Chinoiserie Room Charleston

I was one of those children that started dreaming about Christmas after Halloween. I drew up my plans for that year’s Christmas decor and gift wrapping theme, started the shopping the day after Thanksgiving as a tradition —there were no Black Fridays back then—and started playing Christmas music endlessly. I began with the “jolly” songs and as we approached the 25th, the beautiful hymns.

After that I begain bargaining with my parents when I could put up the tree. Then of course came the anniual cookie decorating. The list of the traditions was endless and made the season magical. For over 60 years I have continued those rituals. But now I struggle to find that magic. I suppose book tours, the constant noise that is the internet, the media , world news, and perhaps age have numbed me to the magic of Christmas. I am behind, a bit sad and frenzied. I hope that has not happened to you.

I searched for photos of passed Christmases that inspired me. I have resolved to recyle and reuse what I have -no new ideas for this season. So while I am not assuming the rest of the world is as late as I am, here are a few pictures that might serve as an aid to those of you who are feeling the pressure.

Ideas of Christmas past in NYC, Weatherstone, Aspen and Charleston

 

Christmas in NYC

Christmas in NYC

Christmas in NYC

Christmas in NYC

 

Christmas in Weatherstone

Christmas in Weatherstone

Christmas in Weatherstone

Christmas in Weatherstone

Christmas in Weatherstone

 

Christmas in Charleston

Christmas in Charleston Christmas in Charleston Christmas in Charleston Christmas in Charleston Christmas in Charleston

Christmas in Aspen

Christmas in Aspen Christmas in Aspen Christmas in Aspen Christmas in Aspen

Carolyne’s Santa List for Last-Minute Shopping

I also know how tough it can be to find gifts during the holiday rush and at the 11th hour.

I am so lucky to have so many talented friends. Here are a few new ideas from some of my designing and writing friends. I have written  descriptions of everything you will see below to give a bit of history but if I type all I have written it will take me another 3 hours and I will never  get this post off and the number of typos and mistakes will drive everyone crazy. Just know these are old friends and some new ones all very talented.  I  know their work and thus their product.  BTW they have not solicited me for this  in fact they do not know I have put them on this list yet. I just believe in them and what they create.  If you want information send me a comment.  There many other friends who create  but their work is custom and requiers time to make so one day I shall do a post about them!

Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge

Hutton Wilkinson

$47

Available at Amazon

French Country Cottage

$29

Available at Amazon

Carolyne Roehm: Design & Style: A Constant Thread

$47

Available at Amazon

 

Cece Cord & Travels with Tiger

Available at Taigan

The Barfield Collection

Type some

Available at Barfield Collection

 

Maya DuBrul Jewelry

Available at Maya DuBrul Jewelry

 

IBU

Available at IBU Movement

 

Cattle Baron Necklace

Available on Instagram @cattlebaronincashmere

 

Wisteria Collection

Available at Wisteria

 

Happy Holidays! i hope this might help some last minute decorating and shopping

 

Santas helpers Carolyne & Monkey

( p.s please forgive typos – I neither type and cannot spell!)