I remember smelling a Christmas incense with a wonderful rich, musky, pine character from my early years. I grew up in the PNW, so I was familiar with the scents of Douglas Firs, Cedars, and other evergreens, but the scent of this incense smelled somehow more authentic, mysterious…. more traditional.
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of visiting the Lake Placid Lodge in The Adirondack Mountains for a friend’s birthday party. Travelling in that area, I encountered many cotton covered cushions filled with chips of Balsam wood. Smelling these cushions, I was finally able to label this olfactory curiosity and fondness.
A month or so ago, I received a mail from the Vermont Country Store offering Balsam wood garlands and wreaths, and thought… “hmmmm….wouldn’t that be a perfect base for my frosty forest decor?”, it seemed sort of silly though, living in the PNW, ordering greens from the other side of the country. But then, a few days later, they offered “free shipping”. About a week later, Arabella and I were busy unpacking these boxes of 9 foot garlands made of perky Balsam fir from Maine.
I loved opening each and every box, pulling away the plastic and smelling that rush of fresh Balsam.
Armed with a hammer, small nails and paddle wire, I decked the halls with these unusual {for me}, fragrant frocks….
and then I decked a few windows.
From the garlands I dangled paper pine cones and snowflakes made of twigs.
I also draped them across fireplace mantles,
topping them with a few fabulously frosty features from some fantasy forests along the way.
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A final section fit perfectly down the center of the dining room table, a perfect core for more greens and holly.
More frosty finds went on the table, followed with a scattering of Italian Chestnuts and white polished stones.
I just checked, and it turns out the Vermont Country Store carries the incense as well, a thought for future years…
Lovely – fresh and festive!! Love the touch of silvery sparkle!!
So pretty…First time here. Fresh greens are the best.
These are gorgeous! How perfect are they for the season! They look great with the sparkles too!
Barbara
PS: Stop by sometime
Emily, Thanks for stopping by the blog today. In answer to your question, no the shop is not all reproductions. It is a mix of antiques, vintage items and reproductions. We'll be adding new items to the shop every week.
It all looks beautiful! I have those same glitter birds and love them. Merry Christmas, Emily
Just beautiful…and Arabella looks like such regal helper!
xo J~