Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, NC Part 1

Last Saturday, at the crack of dawn, a friend and I headed towards Charlotte for our Annual trek to the 44th Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte at The Park Expo & Conference Center.  Why so early?  Mostly because we literally stay all day!  With over 500 vendors from around the country, there is so much to do and see.  We spent about 9 hours Christmas shopping, eating and getting lots and lots of great decorating and craft ideas.  There are certain vendors that we look for every year such as Southern Supreme Fruitcakes (hey, no fruitcake jokes...these are delicious!) and always some new ones to tickle our fancy. It is a great place to find unique gift items and I was lucky enough to get quite a few names checked off my list. 

This year's show had a retro theme which I especially love, since in the last couple of years I have realize just how much  I love Americana and things that take me back to when life just seemed simpler.  (This is why I am totally over the moon with the old glass Christmas ornaments I have from my Grandmother).  When we entered the Expo Center we were greeted with a full sized, mid-century modern ranch house complete with an Aluminum Christmas tree and the familiar color wheel.  I was captivated from the first peek...and especially with the 1963 Ford Fairlane in the carport! 

 Notice the gift wrapped front door, my Grandmother used to do that!

Also, at the show there are some beautiful designer Christmas trees like this retro inspired one!

 Christmas wonderland!

 Lite Brite and Raggedy Andy, anyone?

When I was a child I played with a doll similar to this

 that had belonged to my Mother.

Oh, I had a Mrs. Beasley doll and she was one of my favorites!

Check back tomorrow for more photos of the designer show rooms and decorations!