Sunday, December 23, 2012

All I Want for Christmas is… {Christmas 2012}

 

Yes, I am 44 years old, and I still write a list. Do you? Throughout the year, I give J small, subtle hints of items I adore and would like to receive as birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gifts. At the beginning of November, I put pen to paper just in case he does not remember the oh-so subtle hints.

Remember my earlier post of DOP Antiques. I fell in love with this secretary earlier this year and had the perfect place for it in the parlor. I wish, I wish!

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My wish list for Christmas this year included (but is certainly not limited to):

1. Antique secretary {DOP Antiques}

2. Crystal sconces {DOP Antiques}

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3. Small clam shell bowl by Alison Evan {Hazelnut}

4. Beatriz Ball serveware pieces from the Ocean or Forest collections{Adler’s}

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5. Decoupage plates of egrets/pelicans by Laurel Wilder {Hazelnut}

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6. Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Polo polos {Perlis}

7. Gift cards {AMEX, Visa, Perlis, Little Miss Muffin, Adler’s}

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8. Cire Trudon candles {Pied Nu}, Nest candles {Perch}

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I was so excited about a week or so ago when a large delivery truck pulled up in the front of a house, and someone rang the bell, asked for me, and announced the delivery. The truck was not marked with a business name, so I stared aimlessly trying to figure out what it was. I wondered why J had called to see if I would be home between 4:00-4:30 PM that afternoon. I was so elated when what would appear was the secretary I had as number ONE on my list. I could not move furniture fast enough and allow the deliverers to place it in its perfect spot. Remember? I knew exactly where it would go.

The secretary was positioned next to the sofa in the parlor. I could hardly wait to style it. (Sorry! I was so excited that I did not get a photo of the “before”.)

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I love how my BFF at Dixie Delights uses maps to back her secretaries, so I searched for a perfect old map of the City of New Orleans. I scored one at the Preservation Resource Center’s shoppe on Royal in the perfect size. The map is a reproduction of a 1878 drainage map of New Orleans and its surroundings by T.S. Hardee, Civil Engineer. The map is attached with glue dots to the secretary’s rear wall.

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Then, I quickly started styling it.

The top shelf contains a ceramic streetcar on vintage books and my fave framed photos of my precious nephews and one of J & I at our fave Old Edwards Inn, N. Highlands, N.C..

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The middle shelf  houses a piece of white coral on a stack of vintage books, a framed photo of Lucy, and a ceramic replica of St. Louis Cathedral on more vintage books.

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The bottom shelf features a shell frame holding a photo of my nephew Henri, a glittered deer with a fancy fur collar, and my favorite Muses shoe from Carnival season.

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The writing desk contains more stacked books, an antique lamp which belonged to Flossie (J’s favorite grandmother). The other one is on the top shelf. A couple trays, an antler-handled magnifying glass, a glittered moose, a framed family Christmas photo, and a book finish the vignette.

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I am so enthused how the secretary turned out. It adds yet another antique piece to my favorite room. This furniture piece will be fun to decorate seasonally by changing out a couple accessories. A small antique chair covered in New Orleans cafe toile with a small coral fabric pillow is placed in front of the secretary.

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If you wish it, sometimes it will come true. I am most happy with this present. Good job, J.

Check out my other presents in a future blog. Naughty or nice, I did well.

Make your list and check it twice, y’all!

22 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! I've been wishing for a good antique secretary for awhile now, too... Haven't yet found the perfect one... :)

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    1. And this one was a great price. I love it. Thanks:)

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  2. Ummmm...I'm guessing NAUGHTY! I LOVE it -what a great old piece and that is the perfect place for it. I guess J did pretty good this year, huh?
    Merry Christmas to you and J...I can't wait to see more- xo Diana

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  3. That is a gorgeous secretary! I am so glad J choose this wish to fulfill! Happy Day!
    hugs, Linda

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  4. I love it! What a gorgeous piece of furniture and you styled it so beautifully! I have to be subtle with my list because my husband likes to surprise me. I have to figure out clever ways to ask for things without actually asking for them! Have a Merry Christmas!
    Cheers! - Shelley

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  5. Come visit my new bookcase! I think you may like it! Your style is impeccable!

    xi

    Andie

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  6. Wow, you must have been really "nice" this year. J certainly did good with this present! Love the way you filled it and am looking forward to seeing the seasonal changes. My did has a secretary almost identical to yours. Sure hope it finds its way to Ashland Drive one day! ;)

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  7. Oh my! Is it too late for me to make a list? Love the secretary and the way you have staged it. Yes, you did find the perfect spot for it.
    I bought a secretary almost like yours in Savannah in 1970. When I took the pigeon hole rack out for cleaning we found a newspaper dating it back to the early 30s. May have been older, don't know.
    I passed it on to Hollie. She added mirror to the back of hers.
    I will send you a picture of it. It is not decorated as lovely as yours.
    Thanks for you visit. Merry Christmas to you and J. I hope the rest of the items on that list show up.
    xo Ginger

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  8. You must have been really good this year! The secretary is just beautiful!

    Merry Christmas.

    Judy

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  9. Wow! I am so jealous! I have the perfect spot for an antique secretary in my bedroom, what a great gift!

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  10. That is such a stunning piece-congrats on the hints working.
    Merry Christmas!

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  11. J did gooooood!! What a beautiful piece!
    Merry Christmas!!

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  12. Ron, You KNOW I love your secretary..I noticed it a few posts ago and thought it looks just like mine...well, mine that used to by my mom's. LOVE the way you styled it. I have to see if my shelves will come out to put a map, or fabric behind them. Great idea. I think I should have made a list this year. Hmmm, do you think it's too late?
    Wishing you and your family a sweet Southern Christmas.
    Hugs,
    Babs

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    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the map as a backdrop for your styling. Can't wait to see what else you'll get from your list. I want those wall sconces.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    Kathy

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  15. Ron, I am taking a few minutes to get caught up on my blogs; and saw this post. Wow!! J really came thru!! The secretary is gorgeous; and you have styled it beautifully! Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

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  16. I love it. Good job J!!! The map and styling looks wonderful.

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  17. Wow! You scored big for Christmas! That is a wonderful lasting gift.

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  18. Wow! You scored big with Santa! Love the secretary - they always add a note of sophistication to a room...I think.

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  19. Wow, I love that secretary Ron and I can see why it was #1 on your list! I won't say how old I am but I make lots of lists!!

    I'd love to have #5 on your list...maybe I can hint to hubby.

    I hope you and J have a fabulous Christmas. Thank you for being such a wonderful blog friend!

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  20. My Mother has this exact same secretary! I just saw this post and had to take a better look! Did you find the secret compartments in it? Love your blog!

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  21. My Mother has this exact same secretary! Just saw this post and had to get a better look. Did you find the secret compartments? Love your blog!

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