A little bit of home comfort...

So, my brother is here, and, as with all visitors from the UK, he very kindly agreed to be my pack mule and bring me some English delights across the pond!  I'd definitely say that my style has stayed true to my home country in that I try to create an English country cottage here in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the style that I yearn for is most definitely European, which often means an over exaggerated price tag here in the States. Trying to circumnavigate these budgetary and geographical restraints, I patiently wait for sales in the UK and ship to my mum's back in England, with the mindset that they will eventually make it to the US...  This does mean that I torture myself when I come across items that are just too large to be passed off as regular luggage.

Anyhoo, the worst part of this whole buying process is the waiting... waiting for a visit from a family member or my annual trip to the UK... I'm in home decor purgatory... imagining where I'll put my new purchases once here in NJ... Sometimes, I think that this shopping limbo is just not worth it, and I should just try a new look for our home... But, these thoughts soon disappear when my bubble wrapped goodies are handed over...

With this past visit, my brother carried this Union Jack cushion over with him. I brought it to sit on the shoe box by the kitchen back door. I recently read an article in the UK edition of The Times, stating that Union Jack emblazoned home accessories were soooo last decade... I hate following fashion fads or being told what is 'in' or 'out', so I brought this anyway, to remind me of home and make me smile. What's wrong with a bit of patriotism anyway?

Do you have any patriotic home accessories?
I know that some of my followers have left their home country too, and was wondering whether their decorating style reflects that of their homeland or, is it just me?