Nicola's Home Blog

As part of our holiday celebrations at Nicola’s Homes, I have decided to post 25 days of gift ideas from the boutique—our Advent Calendar 2010. If you wish to purchase any item(s) from our 2010 Advent Collection, please phone us for payment and shipping information at (207) 899-3218.

I don’t just spend hours choosing and purchasing gifts for family and friends—I also take special care in how I present them. There is so much magic in the right ribbons and wrappings, especially at home, when gifts are tantalizingly displayed under the tree. This year, many of my gifts are sporting handcrafted ribbons from Sweden. I love the way these simple patterns combine nostalgia and modern design. And mixing them creates a wonderful, Fair Isle sweater effect. These ribbons are the perfect finish to a wreath—or even a little girl’s pigtails on Christmas Eve. And through January 1, our handcrafted Swedish ribbon is also 30 – 50% off.

If you were Santa, wouldn’t you choose to wrap your gifts in ribbons from the frozen North?

As part of our holiday celebrations at Nicola’s Homes, I have decided to post 25 days of gift ideas from the boutique—our Advent Calendar 2010. If you wish to purchase any item(s) from our 2010 Advent Collection, please phone us for payment and shipping information at (207) 899-3218.

I’m still thinking about white porcelain. This cunning dish has an eager little bird perched on the lid, watching over the treats kept inside. I love the evergreen details that feather the little bird’s ‘nest’, and the lovely way the china clinks against itself—almost chirps!—when you open and close the lid. To gift this piece, I’d suggest filling it with something wonderful and tying handmade ribbon around the bird—no need to wrap something so sweet.

As part of our holiday celebrations at Nicola’s Homes, I have decided to post 25 days of gift ideas from the boutique—our Advent Calendar 2010. If you wish to purchase any item(s) from our 2010 Advent Collection, please phone us for payment and shipping information at (207) 899-3218.

Our local weathermen are starting to talk about snow—and Maine’s chances for a white Christmas. (Fingers crossed!) The holiday forecast made me think of our white pottery collection. Whether you buy one piece or a stacked set of bowls or matching candlesticks, our collection of handcrafted Italian pottery is an exceptional gift—or a great way to dress your holiday table. These pieces have marvelous texture and lovely patina. Their creamy glaze is ideal for serving food but also for displaying a mix of evergreens and bittersweet or brightly colored holiday candy. I think these pieces will also integrate into almost anyone’s china closet. So combine gourmet cocoa or your favorite tea with a teacup and saucer; or wrap scented candles with the stately candlesticks. There are so many ways to make these pieces special—and we’re happy to help.