Saturday, December 03, 2011

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like ....

I can't believe how fast this has all come upon us, the 2011 Holiday Season!  I met my gardening friends at a local nursery and it is so pleasant to shop there because they have an indoor greenhouse.

This was a huge container and very pricey, just pick it up and carry it away to your home.

There were some smaller versions which were more affordable.


Winterberry is beautiful, very expensive and hard to keep for the winter season.  If you can find faux that will withstand the weather or use pepper berry which will last throughout the season.

On to a great shop later in the week known for its creative decor.  I couldn't pass up a beautiful runner for my sideboard.  I have made my own previously and know this was a deal if only for the trim.


I couldn't pass this one up as I know what it would cost me to make this, sometimes buying ready made is smarter.


I found a few more treasures like these gilded pine cone candle holders, reasonably priced and unusual.  The three candles in the front are battery candles which flicker and are lovely without the worry about burning candles.


I can never pass up little birds, good luck you know, to put on my table by my living room staircase.

A round tablecloth from Home Goods, I trimmed it in braid, gathered up on four sides with a tassel.  The tablecloth was reasonably priced, trim and tassels from Hancock Fabrics.

I love having seasonal pillows but I always try to purchase them after the holidays at reduced prices.



I found Father Christmas at Hobby Lobby at half price for the top of my little tree by the fireplace.

On the other side of the fireplace I have faux, not very big on having a lot of real greens in the house until a few days before Christmas.

Continuing on yesterday to another local nursery which grows all of their own poinsettias.  This is preferred to those that are shipped in from other locations because they are set to bud later, last longer and will enhance your home throughout most of the winter season.



Poinsettias, mums, ivy



Smaller cyclamen with variegated leaves

Larger flowered cyclamen

I could not ignore the Amaryllis that was blooming, think this one was called Elvas.




The Paperwhites are beautiful but you don't want to buy them like this now or you will not have blooms for Christmas!

The tall amaryllis are blooming but may not be blooming for Christmas.


Some baskets are already made up with ivy, cyclamen, schefflera and poinsettia.


Poinsettias, cyclamen and Norfolk pine

I bought a red Poinsettia for the living room.

White Poinsettia in the container on the living room coffee table


I am trying another cyclamen, smaller variety, in the dining room.  We'll see how long I can keep this one alive - cool, light, moist not wet!

I couldn't pass these up, half price, and was able to plant them in the pre-frozen soil.


18 comments:

Jean Campbell said...

Oh, I want one of everything! Your choices are beautiful. Wait, I want TWO of everything.

It is probably just as well that there is no huge local greenhouse near me.

Thank you for the peek at your decors. Everything looks festive and beautiful.

Lona said...

I am glad that I am not the only one who cannot pass up those great bub sales. LOL! What beautiful arrangements. I love seeing all of the Poinsettias and colors in the greenhouse. The cyclamen are just gorgeous.
I love the white poinsettia on your coffee table. What a pretty setting.
I cannot turn down those sweet birds either. My daughter and I were at a winter festival yesterday and I keep saying I do not need anymore birds every time I spotted one, and still I came home with two more. LOL!

Karen said...

Eileen, your posts always inspire. Love all the color and festive sights. Double amaryllis? Gorgeous!

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Eileen girl all of these gorgeous decorations and plants are so beautiful !!
I wish I could have poinsettias .. but my girls are so good at reaching plants they are curious about .. I can't take the chance .. maybe some faux ones ?
love all the Christmas spirit in these pictures girl !
Joy

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Eileen this post is absolutely gorgeous!

I love the greenhouse tour. What a beautiful place!

Diana LaMarre said...

I really intended to make two of those huge green arrangements in my urns beside the garage this year. I was inspired by the ones you have shown us in the past. But when it came down to doing it, I decided not to as I wanted to get the urns put away before the snow flies.

I love the silver pinecone candle holders. Your home looks very stylish for the Christmas season.

I also like to buy items after Christmas to get the good deals.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks NellJean,

So far I am enjoying the decorating because we have not had any snow or cold weather.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lona,

I thought you would be a bird lover. I am not too good identifying all the different birds in my garden but I do like to have the faux ones in the house.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Karen,

I have never grown a double amaryllis, might have to go back and get this one.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Joy,

I know how you feel about the pointsettias, not as toxic as once thought but still can't take a chance. I have a dog, but I keep the plants high enough so he can't get at them, seems very disinterested in them.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Pat,

This is a small mom and pop nursery and I try to give them my business when at all possible. So many nurseries by us have gone out of business.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Zoey,

This decorating think is a lot of work! I leave my urns out all year so I feel I have to put something in them. You have such an interesting property I am sure is looks just great without decorated urns.

Eileen

Jenny said...

Eileen,
I've been wanting an amaryllis and you've given me an idea. Your post is beautiful.
xo Jenny

Rosie Nixon Fluerty said...

Your decorations look lovely Eileen especially those poinsettias on the glass table. I like the Norfolk Pine in the arrangement - I haven't seen one of those in an arrangement for years.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Jenny,

There are lots of pre planted amaryllis, expensive, but such fun to grow around the holidays.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Rosie,

I am surprised to see the Norfolk Pines again. They don't always do well in our heated houses.

Eileen

Jennifer@threedogsinagarden said...

Hi Eileen, Your house is looking very festive. The outdoor containers are as wonderful as always. I like your holiday pillows and the coffee table with the creamy white poinsettias and silver pinecone candlesticks looks just great. I saw a show of Chagall paintings yesterday. Bet you would have loved it!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Jennier,

I would have loved the Chagall paintings. If you ever get to Chicago you have to see the stained glass by Chagall which is permanently installed at the Art Institute.

Eileen