Davree's Cottage Christmas Scene and Tea with Douggles the Gorilla

The scene is out now till December 31 for visits from 6 to 9 p.m. Here are several photos, more to come.

Great Uncle Douggles' eyes are sparkling, he was so happy to be invited to tea by Davree. She's happy with her new Christmas dress made of ribbon from Costco. What is she serving? Yum yum, those animal cookies are so good.

The teapot and warming stand was purchased when we lived in Holland. I believe it is actually a little pot for hot water to be kept warm with a candle and to add to strong tea to weaken it. Davree has safe LED candles.

Above, between Douggles and Davree, you see a small print of The Tuck Box, original painted by my hubby. The Tuck Box is on Dolores street in Carmel, California and has been a tea shop for many years. Prints, 8x10 inches, are available, see Shop Paris Cabinet link.


The fireplace is flickering and doggies are warming their little rears and Davree's reindeer pet is happy to be indoors. The print above the fireplace is a make believe snow scene of the Fresno water tower that Jan painted a few years ago as a Christmas card for us. Prints are available, see shop link.

The fireplace is painted brick and the hearth is also painted. It is a replica of the fireplace in my hubby's childhood home in Holland, photo below.

Go to "Visit Davree's Cottage" page for details of where and when to visit during the Christmas season in Fresno, California.

Christmas Scene of Animals, Raggedy Ann and Andy

1980s Christmas Scene

In the mid 1980s I had an 8x4 foot front window that was perfect for a tea party Christmas scene of woodland animals. I made the paper covered fireplace and used orange and red cellophane for fire in front of lights. Over the mantel was a rabbit Merry Christmas painting I had purchased at a boutique. The gorilla and teddy bear were my son Doug’s. Raggedy Ann dolls, raccoon and cat were borrowed from my sister and a friend. The rocker at the left was my son Joe's. Lace window curtain on left was my peeking area to watch people come see the scene. The table was covered in plaid, then lace topper trimmed in ribbon. Animal crackers were served along with tea.

The woodland Christmas tree had decorations animals would eat, apples, walnuts, candy canes. There was a mouse hole at the bottom right with a small wreath above, inside the mice slept in a flat tin can bed.

The train ran around the base of the tree and Christmas carols played. I posted the sign at upper left so people would know it was okay to come close rather than watching from the sidewalk. It was magical to watch families come and enjoy the scene.

For several years I've wanted to re-create another scene, this is the year!

Kohler Home in 1960s, Baarn, Netherlands

It will be a free standing little house, about 3x6 feet. There will be many differences. The fire place with be inspired by my husband's childhood home in Holland, above.

Doug's Gorilla and Davree the Monkey

Look who we have here! This is the original gorilla from the 1980s and my precious Davree She wears a pink shirt and little pink bow on her ear. My grandsons gave her to me in 2005, she proudly sits on a chair near the entry to greet any visitor. Her name is composed of their names, Davis and Reese.

Come back often and watch the progress of the 2013 Christmas House.