{German Marzipan Stollen 500 years of Christmas Tradition}

For years while living in the US we have been enjoying the authentic German Marzipan Stollen, a 500 year old Christmas tradition. We bought our Oebel Marzipan Stollen this year at World Market in Atlanta. My surprise was big for also finding German Marzipan Stollen at our new, local T.J. MAXX store. We did buy them there often while on the road as consultants in Connecticut. But it sure makes us feel more at HOME with local supply now. Do you know this delicious German Tradition too? If not, you ought to buy one now, even 'after Christmas sales' can give you this great experience.

Enjoy this Marzipan Stollen with tea or coffee and I guarantee, you will be hooked!

So plan to add this to your Christmas to do list.

Served on a Rosenthal Sanssouci Roses Ivory plate.

{2000 Congressional Ornament of The Capitol Building, Washington, DC}

From a dear friend, I did receive this special 2000 Congressional Ornament of the Capitol Building, Washington, DC. She went to the Presidential Inauguration of President George W. Bush in January of 2001. This Ornament is quite a treasure and we cherish this already for over a decade. Such Ornaments are available at the Gift shop of the United States Capitol, Historical Society on line.

Very well done and it hangs from a green satin ribbon.

Our red Poinsettia is reflected in the top right...

Very hard to capture such a shiny ornament on camera...

Below I have tried to scan it also.

Season's Greetings 2000

United States Congressional

Holiday Ornament

Nice thing is, that it is Made in USA!

{Use Bobèches with YOUR Candles!}

We have been talking all along about the Advent season and with Christmas just five days away, I thought it interesting to share with you the use of bobèches with your candles. Using tapers for our festive Christmas dinner and candles all throughout the home for the winter season, it makes bobèches a very wise investment. They are not expensive at all and will reward you for catching the melted wax before it will get to your fineries. Sure, they are not only for Christmas—this is something that is needed year round. With New Year's Eve coming first, Valentine and on and on for parties and dinners served at the home. Especially in a downward economy, we tend to entertain more at home. Have a look at my bobèches below. They're all from glass and of course there are some rare antique crystal ones from e.g. Baccarat, France but let's keep it within budget! Don't forget to scroll all the way down for a special Birthday girl; one that I ADMIRE!

Naturally, I will be showing you more angels too... One is clinging onto the candle and there is a cute one sitting in front of the Royal Selangor pewter candle holders, which we bought in Singapore. A cute sheep stands by...

The silver metallic thread lace doily is hand crocheted by a former neighbor in The Netherlands, she is from Turkey. Such art work I do treasure a life time, as it also is labor of love.

The cute angel was given by our extended family as a Christmas gift.

These two bobèches do have a gold edge, found them on August 28, 1996 at Read & Barton in Vero Beach, FL.

The silver tray was handmade for us in Kotagede, Indonesia.

Now two sterling silver candle holders with fluted bobèches have joined the Royal Selangor pewter ones.

Inside the candle holder you see one of my Hugger Brand Candle Snuggers for holding any candle straight, safe and secure. You can find them in a previous post: {Hugger Candle Snuggers}.

The two Royal Selangor pewter candle holders.

 Royal Selangor is established in 1885 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Two Mason's Mandalay Chartreuse candle holders and two silver plated tall ones with tapers and bobèches.

Each of them also holds a Hugger Candle Snugger.

Candles are Dutch Gouda. Yes, Gouda is a city that produces fine cheeses and candles!

Soft look without flash...

Mason's Mandalay Chartreuse is a beautiful pattern with gold edging too.

Again soft look without flash...

Do you love candles as much as I do?

Please do visit dear friend Celia from Celia M. High Heeled Life & Resilientista as today is her Birthday!