Flutterby Patch

New Year greetings to you all

New Year greetings fellow bloggers, wherever you may be. As I get so many lovely people around the world visiting my Flutterby Patch I wanted to post a picture representing different nations. I'm afraid this illustration from an old children's encyclopedia isn't at all appropriate as so many flags have changed in the last few decades.

 
My daughter remembered that we have a vintage card game that depicts national costumes of the world. Perhaps that would be more suitable. A trip into the attic unearthed a couple of boxes of children's games that hadn't seen the light of day for quite a while.

Husband and son made a beeline for one of their favourite jigsaw puzzles ...a map of mountain terrain.

Not my idea of fun but it kept them busy for hours.

Meanwhile my daughter and I had a great time reminiscing about the familiar vintage games we had found.

You might recognise some of these cards. They date from the 1950s, 60s and 70s .

Ah...success at last. 'Tops and Tails' the game depicting national costumes that we were looking for. An elderly lady gave it to us many years ago. It dates from the 1930s and I think its quite charming.

What can I wish you this New Year's Day?

Virtue to guide you on your way.
Happiness, comfort, sufficient wealth;

Constant affection and rosy health.

Happy New Year to you all

Carols and candlelight

Greetings one and all. I hope you enjoyed a very happy Christmas and dear old Santa brought lots of treats to fill your household with fun and laughter. Happily my son's pleasure in using his new camera has resulted in some festive pics for my blog.

Our final decorations went up on Christmas Eve to the sound of carols and the flicker of candlelight.

This year we cut a Christmas tree from the garden. It was completely overshadowing the rhododendrons so it had to come down and it was enormous. Unfortunately quite a bit had to be removed from the top and my daughter thinks the poor fairy looks as if she is perched in a crow's nest. I have to say it is one of the nicest trees I have ever trimmed. The branches are thick and strong and readily hold even the heaviest baubles.

And here, feeling very at home on the tree, is the gorgeous Santa sent from my blogging chum Suzanne at Blueberry Cottage in Massachusetts. Isn't he wonderful... I love him.

Reflected in the mirror over the mantle the tree looks quite small but I can assure you it isn't!! We are keeping it well watered in the hope that we get minimum needle drop.

The coloured lights were made for summer evenings in the garden but as the summer forgot to turn up this year they have put in an appearance for Christmas. Made by my daughter and myself several years ago they are simply jars that have been painted with glass paint and then decorated with gold swirls and stars etc. Tea lights sit nicely in the bottom.


I'm glad I cleaned the brass candlesticks ready for the dining table. 


Candlelight reflected in glass is just wonderful don't you think?

Twinkling Christmas trees always look nicest when its dark outside.

I bought these lights 25 years ago and every year I expect them to flicker and fail like other tree lights seem to, but they just keep on shining. (My thanks go to the German manufacturers).

Christmas is a time of excess and I like to group vintage items that will glow in the candlelight on the dining room mantle.

And in the alcove below sit the nativity figures that I made the year I was married (shepherds and kings stand either side) .


Another little collection! An old Bible and Georgian and Victorian coins that have seen two centuries of Christmas pockets and purses.


And last but not least. My dear son and daughter... I can't imagine Christmas without them.

Have a magical Christmas

The trees are trimmed

The Christmas tree lights are all working! 

Vintage decorations bring back happy memories of Christmases past.

Cards from near and far bring greetings from family and friends

The china children have their carts loaded with festive greenery

My little fairy (who is as old as me) is working her magic

'Tis sweet when Christmastime is here
To call to mind companions dear
There's gladness in remembrance.

Have a Very Happy Christmas