Christmas Blossoms - 2016

[Crown 84]

4) A small selection of the trees for sale outside. (Logan's is an old, converted railroad station.)

5) and 6) If you can't find a poinsettia you like here, grow your own! The selection is incredible.

 

[Crown 84]

Subdivision sign series.

There is nothing like a decorated subdivision sign to let visitors know that the neighborhood is into the Christmas spirit!
The following set is from entrance signs for neighborhoods near our area.

 

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[snowflake22]

 

[Crown 84]

Thank you, Snowflake.

 

[Martine]

I have to try and get a picture of a sign from our nearest city. It has three huge snowmen in front. I think you'd like it. I'll see if I can make it over this weekend.

 

[Crown 84]

These doorways make it clear that visitors will be entering a Christmas-friendly interior.

 

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Railings.
Regulars here know my proclivity for railings decorated with garlands and bows.

 

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And my mania for decorated lamps is nearly as strong!

 

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North Hills series.
These shots are from another mall (outdoor) a few miles away.

1) Holiday decorated sign welcomes customers

2) More decorated lamps!

3) Close-up.

 

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4) Twin door wreaths make you want to go inside and see if it's just as Christmassy on the interior.

6) It pays to look up as you walk. There are treats for the eyes overhead, too!

6) North Hills main outdoor tree. Unlike Crabtree's, it wears no decorations but is about 40 feet tall and looks striking lit up at night.

 

[Crown 84]

Leftovers.
Some random shots left over from earlier Blossoms safaris.

1) and 2) Attractive Belks Christmas items displays.

3) Mood ornamentation adorns shelf top.

 

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4) Ticknor's attractive window, left over from my earlier store front window series.

5) Local restaurant patio invites outdoor dining in Christmas style.
(If the weather is cooperative!)

 

[Crown 84]

Coming very soon -- Executive Mansion Series!!

 

[Ryan]

Coming very soon -- Executive Mansion Series!!

Can't wait!

 

[Crown 84]

Wait no longer. It is here!

1) and 2) Exterior shots.
Our NC state Governor's mansion here in Raleigh.
Completed in 1891, it is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne Victorian style.
Each December, for four days, the building is open to the public to view the year's Christmas decorations. There is no charge and photography is allowed. Needless to say, it is an irresistible draw for yours truly!

(Click on each photo for an even grander view!)

3) Beautiful front sitting room display.

 

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4) through 6)
Shots of trees in various downstairs rooms. The ceilings on this floor are 16 feet high, so I know the height of the trees!
(To truly appreciate them, you must be there in person!)

 

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7) and 8) Two different desktop Christmas displays.

9) The grand central staircase. Absolutely magificent!
Would that I could climb those stairs and explore the upper floors but they are closed to the public. The governor and his family occupy the 2nd floor while the 3rd floor is for offices.
(The 2nd floor ceilings are 12 feet high.)

 

[Crown 84]

Well, that cleans me out of Christmas photos for this year (except, of course, for my traditional Christmas Eve shots of Crabtree's outdoor tree at night.)

It's not too late, Folks. Get your photos in and let's keep spreading Christmas cheer right up through Christmas Eve!

 

[Ryan]

@Crown 84, the executive mansion is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!