Ruby Read Winter 2014

Ruby vintage begins here

Winter 2014

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Feature

CONTENTS

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LARA SPENCER Style Profile Co-Anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America

Features

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LESLIE NEWSOM RASCOE My Favorite Finds Milieu Fine Arts and Decoration Editor

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ALEXA HAMPTON Designer Spotlight Leading Interior Designer Mark Hampton, LLC

Departments

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MARCIA’S MUST HAVES The List

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PULL UP A CHAIR The Holiday Dining Table

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THE ESSENTIALS The Thanksgiving Tablescape

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STOCKING STUFFERS All That Glitters

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BLOGGER STYLE Holiday Wish Lists

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EDITOR PICKS Cathy Whitlock, Editor of Ruby Lane

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DESIGN LESSON Decorating the Mantel & Centerpiece

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HISTORY LESSON Christmas China

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto/AZemdega

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Shopping List

Thomas Johnson Publisher and Founder

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THE VINTAGE TREE Holiday Collectibles

Cathy Whitlock Editor-in-Chief cathy@rubylane.com

Marcia Sherrill

SHOP OWNER SPOTLIGHT Puckering’s

Creative Director

Jeff Shotwell

Imagine It! Media, Inc Art Director

Art Escobedo

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MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT Glam Cocktail Party Finds FINIS Hostess Gifts

Imagine It! Media, Inc Graphic Design/Layout

Palmer Pekarek

Advertising Sales palmer@rubylane.com

Elizabeth Betts Hickman Candace Ord Manroe Courtney Sconza Contributing Writers

Ruby Lane is the premier online community of over 2,500 individually-owned shops from around the world offering antiques & art, vintage collectibles and jewelry. © Ruby Lane 2014 | © Ruby Read 2014 Copyright Notice All written content and photo images are the property of Ruby Lane unless otherwise noted and credited. Kindly do not copy or reuse in print form unless you have written consent.

Marcia’s Must Haves

The

LIST

Ruby Read Brand Advisor and Creative Director, Marcia Sherrill, is both a fashion and interior designer.

A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, she sells her accessories and home furnishings lines worldwide. Marcia shares with us her absolute Must Haves from the shops of Ruby Lane.

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Christmas Santa Claus Postcard Finally a way to really send out Christmas cards that evoke a romantic holiday feeling. This example of a vintage card is but one of hundreds available on Ruby Lane that are actually worth cherishing.

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Victorian Painted Porcelain Christmas Ornament Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to add this to their Christmas ornament collection?

The hand-painted flowers have such a modern 1960’s verve.

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Four Polish Vintage Glass Ornaments

Christopher Radko (some of his goodies are on Ruby Lane) famously knocked over his family Christmas Tree laden with Polish glass ornaments and built an empire on our love of nostalgia. These precious vintage ornaments and many more like them can bedeck a vintage-inspired tree for a stunning cool look.

Vintage German Dancing Couple Christmas Ornament

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These early 20th Century tree ornament figures are showstopping and a conversation piece. These figures on a tree are inspired by an earlier romanticism. The couple “dance” when hung, evoking a romantic interlude.

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The Night Before Christmas Book

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Who of us does not remember with great fondness our parents’ late Christmas Eve reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas and the excitement it provoked? As some ambitious and daring parents actually strode across roofs to mimic the patter of reindeer hooves, we all had this nighttime serenade. Here is a Kurt Adler ornament that will bring smiles to young and old alike.

Reed & Barton Twelve Days Bell

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It’s the perfect year to commence collecting silver Reed and Barton Christmas decorations. Used either on a mantel or hung on the tree, these collectible silver treasures each tell a unique story. This bell topped with a French Hen is inspired by the carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

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Pickard Raphael “The Alba Madonna” Numbered Christmas Plate

This season, tuck away all the regular china and opt for charming hand-painted Christmas plates. Created by Pickard, the pattern is taken from the painting by Raphael.

The Alba Madonna is a treasure and a conversation piece.

We have many lovely choices of holiday china on Ruby Lane that will be both festive and an homage to the season.

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Figurine of Jesus for Catholic Christian Devotion

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What a way to deck the halls with this figure of Jesus the Infant of Prague. Made of heavy chalkware or plaster, it is a fitting and unique addition to holiday decorating and harkens back to an older time.

Irish Damask Tablecloth Napkin Set

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Nothing is quite complete when setting the holiday table than fine linens, and what could be better or more interesting than these Irish Damask Napkins and a tablecloth still in the original box? Use them or wrap them up as a gift to someone with style.

French Creche/Santon Doll

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Throw out all your new Christmas decorations and start collecting the rare and the unusual. Here on Ruby Lane we have such unusual choices like this French Creche figure that could start your collection of Santon Dolls.

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My Favorite Finds

LESLIE NEWSOM RASCOE

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Milieu Fine Arts and Decoration Editor

By Cathy Whitlock

Leslie helped launch Veranda Magazine in 1987 with Veranda’s founder, Lisa Newsom. For 25 years she held various editorial positions including Fine Arts and Decoration Editor. Starting this fall, she assumed the role of Interiors Editor for Milieu, a beautiful new home and garden magazine.

Leslie splits her magazine time designing products for Wisteria, a home and decor catalog owned by her family, and being Mom to three children.

We are thrilled she took the time to share a few things on her Christmas wish list, noting, “With the holidays on the horizon I was delighted to peruse Ruby Lane to create the ultimate dream Christmas. Inspired by the treasure trove of objects from around the world, I envisioned a snowcapped, Bohemian hunting lodge deep in the Alps, complete with paneled library, stone fireplace, roaring fire, Christmas tree and a 12 foot refectory table, set to a “T” for Christmas Eve. Join me in my alpine Christmas fantasy courtesy of Ruby Lane.”

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For the Home:

18th C. French Verdure or Garden Tapestry Every room needs a “stunner” and this gorgeous French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry certainly fits the bill. Early French Verdures were known for their overall foliate patterns, but later examples, such as this one from circa 1760, were more sophisticated, incorporating landscapes, animals and architecture. Our alpine dream Christmas could be built around this exquisite textile, making any humble space fit for a king.

Olive Parker Black Antique Painting In the cold days of winter, it refreshing to have a glimmer of the season to come, as illustrated in this ethereal painting entitled “Spring Landscape” by Olive Parker Black (AMERICAN, 1868-1948). Born in Massachusetts, Black was a member of the Art Students League in New York with Hugh Bolton Jones and the National Academy of Design with William Merritt Chase.

While clearly a work of realism, this exceptional painting is infused with a dreamlike tonality, closely related to the Barbizon school.

Turkoman Yomud Engsi Rug Sophisticated spaces should incorporate a touch of the exotic, such as this dynamic Engsi Turkish area rug. The beautiful coloration and geometric design provides the perfect backdrop when hung behind an antique chest or relegated to another place of honor, in front of the fire.

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For the Table: Antique Large Bronze Animalier Pheasants Sculpture Rebelling against Classicism, the Animaliers were a group of 19th century French sculptors who preferred a more realistic depiction of nature. Signed by Auguste Lechesne (1811- 1888) and marked with a foundry stamp, this group of bronze pheasants is both naturalistic and refined, an essential part of any hunting tablescape.

Vintage Portuguse Aires C. Leal Leaf Serving Plate For my Christmas table, I like mixing the refinement of Bohemian glass with the organic texture of earthenware, as seen in this beautiful Portuguese majolica serving plate. Designed in a leaf motif, nature is one element of a tablescape that never gets old.

Antique English Oak & Silver Plated Tea Caddy This English tea caddy in the form of a trunk is functional and handsome for our alpine mountain Christmas. Made of oak with the original silver fittings to imitate the leather strappings of a real trunk, it’s stamped with initials of silversmith Henry Bourne of Birmingham, 1879. The original key and tassel are an added bonus.

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For the Collector:

Ancient Greek Polychrome Terracotta Head Goddess Every interior needs a bit of history and this ancient Greek goddess head (5th-3rd century BC) provides the perfect conversation piece. From the Classical period, the diminutive terracotta sculpture is an object of beauty, yet well-priced for its age and provenance… a fine gift for a collector.

Rare Tartan Ware Box Scottish author Sir Walter Scott was one of the first British writers to enjoy an international following, propelled by classics such as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and The Lady of the Lake. This rare set of Scott’s poetic works from 1870 is covered in Tartan and includes six books and one velvet lined box, complete with Scott’s portrait as a seal on the top. These volumes are as delightful on the outside as Scott’s poetry is on the inside.

René Lalique Emerald Green “Domremy” Vase I couldn’t pass up this rare, emerald green, 1928 Domremy vase, signed by Art Nouveau master, René Lalique. Named after the birth place of Joan of Arc and patterned with stylized sea reeds, the Domremy vase was most popular in opaline glass, making this emerald version highly collectible and ideal for the holidays.

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For Him:

Antique 1700s French Officer’s Chest For the history buff, this rare and nearly complete necessaire or toiletries chest was made for an officer in the Napoleonic Wars, waged between 1787 and 1809. Included in the chest are tweezers, shaving brush, corkscrew, silver topped jars and two silver flasks for spirits or cologne with original silversmith marks of Jean-Francois Demoulin (circa 1796-1806), a royal craftsman based in Paris.

For Her:

1950s-60s Green Taffeta Hostess Skirt This sumptuous hostess skirt is essential for Christmas entertaining. Made of taffeta in the late 50s, the skirt is slightly open with hem raised in the front to allow the requisite cigarette pants and pointy pumps to be seen and admired.

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For the Hostess:

Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Box Dark, wintry rooms need a touch of red to inspire optimism, especially during the holidays.

This exquisite Japanese Cloisonné box, created in a deep red known as Akasuke, depicts koi swimming amongst the reeds. In Japan, koi symbolize love. In fact, the word koi in Japanese means friends.

Pair of Turned Horn Cups with Sterling Silver Lip In keeping with our alpine Christmas theme, this pair of horned cups with silver cartouche could easily find many uses for the hostess. They are the perfect bud vases, pencil cups or even toothbrush holders for overnight guests.

Antique French Emerald Casket Hinged Box This antique French hinged box (c 1900) in a sublime emerald hue could be the finishing touch to a coffee table or desk, but just as easily enjoyed as a woman’s clutch for a glamorous Christmas party.

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The Essentials

THE THANKSGIVING TABLE Thanksgiving is synonymous with family bonding, tradition and of course, the meal. It’s also a time to pull out the good china, press the linens and polish the silver. Why not make your table more inviting with a few vintage items from the shops of Ruby Lane?

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto/william44

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Enamelware Turkey Platter

Deep Well Turkey Platter

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Johnson Brothers Staffordshire England Turkey Platter

Oval Turkey Platter Pure White Porcelain 22

Antique La Belle Turkey Platter Plates

Homer Laughlin Cavalier Turkey Platter

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Royal Doulton Gravy Boat & Tray

Steuben Gold Aurene 686 Twist Stem Candlestick Pair

Turkey & Hen Thanksgiving Salt & Pepper Shakers 24

Floral Repousse Napkin Ring

Moser Signed Cranberry Glass with Gilt Pitcher

Antique French Art Nouveau Cranberry Cased Cut Cameo Glass Bowl 25

Style Profile

LARA SPENCER

By Cathy Whitlock Photo credits: Courtesy of Abrams Books/ChiChi Ubina/UV Studios

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How did you get interested in interior design?

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When she is not busy with her day job – morning co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America– Lara Spencer can be found at the flea markets. Her hobby turned into a passion and soon the mother of two and bargain hunter became the host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip and the author of, I Brake For Yard Sales, and the recent Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms With Vintage Treasures (Abrams).

We are thrilled to sit down with Lara as she offers shopping tips for the consumer and shop owner alike, as well as her favorite ways to decorate vintage style for the holidays.

I don’t have any formal design training, though I have been studying interiors and architecture since I was a little girl. I was always moving furniture or asking my mom if I could repaint my room. I watched her re-invent our home with flea market finds and thrift shop treasures. There was never a big budget for decor but that didn’t stop my mom. She had a great eye and was able to see the potential in pieces that might have seen better days. I think I inherited that from her.

What tips do you have for mixing flea market finds with antiques? And mixing vintage with contemporary?

My advice for mixing flea market finds with real antiques is to treat them the same. One is no more important than the other if you love them equally. I think the coolest rooms tell a story. You want pieces with personality that says a little something about the person you are. For example I have a really cool old train sign that hangs on the wall behind my 19th century English farm table. One cost 75 dollars. The other cost a lot more than that, but together, they look cool and fun and just perfect in my kitchen.

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What do you think are the top collectibles? What accessories do you advise collecting that will make a room instantly pop?

I love colorful vases or things that bring an unexpected pop of color.

I love animals - and love vintage ceramic elephants and zebras. They add interest and fun to a coffee table stacked with books. I love pairs of old ceramic foo dogs to use as book ends.

Pairs of great vintage lamps are also plentiful at flea markets but always check the wiring. If you are worried it looks old or worn, plan on spending around 30 dollars to have the lamps re-wired, just to be safe.

What is your favorite vintage style and why?

I adore the clean lines of Mid-Century furniture. It mixes well with period antiques and makes a room feel young and sexy.

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Do you shop any of the vintage online retailers (Ruby Lane) and if so, can you offer any shopping tips?

And what sort of things do you look for?

Online shopping is great because it is open 24/7. I love the immediate gratification of sites like Ruby Lane! I also like looking through design books and magazines and then using the web’s search engine to find them.

Pillows, throw blankets and candles are my online shopping staples.

What tips do you have for decorating with vintage for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve? For me it’s all about creating a warm, inviting room or table when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining. Lots of candles, and flowers in a mix of vintage and modern vases and containers.

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“Online shopping is great because it is open 24/7.”

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- Look for drinking glasses at a flea market - clear glass in varying sizes and shapes - and use them as candleholders or flower vases. They cost as little as 25 cents apiece and when grouped together, can make a big impact.

- I love grouping nutcrackers - with all of their different costumes and varying heights - and arrange them in clusters on either side of the mantel (between 5 and 7 on either side). They also look great if you have 20 or 30 arranged as a massive centerpiece on a dining table interspersed with white votive candles, all on a bed of winter greens, which are sold at Christmas tree stands or farms.

- There’s no shortage of cheesy Santa figurines for sale at thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets. I am not a giant fan of them individually, but they do look very cute if you buy a bunch, spray paint them all in metallic silver, gold or white, and group them together. Then it becomes a unified cool art piece with a fun holiday twist.

- Look for an old sled! I bought a 1960’s flexible flyer at a flea market for 10 dollars.

I painted the whole thing a cheery glossy red, and made a simple foam cushion with festive plaid fabric. I use it in front of the fireplace for extra seating when we have the family over on Christmas Eve. 31

Holiday Table

French Antique Louis XV Style Dining Chairs Walnut Victorian Balloon Back Dining Chairs

PULL UP Walnut Arm Chairs by Berkey & Gay

The choice of dining room chairs is often a daunting one filled with so many selections.

Do you choose matching chairs to go with the table? Mix traditional with contemporary?

Combine upholstered chairs with wood?

Before you invest in a set of chairs, first consider the size and style of your table.

If the table has a thin curved leg, perhaps choose chairs in the same vein. If the table shape is square or rectangular, consider dining chairs with a similarly shaped seat.

In terms of size, bigger is not necessarily better. The most comfortable chairs are 2024 inches deep, and 18-19 inches is a good

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American Federal Antique Dining Chairs

Art Deco English Oak Dining Chairs

A CHAIR height. There needs to be 12 inches between the top of the seat and tabletop as well. Be sure to keep in mind the size of your family and guests if possible!

French Walnut & Leather Dining Chairs

Fabric selection for the seat is also an important consideration. Faux or real leather makes it easy to clean up wine and pasta sauce spills while fabrics with a heavy nap – think chenille, velvet and multi-ribbed – will show wear. Belgian linens in light colors seem to be all the rage – obviously proceed with caution!

Here are a variety of chair styles from our shops and just in time for the holidays.

Antique Dining Chairs

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Blogger Style

From some of our favorite Bloggers

Patricia O’Dell Shackleford I have an irregular, but on-going, series on Mrs. Blandings called, “Bracelets I Cannot Afford.” I talk with my hands and love bracelets as much for the noise of them as for the look. This Victorian Whitby Jet Bracelet would be so dramatic clacking around my wrist. And you can never go wrong with black.

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Stephanie Madewell Waves, trees, clouds and wind are favorite visual themes of mine, and I love that this print combines all four. I can imagine building a collection around it of cloud and wave photographs, woodblock-printed landscapes and seascapes and plein air paintings of stormy days.

Solanah Cornell I love this lounge dress because as a blogger I spend a lot of time in front of my computer and it’s easy to throw glamour out the window! I think this would be comfortable for answering emails and doing blog posts, while still looking put together - adding a little glamour to the everyday.

Jessica Cangiano There is, of course, no shortage of amazing, highly desirable vintage items on Ruby Lane, but in keeping with the holiday spirit I selected a dress that looks the Christmas part to a tee. My choice is this dazzlingly beautiful 1950s red formal gown from Timeless Traveling Vintage. This particular dress is striking mid-century stunner. I love the full skirt, elegant design and classic ruby (fittingly, given the name of the site it’s listed on) colour, all of which would work stupendously during the holiday season, as well as throughout the rest of the year. I would be over-themoon ecstatic if Jolly Old St. Nicolas delivered this beautiful 50s gown my way come December 25th and bet I’d start wearing it right that very same day!

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Pamela Finch This sign is just perfect (if Santa could fit it down the chimney) because I love old chippy signs and vintage cows! The best part is that it just happens to say “Hereford Farms” on it which is a name that holds a special place in my family’s heart.

Danielle Miele I have an obsession with diamond elongated rings from the early 1900s to the Art Deco Era. The emerald in the center is just gorgeous and I have yet to spot one of these types of rings with a colored gemstone that I love. It also doesn’t hurt that this saturation of green reminds me of Christmas.

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Linda Merrill The Royal Danish Bar set. I just inherited my mother’s wedding silver - a complete service in the Royal Danish pattern. It’s gorgeous and I plan on using it more than just once or twice a year. This bar set would be the perfect addition to the place settings.

Leslie Wood I would like one of everything from Ruby Lane. On the top of my wish list is the Durgin Chrysanthemum Sterling Bonbon Spoon.

I talked about my recent infatuation with bonbon spoons on the blog: I think a bonbon spoon is the perfect addition for the gracious host to add to her entertaining repertoire. The bonbon spoon can be used for serving nuts and candies. Not only are they beautiful but they are a conversation starter with their fascinating regal history. I love the chrysanthemum bonbon spoon because the chrysanthemum is the symbol for perfection. I can’t think of a more perfect gift for that special someone on your Christmas list.

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Toma Haines All I want for Christmas is Chanel! The Vintage Chanel Zircon Crystal & Pearl Sautoir Necklace available from Ruby Lane dealer Vintage Vogue practically screams DIVA! Â This sautoir is classic Coco but the teal zircon shakes things up a bit adding even more glitz and glamour to the to jazz age style. Â Just add champagne and this will be a Christmas made in Antiques Diva Heaven!

Marisa Marcantonio Having a swanky bar set up for the holidays is a must. I love the feel of mixed metals right now, so pairing this shiny vintage chrome bar cart with brass bar tools and decorative accessories would add just the right amount of gleam to go alongside the tree, especially if it is adorned with sparkling white lights.

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Editor’s Picks

EDITOR PICKS Cathy Whitlock, Editor of Ruby Read Vintage Hermès ‘Roues De Canon’ Scarf There is nothing better than looking under the tree and seeing an orange box – Hermès box that is. Your mother, wife, sister or friend would welcome this sumptuous classic that is a staple in any wardrobe. I buy one for myself for every birthday and don’t plan on divulging how many that is!

Antique Etruscan Majolica Begonia Leaf Plate I have been collecting Etruscan majolica for years and love how the pieces can coordinate with any traditional interior.

Whether you purchase one plate or several for a collection, the plates are a wonderful gift.

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Vintage Keller & Guerin Old Strasbourg Luneville, France Oval Platter Caroline Kennedy chose this Luneville’s Old Strasbourg for her “everyday” pattern when she got married in l986. I know this as we were both registered for the floral-filled china at Tiffany’s and it was pretty much wiped out. I still use the china to this day and never grow tired of it.

English Edwardian Silver Enamel Glass Pot Pink has always been a favorite color - thinking I may have been a Mary Kay salesgirl in a former life. If you want to give a special gift, look for vanity table pieces like this Edwardian silver glass pot.

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Vintage Italian Covered Jars/Urns Pan Rams’ Heads I love these vintage Italian covered urns as they would be right at home on a fireplace mantle or sideboard. I am drawn to the unique top and the ram head handles. And for gift giving, the color is perfect!

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Original French Vintage CHANEL No5 Perfume Print I love to collect vintage prints and this one is most unusual and very iconic.

Antique Edwardian 9K Gold Scalloped Double-Locket Pendant I just started collecting this unique twist on a locket and have been wearing them in multiples without pictures. The antique Edwardian scallop design is dainty yet makes a statement.

Vintage Eiffel Tower Limoges Box A perfect gift for the Francophile in your life.

And that would be me. Who doesn’t love the Eiffel Tower and Limoges?

Vintage Signed Lalique France Proud “Bastia” Ram Pin Dish One thing that makes a gift really special is when you receive something you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself and this item is a case in point. I am continually drawn to anything with a ram figure and love this Lalique pin dish.

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Vintage Retro Red Dress Gloves While red is the universal holiday color, I would wear these dress gloves throughout the year when needed. They provide the perfect pop of color and are a nice contrast to all the black in my closet.

Hattie Carnegie Signed Vintage Gold Toned Bangle Gold bangle bracelets are another staple in my closet and you can never go wrong with a bracelet. Chunky or thin, stacked or single, every girl loves a bracelet.

Emma Domb Black Sequin Evening Gown Dress It’s not too early to think about holiday parties and New Year’s Eve. This vintage black sequin gown hits three important criteria – chic, timeless and affordable.

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Design Lesson

DECORATING THE MANTEL & CENTERPIECE

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© Olesh | Dreamstime.com

Neoclassical Style Figural Candlesticks

Victorian Brass and Copper Open Barley-Twist Candlesticks

Antique Gien Large Tureen with Country Scenes

English Blue and White Transfer Ware Pearlware Sauce Tureen and Cover 45

English Porcelain Hand Painted Floral Plates

Antique Soft Porcelain Hand-Painted 46

Early Primative Handmade Wheat Straw Wreath Set Marble Obelisks 20th Century Estate

Old English Tunbridge-Ware Box 47

Designer Spotlight

Alexa Hampton

By Elizabeth Betts Hickman Photo Credit Courtesy of Potter Style/Scott Frances

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What does Alexa Hampton love best about decorating for the holidays?

“I love the Pavlovian response to decorations that we all experience over the holidays,” says the noted interior designer, who is known for her furniture, fabric, trim and lighting designs in addition to leading the company Mark Hampton, LLC, which was founded by her late father, the famed Mark Hampton.

“Unlike other times of the year, holiday decorations bring such a sense of celebration with them, that on any given Wednesday work day, you feel like kicking up your heels,” she says.

“The decorations say: it’s a party!”

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“I like ruby-red glass, black candles...and tons of red and green flowers in small bunches you can see over.�

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One of Alexa’s favorite holiday traditions is the annual gathering of the beautiful, hand-painted ornaments that her father created for their family tree, which results in a very personal and meaningful display every year. Although the family ornaments are clear favorites, she loves mercury glass ornaments too.

“They are terrifying to handle, but they twinkle and reflect the Christmas lights just perfectly,” she says.

Interestingly, Alexa believes one of the easiest and best ways to trigger happy thoughts of the holidays is with something quite simple: candy. Whether filling vintage candy dishes or jars,

candy is accessible and longer lasting than flowers… and who doesn’t love eating candy, or at least looking at it?

“I can’t stand gingerbread, but a gingerbread house thrills me,” she says. “Likewise, glass jars filled with peppermints, red and green M&Ms and candy canes are a low-impact way to really evoke the festive spirit.”

We asked Alexa to reveal some of her favorite holiday decorating ideas, and she generously agreed to share some of her thoughts for creating a festive mood in every corner of a home.

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Mantel or Fireplace “I love garlands draped across the mantel. No crazy ribbons; just lush greenery.”

Front Door “I like simple wreaths. But beware… sometimes fir wreaths can be stinky.”

Entry Hall “I like candles, scented and otherwise for the entry and just a hint of the decor to come. Also, who doesn’t like an amaryllis or some paperwhites on the front hall table? However, you have to keep in mind that I live in an apartment building and my front hall is not vast. Were I in a house, I might go for it a bit more with more garlands.”

Dining Room/Tabletop “I like ruby-red glass, black candles (not tapers, though!), and tons of red and green flowers in small bunches you can see over.”

Powder Room “Holiday hand towels and a holiday scented candle are just enough.”

Terrace/Screened Porch/Outdoor Living Area Visible from an Indoor Living Area “In my fantasy world where I would have a terrace, I would want repeating small trees strung up white lights.”

Staircase “Garlands, of course, and for anchors, some wide red ribbons.”

Cocktail/Coffee Table “Just some flowers here…I take my coffee and cocktails seriously and I wouldn’t want to cede the space.”

Kitchen Island “Seasonal fruit that looks Santa-ready.”

Christmas Tree Ideas “White lights only, please. A great way to pull together a tree is to use one kind of ornament of which you’d have or get many. That way the tree looks pulled together even with tons of disparate ornaments thrown into the mix with them.”

Window Sills “I love the Swedish tradition of having a candle centered in each window. I would love to do that this year.”

Alexa Hampton | Mark Hampton LLC 654 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10065 Tel: 212-753-4110 Website: www.markhampton.com

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ALEXA STYLE

Antique Petite French Victorian Bronze Torch Sconces

Pair of Round 19th Century Gilt Mirrors

Blue & White English Ironstone Meat Platter

Antique Picture Frame Gilt Brass

Swedish Long Case Clock Alabaster Marble Carved Lamps Pair

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All That Glitters

STOCKING STUFFER Christmas stockings are often the best part of the holiday, particularly when they hide baubles and jewels and all that glitters!

Hollycraft Vintage Christmas Tree Pin

Georg Jensen Denmark Sterling Kneeling Deer Pin 56

14K Gold & Plique-Ă -Jour Pendant - Christmas Tree!

Vintage Mexican Sterling Bow & Bells Pin

Blue Chalcedony & Rose Cluster Earrings

Victorian Pearls & Diamonds with Hair & Brooch

Saphiret Brooch

Vintage Long Earrings with Crystal Rhinestones

Edwardian Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring

Green Jewel Belly Rooster Bird Brooch Pin

Vintage Le Triomphe 18K Gold and Diamond Bracelet 57

History Lesson

CHRISTMAS China

By Elizabeth Betts Hickman

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Photo Credit: iStockPhoto/Jill Chen

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If you plan to gather family and friends around your table for the holidays this year, take a tip from savvy tastemakers and create a festive mood by setting your table with Christmas china. Beloved by collectors of all ages and celebrated by those who love to entertain, there are patterns for every taste and budget.

visitors, fine china with golden trim is sure to impress.”

“Christmas is such a special time of the year,” says Canada-based antiques dealer Sheila Foley, of Aunty Anne’s Attic on Ruby Lane. “When buying a Christmas china or dinnerware, choose one that meets your family needs. If your family prefers less special care, then go with the dinnerware without the gold or silver trim. If you’re looking to make a grand statement and truly wish to impress your

“Oh how we enjoyed the great family celebrations at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, where siblings and family members from all over congregated at a beautifully set table to enjoy a fantastic meal, so lovingly prepared,” she recalls.

“Beautiful fine china was carefully washed by hand and great pleasure taken in the presentation of a stunning table where everyone would sit and visit for hours.”

Foley has been in the fine china business since 1998 in Northern Alberta, Canada, and her interest in china was encouraged from an early age by her English grandmother.

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Patterns that do double-duty Of course, tableware doesn’t have to have a Christmas tree, a reindeer or ribbon as part of its design to evoke a holiday feel. Many white china patterns with gold trim create a beautiful holiday table, and red-and-white transferware in particular looks beautiful when paired with greenery.

Christmas Tree Green Trim Pattern Creamer

“When getting your collection started, also look for the easier-to-find red rose patterns, or sets in red and green, which easily fit in with the traditional Christmas patterns,” says Pennsylvania-based antiques dealer Ann Lark, of Ann Lark Antiques and Collectibles on Ruby Lane.

And why not completely go for a mixand-match feel?

“A favorite tradition in my home is using special Holiday china to serve the after Christmas dinner coffee and desserts,” says Lark. “We always have hot chocolate for the little ones, and coffee or tea in the evening after Christmas dinner. I have at least a dozen Christmas-themed china teacups, saucers and dessert plates that I set out on the buffet along with a wonderful array of sweet Christmas goodies. The teacups and saucers are all sets in different patterns. The dessert plates are all different patterns too.

Some patterns have holly, red roses, Christmas trees, poinsettias, wreaths, etc. Each person gets to pick their teacup and saucer – and sometimes they spend more time picking the tea cup than they spend picking the dessert!”

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Christmas Tree Green Trim Year Plate - 1993

Christmas Tree Green Trim Pattern Sugar With Lid

Noritake Christmas Ball Gold & White Gravy Boat with Underplate

Noritake Christmas Ball Gold & White Small Square Bowl

Noritake Christmas Ball Gold & White Celery Dish

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Favorite Patterns Today, there are many beloved Christmas china patterns, from the famed Spode “Christmas Tree” that first appeared in 1938 to Royal Worcester’s more streamlined and elegant “Holly Ribbons” pattern to many others, from traditional in feel to contemporary. Two enduring favorites, says Foley, are Royal Albert’s “Poinsettia” and “Yuletide.” She notes that the stunning red poinsettias and beautiful holly on sparkly white china with gold trim create a beautiful table setting.

“With Royal Albert, availability of these patterns was never a problem, so it was easy for most to find the full sets and also the replacement pieces,” she says. “Hence, the popularity still rides high above most other patterns…Royal Albert produced other Christmas patterns but none were as enduring as the Poinsettia.”

Royal Chelsea Merry Christmas Teacup Set

Royal Albert Christmas Magic Teacup Set

The second pattern that is popular with the younger generation is Spode’s “Christmas Tree.”

“This lovely pattern features the gorgeous Christmas Tree with presents and lots of decorations,” says Foley. “The porcelain is a heavier weight with a green trim (no gold), so it is more chip-resistant and great for the busy younger generation. It is dishwasher and microwave safe, which is so important for today’s family.”

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Royal Albert Yuletide Large Teapot

Advice for Collectors • As with any collecting area, it helps to learn the history of the pattern that catches your eye.

• If you choose to collect a vintage pattern that is still being produced, learn about the evolution of the design and any different backstamps over the years.

Lenox Holiday Porcelain China Tray

• Mix and match. Antiques dealer Ann Lark, of Ann Lark Antiques and Collectibles on Ruby Lane, loves to mix her patterns for Christmas parties. “It is always fun when a friend recognizes a china pattern from their childhood.

Often, I will offer the teacup and saucer as a gift,” says Lark, “which then gives them a little something to remember their Grandmother or Mother and me!”

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Š Modest777 | Dreamstime.com

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Shopping List

All I Want FOR

Christmas Whether you need an economical stocking stuffer or the sky is the limit, there is something under the tree for every budget.

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Vintage Putz Toy Lambs

Rogers Sterling Silver Rimmed Lion Glass Toothpick Holder

Set of 6 Pink Christmas Ornaments

Dresden Porcelain Handled Bowl

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Vintage Coro Gold Tone Multi Link Necklace

Little Jack Rabbit and the Big Brown Bear 1921 By David Cory

12K Gold-Filled Baby Bracelet

Old Dunlop Maxfli Golf Balls

Bausch & Lomb Binocular Sport Glass

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Steiff Largest Mohair Young Zebra

Fenton Cranberry To White Glass Swirl

Mattel Blonde Barbie Wearing #819 It’s Cold Outside

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Vintage Sterling Silver Wheat Chain Bracelet With Toggle Clasp

Miracle On 34th Street Written By Valentine Davis

Leonard Silver-Plated 4 pc Tea Set

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Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 1983 Zig Zag 18k Yellow Gold Earrings

Gorham Sterling Silver Picture Frame

Folk Art Doll House ca.1930

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3.5ct Cushion Purplish-Pink Amethyst Solitaire Ring 14k

Vintage Green Tourmaline & Four Diamond Ring 14k

Edwardian Painted Antique Bench

Louis Vuitton Papillion with Pouch Bag

English Sterling Silver Inkstand, Charles Stuart Harris & Son

Authentic Louis Vuitton Tennis Racket Cover

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Large Antique Jaques Travelling Chess Set

12 Royal Worcester Heavy Gold Encrusted Turquoise Dinner Plates

19th Century Bohemian Moser Enameled Jeweled Crenelated Vignette Vase

Gucci “Stirrup” Desk/Table Clock

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Art Deco .65ctw Navette Diamond Ring Platinum

Christian Dior Vintage Lady Dior Bag

Mens Universal Genieve 18k Dress Watch Mechanical

18k Gold Tiffany & Co. “X” Ring

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The Vintage Tree

Holiday

Collectible

Christmas is the perfect time to revisit treasured items from the past or make new memories.

Here are a few holiday collectibles that will turn any tree into a festive vintage work of art.

Hand Crafted Angel With Halo and Lace Gown 74

es

Mercury Glass Santa Ornament’s

Stencil Church Scene Christmas War Ornament

German Glass Pocket Watch Christmas Ornament

Bradford Eames Era Carillon Spire Tree Topper

Mica Stripes Unsilvered Christmas WWII Ornaments Peanuts Snoopy on French Fries Ornament 75

Shop Owner Spotlight

Polish up your appreciation for fine silver with shop owner, Andrew Puckering, of the Ruby Lane shop...

PUCKERING’S When did you first fall in love with silver and/or antiques?

I first started my love of antiques in my early twenties when I started collecting. I became a dealer a few years later in my mid-twenties when my private collection was growing too large!

What do you love most about silver and antiques?

I love the decorative beauty of antiques; the craftsmanship, detail and quality are what I love which are rarely seen in anything made in this day and age.

Is there a piece in your collection you could never part with?

I could never part with a Victorian country house letter box which I bought about 30 years ago on a buying trip down in the picturesque seaside town of St. Mawes in Cornwall. I spotted it in the window of an antiques shop while driving into the town and quickly turned around and made the purchase. It’s a rare and beautiful gem.

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Antique Silver H Magnifying G

What is one tip or piece of advice you would give to buyers of antiques or silver?

My one piece of advice I would give is: whenever possible, never put price above quality and condition.

What is your favorite/most inspiring time period for antiques and/or silver?

Most definitely the Regency period.

What are 5 things in life that you couldn’t live without?

1. My two dogs 2. Afternoon tea 3. My cottage by the sea 4. My garden 5. My antique and art collection

Handled Glass

Victorian English Brass Mesh Letters Box

Antique English Glass & Silver Plate Ice Bucket

Antique English Sterling Silver Lidded Vanity Jar

English Silver Plated Wine Cooler

Antique English Oak & Brass Barley Twist Candlesticks

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Party Finds

From swizzle sticks to cocktail frocks, Ruby Lane is your go-to spot for vintage New Year’s finds.

1930’s Hattie Carnegie Cocktail Hat 78

1960’s Silk Beaded Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

Vintage 1950’s Party Dress

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English Silver-Plated Drinks Tray

Vintage Silver Plate Champagne Or Wine Cooler

Sterling Silver & Gilt Cocktail Picks Set of Six Roosters

Vintage clear glass swizzle sticks

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Cocktail Shaker Chrome & Wood Antique Sterling Silver Redlich & Co Cocktail Shaker Halifax Cocktail Stems Rock Sharpe Vintage Glasses

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Finis

Hostess

GIFTS

Don’t arrive empty-handed!

These vintage hostess gifts will make sure you are invited back.

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1. Deco Glass Candlesticks 2. Vintage Shepherdess Scene Pillow 3. Parisian Prints Label Linen Towels 4. Butterfly Soap Dish 5. Floral English Flow Blue Covered Bowl 6. English Butlers Tray, Mahogany 7. Gold-Tone Paperweight & Cocktail Fork Set 82

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