Monday, December 24, 2012

SEASON'S GREETINGS


As James and I were unpacking our ornaments and decorating our tree I had a recollection of buying an ornament in Italy last spring. I mentioned it and James agreed that we did buy an ornament in a small shop right in the piazza in Panicale.
Where is it?

Opening another box of our carefully packed glass  and handmade ornaments that we have collected over the years, a pretty bag was tucked in there on top of them.
That's the bag from Panicale with the ornament from Deruta.
A good memory brought back from Italy and welcome addition to our tree this year.



SEASON'S GREETINGS

Merry Christmas
Buon Natale

May we wish everyone a joyous, peaceful, healthy and a
happy holiday season.

CHEERS!

James and Elizabeth



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Greens and Flowers of December


Simple greens surround our front door. We selected Western Cedar, a fitting match to our cedar shingles. The wreath is mixed greens and pine cones, as is the urn which also has Winterberry.
James heard that Winterberry is in short supply this year, whereas last year it was plentiful along the roadside and at garden centers selling holiday greens.



The red Amaryllis shout "December" as they share the already red room
with the delicate Paperwhites.



A nearly white on white composition with the light blanket of snow covering the ground outside.


Another red Amaryllis, a vase of holly cut from the garden sit on the table, the low winter sun  creating long shadows behind them. The mantle is dressed in greens brought in from the garden There are   pomegranates, and clementines from far off places and a ribbon of red cascading through it all.

 The house is simple but festive with things local and exotic

It all says, " Welcome Yule!"

And, might we all wish for a Kind and Peaceful New Year.