It is summer in Australia and the colours around where we live during the lead up to Christmas are vibrant - the yellow of the Candlestick Bankisa, the yellow-orange of the Australian Christmas tree and the purple of the Jacarandas.
LOL the tinsel garlands around my kangaroo paws are to keep the parrots away, but it doesn't seem to help too much.
I've been to a few Christmas crafting free workshops lately in our local library, handprinting gift wrapping paper and making twig decorations,
On Friday I went to another short workshop - floral gift wrapping toppers. This one was run by lovely Francine Metcalfe from Pollen Nation Floral Studio. Francine makes the most glorious wreaths and bouquets from Australian natives and she is partners at the Green Depot floral studio and gift shop. We simply wrapped boxes in brown paper, tied with string, and topped with florals. Inside the boxes we popped an inspirational card - a present to ourselves or to a special friend when you or they might need a boost. I spent a lovely hour with the ladies in the workshop.
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This time of year there are parties and get-togethers with family and friends. We live in a small cul de sac street, and every year we have a "street party" on the front lawn, rotating which lawn hosts the party. We all bring our own chairs, drinks and a plate to share. This year I made Cranberry Brie Bites, which someone had shared on Facebook, from Delish.com - they really were delicious and oh so easy to make. Here is a link to the recipe - Cranberry Brie Bites.
I used almond slivers instead of the pecans and didn't use the rosemary springs. I used puff pastry sheets and the recipe made about 30 small tarts. They are just as good cold.
I am yet to do my Christmas baking - but will have to get to it this week!
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed my little look at the lead up to Christmas. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.
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I love Jacaranda trees in bloom and your desserts look yummy!
ReplyDeleteNice to see... Christmas in summer. The Agapanthus is splendid. Have a nice Advent week!
ReplyDeleteThis year I ˋm unfortunately prevented with Christmas baking... enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteHappy MosaicMonday.
let others do the baking for you. Happy Christmas!
DeleteReindeer carrots? How fun is that! I love your mosaics and seeing your beautiful flowers in bloom! Happy holiday hugs!
ReplyDeleteyes, I couldn't resist taking a photo of them.
DeleteThe twig decorations are really interestering. Luv the Christmas tree
ReplyDeleteHappy Mosaic Monday
Much💖love
Jill - I had a double-take when I saw the tinsel garland in front of your flower garden - that will always be incongruous for me! Love the look of the Brie Bites - it's one of my favorite cheeses when warm, so I will have to give a try. And it looks like you're all set for Christmas Eve with the huge bag of reindeer carrots! Thanks for joining Mosaic Monday!
ReplyDeletethe tinsel is to keep the parrots away that insist on nipping off flower heads and dropping them on the ground. gr...
DeleteJill, Love the carrots. The purple flower agapanthus is my favorite. Great workshop for wrapping. Have a great week and best baking. Sylvia d.
ReplyDeleteReindeer carrots in the shop amuse me every year. Whatever will they think of next. It sounds like you've been keeping busy in the best way. One of our neighbours has a street party on their front drive for everyone in our part of the street. Its nice and a great way to keep up with the neighbours. I am pretty much doing no Christmas cooking this year although I am pretty sure it was the same last year. I have made a couple of fruit cakes for our workplaces but we will be traveling close to Christmas, so it lets me off the hook. I'll probably pitch in down at Mum's place instead. My Aggies have started flowering too, the first time since we planted some maybe 5 years ago. They obviously like their new garden as much as we do.
ReplyDeletethe good thing about my agapanthus is that I have to do nothing to them other then cut of the dead flower stalks at the end of summer. Though I did read recently that you should split them up every few years - fat chance! mine are so packed together it is impossible!
Deletedelicious post :-)
ReplyDeleteHere in the north I have never seen Banksia or kangaroo paws in the nature - only imported at florist’s. You have created very pretty gift packages. Wishing a Happy Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have these gorgeous native flowers around me.
DeleteWhat a treat to see color for Christmas. Unless it snows, it is just dreary here right now and cold even with the sun out. Thanks for sharing some color. I could take a Summer Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteonly if you like heat!
DeleteI hope the kangaroo paw I recently planted grows and multiplies like yours. My brain did a double take when I read you were trying to scare off parrots. I'm used to reading about blackbirds or jays and other birds in my area. lol Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletemine have been in the ground a few years, but yes they are doing famously, except for the parrots picking off the heads!
DeleteA lawn party this time of year sounds like a dream. I just came from a fun get together and kept thinking how lucky we were that I didn't have to wear a coat. I've been looking in to workshops and such lately and hope to find one soon. The cranberry brie delights sound heavenly.
ReplyDeleteso lucky to have these free workshops in our local library. Always fun.
DeleteI'm keeping an eye out for some since your post.
DeleteI love how you dressed the packages and I bet those tartlets where yummy!
ReplyDeletethey were!
DeleteFresh cherries are one of my most favourite summertime fruits. How luscious they look. It's busy here, too, but without the bright sunshine and warmth. Your package adornments are simple and elegant. If I don't get back here before the 25th, I wish you and your family a most merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe cherries certainly are yummy this time of year and so festive!
DeleteHello Jill,
ReplyDeleteLove the flowers blooming now - where you live, especially the Jacaranda - a personal favorite, blooming here around May, and also the Agapanthus! The tiny cranberry-brie pies look delicious.
Thank you for sharing your fun endeavors for your Christmas time with All Seasons. Have a very merry Christmas - you and your family. Enjoyed your lovely posts this year and we'll connect again the 30th (or before):)
It's still a little weird for me, but I rather enjoy a warm Christmas! Great photos. Hubby showed me the 'reindeer' carrots' in the store the other day, too! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love all the crafty things you manage to produce! Your talent is amazing and your time management an envy of mine! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
ReplyDeleteIt's all so very Aussie, Gorgeous
ReplyDelete