The older I get, the more likely I am to buck tradition. Tonight’s centerpiece is a good case in point. I’ve enjoyed pulling together meaningful gifts in an unusual arrangement. It’s fun and festive and probably not available from your local floral shop.
First up, this lovely snowman casserole dish. It was a gift from a dear friend. I’ve never had the heart to actually cook in it, but instead usually display it on an easel. Tonight it’s the foundation for the centerpiece and a reminder of our friendship.
Snowman Casserole Dish, A Gift from a Friend
Next, I’ve featured my son’s recent clay project. He used a ruler and a fine carving tool to meticulously carve each brick. Such detail! I like the overall shape of the piece and the sweeping curves of the design. I love his creativity.
Ceramic Clay Medieval Turret
The flowers are the last remaining blooms of a pretty bouquet, a gift from the man I love. We’ve been together for 18 years and he still brings me flowers, just because. How can you not be cheered by flowers?
Flowers in a Spice Jar
I emptied the last of the peppercorns so I could use the spice jar as a vase. It’s the perfect size for the turret. A quick dusting of craft-store snow to pull it all together and I’m set.
The centerpiece represents love and friendship as well as art, nature and a bit of whimsy. In my heart of hearts, I think that’s what traditions are all about.
Are you entertaining guests this holiday season? What makes it special for you?
Unique Centerpiece Displays:
- Fire and Ice (I love this idea!)
- Non-traditional colors (Purple anyone?)
- Vintage Roller Skates
Gardening Nirvana 
I used to save special things “for best” or display only but realised that I needed to enjoy using them. Your items are lovely and full of beautiful memories – things that money can’t buy 🙂 The turret is really unusual and when filled with flowers from you hubby they make a perfect display x
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Good for you, PJ. Life is too short not to enjoy what you have. We were so poor growing up after our dad died. We made do with very little (no car, no TV, sometimes very little food before payday). The plus side of that is you realize how little material things matter in the long run. I like pretty things as much as the next person, but I don’t need to own them in the way that some people do. It’s liberating. Wish I had realized that when I was young and felt like I was missing out, the hard part of being poor in a mostly wealthy community.
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I’m so glad to hear that schools are still offering some artful cirriculums. I can’t even imagine how he got the bricks so perfect, very detailed….and made with Love, that’s so sweet. I sighed at the fact that your hubby is bringing you flowers “just because”. Life is so much more complete when we can share it with someone we love. It’s a beautiful thing. Congratulations on 18 years together! I wish my brother Wayne could move on, him and Kelly (she’s a Kelly too) have been on and off for 20 years, we love her but we want to see him happy and enjoy life. Maybe some day he’ll find the one.
PS, the links were awesome, I loved the skates and pinned that for a re-visit. I also fancied the arrangement in the log, unusual to have hydrangea for Christmas, I loved it. I think it would look nice at Karens mountain home. Pinning that too.
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We’ve managed to hang on to art and music in our districts. It’s a good thing indeed.
I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s on and off again. That really wears a person down. I’ve had many friends who over-stayed a relationship, and I’ve done it myself, too. Then, when the right one comes along, you wonder why you ever accepted less.
I’m glad you enjoyed the links. Those ice skates were tops!
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Fantastic foresight on behalf of your school district, BRAVO. I’ve pinned those skates, that looks like a sight I can spend some time in, so cute. 🙂
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🙂
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Your son has inherited your creativity that’s for sure, and what a wonderful hubby you have, bringing you flowers, just because. I love it 🙂
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Eleenie, thank you for that. You are a gem.
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Hi, please congratulate your son on his turret talent! It is really lovely with the brick detail and the curve, I agree. Happy Christmas!
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Thank you so much for saying so. I will pass on your kind words.
Happy Christmas to you, too GH.
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