Gift Guide & Holiday Decorating from the Queen

It’s that time of year again . . . when everyone gets in the decorating spirit first and then moves on to choosing gifts for their friends and family second. Can you say, busy?

You might be the one in the neighborhood that “decks the halls” to the hilt, or the one that puts out your favorite decorations and calls it a day or what I like to call “Christmas Lite.” Since our boys are living out of state, we have found it very cathartic to pick out the decorations that mean the most to us and not bring down all 40 boxes from the attic. Don’t get it wrong, we thoroughly enjoy the holidays and love seeing all the decorations in our friends and family’s homes, we just take the more relaxed approach!

Now when it comes to gift giving, we might be over the top. Are you one that puts a lot of thought into it, or do you buy what is popular? Do you give gifts that you would like to receive yourself?

As you get older and wiser, we tend to give practical gifts. Some that come to mind are dishtowels, candles, glassware, and holiday themed decorations. This time of year inspires all of us to be creative with a little bit of practicality thrown in. The Queen is a great place to shop for gifts for anyone on your list!

Some of the decorating trends this year are checked bows in black/white, black/red and tan/black, frosted holly stems. Vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations are very popular this year, including those wonderful silver tinsel trees. 

How many ceramic Christmas trees do you have? Our book club holiday dinner was last week, and the hostess, Alice had three ceramic trees – all different, but what a nice look having them sitting around the room giving off the light from the tiny lights, reminding all of us our childhood.

Nature seems to be popping up in holiday decorating this year. Pine trees cut into rustic leaning Christmas trees are flying out the door to adorn mantels and tables. These paired with the checked bows make for a very homey, warm look in any home. Burlap is still in the mix pairing well with mercury glass deer and candleholders, rocking the rustic meets modern look. 

Customers always share with us their love for our wide selection of holiday décor.One dealer-merchant will display all vintage Christmas ornaments and collectibles while another will go more modern with all teal colored glass ornaments and silver bows. It is always a fun time at the Queen of Hearts with all 500+ dealer-merchants decking their booths with their versions of the holiday season!

Stacey Anderson is the owner of all three Queen of Hearts locations in Alpharetta, Buford and Marietta. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see more items for the holidays!

Christmas Open House at the Queen of Hearts

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus…There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence… The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.”

In 1897, Francis P. Church wrote this infamous letter in response to a little girl’s question about the existence of Santa, one that is incredibly appropriate to share following the Queen of Hearts Holiday Open House events in Alpharetta, Buford and Marietta.

As a child, nothing quite compares to the magical enchantment of Christmas – the sights, sounds, snow, decorations, and the presents! The Queen’s Holiday Open House helped reveal that feeling again in "kids from 1 to 92." Maybe it was the chill in the air, Tom Ladow on the piano, or the wonderful refreshments and snacks from our dealers, but the store was full of laughter, smiles, and awe from customers as they paraded around marveling at the creativity displayed throughout the store.

There were lots of exciting trends this year at the Queen of Hearts Open House, that we will be sharing on our Facebook page. Expect this Christmas to use lots of great texture including burlap and barnwood, vintage ornaments and Christmas décor, and upcycled projects including handmade ornaments.

But one trend that stood out above all else, was the most traditional element of Christmas: Santa Claus

This amazing Santa can be found at BIRCH in Buford and could be used as a front door ornament or somewhere within the home as a festive accent.

These Santa’s were “high flying” and Santa’fabulous’!

Traditional, modern, or rustic? Doesn’t matter….there is a Santa out there just for you! Check out these great options from Appalachian Vintiques (LIVJC) in Buford!

As we begin this holiday season in full force, don’t let Christmas get away from you. Get your decorations and Christmas shopping complete, or we might just have to tell Santa!

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This blog was written by dealer Jennifer Turner, of Appalachian Vintiques (LIVJC) on Court St in Buford - like her on Facebook to see all of her fabulous finds!