Feeling Like Santa's Elf

Busy...busy...busy.....It is that time of year when I can't help but get overly excited.  I know it is way too soon for some of us to think about Christmas, but with all of the work that goes into designing and setting up a Christmas display for this year's Rahr Art Museum's Christmas in the Mansion, one must start with the work a whole lot sooner than most.  For me, my early participation in decorating the mansion helps to increase my sense of anticipation and magical excitement for the holiday and, yet, still allows me ample time to complete the work before I start with my own personal holiday preparations.  It is why I feel so much like Santa's elf.  It is a time for limitless creative fun and unmeasurable imagination.  So I guess I can say in this respect that I am one of Santa's best helpers!  

This post is will give you some "behind the scenes" look into a sample of selections that I have chosen for the use in my display in this year's exhibit, which by the way, is entitled, "Experiencing Grandma's Country Christmas." 

Lets start with one of the inspiration pieces for this year's country Christmas theme.  Some bright and cheerful sunflowers in a sunny yellow watering can.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a kitchen without a metal hand grater for some delicious grated chocolate to top off the whipped cream on some steamy hot chocolate.

Nothing exemplifies country living more than red and white plaid or gingham.  These adorable throw pillows were made from three kitchen dish towels.  The two pillows on the left and right of the middle pillow with the heart are versatile.  Here they are shown with the plaid pattern and the picture which immediately follows shows the pillows flipped to their gingham side.

And we can't forget that mug of rich and silky hot chocolate with fragrant vanilla whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for Santa. 

If you are in the area and wish to tour Christmas in the Mansion at the Rahr Art Museum, you can see this lovely Christmas display starting Wednesday, November 22, 2017.   The display will run until Sunday, January 7, 2018.  Remember that the admission to the museum is free and it is located at 610 North Eighth Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin  54220.  For more information or directions, you can visit their website at:  http://www.manitowoc.org/1006/Rahr-West-Art-Museum.

I hope that I aroused your curiosity enough to stop back next time for my featured post which will include how these pieces were used in my finished display and, of course, for a future post of the complete tour of the mansion including the many other displays from talented designers.

'Tis the season to be jolly........