Sugar Cookies on Parade!

I put together little packages of my favorite homemade sugar cookies for the local growers and their wholesalers - the very least I could do to show my appreciation for their constant awesomeness. Thanks for a great year, guys and gals!

Fallon's December Roses

These roses are not from another hemisphere, or even a hot house. They're not from the archives of summer either. Nope, less than a couple weeks ago, when Fallon and I had planned to meet at her studio at Garden Valley Ranch to make some holiday wreaths, we found these lovely gems toughing it out in the fields. (Be warned, December brides, this is not normal!)

So naturally, we had to do something with them.  Fallon made this smashing arrangement including a sophisticated combination of many flowers and botanical textures (above). I, however, totally lost my cool and went all rose centric on it (below). Only a few hellebores and honeysuckle vines succeeded in gaining a spot among the roses. Still, the effect was not bad, especially for December! Thank you, Fallon and Garden Valley Ranch, for the Christmas magic!

All Local, All the Time!

A whole lotta holiday is going on here at The Monkey Flower Group, including these wintry arrangements of redwood, magnolia, and lilies from Petaluma, Queen Anne's lace and snapdragons from Salinas, narcissus from Pescadero, tulips from Arcata, and live oak from Napa. I feel so lucky to have access to such beautiful local materials, even at this time of year! And wait 'til you see the roses Fallon and I found last week . . . but that's a whole different post. Anyways . . .

I know I've discussed the classic California ambiance and unparalleled views at Silverado Vineyards, but have I mentioned Barbara Sawchuk, Events Manager Extraordinaire? HERE is an extremely classy and kind woman who truly cares about her work and takes pride in orchestrating finely detailed and personal celebrations. If you're looking for a gorgeous venue for a birthday, engagement dinner, or anniversary party, and a talented and friendly person to help coordinate it, I highly recommend you check her out!

Support Napa Humane at Castello di Amorosa

From 9:30 AM till 5:00 PM this Saturday and Sunday (December 10th and 11th), Castello di Amorosa is hosting its Holiday Cheer Weekend. In addition to live music and refreshments provided by the outstanding  Tra Vigne, Elaine Bell Catering, and Monterey Chocolate Company, the event will feature a display of  holiday wreaths, created by local artists to be auctioned off to benefit local charities.

I was thrilled to design this wreath for Napa Humane composed of reusable (or donatable) pet items, generously donated by Napa's Pet Food Express. (Our neighbor's cat, below, was very interested.)

Please come enjoy the festivities, see the wreaths, and support your favorite local charities!

Event admission is $15 in addition to the $17 Tour and Admission fee, and includes 3 raffle tickets.

4045 North St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA.

Recent Fruity Centerpieces

 Oh man, was Thanksgiving wonderful this year. Best. Holiday. Ever.

Even if it did make these centerpieces unseasonable overnight.

Here they are with pomegranates, persimmons, oak, and clematis from Napa, calendula from Daly City, roses and viburnum from Petaluma, arbutus and koelreuteria from South Bay, ranunculus from San Diego, chrysanthemums from Yorba Linda, scabiosa from Half Moon Bay, oncidium and veronica from Watsonville, and rose hips from Eureka.

Hope your Thanksgiving was awesome!

The Last of Late Summer

From a while back, strawflower from Daly City, chrysanthemums from Yorba Linda, hydrangea from Napa, eucalyptus from Solano, and delphinium from Pescadero.

A Mountain and Ocean Wedding Week

 J&S spent the week of their wedding enjoying the ocean, mountains, and woods surrounding the colorful beach town of Bolinas, where they rented a lovely house with their friends and family.

 J's bouquet included lisianthus from Yorba Linda, oregano, scabiosa, and stock from Half Moon Bay, roses from Petaluma, brake fern from Eureka, oak and abelia from Napa, gomphrena from Daly City, and veronica from Watsonville.

 The flowers to wear also featured ivy, rosemary, redwood, and lavender from Napa.

 Congratulations, J&S!!