Holiday Garden

I was so excited this week when

the always fabulous
 Faux Fuchsia
 commented on my last post

that she "couldn't wait to see how my garden was doing".

As I mentioned on InstaGram 

I couldn't wait to oblige and show her
 and
and all of you

how my garden looks for the holidays!

This Christmas season I am changing things up at our house

and 

doing a simple, neutral pallet 

and 

going all lux in the flowers and trees!

My courtyard shelf

has gotten fluffed with the addition of paper whites planted in terra cotta planters!

I have my courtyard couches dressed in simple textured creams

with plenty of throws on the couch backs to ward off Southern California chills.

I have kept the textiles simple 

as I want the large planting of paper whites to take visual center stage!

I keep six large hurricane candles

on the table shelf below

so I am always ready for impromptu gatherings.

I  also keep a lighter in a  vintage covered metal box

so candle lighting at a moments notice is alway ready to go!

Our market lights triple strung above

means that instant  evening ambiance is as easy as hitting the switch!

Fountains and speakers finish the intimate space.

I am just so happy with this centerpiece arrangement.

I was reminded to 'shop my house'

by the Happy Happy Nester"

and 

found these vintage file drawers from  a flea market years ago.

I simply filled them with soil

finished them with polished black rocks

I brought all three together as one 

by placing them on a vintage mirror!

I get so much daily joy walking by my courtyard and seeing

the progress of my paper whites!

I have so much big love for all our gardens

at our little house

because

we have made them all from scratch

literally from the ground up!

Starting when this little girl was just a wee one!

We have been in our much loved house  now over 21 years

and

 this baby is getting married next May!

Years ago when we were contemplating to move to a bigger house

I just couldn't do it!

For me this little house is part of the family

and

I am a consumate nester!

We live in South Orange County

in Southern California

so yards are small

as is our house

but we have over the years made great use of all we have.

We transformed our little front yard

into not only a private courtyard

but also ...

made another whole other  'room' out front

by the addition of a terrace.

It's another perfect space for morning coffee 

or sunset cocktails

and 

talking with neighbors passing by!

After years of all out decorating

I have kept things simple and organic this year.

On the terrace I replaced my Autumnal pumpkins and gourds

with two tiny Christmas trees.

Behind the trees on the table I have another 

'centerpiece' in an oval tin.

The front is planted with ornamental kale

to give some finishing fluff

while more paper whites get going.

Eventually there will be a border of paper whites behind the Christmas trees!

I also added paper whites to a extra large centerpiece in the backyard!

I keep the edges of this huge ceramic dish planted with more succulents

and then just change out the center for seasonal decorating.

I am still loving all of the succulents I am continually adding to my gardens!

They  seem to be  magic plants that thrive here with so little care!

And when they do out grow their spot

they transplant so easily

to brand new spaces!

This season I have switched out the incidental fall color

for more ornamental kale.

The  purple adds just a hint of color to my neutral palette 

and

they will be just as fitting for the new year!

Now next week I need to be getting my backyard

all fluffed for the season!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life