Love: Vintage Ornaments

I try to avoid collecting things, really I do. The whole concept just conjures up images of retirement villages filled with china cabinets filled with Hummel figurines in turn. It's just not my thing.

But the one thing I cannot resist hoarding are German mercury glass ornaments from the 30s and 40s. On my way home for Thanksgiving, my mom and I met up in antiques mecca Lambertville, NJ, where we found a treasure trove of them. My favorite kinds are clip-on birds and age-worn Santas, but dazzling round spheres are also great.

1940s bird ornament (Hilly's Closet)

1940s mercury-glass Santas (Christmas Angel)

This year, I picked up a mini Christmas tree to display them all, but I also love them piled high in silvery compotes, baskets and vases or hanging from chandeliers and adorning wreaths as seen below. All images sourced from Country Living and Southern Living.