Olive branches, blue sky, blue ribbon and clementines.....

On Sunday, my friend Chris took me to a cortijo (orchard) which he looks after. He's just pruned the branches and I thought I could use some to decorate my little home for the holiday.

The sierra is still covered with snow but we're enjoying a very mild weather since yesterday.

back home, Monchéri and I made little circles with olive twigs and attached clementines with blue ribbon onto the chandelier

I added a crystal pear at the base

put some more blue ribbon on the mirrors as well. These colours are not Christmasy at all, I admit. It's just that I watched Elizabeth the golden age at least three times between friday and saturday and am under deep influence of the various shades of blue of some of the dresses.

we started to make pomanders, sticking cloves on oranges but after having painfully covered half an orange each, we gave up...I thought it would be fun but it really hurts your fingers...! I'll finish mine tomorrow if I have the courage. I'm quite happy this holiday decorating affair turned out to be very cheap : olive branches, fruit, ribbon, cloves. The only expensive item is this strassed sol key bought at the V&A shop in London two years ago.

we do not have a Christmas tree but a miniature olive grove which scintillates at night.....I love it so much I should have it in the bedroom. It will be like watching sparkling little stars before falling deeply asleep......

And to think....Christmas is this week.....!
I'll be back on wednesday to show you the 13 desserts....

Keep calm and carry on baking with a smile

ps : also I love this post so much I just had to share it with you. Thank you Tangobaby!