Bonny Neiman

A silly Thanksgiving!! This was such a silly day.  About a month ago my niece Jordan sent around an email in the family  mentioning her desire to have us all dress as Pilgrims and Indians for Thanksgiving.  No, Jordan is not the 10 year old Indian behind the front  row turkey, she is a 21 year old college student.  Everyone jumped on board in their own way as is typical with the whole group.   Holidays were a big deal when I was a child.  My mother would go all out with decorations, costumes and meals.  On Halloween she, my Grandfather and Grandmother would put their heads together and create, hammer and sew costumes worthy of a Broadway show for us.  I still remember the costume parties they had. Our home at Christmastime had theme outdoor decorations and not the store bought kind, tasteful engineering feats dreamed up by my Mother and executed by my Grandfather.   I don't know how she did it, really  even our  meals were sumptuous banquets. Each summer when my Grandparents took their cross Atlantic cruise with trunks packed full of spectacular gowns my Grandmother was always proud to report they took first prize at the masquerade ball with her creations.  The desire to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously has made its way through the generations.  A few years ago we started having a progressive Thanksgiving feast where we walk from house to house for each course as my 3 sisters and I all live in the same small town.  The men orchestrate the frying of the bird and make it an event outside with cigars, bourbon or a nice scotch. Sometimes we set up a target outside and everyone takes a turn shooting bows and arrows. My eldest son showed up from the city in a turkey costume....he made me so proud!! I always pride myself in not spending a cent...(maybe it shows but it's the spirit that counts) My husband (manning the fryer) grabbed a headband but he lost his feather very early.... my brother-in-law Tom was HYSTERICAL as a pilgrim and I took 20 pictures of him because I kept cracking up every time I looked at him. My Indian nephews showcasing our crispy bird... Hilary made her turkey costume and glued every feather. (my nieces are sooo creative!) My mother said she will wear a red bow at Christmas and carry a bell and go as a Salvation Army volunteer!! LOL!!! My Dad always brings the cigars.  That is my son without his turkey costume.    My sister Danielle with her brood posing.  I thought it was so cute that even though his brother and sister were weapon bearing Indians Nicky wanted to be a "fat turkey"! My Pilgrim father.... My sister Nicole's sangria looked beautiful.... My sister Denise's daughter Bergen helping herself to a picturesque crudite. Jordan with her Dad preparing the filet appetizers... Look at the little cutey baby in the headdress and the rear view of Hilary's feather display! They were calling my husband a biker, (what WAS he anyway in that shirt??) Here they are carving both  turkeys... I had just received my container from Europe and, because of the holiday,  hadn't unpacked but I saw one box marked "glass jars".  I used them as a row of centerpieces with a twig centerpiece  in the middle where everyone wrote what they were thankful for this year. I have several of these hand blown glass jars from Belgium available WITH stones. All you need to do is add the leeks or paperwhites and water. They look wonderful with Christmas balls for the holidays and for the rest of the year can hold collections or flowers. They vary in size a bit. Hand blown glass jars from Belgium with stones-$94.00  I have been unpacking boxes, etc. and arriving at the shop with dozens of great things from Europe, small and large. Between my trips there, to the electrician , the upholsterer and the framer I am swamped. I haven't been able to get pictures on the site but have notified all of you with pictures of items you had wanted. Please let me know if you are looking for anything for that special spot. There are lots of pieces including wonderful mirrors and art . I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your preparations for the holiday season upon us...    Best regards, Bonny P.S. Go to facebook to see more pieces on their way and to get advanced notice of updated web site. My favorite blogs: Cote de Texas Velvet and Linen Things that Inspire   The Enchanted Home     Bonny Neiman Stylish Antiques  p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10-5:30   Like us on Facebook