Weather Diary, Dec 20: Hi 57, Low 48/ Precip 1.08" (on top of .88" for the 19th!)
All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Monday, December 21, 2020
We need a little Christmas (right this very minute)...
So this is Christmas. While part of me thought this year—of all years—needed to be really over the top wonderful with decorations, it was nearly impossible to muster the spirit. Instead of traveling somewhere for the holiday we will (obviously) be here at home, so I bought a small noble fir to decorate. This is the first cut tree we've had in this house, and it's been 15 years!
I also bought a trio of Christmas-colored blooming Guzmania (bromeliads) because they were on sale, and why not!?
They pick up the festive mood of sparkling glitter and tiny white lights quite nicely.
Some of the small mercury glass votive holders have candles in them, while others have cryptanthus.
My trusty sparkle wreath gets pride of place on the mantel.
And few of the bottlebrush trees make an appearance this year.
All of the ornaments on the tiny tree are vintage. It's been years since I added to the collection, thankfully the old standbys are still holding up.
I first thought the bromeliads would be good poinsettia stand-ins...
But I ended up purchasing a few of those too, which I treat as cut flowers and arrange in vases.
I also got a little creative with tiny cuttings and mossy bits.
So while it's nothing over-the-top, it's enough to recognize the season in a way that makes me happy.
And really, that's all that matters!
I am always looking forward to the holiday mantel posts. (Did anyone called the "Martha Stewart" magazine yet?). I still remember the Opuntia 'tree' you created one year...
ReplyDeleteThe small noble fir is perfect. I love the elongated dish with mossy bits, and in particular the photo showing it with the fabulous frame art on the wall.
You sound like my husband! He wanted the publisher to send Martha an advance copy of my book. Ha...
DeleteIt all looks very festive and botanical. Took your lead and bought two 'Grinch' trees on sale for the mantl, however, released them from their bondage first. Just a little bit more festive looking now. I admire how you decorate your fireplace but wonder if you ever actually use it?
ReplyDeleteThe fireplace is gas, it seems like such a waste ("like burning dollar bills" a friend called it), so we rarely do. When our dog was still alive she'd inch so close to the flames I was afraid her paws were going to catch on fire.
DeleteI always admire your mantle/fireplace holiday displays. Like your garden, there's so much to draw one's attention and explore. I think the small noble fir is just right and the bromeliads provide the perfect touch of color. I like poinsettia in vases better than pots too but didn't think to buy any this year.
ReplyDeleteWe were at Home Depot the day before Thanksgiving and their 6" pot poinsettia were $1.99, I bought several. We are down to just one final "bloom" in a vase though.
DeleteIt's a very sweet vignette. I'm actually a fan of not going "over-the-top" with decorations.--For example, 5 trees, 10 full-size nutcrackers, and tons of flashing lights everywhere. As Goldilocks would say, "It's just right."
ReplyDeleteHa! It's all in the eyes of the beholder.
DeleteI used to enjoy going downtown to see the windows (Meier & Frank and Lipman Wolfe outdid themselves every year). Now it is you who get me into the spirit of the season with your creative decorating genius. Thank You!
ReplyDeleterickii
What a kind thing to say! Thanks Ricki
DeleteI always enjoy your mantle displays, Loree. This year is exceptional! Maybe your next book will be about decorating with plants... you do it so well!
ReplyDeleteI did squeeze a little on the topic into the current book.
DeleteI made a wreath --that was my sole contribution this year. And some flower arrangements too-some purchased flowers mixed with stuff from the garden. Love your mantle ! First year in many that I didn't do a thing with mine.I'll get back in the swing next year !
ReplyDeleteYour wreath is gorgeous Kathy!
DeleteVery festive!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so!
DeleteLooks very you! I have never thought of a Poinsettia the same way since you hosted the post about doing something different with them. Now I can barely think about buying one in a pot.
ReplyDeleteIt's strange. I have no interest in them as potted plants, but once they're cut flowers I love them.
Delete