Thursday, December 2, 2010

By Hand

It's terrible sometimes, the distance that separates us. I have a a handful of friends across town and down the street that I don't see enough. But at least when I do see them, I can drop by with a tiny basket of tomatoes or something wonderful from the market~

I don't stop by for a coffee without something in hand; it's a very natural thing, not meant for reciprocation. Just what makes me happy. If I could, I would deliver every basket and every gift by hand; with a kind word and a hug or double-cheek-kiss, and to see the look in my family's or friends' eyes when they open their basket. Especially during the Christmas season. This one was for my Mom, hastily arranged at the Palisades market, and she was totally thrilled to receive it~

I got lots of mileage out of it at the market; many oohs and ahhs; look at these creamy roses; Palisades is one of the very best SoCal markets~
Recently I have mailed several gifts to clients, friends & bloggers; I hate to wrap and bubble up all the breakables, but I must; glass is as fragile as these tulips~
Whenever possible, I gift fresh fruits & veggies, and flowers; orchids here from Corona del Mar market~
and paired with a home-made cake packaged up in sweetness~
Would this ship well? I do now know. Well, minus the orchid, fine.
this week I have made up several child's baskets of goodies, here a bulk of clementines~
I am preparing dozens of gift baskets for clients; I will post shortly on some great gift ideas. For those who have received my baskets, sorry they are not hand-delivered, but they did all arrive intact~

9 comments:

  1. You've got a PHD in flower arranging. Wow! There are so many more markets in So. Cal these days. I'll be back for my Christmas order later. Dinner party today and tomorrow! Thanks for the nice comment. Its fun to see a Sister Parish living room hold up like that.
    Best,
    Liz

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  2. They are lovely and who wouldn't be over the moon to be on the receiving end of any of these beauties?? I almost cried when my friend moved away from the Palisades, it was one of my favorite places to hang out.

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  3. Beautiful baskets and the flowers are sooo gorgeous!

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  4. Gorgeous!

    The flowers make me want to go outside and photograph flowers; alas, it is rather cold here and barren. Let me see what I can find inside the house!

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  5. I love the idea of using your baskets for a table arrangement! How clever and absolutely stunning!!

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  6. These make the most exquisite presents.
    Filled up with flowers, they take my breath away.

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  7. Perfection. The baskets looked SO lovely today with a tulle bow on the handle and a Christmas corsage pinned to each one. Nice photos to you tomorrow.
    Alas only one basket found a new home.

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  8. The basket for your mom is my favorite...just Gorgeous Andrea! The little one uses the small basket as a stuffed dog carrier when I'm not using it:)
    Here is a double cheek kiss for you.
    Londen

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  9. Andrea, Your baskets with the flowers are gorgeous! Who wouldn't love to receive one of these as gifts? I also adore the vintage medals and cross. Take care, friend.
    xo,
    Sherry

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