I’m Ready to Talk About the Holidays … Are You?

Today on weekend meanderings, I’m ready to talk about the holidays, are you? From decorations to party outfits to gift ideas and more.

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

I’m ready to talk about the holidays, are you?

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Christmas mug on counter next to bowl of oranges and topiary.

The holiday season is up and running and I attended two holiday related events this week. In addition to getting my holiday gift ideas out into the world, I joined a group of favorite creators to share holiday decorating ideas. Tonight we’re attending our first holiday party of the season. And tomorrow we’ll make our way to Sonoma to retrieve our quarterly Bubble Club allocation at Chateau Sonoma. I can’t wait to see the shop – and all the plaza shops – decked out in their holiday finery.

 

Holiday Decorating from Coast to Coast

Early this week I joined five friends to share a little holiday decorating inspiration. These gals are brilliant at creating warm and inviting spaces, indoors and out, East coast to West. If you’re one of the few of us that didn’t have your home decorated before Thanksgiving (raise hand), this is for you.

Christmas on Both Coasts holiday collage.

I showcased our library where the decorations are pretty simple. An assortment of pinecones, wreaths, greenery, and fruit from the grocery store.

Our local Trader Joe’s is stocked with holiday wreaths … I use the larger size (about 22″ diameter) in windows, and smaller size on tables to nestle candles and footed bowls filled with mandarin oranges.

This time of year most grocery stores have a bin of mandarines with the stems and leaves attached. Bowls of pomegranates are beautiful too, although the poms at our Safeway are enormous and I probably need something smaller.

Our TJ’s is stocked with magnolia and eucalyptus branches, other greenery and beautiful red berries.

 

Holiday Party Outfit

We’re attending the first of several holiday parties this weekend and I shopped my closet for something to wear to all three. That’s right, three parties, one outfit … hold your applause.

I stopped by Madewell this week to pick up an online order – these kitten heeled booties  – when this cute gold metallic mini-bucket bag caught my eye. Perfect for holiday events and now she’s mine.

Metallic gold mini-bucket bag and low heeled booties.

Here’s the whole enchilada.

Holiday party outfit collage.

Satin Slip Dress | Cashmere Turtleneck | Kitten Heel Booties

Metallic Bag | Necklace | Earrings

I bought the satin slip dress last winter and have worn it often with a pair of Via Spiga booties … with 4″ stiletto heels (I also wear it the warmer months with sandals). But I decided that standing around a cocktail party in heels wasn’t going to cut this year and I bought the kitten heel booties that Kim’s been recommending. My new metallic bucket bag adds a fun and festive touch and I know I’ll be carrying it for years to come.

In non-holiday party related news, thanks to Madewell, I’m in the midst of a denim renaissance … more to come on that next weekend.

Holiday parties required holiday hostess gifts, and mine are wrapped and ready to go including candles from Hood Canal Candle Co. (last day to order Dec. 10), the California Candle Co. I’m going to make a special drinks related gift basket for a dinner party host-couple including this set of dried citrus cocktail garnish. I love it so much I bought one for me too.

Boxes of dried citrus cocktail garnish and bowl of lemons.

Dried Citrus Cocktail Garnish

 

Holiday Gift Ideas

How do you feel about holiday gift guides? I’m sensing a great deal of gift guide fatigue. Still … gifts must be procured, wrapped, and exchanged. If you didn’t see it, I quietly published my annual gift ideas just after Thanksgiving and this week I gave it a little update.

flocked countertop Christmas tree in front of colorful cookbooks.

 

Holiday Teas, Garden Tours & Theatre

One of my favorite things about the season are local traditions like holiday teas, garden tours and performances. Last weekend Jim and I went to Ruth Bancroft Gardens annual Garden of D’Lights. It’s exactly what it sounds like, evening tours (self-guided) of the 3.5 acre botanical garden lit up for the holidays. Pretty lights, music, plus cocoa and cider. Get tickets here. Dogs don’t need a ticket, but do need to be on a leash (and a warm sweater is nice). We left our girls at home because, as Jim says, they’re not civilized or cultured. The Garden of D’Lights tours run through January 11th (three entry times each night), so there’s still time to get tickets.

Ruth Bancroft Garden of D'Lights.

Visit the greenhouse and nursery on your way out.

Another favorite local event is the annual Walnut Creek Historical Society Holiday Tea and Craft Faire at Shadelands Ranch. I’ve been going for years with my BFF’s Shelley and Jane. Shelley couldn’t join us this year, we missed you Shelley. Jane’s mother, a native of Walnut Creek, was very involved with the Historical Society and the annual tea and brings back wonderful memories of her. We had a lovely time and did some did some shopping at the craft faire afterwards. Jane broke her arm a few weeks ago and is managing remarkably well.

Next weekend Jim and I are seeing Every Christmas Story Ever Told, and Then Some at Town Hall Theatre. Can’t wait!

 

Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix

Not gonna lie, in the late 80’s, early 90’s I was a big fan of Red Lobster. Fried shrimp is my jam. When they debuted their beloved Cheddar Bay biscuits it’s hard to say what I enjoyed more, the shrimp or the biscuits. Our local Red Lobster closed in the late 90’s so it’s been a while since I’ve experienced the joy of either. Every now and then I come across a recipe on Pinterest for a Red Lobster-style biscuit, but I’ve never actually made them. I think it’s one of those things where the memory is so wonderful, you don’t want to mess with it.

And then, a couple of weeks ago, a box caught my eye at the grocery store. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. What?! Ok, maybe this isn’t new. Maybe it’s been around a while. It’s new to me and I’m excited. So excited that when I arrived home Jim was confused and thought I might have won the lottery.

Feast your eyes on Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits fresh from Snowberry’s oven.

I can’t say if they’re as good as the in-the-restaurant biscuits, but they’re pretty darned tasty and I immediately recognized the light, fluffy, cheddary and garlicy taste that I remember so fondly. Will I make the mix often? Heavens no. I could easy chow down five or six at a time and that’s not a road I wish to travel. But I will keep a box in the cupboard for special occasions. Apparently Red Lobster is still around and the nearest one to me is about 20 miles. Jim is shaking his head no. We’ll see …

One of my gifts ideas on this year’s list is this adorable Dansk melting pot (Santa, can you hear me?) and it’s perfect for making the butter topping for these biscuits … among other things.

Interesting article on the fate of mid-range chain restaurants across America (gift link) like Red Lobster and their ilk.

 

Yacht Rock Dockumentary

Do yourself a favor and take a break from all the holiday stuff to watch Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary.

 

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Odd & Socks ~

  • This week I received an email from The Sister’s Market that Cara Cara oranges are in season! They’re offering 15% off site-wide thru this weekend (no code needed, discount taken at checkout). I’ve given their gift boxes to rave reviews. Cara Cara’s are wonderful for drinks … here’s my go-to Cara Cara Margarita recipe and this Cara Cara Winter Spritz  is perfect for a holiday brunch.
  • Serena & Lily has the most beautiful green and white marbled ornaments of sale in their shops (not offered online – drats). When Elizabeth posted her handmade marbled ornaments I thought she must have read my mind. Aren’t they beautiful? And she MADE them!

Pinecones & Acorns marbles Christmas ornaments.

Current Favorites ~

 

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And that’s what I have for you this week.

Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Weekend Meanderings was on vacation last week, you can catch up with the latest post here.

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  • Love your posts! Your comment about Madewell jeans got my attention. I stopped in this past week, and got a pair of the super wide leg jeans. They are so comfortable, flattering, and make your legs look very long. I am already a fan of the low slung baggy. Happy Holidays!

    • Meredyth, I might have bought the same wide leg pair. All their denim is so good right now, styles I love and that fit me well. I’ll take a look at the low slung baggy … thanks for the tip! xo

  • I thought I was the only one who was crazy about Cara Cara oranges! I must have missed your earlier post but I’m sure going to read it for those drink recipes. Today I am having brunch with my daughter and grandchildren and then we’re off to Nutcracker in a Nutshell (a condensed version of the longer ballet for restless little ones). We have turned this into an annual event! I should get tickets to our local botanical garden light display before they sell out. It’s just so cold here in Kentucky. Thanks for getting me excited for the holidays!

    • Harriet … yes, I fell in love with Cara Cara’s a few years ago and I’m excited they came into season earlier this year than last. What’s you favorite thing to make with them? Wish you a fun day with you daughter and grands. Sounds like a lovely take on the Nutcracker and I think I’d enjoy a condensed version too. Cheers to the weekend and all the holiday fun! xo

  • Hi Juliet,
    I cannot believe how fast this short Christmas season is going! 6 weeks ago, it was 100 degrees outside, now we are 2.5 weeks until Christmas.

    Your holiday party outfit is beautiful. The bag was the perfect find to polish off your ensemble. Enjoy!

    Thank you for the reminder of the Ruth Bancroft Garden event. I’m going to see about getting some tickets.

    Looking forward to reading your denim post.

    Janet

  • Good evening Juliet,
    Don’t you just love all of the fun festive teas, musicals, movies, holiday lights, garden tours, etc at Christmas? There is so much to do it is hard to see and do it all. I hope that you are enjoying every minute!
    I loved the holiday home tours of some of my favorite bloggers, including you! Your library is magical and cozy, just what you need for the holidays and to stay warm in all winter long.
    I am not a seafood fan, never eat it but I know lots of people who love(d) Red Lobster, including my mother-in-law and those cheddar rolls were her fave. They look delicious! I could eat 2-3 slathered in butter.
    Your holiday outfit is beautiful! Love the bag.
    Have a wonderful weekend Juliet and thank you for sharing my ornaments. That is so kind go you.
    xo

  • Hi Juliet — Loved your library decorated for the holidays! We like the same kind of decor — greenery, oranges, and pinecones. Done! Your holiday party outfit is perfect — elegant but also laid back. Enjoy the season!

  • Juliet, I hope you are having a festive and fun weekend. I think the tea looks lovely. So nice you keep doing this with friends. The gardens look so pretty too all lit up!

    Love the gift ideas…The dried fruits are a cute addition! You know my dad loves those biscuits. He bought me a box! I have to try them.
    I cannot wait to watch the Yacht Rock dock!! xx

  • Forgot to say I love that outfit. I am so glad you like the boots. I hope they work out. This cute look is all you need!

  • Hi, I’m Juliet … welcome to Make Mine a Spritzer where we talk about all things home décor, classic style and more! I’m so happy you’re here!

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