Nature's Palette

When the sun comes out in winter, the bleakness of the season is banished, at least temporarily. As you can see, not all the trees are naked, yet. So I've tried to capture a few of the colours we're currently enjoying. Particularly love this maple over next door's fence, it and a plane tree gift us with crispy orange leaves to decorate our grass. If only all litter was so attractive!

Our yard has a number of established camelia trees that thankfully we haven't managed to kill yet. They are heavy with flowers and these gorgeous stripey pink and white flowers are my favourite. What girl doesn't have a soft spot for this romantic colour combination?

It made me delve around in my cupboards for china that reflects these colours, the autumn leaves and pouting blooms. Look what I found:

How cute is this little cruet set found on a specials table in Anthropologie? The kids are fascinated by it. It is so tiny and perfect, and looks like it's been lifted from the pages of a Beatrix Potter tale.

This beautiful fabric is an old throw rug I found while op shopping years ago. It conjures up images of cavernous sitting rooms with log fires and Carter serving me tea on a silver tray. Oh how I long for Lady Mary's wardrobe!  

Meanwhile, I've been making apple crumble and other comfort foods for the family. If only I could make myself get on the exercise bike during the day..

Enjoy the sunshine folks!