Valentine's Day Decor

Snow and ice are falling in Arkansas....WHAT? ...It has been some time as we are not used to such cold winters!  The second week of February is always seemingly the coldest of the year, and this year it is way over normal cold so I treasure the tie sitting by a warm fire while I write this post about the WARMEST season of the year....Valentines Day!  

Our stone fireplace throws out so much heat to warm the room. 

It  is a luxury to smell the perfumed woodsmoke 

and back up to the warmth especially on a day like today.  

"Winter ...is a time to gather golden moments, 

embark upon a sentimental journey, 

and enjoy every idle hour." 

- John Boswell 

Here is what my garden fountain looks like...

I keep it running so the little birds will be able to drink.

 Earlier I pulled out my vintage candy boxes 

and love this red velvet one. 

This figurine of children sledding seems quite appropriate 

for now as I hope our two grand littles will 

come by this afternoon 

for sledding adventures on our hill. 

The front porch is dressed with a few more 

vintage chocolate Valentine boxes. 

And the wreath on the front door holds 

a red truck full of valentine hearts.

In the south, porches are considered another room, but not today!

I have pulled out some of my vintage Valentines along with the chocolate boxes. 

This die cut lacey  one is so sweet. 
They are displayed on embellished vintage door knobs .  

The door knob displays are easy to make and dressed

 with a bit of broken jewelry.

Antique stores are usually full of vintage postcards 

and ephemera or small greeting cards. 
This little robin Valentine is a fold out favorite .

With their vintage appeal, some like this one

 with excellent graphics have become highly collectible. 

The first commercial Valentine's Day cards in America

 were designed in the 1840's by the Esther A. Howland, 

who embellished them with lace and ribbons.  

Through the ages, they were given as an expression of love, 

and also as tokens of friendship. 

Vintage cards with birds and especially doves steal my heart. 

 The ones from about 1895 to 1910 are very recognizable. 

It is easy to add a touch of seasonal decor with a simple postcard. 

Lots of valentines feature a locked heart and key too. 

"Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow 

or reap or store away in barns, 

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them..

 Are you not much more valuable than they?  

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"   

                                    __Matthew 6: 26-27

In the 1950's this cartoonish style became quite popular

especially grade school children to share with friends. 

As much as we love our wooden boats here at Magnolia Hill 

and handmade canoes, this one made me smile....

I am glad I snapped a few photos of our camellia bush

that is so beautiful in bloom before all the ice.

 They are a favorite of southern gardens for something blooming 

in the middle of winter is a luxury. Glossy rich greenery 

in the middle of winter, and soft sweet blooms.  

I picked several blooms

to float in a bowl and enjoy. 

This one is called Mrs. Lincoln. 

 Here's hoping your Valentine's Day is spent warm and with someone you love. 

 

You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 

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