Vintage Christmas Kitchen Joy

That's right.  I love my quirky Christmas kitchen.  From the fabulous window dressing down to the soap dispensers.

This year, I have added the tension rod of comfort and joy.  I got some vintage plastic garland from Ed's mom.  Unfortunately, the string of lights which had worked previously, actually went out when I finally hung up the rod with all the goodies perfectly placed.  I didn't have replacement lights, so I just relied on the 5 light candelabra I purchased at the ARC on half price day.  I actually got two sets, but could only fit one on the window sill. This is the only window sill we have in the house, so I got creative.  I tossed the string of lights after Christmas. 

I found some silk bulbs in a bag at the ARC for $3 - which was actually too much.  These puppies were CHEAP an I threw most of them away after Christmas.  I should have held out for half price day. Along with the groups of bulbs, I added some of my childhood vintage felt ornaments, which are my favorite.  The twin blonde girls (which I lovingly think of like the girls in The Shinning) the droopy dogs, and a few of the toy soldiers also add some whimsy to the kitchen window.  Next year, LIGHTS that work!

My cozy teapot I got from Pier 1 for $5, and my Gingerbread house cookie jar was from Hobby Lobby for 66% off.  The vintage green swan I found at the ARC and I popped in some of the bendy elves also purchased from Hobby Lobby.  I swear, one year, Hobby Lobby had a great reproduction vintage line of Christmas decor.  This year....not so much.  Very meh.  They've gone full swing into Kountry Krissmass, which I am NOT a fan.  When will that trend END?  Years past, they also had a line of edible Christmas treats (cookies and candy everything) which has also not been renewed.  I love a classic red and green Christmas palette, but it seems like they only want trendy colors (sea shells, peacock, rose gold, etc) that go out of style in a few years.  BORING.  Can you tell this is the rant part?

The last item is my elf tree stump vintage cookie jar which stays out all year.  It's just that cute.  Next year, however, it will be taken down as my mom bought me a NEW Santa head cookie jar from Dillard's after Christmas.  It will be glorious.  

The vintage ornaments above mostly came from my childhood.  A couple exceptions are the rocking horse, covered wagon, Santa, and the little wooden lady holding a plate of fish.  Super cute and I picked them up from the thrift a vintage flea market over the years.  The gingerbread house, spinning wheel, clock, and nut grinder are all from my childhood.  They are so bizarre and I love them!  The Tom and Jerry cups were found prior to acquiring my Tom and Jerry punch set from the Brass Armadillo.  I have been on the look out for a bowl to match this set, but so far, they are much too expensive at antique malls.  The trailer mug is from Dollar Tree, and the mug is a Vintage Hazel Atlas Red and White Stripe Coffee Mug Milk Glass.  I can't believe how much they are charging for this on eBay!  I think I picked it up for $.50 and almost re-donated it a couple years ago.  Who knew?  Well now, I DO!

The last two are plates I picked up from the ARC on half price day.  I just love the vintage tins and trays.  I keep thinking I'm going to give them as a gift with some home made cookies, but I always end up eating the cookies, and realizing no one thinks these are treasures but me!  Although I don't have a photo, I also have a Santa spoon rest purchased from Hobby Lobby.  It really ties the room together.