It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

LUCKY HILL is twinkling with little white lights and garland adorns the banister and armoire.  While I'd like to say the little elves came in one night and did all the work, unless the elves were named Dan and Kristin that wasn't the case.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE decorating for Christmas.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas.  I love the holiday so much Dan and I had a December wedding.

The interior was decorated just prior to Thanksgiving.  I've always been a stickler about not decorating for Christmas too early....it's always so disturbing to hear Christmas carols playing in shops before the kiddies have even been around for Halloween.  We have a rule in our shop....no carols until at least the day after Thanksgiving.

For the last few days, I've been wiring greens into garlands, swags, and onto the wreath frame for the front door.  This year they will be adorned with pomegranates, apples, petite pine cones, pods, dried hydrangea blossoms, berries, and cranberries.  Two small Christmas trees with white lights now grace the antique urns that flank the front door.

Last night after everything was in place outside, I helped our dear friend Michele carry packages out to her car.  As we stood chatting and laughing, it started to snow.  Truly....life doesn't get more perfect than that!!!

Here's a glimpse at what's in store for the holiday at LUCKY HILL

Maileg mice are nestled in their matchboxes for a long winter's nap while the juniper, clove, and clementine aroma of Paddywax's Charles Dickens candle wafts through the shop.

It wouldn't be Christmas at LUCKY HILL without a GurglePot or two....who would have thought they would be hanging on the tree?  GurglePot has created ornaments in Bright Red, Cobalt, and Kiwi to keep you smiling.

Maileg pixies frolic on the top of one of the garden half rounds......

and mice and a pig on the other

Sydney Hale Co. candles celebrate the season amid foraged berries and remind us that the holiday is about giving back as they donate 10% of their profits to animal shelters.

I grew up with advent calendars, but nothing as magnificent as this one from Maileg.

A rainbow of GurglePots are flanked by Oh, Little Rabbit organic cotton flour sack Christmas tea towels.  I especially love the one of the vintage Woodie with the Christmas tree on top.

The armoire is filled with bamboo nighties and PJs from Yala in silhouettes and colors perfect for Christmas Eve.   

Gift baskets laden with Big Paw olive oil and Mary Judge Designs dipping dishes are ready for holiday giving.

Our first holiday window with boxwood outside and glass icicles suspended from the famous white birch branch.

And finally.....my little elf who puts up with a lot of holiday decorating nonsense from me.  Doesn't his look say it all?

To the Rescue!

In my search for new product lines, I'm always on the lookout for young start-ups and/or companies that give back to good causes and charitable organizations.  This week we brought in leashes from Resq/Co.  The "Resq" is actually pronounced "rescue" which leads (no pun intended) to the fact they really do rescue animals.

One leash equals one donation which equals one life saved.  Ten percent of every purchase goes to animal shelters and animal rescue facilities.  The company donates to a different shelter every month and asked me to let them know of any animal shelters that are in need of help.  Hint:  Seriously, let me know of any animal shelters that might benefit and I'm more than happy to pass the info on to Resq/Co.

But back to the leashes....they come in two diameters, 3/8" for the smaller pooches, 1/2" for the big guys, and the length varies from 4 to 4 1/2 feet as a result of being handmade (in the USA).  The three strand premium grade line features a five tuck hand spliced handle with secured ends. Each leash is outfitted with a solid brass swivel clip that will withstand the elements and evade corrosion, a hand-stamped leather tag, and a solid brass key ring for holding waste bags, tags, keys.  We currently have stock in the natural and navy colors. 

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Finn (and his Mom, Lyn) for posing as our poochi model (get it...poochi instead of Gucci...what do you expect?  I was a fashion designer for 25 years).  He's a very handsome boy, I'm sure you'll all agree!