Sitting Squirrel in Waistcoat Velvet Ornament - Red & Green

This velvet squirrel ornament sits up on its haunches in a smart green waistcoat, ready to bring a cheerful woodland note to your Christmas decorating. Its body is a deep red velvet with a soft pile, and the waistcoat is a rich green velvet edged all round with gold braid. Gold paws and feet, a little gold nose and bright black eyes finish the face and figure, while a full, fluffy cream tail sweeps up behind it to the level of its ears. Turn it round and you will find a scatter of sequins at the back of the head that catches the light. It stands 15cm tall, 12cm wide and 10cm deep, a size that holds its own among other festive pieces without crowding them.

We like it on a mantelpiece, a sideboard or a hall table through December, set among sprigs of greenery and pine cones, or on a bookshelf where it can peep out between the spines. The deep red and green suit a traditional Christmas scheme especially well, and the cream tail softens it beside winter whites and natural wood. It also makes a thoughtful Christmas gift to give or to keep, the kind of piece that comes out of storage each year and takes its usual place. Please treat it as a decorative ornament for display rather than a toy.

The squirrel sits upright on its own feet, so it needs no hook or stand, only a flat, dry surface. To keep the velvet looking its best, dust it now and then with a soft dry cloth, smoothing gently in the direction of the pile, and fluff the tail with your fingers. Between seasons, wrap it loosely in tissue and store it somewhere dry, away from heavy boxes that could flatten the tail. Set it beside a stack of wrapped presents or a bowl of clementines for an easy festive corner.

How big is the velvet squirrel ornament?

It stands 15cm tall, 12cm wide and 10cm deep, so it sits comfortably on a mantelpiece, windowsill or bookshelf without taking over.

What is the squirrel ornament made of?

The body and waistcoat are velvet, deep red for the squirrel and rich green for the waistcoat, with gold braid along the edges and a fluffy cream tail.

Does the squirrel stand up on its own?

Yes, it sits upright on its own feet, so it needs no hook or stand. Any flat, dry surface such as a shelf or sideboard suits it.

Is this squirrel a toy for children?

No, it is a decorative Christmas ornament made for display, so we suggest placing it on a shelf or mantelpiece rather than giving it to a child to play with.

How should I look after the velvet?

Dust it now and then with a soft dry cloth, smoothing gently with the pile, fluff the tail with your fingers and store it somewhere dry between seasons.

Would it make a good Christmas gift?

We think so. The red and green velvet, gold trim and cream tail make it a cheerful seasonal piece that can come out year after year.