I hope you are having a splendid little season so far. My kids aren’t home yet, but I’m staying in the spirit by taking care of all the traditional details and trying to get the house looking festive before their arrival.
We brought the tree in last night and I loved waking up to that fresh, damp pine scent this morning. We place our tree in the stairwell, where I love to see it bare for a few days so I can relish every inch of it’s natural beauty and character.
These uniquely gorgeous specimens really don’t need a single bauble, but I’m looking forward to going through our traditional stages, the skirt, the lights, the ornaments, the train, in the days that come. We always go for what I call the Alpine Nobles, those that have space between the branches so you can see all of the ornaments hanging down, I think they grow at higher elevations.
Minted, and the fact that we managed to capture a decent shot with all of the family at Thanksgiving made the holiday card this year a breeze. If you’re not there yet, I’ve got good news, it’s not too late. I opted for the Pure Happy design and I succumbed to their tempting offer to print the recipients address {I usually hand addresses each envelope. I’ll give up on that one, but I will always make sure a family member signs each card}. I opted for the “hand sketched” font, what a huge time savings and they look much better than when I address them myself. I found it so easy to upload my list (I already had it on excel); if you still want to print up something special, it’s not too late, check out their delivery estimator {and no, I am not sponsored in any way by Minted}.
Now that they’re posted and stamped with our return address using this personalized Joyeux Noél stamper I pull out just for the holidays {now on sale}, all I have to do is jot out my greetings and send them on their way.
To stay entertained while writing I’ve been watching A Bill Murray Christmas Special on Netflix, have you seen it yet? It’s a fantastically twisted and off beat tale about being trapped in the Carlyle Hotel during a giant blizzard while trying to film a Christmas Special. You’ll enjoy great performances from Miley Cyrus, George Clooney, Mr. Murray and many more. Truly worth a visit (or 2, okay, I’m probably up to 3, I’ve got a lot of cards here!).
The white amaryllis arrangement I made for our pop-up shop is looking quite voluptuous right now. I’m a devotee to living or long lasting arrangements especially during the holidays, it’s such an easy way to enjoy natural beauty indoors for the whole season with minimal effort. Two weeks ago when I made this only this single bloom was opened and the other long green spears above stood over statuesquely closed in the silver vessel filled with moss.
Now the slender stalks are topped with with billowing blooms, most of which should still be present on the 25th {note, that first bloom is still living and lovely}.
I always try to choose bulbs that have two blooms, so I can snip off any that fade and let the secondary flowers fill in.
I added this photo of Arabella to the back of the card, a shot you may be seeing more of soon, I’ll tell you more about that in the Spring.
I hope you’re enjoying a little bit of calm before everything really gets jingling.
Emily, I am truly trying to simplify, be ever grateful and to give back this year! (children's charities are my favorite) It has given me a whole new perspective!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The India Hicks Collection!
SO beautiful!! Have a magical Christmas week, Emily!!! xoxo
It looks as if you have everything under control. Your tree looks fabulous! As do your cards, I am off to Minted to check out the offerings! Thanks for the recommendation.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Totally agree about the trees with ample space for ornaments. We digressed to a faux tree several years ago and I love it. I do like everything else organic but for some reason I have no problem with a faux tree!! Love amaryliss and paper whites. I did minted this year as well…our family photo..let's just say it is presentable…
Karena — I need to add something to my "giving back" routine now that I have a little more time.
Elizabeth — Hoping Minted treated you well, I couldn't believe how easy it was, plus I was able to print out all of my addresses to make sure I wasn't missing anyone.
Cindy, The faux trees look SO good these days, it is tempting.