Celebrating Christmas Ornaments

They sparkle, they shine--they light up the tree and the eyes of all who look upon them: therein lies the beauty of Christmas ornaments. Across these pages in richly detailed photographs are a merrily glistening array of some of the most creative, clever, and exquisite ornaments ever produced. A lively introduction explains the tradition of decorating trees, and gives the history of ornaments from the first commercially marketed ones (made possible by a new glass-blowing process) to the silver balls and garlands produced by newly arrived immigrants to the United States to modern designs fashioned out of Styrofoam and satin. The authors also look at some homemade treasures, including designs on paper and food-based decorations such as cookies, pretzels, and marzipan.

A story that explains the meaning behind the decorations used around the house at Christmas time.

Highclere Castle, known as 'the real Downton Abbey' bustles with activity at the best of times, but it is never more alive than at Christmas. Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make the castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyond. Learn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere's Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year's Eve celebrations. This book also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and, always, the joy of bringing family - and staff - together after a busy year. As well as telling the stories of Highclere Christmases past and present, Lady Carnarvon provides recipes, tips and inspiration from her kitchen so that readers can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to their own home. Lady Carnarvon divulges the secret to perfectly flakey mince pies, the proper way to wrap presents so that you and your guests are guaranteed a Christmas to remember. Lavish, celebratory and utterly enchanting, Christmas at Highclere is celebration of one of the UK's most beloved historic houses and is the perfect gift for any Downton Abbey fan.

Contains twenty-five legends surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

Old World Christmas proudly presents CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT LEGENDS. This hard-bound, full-color book features eighty pages of stories, traditions, & folklore from the Old World. The charming origin of an enchanting variety of treasured mouth-blown glass ornaments is portrayed in this insightful publication. Readers will enjoy learning about the legends behind the ornaments. The book is beautifully decorated with dazzling ornaments & wonderful color plates of traditional Christmas renderings. A special introduction about how & where mouth-blown glass ornaments were first made is included. Also featured is the fascinating story of how the authors, Tim & Beth Merck, traveled to the Old World & gathered these legends to bring home to American families everywhere. Destined to compliment existing Christmas traditions, this superbly illustrated book is currently available by ordering from Old World Christmas directly at 1-800-962-7669 or by mail at P.O. Box 8000, Spokane, WA 99203. The book wholesales for $7.75 & is sold in minimum quantities of 6 for $46.50. Acceptable methods of payment include Visa, MasterCard, personal check, money order, or cashiers check. Customers may also apply for open credit.

A Very Vintage Christmas embodies the nostalgia and sentimentality associated with the holiday season. Vintage ornaments, lights, decorations, cards and wrapping all conjure up happy memories of Christmases past and serve as tangible mementos of holidays shared with family and friends. In fact, finding these objects, decorating with them and sharing them with others brings an instant feeling of comfort and joy. Coupled with beautiful photographs, tips on collecting, and secret shopping haunts, A Very Vintage Christmas offers a 360-degree look at holiday décor in America and gives suggestions on how to make vintage finds work for today’s audience. While each chapter of A Very Vintage Christmas is unique, there is a common thread that runs through them all: the love of beautiful holiday decorations, and the interest in their history, value, and preservation. The book helps the everyday collector and enthusiast to build their own collection and offers tips on how to make the most of what they’ve got.

It wouldn't be Christmas without the "things." How they came to mean so much, and to play such a prominent role in America's central holiday, is the tale told in this delightful and edifying book. In a style characteristically engaging and erudite, Karal Ann Marling, one of our most trenchant observers of American culture, describes the outsize spectacle that Christmas has become.

The editors of "Country Living" present more than 300 enchanting ideas for celebrating the Christmas season, including fabulous tree-toppers and exceptional ornaments.