Christmas 2009 is just around the corner.  Fall has hit St. Louis and that means Christmas Open House at R. Ege Antiques is just days away.  The party is next week, Thursday, November 19th from 5 to 9.  I thought it might be fun to check out the photos from last year’s party.  Reflected in the bullseye mirror is a collection of “shinny bright” tree toppers mounted as bouquets in French cast iron urns.  Click on images to enlarge.

Wonderfully carved and gilded carousel panel over seven feet long, found in Europe.

Wicker set from the 1930s surrounds a faux bois French stone planter used as a coffee table.

Moravian star light next to a cast iron top hat cuspidor encircled by a zinc 19thc chain.

Collection of “shiny brite” ornaments on a 1960′s wire tree only $ 3.00 each, what a deal.

Vintage Moscow travel poster made for German tourists is from the 1930s and hangs below a collection of kitschy 1960s Christmas yard figures.

This image shows one of my favorite things from last year’s party …. the rain chain.  The chain dates from the 19thc,  is completely hand forged and was found in Europe.  It is interesting to me that we are now seeing rain chains show up in local garden shops.  Everything old is new again, as they say.

General store cabinet loaded with vintage Christmas treats.

Christmas brings out the kid in all of us.   Who doesn’t have fond memories of a certain ornament that always hung on the tree, or the  well worn well loved cardboard houses that went on the mantle?

Brush trees and a 1940s cardboard village set is covered in glitter and displayed in a primitive country store pie case.

Clear glass cake stands are great for displaying objects as well as for serving desserts.  These stands held a collection of place card holders from the 1950s decorated as potted chenille poinsettias.

Every house should have at least one feather tree for Christmas.  No matter how you decorate them they are always charming.  This little guy was home to a group of 1960s Santa’s elves that were handmade of felt.

Roxie checking it all out.

English horse racing painting between two large concrete planters complete with “snow.”

The French wrought iron window guard dates from the 19thc and is festooned with fresh garland.  I really enjoy using fresh greenery at the shop during the holiday season.  One of the reasons is simply because it’s real and real is always best.  It also gives the shop that wonderful smell.  Christmas is more than just stuff that comes out of a box.  The smells of Christmas trigger past memories amazingly fast.   The giraffe is a German pull-toy and is decked out for the party wearing her “pearls” made from glass bead Christmas garland.  Christmas Open House 2009 is going to be a great one with more vintage Christmas than ever before.  Join us Thursday, November 19th at 5 pm to see what holiday antiques I’ve been stashing away for almost a year now.  Christmas is almost here.  Click on images to enlarge.