Merry Christmas

 Christmas is almost here and even though I started decorating the day after Thanksgiving, I finally finished this past weekend.

I don't change my decorations too much from year to year but I do edit and I don't put out everything.  I alternate some decorations so I don't get too bored with the same old things.  

Our home is filled with traditional decorations and lots of red and green.  I decorate with sentimental ornaments and keepsakes from our family, friends and trips we've taken.  

When I set our table it's a mix of family pieces handed down and things I have collected over the past years. 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Happy Places

It's been months since I have posted as life seems to get in the way.  Yesterday we had the most glorious weather with temperatures in the 70's which is near record for December.  Our fall color seemed to finally arrive and the oak trees are at peak.

Last month I moved my gerniums and herbs into the greenhouse which is my happy place in the coldest winter months.   I love going out to water my plants in the dead of winter when nothing is blooming outside.  

Everthing is growing well and we supplement with a small heater when the temps dip below freezing.

I have a Little Gem magnolia tree and cut some leaves to cover the soil around my pansies.  They dress up the window boxes and I'll be using some in Christmas arrangements.      

Birthday Tea

I was so excited to host a birthday tea for my best friend's daughter.  They love tea parties too so it's always fun to have them over and to enjoy their company and try new flavored teas!  Cinnamon apple spice and Constant Comet spice chai were our favorites of the day. 

Even though it's not spring yet I used a lot of my favorite spring dishes and accessories.  Bunnies, daffodils and pink hyacinths in a favorite pitcher were my centerpieces.  

Fun little egg cups and individual cream pitchers were at each setting. 

I found these sweet reversible placemats with coordinating napkins in a linen store in Fredericksburg, Texas on clearance years ago.

"Mrs. Potts" teapot is one of my favorites to use as she holds about ten cups of tea and she looks great with any tablesetting.

This sweet bunny teapot was found at Hobby Lobby years ago for 50% percent off.   The ceramic teapot warmers with votive candles do an excellent job keeping our teas warm at the table.

The Briar Rose English Stratforshire dishes were Goodwill finds and I found a few more place settings in an antique mall.

I served a simple menu of chicken salad sandwiches, fruit and cheese kabobs with small tart bites.  For desert we had chocolate cupcakes and  enjoyed a fun afternoon. 

Can't wait to have another tea for Easter!

Amaryllis Love

 I added three new amaryllis to my collection and all three have bloomed.   Stargazer has a third bloom stalk emerging so in another few weeks she'll be in bloom again.

I've enjoyed blooms for over a month as each amaryllis has come in and out of bloom.   Double Aquaro just bloomed and it's a gorgeous white with pink striping.  

Simple joys!

Amaryllis

Stargazer

         I love growing amaryllis in the winter.  When it's freezing outside and I can't "garden" outdoors I turn my attention to indoor houseplants, especially my amaryllis bulbs.  They are so beautiful and are easy to grow.

Minerva

I put mine into storage a little late this year but should have a succession of blooms from January to March.  After they bloom I cut the flower spike back and let the leaves grow during the summer in my little greenhouse.  They don't need a lot of water and I'm careful not to get the tops of the bulbs wet as they are susceptible to rot.  They do benefit from monthly fertilizer during the summer months.

I cut the leaves back in the leaves back sometime in October and put them in storage for 8 weeks in a box in my garage.  I repot them in fresh soil and  like to cover the soil with moss to give them a nice finished appearance.  

                        Stargazer and Samba

I ordered a few new varieties this year from Brecks and got those potted up a couple weeks ago.  They have already grown and each have two flower stalks.  I purchased a Stargazer, Samba and Double Aquaro to add to my collection. 

I

Alfresco

I have grown Alfresco, Hot Lips, Red Lion, Amalfi, Dancing Queen, Apple Blossom, Christmas Star and several Minerva.   

Almafi

                                     Minerva

If you haven't tried growing amaryllis I highly recommend them especially if you live in a cold climate.  They can really brighten a cold winter's day!

Stargazer