LA DOLFINA

CHRISTMAS! I just added the finishing touches to the exterior today. It's raining and has been on and off for the last few weeks which we are so grateful for! We may not get a White Christmas here in the SF Bay Area but we are definitely getting a beautiful Green Christmas! We've made a few changes to the front yard over the past year. We flanked the front window with this pair of topiary trees. And added a basket to highlight the espaliered apple tree against the stone wall. We planted clumps of lavender behind the hedge leading to the side gate. We removed the hydrangea plants on the opposite side of the path and planted a boxwood hedge design to complement the front of the house. We added a pair of Laurel Bay Leaf Trees and set them off with Christmas Tree Baskets from Serena & Lily.  Our vintage concrete deer likes to make an appearance at Christmas. We planted Prunus Caroliniana 'Bright N Tigh...

I did some rearranging in this room just before the Christmas Holiday. I replaced the concrete faux bois demi-lune console table with this vintage bamboo screen I've had for over 20 years stored in our attic.   As you can see, it needs fabric panels but I'm loving how it looks on this wall. I found some wonderful silk last week at the most fabulous shop. I look forward to introducing you to Laura & Kirin, my newest sponsor, in my next post. Some of you might remember several months ago when I bought this pair of Ginger Jars at auction . I originally intended them for my mantel which is where they've been until I moved them over to this dresser and placed them in front of the large Henredon mirror. Now I realize they belonged here from the start. They are absolutely perfect in size and scale and have made this part of the room come alive! This vignette will definitely be staying long after the Christmas Season! Sans the festive touches of course! S...

Welcome!     Please come in! I'm so glad you could take a minute to drop by today... I'd love to show you our Christmas mantle this year. It is the simplest mantle I've ever created. You should see our tree! Talk about simple! It is white, with white lights, crystal icicles, and several white glittery vintage birds that sit upon the Christmas bulb and glow. It's quite beautiful in person but does not photograph very well. It seems I'm not the only one who has embraced a simple Christmas this year. A dear friend emailed me telling me that she too used a much lighter touch in her Christmas decor this year and has found it to be very calming and serene. I look forward to lighting the fire and all the  candles and coming in here each evening to just be still and reflect. It is a ritual during the Christmas season for my husband and I to come in here each evening, lay down on our couches and gaze at the fire while we recount the past year's...

to satisfy your craving for delicious macarons.  You only need to drive to your local Trader Joe's where you'll find their version of Laduree's, Macaron au Chocolat! The package contains six delicate almond meringue discs filled with rich, chocolate ganache. Trust me on this! And while I'm on the subject of Trader Joe's... I wanted to share a few other items that I'm loving right now.  They stock the best stuff during the holiday season! This Cookie Butter spread is a game changer. Like the jar says... you have to taste it to understand!   I also love the look and mouthwatering flavors in this package of nostalgic classic holiday candy mix.  It reminds me of dipping into Grandma's candy dish. Trader Joe's even has Christmas cards this year. I think the selection of 5 cards are quite charming! Trader Joe's is always my first choice for seasonal plants and flowers.   ( I stenciled this vintage black metal bucket with ...