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!

Comments

Nicole said…
That is so beautiful!! You're very creative!
Your decorations are charming. I love the olive branches.

Poke holes in the oranges first, then stick in the cloves. Works much better and your fingers won't hurt so much. :-)
Yoli said…
Lalita que belleza! La inspiracion te sirvio bien!
ljk said…
I love the olive branches...very artistic and appropriate for the season!
tangobaby said…
No, thank you, dear Lala. The thought of you and Moncheri dancing and playing the harmonica amongst your beautiful blue ribbons and olive branches and clementines is the best thing I've heard today.

You are such a delight.
Tess Kincaid said…
Your olive branches and clementines look so fresh and charming! Wish I had a bundle! :^)

Looking forward to see the 13 yummies!
Kim said…
Once my daughters got to a certain age, I stopped using the really Christmassy decorations and did whatever i wanted each year. Blues, browns, paper cutouts--whatever caught my eye. I think its way more fun that way. Clementines--we go through boxes of them.
sealaura said…
qué lindo! i love the blue ribbons very beautiful.
What a wonderful way to express your intoxication with the color blue. The same thing happened to me after I watch "Elizabeth, the Golden Age"...I want the blue in my life and cannot find a way to express it. You are such an inspiration, Lala Ema. I love your Christmas theme!
Linda Sue said…
Lala, So beautiful! Olive branches also appropriate for Peaceful wishes! Tomorrow is my birthday- I wish you were here to make it pretty!
Anonymous said…
I have a fascination with Spain, and I just discovered your blog. It really is excellent.
kendalee said…
Gorgeous Lala!!! I always think that what's Christmassy is what makes your heart sparkle and glow (no matter what the colours) and these do. Just beautiful. The smell must be divine.

We always used to make pomanders when we were kids and I haven't done it for years... You've inspired me to do so this week - thanks! :)
3oltan said…
Amazing! Looks very creative :)
Miss Urbanita said…
Monísimas las fotos! Besos ;)

http://www.missurbanita.com
Unknown said…
So pretty! And so creative, I love it! What a perfect way to add your own incredible touch to the holiday!
Judith~
Lovely images! I love that Spanish word, cortijo. It's not one we use in Cuba very often. We say "huerto" o "huerta", which they also say in Spain, especially the latter.

Thanks for such a beautiful post.

Greetings from London.
Mary-Laure said…
Lovely! I like the contrast between the ice-blue ribbons and the bold orange clementines.
please sir said…
I love the clementine idea - so pretty! Happy Holidays!
Suzette Monique said…
I discovered your blog today and I must say how much I enjoy reading it. You seem to be a person that lives life passionately, which is the only way to be. I look forward to reading more. Happy Holidays!
christina said…
I can smell the oranges from here. It's beautiful Lala.

Love ya!
Gabbi said…
You and Monchéri are geniuses, I love the creative way you decorated your chandelier. Can't wait to see your deserts!
ceecee said…
I hope this comes through. My comment has not been registering.
Anyhow - I love non-traditional colors and particularly the two you've chosen. Everything looks so beautiful. How lucky you are to have that olive grove! I also do oranges with clove pomanders. Yes, use a toothpick to make a small hole and save your fingers. It does hurt. Have a wonderful holiday with those you love. Thank you for your sweet comments which always make my day.
Catherine
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Nik Adzhar said…
Hi,I love the pictures on your blog.
keep blogging friend.
Unknown said…
I make clove covered oranges every year...this year I'm making it a New Year activity.

Merry Christmas!!!
Erin Sledd said…
For some reason I have always loved decorating with oranges for Christmas . . . so beautiful!! This is so magical.

A very Merry Christmas to you and MonCheri !
bernadette. said…
lovely !
happy xmas :D
l'air du temps said…
i love christmas in various colours, it keeps it fresh and spruced up. i especially like your chandeliers, all the decor is so beautiful.

so glad i have a kindred spirit in watching lovely movies during this season...

sweet christmas to you dear Lala!
Beatriz said…
Lovely. As sweet as you are.
B
Beatriz said…
Lovely!
As sweet as you are!
B
Jojo said…
Beautiful Christmas lighting and the blue looks so peaceful. Merry, Merry.
Pablooo said…
Muy bonitas las fotos de Sierra nevada y la alhambra
O. Špánik said…
Merry Christmas from Czech republic!
Dutchbaby said…
The olive branches, the clementines, the treble clef, your words, your images - all positively poetic! Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Merry Christmas Lala! I am so sorry I have not been stopping by much lately....still spending way too much time in an office working.

You and Moncheri have made some beautiful decorations....it all looks wonderful. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas Day there in Spain.

It is now 4 pm here, cold and rainy, and feels like winter at last. We will be having Christmas dinner very soon.

All good wishes for a Happy New Year too.

With hugs and besos, in friendship.

Sara
Relyn Lawson said…
Christmas is almost over, but I wanted to stop by and wish you the merriest of holidays. Much love, Relyn
EarRe Feeling said…
I am attracted to your bloggy optimism and love.
Hello Lala, I'm afraid I've tagged you to tell "six random things." I suppose you are memed-out. I had fun thinking of mine.
Mélanie said…
I love your christmas decoration ! I may use the idea for my next christmas

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