Decorating with Mercury Glass

One of my favorite things to decorate with during the holidays is mercury glass, a common term for silvered glass.  This is glass that was blown double walled, then silvered between the layers with a liquid silvering solution and sealed.  

"Mercury" silvered glass was produced originally from around 1840 until at least 1930 and often decorated with a variety of techniques including painting, enameling, etching, and engraving.  Martha Stewart has some really nice information on the history of the glass at their website.

Image: Martha Stewart Living

True antique mercury glass is very collectible and can get expensive, but to be honest, I have plenty of the knockoffs that are widely available today at Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, etc.  I know, it's not the real thing, but when you're displaying in large groups like I do it helps to save a few dollars where you can!   And I absolutely mix the new with the old.

A lovely collection on an antique pine sideboard.  Image: Southern Living

Image: Country Living

The beautiful warm glow of mercury glass works so well in many room settings and is a great contrast with woods and painted surfaces.    I keep my collection out year round.

Holiday Entry Inspiration

Well, I've got just about a week until my family arrives for the holidays, so it's going to be a last minute spruce-up of the front porch and door.  Here's my latest inspiration:

I love the color on these twig dogwoods

This would be an easy planter update - some tall branches, greens, and winterberries

I love the multiple wreaths hung with ribbon.  Image: Martha Stewart Living 

A beautiful and non-traditional moss and garland combo here.  Image: Martha Stewart Living

I love the use of the basket here to hold a casual assortment
of greens.  Image: Country Living

A bay and olive wreath from Red Envelope.  Also great in boxwood!

OK OK.  This won't work on the front door, but I love this vintage french book wreath
here on Etsy.  You could do this with old sheet music, book pages, letters, etc.

Time for me to get cracking!  How are you decorating your entry for the holidays?