you too!

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  7. Splendid CD! Always hard to make our colour shades online but yours looks to be a flat slate-grey and indeed perfect for the 'zesty palette' you chose.

    I'll bet Miss Octavia Pole would be quite earnest, if studiously composed, in her approval.

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    1. Thank you, GSL. That "flat slate grey" you describe is jokingly referred to as "wet cement" by my dear husband, which I think is quite fitting.

      I do hope Miss Pole approves, but knowing her as I do, all that color and all those ornaments may send her into a bit of a tizzy.

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  8. Enchanting and charming in colour, object and whimsy. Just the thing for a fantastical vignette with such an ethereal tree.

    I so love the faded old teals and pinks and pearly silvers of our small trove, with the little flecks of time and happy-occasion handling. What a treat to look in on such elegance and charm of yours, amidst the packages and bags and pile of stocking-stuffers we've acquired for the kiddos. Caro and I will sort it all out tomorrow and fill the Santa-bags, for we know not when the four near-bys might drop in. We have finger-puppets and crackers and spinning-tops tiny kaleidoscopes and googly-eyes and wee playing cards the size of a postage stamps for after-dinner amusement---we clear away everything, then have an hour or so at this huge glass table with the gew-gaws before we go up to open Christmas Eve presents.

    Are you night-before or Christmas Morning? We have both, saving most of our "of the house" presents for the morning, as we laze over coffee and coffee-cake.

    I wish you lovely days of leisure to spend with your Dearies and friends in that lovely home you've created.

    r

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    1. Hello racheld,

      Your tree with its trove of faded ornaments sounds utterly charming. I do hope you photograph it for your blog.

      The goodies you've amassed for stocking stuffing sound delightful and the recipients will be provided hours of fun no doubt.

      We are firmly in the Christmas morning camp, with the exception of a small gift to be opened by our daughter on Christmas eve. She so looks forward to that.

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  9. Well I knew I'd have Christmas tree envy; do permit me. It's quite charming and delightful, and always encouraging when this task is completed so prettily - and obviously much to you and your family's enjoyment, which is really the whole point, n'est pas?

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    1. Hello columnist,

      Such a nice thing to say about my little feather tree, thank you. Oh, and yes, I agree entirely about the enjoyment factor such seasonal decorations bring to the family.

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  10. CD,
    What a delightful tree. I love the story of your collection of glass ornaments and you've found some true treasures.
    Have a wonderful Christmas, I always enjoy your posts.
    xo,
    Karen

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    1. Hello Karen,

      I certainly feel fortunate to have found so many of these beguiling beauties, and I know storage will soon become an issue, but I can't help myself.

      So pleased to learn the blog provides you with so much enjoyment. As the gentle author, my greatest pleasure is derived from the wonderful commenters that join in on the dialog.

      Have a lovely Christmas with your family Karen.

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  11. That is indeed a beautiful tree, CD. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hopefully, in the new year, I'll be motivated to join the blogosphere again!

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    1. Thank you Lindaraxa. It has been unsettlingly quiet without your prescence so do hurry back.

      In the meantime, I wish you a very merry Christmas my friend.

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  12. Absolutely love your traditions and also agree about the vintage ornaments. I think the process of holding every one of them is more dear to me than the whole idea of actual decorating. :) Wishing you happy holidays, merry christmas and all the very best for 2016! x

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    1. Hello Natalia,

      Somehow I have amassed so many of these vintage ornaments that I could decorate several little trees. My daughter too has started a small collection which she uses to decorate her own little tree.

      I too wish you and your family a joyous Christmas.

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  13. As we all know by now, Christmas is a season where permissible excess often totters on the brink of vulgarity. Frankly, all those tarted up houses are beginning to wear me down. Staircases festooned with green garlands, pine cones stuck into every nook and cranny, Neapolitan creches strewn across sideboards...it all begins to pall. Your chic feathered tree was a breath of fresh air.

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    1. Hello Mr. Worthington,

      I think this is the most sugary tarted up feather tree I have ever decorated but the colorway felt just right this year. I'm pleased as punch that you've declared it chic, thank you.

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  14. Wow - that tree is just so beautiful CD. I don't think your daughter was over exaggerating at all! I love all the beautiful glass ornaments and did find your (peach?) ornament quite amusing too. I also love the German traditional ornaments to hide things in - I'd not seen them before. The egg versions at Easter are easily able to be obtained here, but the Christmas ones not so much. They'd make the perfect receptacle for the chocolate coins that my children are left under the tree. Merry Christmas and hope you're enjoying a wonderful family celebration xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Heidi. Yes, that delicate silvery peach has taken on an entirely new persona so it may just have to go into retirement for a while.

      I've seen those charming little German Easter containers too (a friend has rather a nice collection)so pleased to read that they are available in your part of the world (children of all ages are delighted by them).

      Enjoy your Christmas festivities with your family too, Merry Christmas!

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  15. How delightful - there is lovely vintage feel to your tree - so elegant - my vintage baubles became so brittle they disintegrated - I find they are hard to replace - modern decorations just don't have the same appeal do they. Thank you so much for your visits to my blog. May I take this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas.

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    1. Hello elaine, and thank you.

      How sad that your vintage ornaments have given into the ravages of time. Although mine too are fragile, I've only managed to break them through my own carelessness and not because they've crumbled away. The fading paint, however, is another story and I adore that particular look.

      Thank you for always feeding my countryside gene with your lovely post images. I wish you and your family a joyous Christmas.

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