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Monday, December 9, 2013

Lake Bluff History Museum's Christmas Walk

On Saturday, December the 14th, the Lake Bluff History Museum will host a Christmas walk. This weekend, we decorated the historic Lansdowne Estate for the upcoming event.  It was enchanting to be in this lakefront estate, decorating for the holidays, as we watched the snow fall on the lake and surrounding grounds.


The classic pool house with changing rooms on either side
 


                              Lake Michigan is grey blue today and bouncing with rolling waves.





 
While the snow is falling, we are inside decking the halls with holiday spirit!
 
 
So in a few quick hours, the Romancing the Home Elves change  this
 
 
to this!



Platinum trees sit on the landing.
 
 


 
Velvet poinsettias, bronze ferns, pearl branches adorn the double sided staircase.
 
The Santos doll holds Ex Votos and French letters.
 
 
The sconces in the grand entry hall are adorned with velvet trumpet flowers, feathers and vintage garland. Angels stand below on small chests.



 
Angels are embellished with vintage velvet shawls, rhinestone belts, and crowns
made of old dress embellishments.  Millinery feathers are glued on the wings.
 


In the conservatory, we used a large garden stature as the focal point.  He holds a bouquet of iced magnolias and branches.   A fur thrown layers the day bed along with sequined pillows.
 



Iced and flocked cabbages continue the garden them in this room.
 

 
Embellished gift box and amaryllis on the ladies desk.

 
Simple flocked tree with more of the snowy cabbages.

 
The garden stature brought inside for the holidays.
 


The living room  is decorated in a Rustic Elegance theme- nests, pheasants, golden branches



Snowy magnolia wreath with a glittered peony wreath placed inside adorns the long mirror.
 






The mantle is filled with bronze ferns, iced roses, pheasants and a gorgeous green and gold faux bois ribbon.
 

 
 
Next, we head for the beautiful ladies powder room.
 
beautiful sconces are wrapped with beaded magnolias and glittered handmade birds.

 
Vintage silver plate baskets are filled with bouquets of old rhinestone pins and millinery findings.


 
A rhinestone pin is pinned on the old lace trimmed hand towel.




 
Simple and elegant!
 
Next, we head to the dining room.
 




The table is layered with Italian candelabra, wrapped boxes, vintage china and venetian glasses.
 



For the centerpiece, we layer velvet fruits, glittered fruits, glittered nests,  lace leaves and old pins
 to create a tapestry of color for the center of the table.



 
Boxes are covered in velvet and embellished with trims.

 
 
Gold rimmed antique plates with apple green centers  are placed over Anna Weatherley blue chargers. Vintage mother of pearl flatware is tucked under the chartreuse and turquoise silk napkin. The napkin rings are covered with a bronze vintage trim and old rhinestone.
 
 
 
 
As this property was used for the Infant Welfare Showcase home several years ago, the kitchen was completely remodeled and is a cook's delight.
 


We used fruit and vegetable  ornaments, velvet fruit and greens on the front island.
 
 



A lit garland is layered with velvet cabbages, iced pomegranates and pumpkin ornaments.



 
Bella Notte whisper linen tablecloth with red quilted velvet place mats along with red voile napkins
 
 
You can buy tickets to see this home at www.christmaslakebluff.com.
Visit Lansdowne along with 4 additional charming historic homes in Lake Bluff.

Friday, December 6, 2013

One of a Kind Christmas Gifts

Yesterday was our "One of a Kind"  Christmas show. Here are a couple of pictures of some of the creative work of our artists!  First - Suzi Fabulous!!  Suzi has been collecting old buttons, jewelry and trims for years.  She creates fun, whimsical, girly girl  little pieces of art!


She hand cuts cardboard and makes these adorable little village scenes on stands.


 
Old glass bottles - pre 1920- are turned into gorgeous works of art!


 
old tulle, glitter and vintage millinary compose these precious angels.

 
I adore these- ornaments made of old dress embellishments!
 
yes Suzi Fabulous is FABULOUS!
 You can see her every month at the Grayslake Antique Market, held the 2nd weekend of the month.


Next, up, my friend and co-worker, Laurell!  A true artist with the paint brush! 
 
She is transforming these old silver boxes into pastry boxes.

 Old hardware adorns the top.  Love this one in the old grey and gold tones.



Imagine having guests over for dinner.  After dinner you retire to the living room for coffee and dessert!  After your guests are seated , you bring in your "dessert" box and set it on the coffee table.
The small plates, napkins  and forks are in the bottom drawer.


You open it up and an arrangement of sweets is on a background of aged mirror!  Voila- dessert is served! I am in love with this idea!
Plus the elegant box looks wonderful just sitting on the kitchen counter.
 
And if you are not into dessert- these boxes are awesome on the coffee table hiding remotes, etc.
 
Anyone interested in these one of a kind boxes, just leave a comment or email me.
 
 
Now we are off to decorate an historic mansion on the lake in Lake Bluff. We have been creating lots of garlands, wreaths and Christmas décor to embellish this 1911 David Adler home for Christmas.
 
 
 Located on Lake Michigan, this home is a breathtaking sight as you drive down the long road and finally it comes into view!

The wonderful staircase- wonder how we will decorate it???

 
Original chandelier in the dining room- just glorious !
 
It will be open on Saturday December 14th for the Lake Bluff History museum's Christmas walk, along with several other charming historic homes. You can purchase tickets at
 
More details on this great event later!  I promise to share pictures as we decorate this beautiful home during the next few days.  Most of the Christmas  items in the home will be for sale!
 

 Rhinestone embellished Trees for the dining table. 
 
 
Snow covered florals, nests, and birds for the magnificent double staircase!
 
I love this time of year when so much creativity abounds!