Have you ever heard the term "Hepplewhite" used in reference to furniture styling, that goes for both antique and more modern pieces, and wondered what it was all about? My new contributing writer on the site, Troy Segal, has a great overview of Hepplewhite Furniture to share with you this week that provides some insight on this style originated by George Hepplewhite in the late 1700s.

The Santa we know and love today is more of modern notion than most people realize. When you look at many of the collectible Santa items dating back to Victorian times, there's a distinct difference in his appearance. There's a good reason for this, and it's where the history of Santa Claus comes into play. If a little history lesson would help you get geared up for the holidays, or you'd like to find out what the heck a belsnickle is, read Visions of Christmas Past. Being a Santa lover myself, it's one of my favorite features on the site!

If you have vintage collectibles to display this holiday season, that might include a candy container or two. Last month a few really interesting Christmas items sold at Morphy Auctions, and those now reside in the Christmas Collectibles Price Guide on the site, including this German Santa Sleigh Candy Container. Click on through to find out if it sold for $216, $2,106 or $21,060.

The pad foot was especially characteristic of Queen Anne style furniture back in the day, but would you know one if you saw it? Take a look at the latest Furniture Glossary entry on the site to get a glimpse of a pad foot.