Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Decorating for Christmas: Rules Are Made To Be Broken

Reggie has a bit of a confession to make.  He doesn't always follow his own rules.  At least not to the absolute letter.


Why, in fact, he even allows a bit of red to creep in to his Christmas decorations at Darlington House.


He has a number of German painted wooden Christmas decorations that he puts out some years.


They have bits of painted red decoration on them.


But he draws the line when it comes to ornaments and bows.  He simply will not tolerate any of those in red at Darlington House.  That is a rule that must never be broken.


Hey, wait a second—how did that get in there!

All photographs by Boy Fenwick
at

21 comments:

  1. Jessica Thor-MillerDecember 21, 2010 at 6:22 AM

    Now that just made my morning!

    MT

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  2. Fabulously FrenchDecember 21, 2010 at 6:38 AM

    At Christmas you are allowed to break a few rules....

    Leeann x

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  3. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 7:11 AM

    Darling....

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  4. izzyDecember 21, 2010 at 8:17 AM

    Well- Merry Christmas, in any case-

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  5. StephanieDecember 21, 2010 at 8:43 AM

    That was entirely too cute! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  6. P.Gaye Tapp at Little AuguryDecember 21, 2010 at 8:59 AM

    this makes Little Augury very happy, darling.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 8:59 AM

    I love anything German that's Christmas -- they are skilled at Christmas! Love your "whirlygig" (at least that is what we call it) and your two figures.

    We haven't gotten ours out for several years -- we may just have to do that next year!

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  8. columnistDecember 21, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    Oh dear, Mr Darling, dear. It will not do.

    Well, alright. Just this once. But please don't make a habit of it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BabsDecember 21, 2010 at 10:04 AM

    I can't believe it! You actually are allowing a bit of RED in your decorations? Such Christmas excitement!
    Be carful though.... with all this Christmas spirit you might suddenly have the urge to put a tartan bow on your mailbox. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    I do apologize for being off topic, but I am bordering on desperate. Would you have any idea where I could acquire simple silver rimmed glass chargers? I've searched high and low to no avail. I would be most grateful for any assistance you might give me.

    Kind regards,
    Bonnie, Ottawa, Canada

    ReplyDelete
  11. quintessenceDecember 21, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    So charming - love your angel and little soldier candle holder. And got a good chuckle from your invasive red ball!

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  12. CarolDecember 21, 2010 at 10:57 AM

    Oh I love that little candle powered merry-go-round. That would make the cut for my table too.
    Unfortunately my husband does not know the meaning of the word "restraint" at Christmas time. One must pick one's battles though, so the house is rather gaudy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 11:25 AM

    "Would you have any idea where I could acquire simple silver rimmed glass chargers?"

    Hi Bonnie.

    I am on a work release program here at RD. I was recently found guilty of poor commenter comportment, and am allowed out only to help others this season. It is my pleasure to show you these lovely clear glass, platinum rimmed chargers. Is this what you had in mind, perchance?

    http://www.boncui.com/lefm2666.html?mr:referralID=292703ef-0d1e-11e0-af68-001b2166becc

    ReplyDelete
  14. Acanthus and AcornDecember 21, 2010 at 11:50 AM

    Naughty Reggie!

    However, I am so glad you confessed as I adore your nostalgic decorations! I too welcomed a few treasures and colors from Christmases past and they filled me holiday cheer. And, of course I love the aqua balls and the lone red one made me laugh...out loud!!!
    ~Rebecca

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  15. 24 CornersDecember 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    I grew up celebrating "German" Christmases with all of their beautiful handmade glass ornaments and wooden decorations as my mother is from Germany. My 'Oma' in particular would always send us wonderful packages filled with German Christmas delights (no one does holiday cookies & candies like the them), so seeing your sweet wooden decorations brings back very happy memories!
    German Red & Retail Red are two different animals (no offense Pompey), so enjoy to your merry hearts content, it's perfectly alright!

    A belated Happy Blog Anniversary Reggie, and to Boy of course...you have such a special voice, one that brings the gifts of beauty of civility to the masses...thank you and congratulations!
    xo J~

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  16. aurora rabyDecember 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    For the chinese a soupcon of red is essential and augers well for the coming year- look forward to your blogs!

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  17. Hill House RamblingsDecember 21, 2010 at 1:04 PM

    Hee hee...made me smile big. Your decorations are charming. Thanks Reggie!

    H.H.

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  18. LPCDecember 21, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    Ha! Reggie! High WASP rebellion is a subtle fellow, isn't it!

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  19. J.W.December 21, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    Bravo for the Red Ball!

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  20. Daniel ShigoDecember 21, 2010 at 3:08 PM

    Does the Pope have red shoes? You made me laugh out loud Reggie.

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousDecember 21, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    My Dearest Flo:

    One thousand kisses for you and your poor commenter comportment. This is exactly what I am looking for.

    Sending you all good wishes,
    Bonnie, Ottawa, Canada

    ReplyDelete

Please do comment! I welcome and encourage them, and enjoy the dialogue.