Christmas Apron Inspiration

I thought is was time for a little Christmas inspiration! What better place to go then Etsy?  Wish I could add them all to my collection!

Vintage Christmas Apron

Don't you love the candy cane? And the bit of understated white on white rick-rack. There is something about these sheer 50s hostess aprons that I love! Maybe is it their obvious un-practicalness.

Christmas Half Apron
Is there anything that says Vintage Christmas like Bells?!

 Merry Christmas Apron

I love the printed fabric of this apron. So cheerful and merry! Those are orniments scattered over it.

Festive Poinsettia Apron

Isn't this Poinsettia apron festive? (Just like the title says!)

As you can see, the majority of Christmas aprons are half aprons, the preferred style for fancy or hostess aprons in the 50s-60s.
Don't they inspire you pull out your festive apron? Or sew one up? I really need a candy cane one!

All aprons shown are for sale on Etsy. Click on the link underneath the picture to see the listing and view more pictures.

Andrews Sisters-Walking in a Winter Wonderland

One of my sisters and I favorite singing groups are the Andrews Sisters. This perky trio always brings a smile to our faces. They are the best known for singing 40s wartime swing tunes like Bei Mir Bist du Schon and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree.

Christmas is coming......

Don't you love natural Christmas decorations? The elegance of branches and twigs with a hint of berries and ice for color? I do! I always envision our house that way and dream up new decorations to carry the theme out. But somehow when the halls get decked, the house never comes out looking the way I planned.

It finally dawned on me this year, we just aren't a family that goes in for elegance. A bit zany, yes. Lots of character, yes. A great love of home and comforts. Several vintage collections and a love of old stuff. Mix it together and what do you get?

A Retro 50s Christmas! Colorful, bright.......and shiny!

 As you probably already know, we love our Shiny Brights! Add a little silver garland and what could be more vintage? Isn't that a perfect tree? We are amazed at how symetrical it is. And don't forget our beautiful Shiny Bright topper!  

Who can resist these sweet and mischievous little faces?

Another of our Christmas collections, Gurley Candles. This year we added more color by piling ornaments in glass vases.

Our decorating style certainly isn't elegant, but it says Christmas! Loud and clear! And never fails to make us smile!

Coat's and Clark's Aprons- 1944

 My sister brought me a little gift last weekend. I was so thrilled!! This is a wonderful little booklet with many aprons and lots of inspiration! I love the illustrations, very classic 40s.

 "Protection plus Charm"

A whole family of aprons!

 "Crisp and fresh for company at home" One of my favorites! I love the interesting halter top.

Such a fun illustration! "All hands and the cook the order of the day when a church dinner is on the schedule..... seven basic aprons made from materials available."

 

Old Fashioned Brown Sugar Cookies

 I have had these pictures lurking around for a while. At first I didn't deem them blog worthy, but have since changed my mind!

 This is an old favorite. The very first time we made them my sister wanted to try out her new elephant cookie cutter. They have since been known in our house as "Elephant Cookies". And we wouldn't dare make them any other shape!

This recipe makes a nice basic soft sugar cookie with one twist, brown sugar instead of white. And to top it all off, Maple Butter Cream Frosting!

 

Brown Sugar Cookies

2 cupfuls brown sugar

1 cupful softened butter

3 eggs

1/2 teaspoonful salt

1 teaspoonful baking soda

1/4 cupful milk

1 teaspoonful vanilla

About 5 cupfuls flour

Cream together the butter and sugar, add the eggs well beaten, the milk, the vanilla and the half the flour sifted with the salt and soda. Add more flour, enough to make a dough which may be rolled. Cut in any desired shapes (preferably elephants!) and bake about ten minutes in a 400 oven.

For the frosting, just add a couple tablespoons maple syrup to your favorite recipe.

 



1930 December McCalls Magazine

"Insist on a McCall Pattern - It's the short cut to Paris style"

 I am not a great fan of fur, but don't those 1930 coats look handsome with that large collar? I also love the Santa tucked in the corner, even though he looks a little out of place.

"These new Paris designs achieve a maximum of smartness with a minimum of material"

 

My favorite is 6329. When I think of the early 30's, I always think of their great collars/necklines. So chic! Or as the magazine says- Paris Style!

 

And who doesn't need new night wear for Christmas?! You can choose from either the newest French pajamas........

..........Or a more traditional floral silk negligee. Which would you prefer?

 I am definitely a floral silk negligee kind of gal. I love how it wraps over and drapes!

Updates

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday! I for one, got tired out! There was cooking and pie making, working on my house, visiting with family, cleaning house, washing dishes ( I am sure everyone washed a lot of dishes, it seemed like an endless chore!), a little yarn shopping, Christmas planning, more work on my house, sewing, knitting Christmas presents and don't forget a bit of relaxing!!

 Finally I got a picture of the hall floor! Not bad for having two layers of linoleum, a half inch of tar paper and being a hundred years old. Just needs a bit of sanding and a coat of varnish. I also got all the staples out of the living/dinning room and the downstairs bedrooms. Now I just have to de-staple the stairs and the upstairs bedroom. I am not sure why carpet installers think they need so many staples to hold a carpet pad down.....

I also got a bit of sewing done! Almost finished with my flannel robe, just a bit more hand finishing and I will be ready to share it.

Now on to Christmas planning!!