Tuesday, December 15, 2009

White Wednesday, Christmas Gift Books

A few years ago I found my first old
Christmas "Gift Book".
Their petite size and precious graphics of Christmas
caused me to begin a search for them.

These are from the 1880's until 1913.
Sweet inscriptions of love and devotion;
friendships and relationships,
most dated "Christmas Eve".









They are displayed on my Italianate
black desk in the Living Room.













This is the oldest from 1888, in pristine condition.
Entitled "A Bugle Song and Other Poems".






"Kept for the Master's Use". Love the title.
















Here is a daytime shot of our tree in the Living Room.
Next post I'll show the rest of the Living Room.




Please go by and see Kathleen at
and the rest of the
 White Wednesday participants.
I'm sure there is plenty of gorgeous
White Christmas to be enjoyed!



Have a Wonderful White Wednesday!
Debra

22 comments:

  1. honey, you have more vintage items and energy than anyone!! i love it all and i have fun coming to visit you!
    all the best!
    erin

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  2. Now those are really special Debra!!! So very lovely!

    :) T

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  3. Oh my, I DO love books and yours are just too beautiful. I also have a Christmas Gift in a newer version. I love the display of these books on the black desk! Have a blessed day!

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  4. Debra,
    These vintage books are lovely! You have accumulated a wonderful collection that is a treat to view. Your living room is elegant and a style I gravitate to. I love the way you displayed your interesting items on your Italianate desk. There is nothing like the beauty of Old World Charm.
    Cathy

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  5. How beautiful. I guess these were the forerunners of our Southern Living Christmas books, maybe? All I know is I see a new collection starting for me.
    Debbie

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  6. Those booklets are so precious! and your tree is so pretty. I also love your new banner! How sweet!

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  7. What a wonderful thing to collect, Debra--I love those! Thanks for sharing them with us! Your tree is just beautiful--can't wait to see the rest!

    Hope you're having a beautiful December day--stay warm & cozy!

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  8. These are just precious. I'm so drawn to those old graphics....the colors and style just make me happy! Gah...are you sure you and I were not seperated at birth? LOL.

    -c
    yapping cat

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  9. Hi, Debra! LOVE those books! The typography ... colors ... and the MESSAGE .... such a perfect piece for this Christmas White Wednesday. (And NO calories, lol!)
    Hugs!
    Betty :)

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  10. Oh my gosh - those are LOVELY!!! I will admit this is the first time I have seen these! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful!!! And your living room tree is gorgeous!!! Is it sitting in a buggy of sorts?

    xoxoxoxo
    Robelyn

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  11. Hi Debra,
    Your home is absolutely stunning the way you have it all dressed up for Christmas! And I love the front door (I tried to comment, but my computer froze up on me...) I am going to be on the look out for Christmas books like you have. Those are beautiful reminders of another Christmas era gone by. What lovely treasures.

    I am a bit slow with the posting/commenting these days, so if I don't get a chance to later, I hope you and your family are able to celebrate the birth of Christ with warm visits from friends and loved ones both far and near. Take care, and the very Merriest of Christmases!
    Kate

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  12. You have a wonderful collection. I love the old Christmas books. I have seen these about and never thought of collecting them. But now I just might. Thanks for the lovely pictures.
    Your tree is also beautiful.
    Merry Christmas,
    Lois

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  13. MERRY CHRISTMAS Debra,
    Your collection of vintage Christmas books are awesome. Love the poems and pictures in them.
    It's fun to see your Christmas tree.
    Warmly,
    Deb :)

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  14. Hi Debra,
    I have never seen these before. Your collection is lovely. Were they idea books or did people write gifts received in them?
    Your vignettes are beautiful...and that tree is gorgeous. I cannot wait to see more Debra.
    hugs

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  15. These are just beautiful. The artwork on them is gorgeous too. You seem to have amassed a pretty good collection!

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  16. OK - we have too much in common already! If my husband had lived til this year - we too - would have been married for 37 years in August. I was an antiques dealer for over three years back about 10 years ago.

    I love these little Christmas books - really love that one you have with that neat title:
    "Kept for the Master's Use".

    A very dear friend has a favorite quote that says: "As a servant we must be moldable and remain available for the Master's use."

    So that one is very special!!

    OK - now if you tell me your mother was a hairdresser - that would be too funny!

    Glad to know you - great BLOG site!

    Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!
    Stephanie

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  17. Debra-
    I learn something new every time I visit your blog.

    Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful, unique collections.

    Now- I have to PREVENT myself from collecting, lambs and Christmas books!

    Laura

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  18. Debra
    Such a beautiful collection. Just amazing how simply gorgeous your displays are. Hope that you are enjoying this holiday season.

    Much love
    Kate

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  19. Once again, the Queen of collections shows us all why she's the Queen!
    Just look at all those sweet little books! And that last picture of the tree...you'd best not invite me over or you're likely to find an ornie or three missing the next day. ;-)

    Still looking for the elusive vacuum.....

    :-P
    Anne

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  20. Love that collection of Christmas gift books. So unusual and beautiful all together. Your tree is gorgeous ! look forward to seeing the rest of the room. Blessings, :) Tammy

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  21. Debra,
    Your header is beautiful, along with it's sentiments... and your new picture is very nice too.
    Sweet treasures and how did you ever get that tree in the cart? or buggy? Very clever idea.
    Everything looks so pulled together. I had never seen books like those. I learn something every time I stop in.

    I have asked the Lord on occasions to decorate my home with His presence. I think you have that atmosphere.
    It brings Him glory.
    Lee

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