Collecting Santa Face Mugs and Pitchers!

Here Comes Santa Claus!
I've posted this picture before...my newest set of Santa Face mugs.  I cannot resist them...they are so much fun.  This set of mugs if still in the box would sell for about $35.  I got these for $4.

Holt-Howard...
During the 1950s, Holt-Howard started designing Santa Claus coffee mugs and pitchers.  The company was started by John and Robert Howard and their friend, Grant Holt.  They were college students at the time and started their company with a $9,000 loan from their families.

At first they focused on Christmas items, then branched into kitchen items as well.  These mugs were so popular that they started creating coffee mugs for everyday use. They are now credited with pioneering the coffee mug as we know it today.

The mugs on the right are very small...only about two inches tall.  I found them in a box of six.  They are so cute!

Decorating with Mugs...
The picture on the left is from Country Sampler November 2004.  I was already collecting the Santa mugs when this article came out, but I decided that I was going to:
1. Buy this sink...
2. Decorate just like this.

You can't see it in this picture, but I eventually got that sink!  I'm probably the only person I know who would buy a sink just because it looks cute with Santa Mugs.  I love this Santa pitcher the most, because it has red and white stripes.

More Mugs...

The handles of these mugs spell "Noel."

These pug-nosed mugs are newer, made in Taiwan by the Price Company.

Santa Pitchers...

This pitcher and matching mugs are made by Wales.

The red cold paint is flaking off these.

Cold paint isn't fired on.

These two pitchers have the jolliest faces of all.

This page of ideas from Country Sampler shows how versatile these little guys can be. 

 I've hung them from garlands and around my front door.

I've made them into gifts for my neighbors and friends.

I'm planning to make a wreath this year...if I get around to it.

They're Merry...

They're Bright...

And they're inexpensive!

If you come across their cute little faces...take them home.

 I'm Thankful...
I wish to express how grateful I am to be a member of this blogging community.  I never realized what a diverse and fascinating world it is.  I have met so many new people through Zetta's Aprons...more than I ever expected.  My fellow bloggers are delightful women who paint such charming scenes of their lives and the parts of the country they call home.  Thank you for welcoming me to your neighborhood.  I'll return the cookie plate when I've washed it...

Bless you all...