My “Living Tree” finally arrived from the brilliant company, Living Christmas. It’s the most gorgeous Aleppo Pine and since it’s “alive” and will hopefully remain alive for the next few years, my daughter insisted that we name it. So our tree is called Helen! Helen was hauled in by two strapping lads in holiday hats and I was instructed to water her every 2-3 days. They told me they’d be back to pick her up after the holidays, where she’ll be nurtured in a nursery until we have the pleasure of her company again next year. As the planter isn’t the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen I dashed to the local fabric store in search of some red and green felt and glittery gold stars. My daughter and I set to work making a “dress” for Helen, or a pot cover-up sort of number. I watered her – actually totally over-watered her which, should be a word of warning to those of you who are going for a living tree this year: over-watering will have a frightening amount of water spilling over onto your precious hardwood floors or carpet. So my advice is to keep adding small amounts of water and waiting for at least half an hour to see how much gathers in the saucer. Too impatient, I didn’t wait and so thought it needed more and more – husband not thrilled!
We trimmed Helen last night with decorations from both mine and my husband’s childhood. Thank Goodness for parents
who thought to hang on to every single one of those old pinecones with glitter, and my husband’s special edition “Hotwheels” decorations. We also went outside and gathered armfuls of greenery, including ivy to decorate our mantel and bookshelves. Unfortunately holly wasn’t on the agenda here in sunny Los Angeles.
I spoke to my parents back home in the English Countryside – they got snowed in last night with 8 inches of snow (like much of the U.S.). Having spent all my growing-up years enduring freezing gray winters, I think I’ll take sunny Southern California over the festive feel of snow. We’ll be going to the beach.
About to start wrapping gifts, most of which are homemade. I’ve saved tons of old magazines, fabric remnants and ribbons – determined as ever not to use any wrapping paper at all. How are your holiday preparations coming along? Would love to hear..
Oo, please tell us more about your homemade gifts!
One idea I had awhile back was to save pretty bottles, like small San Pellegrino mineral water bottles, and then use them to make homemade vanilla extract.
My daughter places her tree in a big galvanized wash tub. You can disquise the wash tub if it doesn’t suit your taste but it catches any water overflow.
Hi Jennifer
So I made a lot of jam and jellies when fruit was at its best at the Farmer’s market. Sweet plum jelly, and low-sugar strawberry jelly. I also made Fall Apple Chutney and dozens of face creams and sugar scrubs. It was so satisfying to make and to give. I love your idea for homemade vanilla extract. You’ll have to share your recipe!