It has been a sunny and gorgeous Autumn season here in the Midwestern part of the country! Warm temperatures, blue skies and just a few hints of color as the leaves begin to turn. And yet I spent the day singing holiday carols and enjoying all things Christmas!
Its the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas? Well not exactly - not yet anyway! It is time for the holiday open house weekends at The Village Shoppes in New Carlisle, Indiana. This store, actually two stores across the street from one another, is simply amazing. I was first introduced to this store years ago when it was a Walt Disney Classics Collection Gold Circle Dealer known as Watson's. Then it was converted to The Village Shoppes, expanded and the focus was converted from a collectibles store to home interiors and seasonal accoutrements!
New Carlisle, Indiana is the most quaint little town with lovely shops and great food!
I first introduced you to this unique establishment in my post regarding their holiday open house 2012 here. Last year was simply gorgeous and as this time of the year rolls around, I am always quite excited to head to see the stores decorated in all of their holiday splendour! It has become our Columbus Day tradition to head there AFTER the first holiday open house weekend. I have been there during the actual open house dates and it is crazy crowded. I like to be able to browse slowly and take in every decoration on every vignette on every shelf in every corner. There is so much to see and even more to miss. Here are my impressions and pictures of this years holiday spectacular 2013. Prepare to be amazed....
Don't you just LOVE this chest? It totally looks like a piece you would see in a Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers musical. Very art deco and yet stunning and so NOW. I'm seriously gushing!
I really thought this lamp was adorable. It looks like a family tree to me. And the shade is a rectangle - very unique. I love the mixture of silver and gold together.
This giant red lantern is perfect for the holidays and I love the traditional red and green color scheme.
This traditional Merry Christmas reindeer sign is painted on old, weathered barn board. It is adorable. I love the reindeer and the mix of fonts. This could match any decor in any room.
Continuing with the reindeer theme, I feel in love with this collection of tin reindeers enjoying outdoor winter activities! The girl reindeer is heading for the slopes as is her boyfriend shown below. Other opt for the snow hills and sledding fun! I couldn't choose if I had to!
If reindeer are your favorite holiday icon, there are many from which to choose!
How cute for your holiday table to hold utensils or even candy canes!
I love reindeer and all things tartan and I instantly fell in love with this tea towel. Smatterings of tartan were delightfully placed throughout both stores!
I love these scalloped red plaid placemats and stockings!
I love the vintage boxes mixed in with the bottle brush trees!
Fell in love with these regal reindeer, monocles and all. If I had to choose, I would definitely pick the red one because of the black base but I love them both!
These tartan boxes are tin! Oh the uses I would have for these!
Who says holiday decor has to be red and green! Here are a few unconventional Christmas vignettes which are all fabulous! The sectional is a fabulous fabric!
Gorgeous woodland chandelier!
This houndstooth chest of drawers is spectacular!
This kitchen towel is the perfect hostess gift! SO cute!
Pretty woodland wreath!
Continuing with the natural Christmas decor, there was a collection of these posable holiday squirrels decked out in various holiday outfits. These could be used anywhere as here he is helping to string Christmas lights in the tree. LOVE!
Vintage ice skates are always so festive to me and they can be used well into February as accents.
I was completely charmed by this little holiday mouse which looks like he was made from a sweater!
AWESOME vignette!
Charming victorian carolers!
Who doesn't love festive pillows!
Who says you have to put a candle in a lantern? I think a snowman does quite nicely!
Gorgeous in red, green and gold! It shimmers!
I love the tartan pillows and the sweater knit blanket is PERFECTION!
How great does striped material covered with a burlap topper look on this table? It can be used year round for any season and looks equally impressive. Such a fantastic look!
Various colors and textures of trees always look gorgeous on a bookcase or table. Love these!
LOVE the sleigh! It makes the perfect tree stand!
And even though it was a Christmas open house, there was a smattering of lovely Autumnal holiday decor. I want to seriously have a leftover turkey sandwich on this sofa!
I am crying over this fall ribbon! Just gorgeous!
I love this chair - and I love the pumpkin on the chair. This fabric is just beautiful!
My favorite Fall wreath! The colors are stunning!
This is Bill - the owner. The man behind the magic. What I love about this store is that it truly seems like a team effort. All of the cast members are so pleasant and helpful and if you peek behind the curtain, you can see them fluffing and primping garlands and ribbons. As they walk through the store, you will usually see one stop to re-position a pillow or fix a bow. It is these small attention to details and standard of excellence which makes this shoppe so exquisite. I have quite a few items in my home from The Village Shoppes, and every season when I open the bins, I am reminded how much seasonal garlands, wreaths and decorations became part of our home and family traditions. Whenever I walk through the doors, I'm fraught with anticipation of what the newest "find"will be.
I hope you enjoyed all of the pictures and the holiday splendour! I could seriously leave the store with one of everything but a sign which was hanging on the wall was a stark reminder of why I needed to curtail my wish list.....
