German-Style Christmas Family Room
Our time in Germany has been on my mind a lot since I wrote my son Geoff's Birthday Story about his birth in Bremerhaven. Story is found here: Made in Germany! Not too long after I wrote this post, I went to a high school fundraiser yard sale and found the most amazing thing!
Large Nativity Pyramid.
I couldn't believe my good fortune when I saw this huge Nativity Pyramid. The lady who owned it said I could have it for $25. I was floored...did she not know the value of a genuine Erzgebirge Pyramid? Needless to say, I very guiltily and giddily handed over the money and we skedaddled off like crooks after a bank heist. George was seriously doubting the authenticity of the piece, so I went online to my favorite source Nutcracker Company.
Close up of Nativity figures.
The loft doors open to reveal angel musicians.
I learned that the piece is 22 inches in height, is no longer produced and sure to be a family heirloom for years to come. Nutcracker Company was selling it for...$499. This is marked down from $899. When I read that I felt even more like I stole it...but not guilty enough to send an anonymous check. This is when I decided it was time to display all my German keepsakes.
Pyramid in sofa table display.
I made the Advent wreath a couple of years ago.
The hedgehog dolls were made by the mother of Julie Campbell of A Vintage Chic.
Cuter than Steiff by far!!
March of the Mantel Nutcrackers.
Most are German...but which?
Faux Dresden Snowman I made a few weeks ago.
I've hung the others from garlands...not shown.
Tree Corner and Shelves filled with German Items I've Collected.
I still have a bunch of dolls, Christmas plates and other items I didn't put out.
Little house holds a tiny German village.
Found quirky hedgehog last week at an antique mall.
Shadow box holds my few remaining German ornaments from 1980.
Smoker Shelf
Close-up of little tree.
The straw angels were from a Swedish shop at Epcot.
Wooden German Engel/Angel
I found a dozen wooden German angels in a bag at Savers. I think I paid $2 for the bag. When I got home I looked them up on a Nutcracker web site to see if they were still being made. I found them listed for $40 each! Another luckiest of lucky finds!
Pinned it...and did it!
The pin from Sugar Spice & Southern Life.
I have a board for things I have made or been inspired by on Pinterest.
My quicky version.
I had everything to stick in the yellow bowl...temporarily until the season ends.
I have finished decorating the family room, kitchen, and front entry.
I can't put the tree up in the living room until after Thanksgiving, but I will be glad to have a breather!
Can't wait to see what you all create this year!
Giant Pyramid at Dusseldorf Christmas Fair
12 comments:
Girl, you did good!!
I love all of your decorations, that "smoking section" is adorable! Your decorated bowl is so lovely, now I want to make one!
Happy Holidays!
Dorothy and Ms.Wilma
Love, love all your sweet decorations for Christmas! So special and wonderful!! Wishing you a lovely week! xo Heather
Gorgeous! I love the find and don't feel guilty, they probably laughed that some lady would pay that much for something they were going to send to Goodwill if it didn't sell. Ps - do you read German?
Adorable Shirley! It's so much fun to decorate, I'm glad you're getting a head start!
Love your vintage copy of the pin it and did it!!!
You are getting me into the Christmas season and feeling that I need to get some decorating up.
warmly,
deb
I will now be keeping my eyes open for German made goods...I hate to say it but I probably wouldn't have bought that for $25 or if I did I would have talked them down lol. You did really well. The question is do you keep or sell?
I'm 50 percent German. Congratulations on an amazing find.
Oh how lovely! What a great find. I love German Christmas items. I have a few from Austria when my Dad traveled there for business in the 1970's. Can't wait to see more of your beautiful decorating. What great memories you have! Maggie
Shirley, what a bargain! I love your sweet German themed decor. Our youngest son went on a mission to Austria. We toured a week before his release in Germany and then toured Austria and Prague after we picked him up. I saw so many things like these. You have done a fantastic job of displaying them. I use to have a nice nutcracker collection. I let my youngest son have them. I do have one gardener that I bought in Germany when we were there. I have started my candy decor in the basement. I did a bowl similar to that last year. This year I did a little twist. I found a vintage red and white canister set. one of them says cookies. I created a little vignette in it.
hugs,
Jann
Shirley,
Every thing looks just great!! Wonderful treasures that you found!!Don't think of it as a steal but of rescuing a wonderful item and giving it a loving home where it will be displayed and treasured. Have you had snow yet?? It has turned off really cold here. Lows in the teens and highs in the 30s. It is suppose to get back into the 50s next week. Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Lynn
These are all lovely! I love Christmas time, and I love your photos. I also love your Christmas themed background!
SCORE! Well, you beat me with my $2.00 Aluminum Christmas Tree, and Tammy with her FREE Santa Face! lol
I agree with the others! You were meant to find and rescue it because you'll love and enjoy it for years and years. That's what matters!
Erica :)
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