Call me anti-Christmas and non-traditional, but I don’t have a manger scene up this year. This is because I was spoiled by my mother’s beautiful, ceramic manger scene she made 25 years ago. Nothing I have found or seen is as nice as hers; I refuse to put up a plastic set with moss glued all over the manger. Willow Tree’s set comes close to meeting my expectations of what a manger scene should be, but have you seen the prices??!!!
So, I present The Little Dutch Village.
Every bit as festive, and definitely classy.
I collect delft, my heritage being mostly dutch, and have quite the little collection. (Nothing compared to my mom or my aunts, but we’re working on it. :)) People have given me delft when they see I collect it, so my collection has sentimental value, as well.
I have tea pots and cups, vases and plates, and of course, an ash tray. But my favorite are the little houses and windmills. So I chose to set them up on my bookshelf for a holiday centerpiece this year in place of a manger scene.
All of the pieces are gifts, except the two large houses in the center. They were both thrift store finds that, as you can imagine, made my day. ๐ The one on the left’s roof lifts off as a lid.
I love that my village has people. ๐ This is a unique piece – the lid to a little heart-shaped container that was a wedding gift.
Oh, and the scrumptious pine cones were brought North for me by my sis and mother-in-law when they went to Florida last year. Knowing my love for pine cones, they brought me a whole suitcase full!
I love pine cones. ๐
I love your Dutch theme Trina. And hope to see you soon.zo
It's all a mater of perspective, will. The people are closer to you than the houses are. seriously. ๐
Trina I really like your "Little Dutch Village" ๐ It looks calm and peaceful, though I think the size of the people is slightly unrealistic, there is no way they can fit in those houses :p
Everything is beautiful!!
You have to come to our house soon! We decorated yesterday!