“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Elvis might want a blue one - but - I'll have a PINK CHRISTMAS, please☺



Pink Saturday again! I've participated in nearly all of the Pink Saturdays this year, that's a LOT of pink goodies, even for moi! I honestly think I'll be able to do another year with no problem. Isn't that amazing? This week I am sharing with you portions of my Christmas tree. Did you expect a tradtional tree from Mimi - NOT! It's PINK, of course, and just the sweetest and most darling and utterly precious tree - EVER.


Over the years as a young bride I had trees that reflected the slim budget of the newly married. Trees that were Disney-like appealing to my little sons and to the whimsey in my heart. As time flew by (it always flies, doesn't it?) and the boys grew older, my trees became more traditional - very pretty, really pretty, in  fact, but that changed, too. When I moved into my current home (Edwardian) my tree became Victorian - gilt, heavily ornate - beads, jewels, vintage ornaments.



Then something happened. I went pink! I finally gave in to the ME in me! My boys grew up and I became a kid again! I got my game on and gave myself the tree of my dreams - all pink and white and girly! Ooooo, do I love it. I'll share more of my ornaments and PINK Christmas decorations from now until the new year but thought I'd begin with my tree - my precious tree.

Beverly asked us to show a holiday decoration from the past this week and to tell why it is special. The wreath you see below -  this old, wired, tinseled, not-so-fancy wreath that is about twelve inches in diameter is priceless to me. I don't think there is enough money in anyone's pocket to have me part with this little, kinda-orphan-like wreath. I am the proud owner of a pair of these with original boxes included. The original price was 49 cents from Kresgee's (anyone remember them?) Where did they come from and why are they special to me?

When my father built the sweet brick bungalow for his new bride, true to 1950s style, there was a large picture window in the living room. On each side of that large window there were two smaller windows. Hanging in each of those smaller windows every Christmas until both of my parents passed away were two wreaths, one of which you see now. After both of my parents had passed away those wreaths became mine. If I had nothing, absolutely nothing, to make my home festive during the holidays - all I would need is the set of old, wired, tinseled wreaths that hung in the windows of my childhood home. They represent to me my family and my parents and my roots and my heritage and the love that is passed on from season to season until the end of time.

Someday my wreaths will belong to my sons. I hope that they treasure them as I have and will pass them down to the eldest of their sons. That - dear friends - is what makes Christmas memories special. Not money. Not expensive gifts. Not so much food you can't eat it all. Family and the birth of a little baby - that is Christmas.

If you found my blog today, you may already know about Beverly's Pink Saturday. If you don't, then you are in for a special treat. Take a stroll over to HOW SWEET THE SOUND. There you will find a list of some of the sweetest and most precious people to ever create a blog. They are celebrating with me - and I hope - with you.

And now - a little something fun for you to do this weekend! I guarantee you  - they are fun to make, cute as a button and as sweet as a little girl's kiss.


Cherries in the Snow Vanilla Wafers

16 maraschino cherries with stems
1/3 cup marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon finely chopped maraschino cherries
32 vanilla wafer cookies
4 ounces vanilla-flavor candy coating
*If you want to make a couple varieties, substitute the cherries with crushed candy canes for a hint of peppermint goodness. Instead of topping with a cherry - sprinkle a little of the crushed candy canes that you used for the filling on the tops of your darling creations.

Directions

1. Place maraschino cherries with stems on paper towels; drain well. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together marshmallow creme and chopped maraschino cherries. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the maraschino cherry mixture on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie, bottom side down. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cookies and maraschino cherry mixture.

2. In a small saucepan, heat and stir candy coating over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

3. Dip cookies halfway into the melted candy coating. Return to baking sheet. Holding a cherry by the stem, dip bottom of cherry into the melted candy coating. Place cherry on top of candy-coated side of one cookie. Hold for several seconds or just until set. Repeat with remaining cherries and cookies. Let cookies stand until candy coating sets. Makes 16 sandwich cookies.

37 comments:

susan said...

I love the story of your wreath! It seems the smallest things can hold the biggest memories for all of us. The cherries in the snow dessert is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Mimi, this is such a beautiful post with the most wonderful memory attached to your wreaths. Your pink tree is gorgeous! And dessert looks divine. You always have such lovely words, thoughts, images, recipes and crafts to share. Hope you are having a great weekend. :) Blessings, Tammy

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh MiMi...
Sweetie I so love this post. Isn't that so special to know that after all these years your Moma and Daddy are still giving you a gift every year for the holiday when you get your decorations out, and you find these beautiful wreaths.

I love the victorian looking ornaments that you have shared. I loved that tassel looking (purse)? and the Santa are just darling. That little pink birdie is a cutie too.

Now those cookies I think are a must have for the holidays. I am going to have to try them.

Thank you for sharing sweetie. I so love it when you do. Please pop over and let me share my pink post with you.

Country hugs...Sherry

stefanie said...

You are soooo lucky to have treasures that make it feel more like christmas!!! those cookies look sooooo yummi

Shopgirl said...

Christmas in Pink...I love it! I love the old with the new, and the treasures of the past give us so many memories.
I love all your treats, I might give a couple a try. I hope you are haveing a wonderuful season of love, Merry & Bright, Mary

Jennifer said...

MiMI Hi,I LOVE those wreaths and your memories of them from your Mom and Dad.I would NEVER part with them either.There just perfect and beautiful.I thing your ornaments on your tree are great.I copied the recipe it sounds so good.Van waffers are my fav so I must try this.Happy Pink Sat.Hugs and Merry Christmas,Jen

Ps hugs to all your beautiful kitties and pups!

Ginger said...

Mimi your post is just so heart warming and lovely. And I agree with you, I finally made a pink tree this year, something I have wanted to do for years, too. And thank you for the cute cookie recipe.

Thanks for stopping by to say hi to me also. Really enjoyed your visit. Isnt it great to be able to let your Christmas memories live on in a decoration?

Ginger

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Mimi! I love your pink tree in all its prettiness, but that story about those wreaths really touched my heart. I loved hearing it and seeing your childhood treasures. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Pink Saturday!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Summer Gypsy said...

Hi Mimi,
Lovely, lovely pink delights ...I so remember Kresgees and W.T. Grants. My dad built my mom a big picture window, too!! Every year at Christmas, our tree was all lit up in that window! Weren't the 50's and 60's the best??? I love your blog! I'm following all of your wonderful recipes...yummy!!! I also visited your "puppy" blog and joined the cause for "the little brown dog." Such a precious life. Thanks for stopping by today and have a super Pink Saturday!
Hugs,
Marilyn

Zuzana said...

I love my visits here.;) Pink Christmas must be the most joyful one, judging from your pictures. Your home must be lovely, my Irishman loves Edwardian style.;)
Have a great weekend,
xo
Zuzana

Lucy said...

Your tree is so delicate and pretty. Just what I'd expect!

Vicki said...

Hi, Mimi,
Thank you for sharing your sweet memories of the little wreaths from your parents. They are priceless and hold so many wonderful memories for you and your family. Your pink tree is pretty as can be! Have a Happy Pink Saturday and blessed Christmas season! Vicki

Anonymous said...

Mimi,
What a nice post. I love all your pink decorations, but I can see why you love the wreath the most.

Happy Pink Saturday!!

Dru said...

What a delight visiting you today (as always) I loved your story - such sweet and treasured memories - you are so right - money does not make Christmas. I took your gingerbread recipe - my husban's birthday is tomorrow and he loves gingerbread - can't wait to make it for him. Have a wonderful holiday season Mimi, Merry Christmas and Happy Pink Saturday! Dru

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Mimi,
What a lovely post! Love the story and your pink and white Christmas tree! Your ornies are gorgeous! Love 'em! I raised three boys myself and I always had the traditional colours because of them. But now, I indulge in pinks and other more girly colours. I think I deserve it and Hubby doesn't mind a bit! Your cherry cookies are very appealing to the eye and I bet they're just as good! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and the Trifle in your post below looks amazing. I think I will try that one too. It is a lot less work than the one I make and it's very pretty too, especially for Christmas. I love your vintage wreath with its beautiful memories! My parents had bottle brush wreaths in their windows too and I would love to get my hands on them. Thank you for your wonderful post today and I hope you have a beautiful Pink Saturday weekend full of joy and loveliness.

Christmas blessings,
Sandi

Suzie Button said...

Mimi, your story of the wreaths from your childhood family brought tears to my eyes! I think they're just beautiful! Thanks too for the wonderful recipe, easy, I'll try it! Enjoy your girly pink tree! Good for you! Happy PS! Suzie

Pam said...

What wonderful Christmas memories. i know your sons will also treasure those lovely wreaths. Thanks for the recipe. We may just have to try it this weekend.

Happy Pink Saturday.

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

LOVE your tree~ mine is slowly but surely becoming pink too! I love your wreath and all of the memories with it.

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Mimi, I love your antique Christmas wreaths. Things with memories are so much more important than just "things." I hope you share this story with your sons so they will know the importance of the wreaths and they will treat them with respect.

I remember the Kresgee stores. We didn't have a big store like Kresgee in my little town (we had Morgan & Lindsey), but they did in Litle Rock, where we went to the city to shop during my childhood. Kresgees seemed so large to me as a child. Funny to think about it now with the big box stores everywhere, which would dwarf the '50's stores of yesteryear.

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday. I really enjoyed your story of the wreaths and your parents.
Sam

Betzie said...

I just love your PINK TREE ornaments and can't wait to see more Mimi!!! I only have sons too and every Christmas I give myself a DOLL...crazy, but it must satisfy some need. So you enjoy your pink tree to your heart's content!!!
I love the wreathes too...just enchanting!
Hugs,,,Betzie

Susie Jefferson said...

As always, a totally delightful PS post! I love the idea of the cherries in snow, and that So Special wreath.

Happy Pink Saturday, Mimi!

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Such a beautiful post and stunning ornaments! Looking forward to seeing more!

My eye just caught your post below . . . . I just baked my husband his birthday cake, red velvet, may I'll do this with the leftovers!

Thank you for stopping by. I always enjoy reading your comments.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Hugs,
Marsha

LV said...

I enjoyed all your pinks today. You have some lovely things. I recall the older wreaths. In fact, we had one, but no any more. Over time, things just disappear.

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Mimi; What a lovely story about you sweet Wreath's.. wonderful sweet memories to hold on to.. have a great weekend.... love all the beautiful photos...

Hugs;
Alaura

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: Just wanted to tell you how much I love all your pink. Next year, it's going to be a Pink Christmas Tree for me. Blessings and stay warm. Martha

claudie said...

Sorry I'm so late. I witnessed the passing of the Olympic Torch today. My 3rd cousin was running with it. Such an emotional day. Took tons of pictures. It was a clear blue sunny day. I met family that I didn't even know existed, The torch is on it's ways to B.C. Canada as you might know. i live in Ottawa, Ontario, long way to go if you know where that is loll and I'm sure you do MImi
Is that the pink little birdie I sent you Mimi? I think so.
I adore your wreath and I'm sure your sons will treasure it like you.
Happy PS
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo

Carole said...

Your tree is beautiful!

The recipe sounds wonderful - thank you for sharing and thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind words.

Bless you.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

I love your pink decoration! The ornaments are lovely and what a sweet bird!

Happy Holidays!

Julia

Betty said...

I love your wreath Mimi. What a special treasure to remember your parents by. I'll be back. I want to print out all of your recipes. Those cookies look as wonderful as your pretty Christmas tree!

SmilingSally said...

Yes, Mimi, I remember the store Krespee's, and I remember those wreaths. Thanks for sharing.

Dogmom Diva said...

Mimi, I love your wreaths, I agree, truly the most important 'things' to me at Christmas are the things that have been handed down to me, like my nana's nativity which I will showcase next Saturday (still packed). My folks are both, gratefully, still with us, but I probably should go see what Mom has that I would like when she passes. One or two items is all...I just want the memories..
Beautiful post..Merry Christmas!

Barb

Finding Pam said...

For me it is all about your pricious memories of your mom and dad. Beautiful tree and fantastic recipes.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

MiMi, what a touching post. What a beautiful and touching memory you have of your childhood. You are so fortunate to still have the wreaths. I'm glad the tradition will be passed onto your sons. What a delightful and fun recipe. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I would also like to thank you for stopping by and "always" leaving such up lifting comments. You touch my heart with each visit.
hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
CC said...

Hi Mimi...Ohhh, what a beautiful post. I loved your story,and I love,love,love the ornaments you've shown. I will be making the cherries in the snow this coming week. Thank you so much for the idea. Many happy pinks and have a wonderful upcoming week.

Patricia said...

What a great post - all your pinks are beautiful. Thank you for your visit to my blog and have a wonderful new week filled with all things Christmas.

jeanne said...

Hello dear MImi, your pink and white tree is soooo beautiful. I love how you shared your evolved tree loves. You go girl. I adore your hearts desire. Pink, what else. Big smile.

I also enjoyed your wonderful wreath memories. I so agree that these kind of memories make us enjoy the season with our loved ones remembered as a loving part of our past.

Your cookie idea is so sweet. Not hard to do either. Thanks for sharing it.

Have fun getting ready for Christmas.

Hugs, Jeanne