The Kitchen Window

The Kitchen Window
Antique Milk Bottles with Herbs and Flowers

Welcome!

Welcome to the Frog Hollow Farm blog! I've been blogging since January 2010 and have switched from Blogger to Word Press, but I'm back to Blogger because, for me, it's easier to use. My husband and I live on a little farm in Northwest New Jersey. We have some chickens and a very large vegetable garden with asparagus and raspberries, and rows and rows of sunflowers, snapdragons and zinnias. Traveling, entertaining, gardening, spending time with family, studying Italian, blogging and reading keep us busy and happy. With all of this going on, moving towards a simpler life seems almost impossible but it's definitely a daily goal.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

My Irish Christmas Tree at Frog Hollow Farm


I call this little tree my Irish Christmas tree.  It was originally copied from the front cover of one of Martha Stewart's December Living issues - I think!  Her tree was all gold, as was mine when it started out.  The first Christmas after my mom died I decided to add green to the ornament collection on this tree, in memory of her. She grew up in Ireland and trained as a midwife in Belfast before immigrating to the United States in the early 1950's.


Many of the ornaments first came from a little shop here in northwest New Jersey, called Harley's Garden or Rocking Horse Antiques - it went by both names and was owned and run by two wonderful guys, Harley and Joe.  They had the most wonderful Christmas open house parties at their store every December, it was truly a magical little store that held something beautiful in every nook and cranny.  Sadly, Joe and Harley decided they would close the shop, but they are still around and I see them at antique shows once in a while.  They are delightful; however, I truly miss seeing them and visiting their store.  This little tree reminds me of them as well as of my mom!!

The sprays of white pearls was also an idea that I saw on one of the many decorated trees in Harley and Joe's Christmas Barn.  They have long wire stems and can just be placed inside the branches of the tree - they rest on the branches and soften the whole look.

Every ornament reflects light either by small pieces of mirrored glass or the overall finish on the outside of the ornament.  At night is when this tree looks most magical!




This red bow compliments the green and gold in the tree, but also hides the extension cord plug that sits on the table behind the pottery piece that holds the little tree.

We love this tree so much that we've decided to get another one to decorate in our family room.  That will make four decorated trees at Frog Hollow Farm this Christmas!  They just make every room look so special!

I'm linked over at Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper.  Please drop by to check out all of the delightful seasonal ideas that are linked to this party!

Ciao, bella!

16 comments:

  1. Pretty.....pretty.....pretty...my friend.

    Xo

    Jo

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  2. Hi Ann Marie,
    Such a pretty tree! I am sure your mom would be so proud and is smiling down on how lovely the tree looks in her loving memory! I loved Rocking Horse Antiques so much they would actually come out to my home before my parties to deliver anything I needed, thats how kind they are...I miss it there so much. I still have the most adorable items from their shop.
    We have been working around the clock for 3 days now transforming the inside and outside of our house into a magical wonderland this is such a divine time of the year. I Love it! :) I hope to sleep tonight LOL .Have a fantastic day.
    xx

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  3. Very pretty, I love the green and gold:@)

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  4. Ah, what a pretty tree!

    xo
    Claudia

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  5. I love the little tree! I don't have much room in my house for a regular size tree, so I've been using a small tree on a table. I've been reenergized by your delightful tree--thanks for the ideas.

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  6. A beautiful tree and a beautiful sentiment. God bless your mother's memory.

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  7. What a sweet tree, and a lovely sentiment. It is a wonderful way to remember your Mom at Christmas time.
    I love all the pretty glass ornaments and the tidbit about using the pearls on stems.
    xo Yvonne

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  8. Good morning! Your tree is beautiful. So many things on my tree remind me of days gone by as well. I agree that the trees make our rooms so special...I only have two trees though (grin).

    Have a great Monday,
    Jackie

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  9. Your green Irish tree is beautiful...in a week I will show you...my Italian one!!! Ciao bella...e ciao cara, Flavia

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  10. Ann Marie, this is such a beautiful tree and a lovely way to remember your sweet mom. I absolutely love the green and gold. My friend gives me an angel ornament every year in memory of my mom, and I hang them all on a small tree. I love my angel tree, and I think she would like it, too.

    I hope you're enjoying this holiday season. I'm having trouble with my computer, so I haven't been posting on my blog this week. But, I've got my decorations up -- just need to finish and put the tree up!

    Have a great week!
    Karen

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  11. This is so very pretty... I love the colors you used and your ornaments are stunning..
    You;ve also given me a great idea to decorate next year according to my heritage..

    holiday hugs
    Sonny

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  12. WHAT A LOVELY TREE FARM GIRL.
    LILY WOULD BE SO HAPPY YOU MADE IT JUST FOR HER. YOUR MOM WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON, SHE AND I GOT ALONG SO WELL.
    GOD BLESS HER. TAKE CARE.
    LOVE, AUNT RIZ

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  13. Such a glorious heartfelt tree! So sorry to be visiting so late. Thank you so much for participating in Seasonal Sundays! I'm glad to be part of your celebration of the season.

    - The Tablescaper

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  14. oh such a pretty tree and a lovely remembrance of your mom.......

    so HAPPY to visit here today, my friend

    sending love,
    kary and teddy
    xxx

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  15. Hi lovely lady.
    Im new on your lovely Blog.``I love your IRISH Christmas Tree at Frog Hollow Farm !! I love the name of your blog and the color green on your Beautiful Tree just lovely sweet lady !!
    Im your newest follower on your blog. I do Tablescapes come see my Blog and maybe if you like you can become a follower on my blog. Thanks so much and have a Great Merry Christmas.
    Diane

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  16. Ann Marie...I immediately felt a connection to your blog through our Italian and Irish heritage...Your tree is lovely. It's sentiment, beautiful. I am very new to blogging. I'll be following...*L*

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