We enjoyed our annual holiday party Saturday on a glorious, sunny 84-degree day and welcomed 150 people into our home. I did all the hors de oeuvres (except for my husband’s famous Sundried Tomato Palmiers) and decorating and it was delightful — we all had a wonderful time with friends and family. I had so much fun decorating the yard this year – many trees had red glass balls and giant bells and I put out a few poinsettias. Only the large ones placed in big garden pots made it, though, because the wind was in full force and kept blowing the smaller ones around. And, ironically, I had one lone hibiscus flower in bloom with this tropical weather — a bright RED one!
I’m going to refocus my energies this week — from party planning to baking and shopping — and to gardening! I realized I have more than half of my bulbs left and they need to go into the ground! And I have wildflower seeds to sow — think they’ll make it this late? The ground is still so warm, I’m hoping some will take at least. I’ve made a spot for them in a wild area, so other than raking and sprinkling them, I won’t have much invested so I guess it’s worth a shot.
Today really felt like winter, with the 40-degree weather and rainy haze. But tomorrow we’re back up to 72, so it will be more like what seems to be becoming average Central Texas weather. (Notice I didn’t say “normal?”)
Pam @ Digging says:
150 people?? I had a “small” party not long ago for 60 and thought that was quite something. And I didn’t even make my own hors d’oeuvres—I bought them. Man, I am impressed.
Your house and decorations look lovely, very festive!
Thank you. Well, you should see my spreadsheets! See, I told you I have planning in my veins!!! This was our 7th or 8th year, and it just keeps growing; last year we had 125 guests. I just write everything down — ended up with a whole notebook sheet of notes to remember for next year’s planning that I’ll file away.
Now that I’ve seen a photo of your covered patio, I’m going to have to plead an invite to your place. It looks similar in design to our failed garden house and I’d like to have a closer look at how it was done. Can I? Email me back.
mss @ Zanthan Gardens
What a lovely home and garden! Found you over at Pam’s, ‘Digging’ and am intrigued by the different pallet of plants in Texas! I hope you had fun at that party! Sounds like it was a delight!