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!

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

1. Antique secretary {DOP Antiques}

2. Crystal sconces {DOP Antiques}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”.)

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!