Sunday, December 14, 2008

It's not the gift it's the wrap that counts.

In my family gift wrap is a big deal. My sweet Mother was the best at gift wrap. Always used real satin ribbon and no store bought bows. Her packages were so beautiful that when I was a little girl I never wanted to open them. She would laugh and say " For heaven's sake Debra just tear the paper." I would open them so careful so I could save the pretty paper.

My Aunt worked in the gift wrap department of a department store downtown Elgin, Illinois so she had all the fancy package decorations. I still have package decoration that came on packages from my Aunt. I use them on my tree.
My sister also worked in the gift wrap department of ZCMI in Utah. When she changed departments and became the toys buyer people came looking for her at Christmas because it just wasn't the same without her cheerful wrapping.

My sister is not decorating this year for Christmas. She lived with my Mother and since this is our first year with out my Mom she just can't face all the memories the ornaments hold. So I decided to do over the top packages and send them to my sister so she can place them around the house for decorations and after we open them on Christmas morning her house will be all undecorated for her again.
Now my Mom has a storage shed FULL of decorations. My Mom was Martha Stewart with a dash of real elegance. Everyone I know has a center piece or wreathe by my Mom.
In spring when the holiday has pasted my sister and I are going to open that shed. There are boxes in there that have not been opened in years! It will be fun but probably a little melancholy as well. Two sisters bonding over Christmas past. We are going to do it when the sun is shinning and the pool is open so we can go swimming after.






















This year I didn't unpack my old decorations for the same reasons. Too many memories. Next year I'll take them out again.
Last Friday at Make Mine pink we shared decorating and gift wrap ideas. My Little Pink Boutique has a bunch of great ideas check it out http://www.makeminepink.com/boutiques/details/?store=210. It is our way to say Thank you for being wonderful customers all year long. This Friday at Make Mine Pink we will be sharing our holiday reciepes with you so please stop by and have a peek for some yummy ideas. Here are some pictures of my kitchen . I always change out all my pastel pottery for my Botonical Gardens pottery and snow men. Enjoy and have a wonderful season! Lilli

21 comments:

Miniature Patisserie Chef said...

Hi Lilli,

I love all the photos in your post! Your gift wrap is just so exquisite! I wouldn't want to tear the present open as well!

Have a great week!

Pei Li

Lisa McDonald said...

Lilli

Your new blog banner is very pretty. I'm glad that you and Cindy will have the opportunity to meet. Love the gift wrapping it's gorgeous.

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com

Susan - InHerOwnWords said...

What a lovely tribute to your Mom and what a wonderful gift for your sister. Your kindness will reach the heavens and I'm sure you'll see an extra bright star as your Mom shines down on you.

Carolee Crafts said...

Love the photos of the gift wrap, agree the wrap is very important, what better than to have a beautiful wrapped gift under the tree, shows you care. Thank you for sharing

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post! My Dad died 10 years ago on Dec 27...so I understand...my Mother still does not enjoy Christmas so we play it down still to this day...
Susan *dutchrose*

Noelle Garrett Designs said...

Hi Lilli,

Your post is lovely and your pictures just beautiful! My Mom always did over the top wrapping when I was a kid. I hope you and your sister have a wonderful holiday and remember all the wonderful times spent with your dear mother who you know is watching over you. Oh, and you should have at least one almond bon bon this holiday. :)
hugs,
Carrie

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Lilli this was a beautiful post. It made me cry thinking about your mom. I lost my adopted Mom in Sept. and my best friend and I feel the same way about Christmas this year. I wish you and your sister happiness when you open that shed full of memories.
bunny kisses,
shell

gail said...

Hi Lilli,,, what a nice post! My Mom was definately a decorating Martha Stewart as well. The holidays were always so special then. Have a great day..
(())gail

Inka Smith said...

Hi Lilli,
I love all your gift wrap and your winter garden is wonderful. I wanted to plant on this year but it will be spring in a couple of months down here so why bother?? LOL
Inka

Eileen & Karen said...

Lilli,
I was very touched by your post. I think your tradition of elegantly wrapped gifts is wonderful...a special part of your Mom that will be with you always. May both you and your sister have a sweet and blessed Holiday!
Hugs,
Eileen
www.forgetmenotdreams.com

Rachelle said...

Lilli,
Your packages are gorgeous! I don't think I'd want to open them either. I'm sorry for the loss of your Mom. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. It sounds like you have lots of special memories.

Thank you for the kind comments on my blog, and for giving my web address to someone!
Rachelle

Shabby Shan said...

Lilli,
Your gift wrap is beautiful. I wish I could wrap that pretty! Thank you for sharing.

Happy Holidays!
Shannon
www.shabbyshanscottage.com

Marie said...

Lilli,
Your photos ore gorgeous. I know how sad it is to lose your parents. My hope is that in the spring when you go into the shed, the wonderful memories will take away some of the sadness. Your post was very touching and heartwarming. Thanks Lilli for bringing us such beautiful things.
Marie

Shell said...

If I received gift wrapping like yours, I wouldn't want to open my gifts!! Beautiful. It's a tribute to your mom continuing her tradition of beautiful wrapping.

Deb said...

Hi Debra.....your presents are so pretty! I know this will be a hard Christmas for you and your sister but maybe thinking back over some special holiday memories of your mother will help. ((Hugs!))

Holiday hugs,
Debbie

Patricia said...

Lilli, that's a great idea for your sister. Thoughtful and caring, which is hardly suprising, that's you always. The firsts are awful, the seconds were so great either but then it does get easier. You don't forget but can remember with a smile.
Pat
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com

Shabby in Pink Boutique said...

Lilli, Love those packages~ JUST GORGEOUS! And the holiday pics, love them! Tis the Season!
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas & Happy New Years!
Pink Wishes,
Stephanie

Pink Princess said...

Lilli, I did the same as you did: My mom passed away 2 years ago and it still is difficult to see the old ornaments we used. (I lived with her all my life as well, till 2 years ago)

This year I decided to buy many new PINK ornaments, because that is what I wanted, a mostly pink tree. So that is MY choice and the memories stay in the older boxes, packed in the attic. I miss my mom as well, and wish you and your sister a good bonding time together when you unwrap the boxes and share memories.

hugs from Marian

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhhh your gift wrapping is just beautiful !! I don't think I would be able to open those either ~
xoxo
Lori

gail said...

Hi Lilli,
What a pretty post :) I loved your new friends blog. Very pretty also!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and have a happy , healthy and creative new year filled with peace and love,
hugs, gail

mommyholly said...

LOVE the snowmen!! :) Thank you for stopping by my blog, you also have a GORGEOUS blog!! What neat vintage finds!! Enjoy your holidays, xoxox!