Irish Linen & Lace

Today we are going to be talking about two more Irish beauties, Irish linen & lace :) They are often combined, but not always.  I have been buying Irish linens for almost 30 years now. It started at an antique auction where I won and entire case of Irish linens for $20.  I've been hooked ever since :)

Here are spools of Irish lace in a bowl, think of all the towels, sheets, and dresses you could trim with these, the mind reels :)

This dress is an exquisite example of Irish linen and lace at it's finest. It's a vintage piece from the Edwardian era.

Here is a beautiful example of hand embroidered Irish Linen.  A piece this ornate was probably a wedding gift or made for a wedding dowry.

Irish linen and lace drying on the line, how divine. If you have an unwanted stain on vintage linens the recommended way to remove them is to rub a little lemon juice on the stain and lay (or hang)  them in the sun, this is gentler on the linen than bleach.

An Irish Linen loom from 1820

This is an Irish boys Christening outfit. This is almost exactly like my sons except his knickers were white velvet since he was baptized the day after Christmas, I wish I had more pictures of him in it, he was so adorable. With a name like Charles Patrick, he's all Irish :)

I adore lace trimmed sheets.  They're a beautiful luxury that every one should experience at least once.  Consider shopping around for lace and add your own, it can save you a LOT of money.  I've been doing this for years :)

If you like the look of these sheet you can purchase them from Victorian Trading Co. They specialize in all things vintage (or that look vintage)

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/19t/i119.html

They also carry this lovely lace table topper for a touch of old world romance :)
           http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/1a/i12521.html

                                                                         



And last, but not least they offer these beautiful towels

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/8h/i555.html

So Top O' The Mornin to ya and don't forget to let a little linen and lace weave some charm into your home and your life.  It has a way of making you feel like a true lady (or gentleman).  It will also make your guests feel warm, welcome, and very special.

Entertaining with Irish Beauties, Waterford Crystal

Waterford Bar Trunk, under a Waterford Chandelier

For  those  of you who think that St. Patricks Day (and the Irish) are all about green beer and silly hats,  I would like to say Ireland has given the world of entertaining some really beautiful products.  I would like to cover some of the beautiful gifts from Ireland starting with Waterford Leaded Crystal from Waterford County Ireland.

Waterford Castle

Waterford Crystal Was founded in 1783 and the main factory stayed in Waterford County until 2009.  It has re-opened it's visitors center and a small factory in Waterford but most of the current crystal is made throughout Europe.  If you have Waterford pieces made previous to 2009 chances are  it was made in Ireland.

 Waterford County Ireland

The leaded cut crystal of Waterford adds beauty, romance, and sparkle to any table. I'm determined to collect a set of Waterford Toasting flutes for the sheer beauty of seeing them sparkle in the candlelight.

Here are my dream flutes :) The Jim O' Leary Anniversary flutes in a Georgian style, aren't they stunning?

Don't you love this stunning Waterford Chandelier, it reminds me of the one the servants are dusting in the opening credits of Downton Abbey.

Look at the way this crystal sparkles in the sunlight. Waterford was one of the first companies to perfect the clear bright consistent color of it's crystal glass.

Waterford Crystal Bowls in the Lismore Pattern, Stunning!

Waterford Millennium Toasting Flutes, my second choice :)

Wouldn't this beautiful Waterford Bowl elevate punch to a regal level?

So if you want to set a beautiful table with some Irish sparkle and sophistication, you may want to try some Waterford next time you entertain, and say a little thank you to the Irish :)

St. Patricks Day Give Away

Top O' the morning to ya!  It's that time of year!  The time when we get to be proud of being Irish, or celebrate our Irish friends :) With  the name Shannon and plenty of Irish blood flowing through my viens, I love this holiday and I thought it would be fun to kick it off with a fun give-away.

When I was growing up, if you didn't wear green on St. Patricks Day, people were allowed to pinch you :)  I have no idea where this custom came from, but I can't think of a prettier way to avoid being pinched that with this Bethany Lowe brooch. It features the cutest little Irish lassie carrying a basket of shamrocks.  I love Bethany Lowe and I couldn't resist this brooch.

You will also receive a $15.00 gift card to Starbucks Coffee so you enjoy some Irish Coffee, or whatever flavor coffee, tea, smoothie, or frappacino you'd like along with a good Irish scone (or other treat).

To Enter this give-away we have a couple of new rules :)

1). Follow Shannon's Shanonigins by email, the button is in the top left of this blog.

2).  Follow me on Pinterest, there is a button in the right column of this blog just under the facebook followers.

For Extra entries

3). Post this give-away on your facebook page

4). Twitter about this give-away

5). Like my facebook page

6). Answer the St. Patricks Day Poll at the top of the page :)

Make sure you leave a seperate comment for each of the things you do to qualify for the give-away.  Remember, the first two are mandatory.  I will be drawing for this give-away on Feb 23rd so you have your goodies in plenty of time for St. Patricks Day.

Good (Irish) luck :)

The Winner of this Give-Away Is Hoopfinity (Heather Walker)