​The holidays are here! With Thanksgiving tomorrow and Christmas just around the corner, we are officially in the season of gatherings. Want to mix up your usual décor with some new ideas? Here are my top picks for tablescape trends to try:

1. Keep it simple with greens
In case you haven't noticed, nature is in. Stay on trend by keeping things simple (and wallet friendly) with a free-form all greens table runner. 

​2. Use this moody, romantic palette, perfect for late fall. 
Okay, so maybe you don't look for your Thanksgiving table to remind you of a vampire love affair, but hello? Look at these colors! I love the black candles and pink florals.

​I used a similar moody romantic palette in a recent still life photo shoot with Katie Lenhart and I will always come back to these colors this time of year:

​3. Look to your fruit bowl for inspiration. 
Speaking of the still life...try mixing in some pomegranates, or citrus with your table decor, or let your imagination run wild. Pear tree holiday table?

​4. Mix in sage (and flannel too) to get cozy.
Doesn't this look make you want to grab a blanket and hot chocolate? For more sage ideas, check out this issue's Sage 3 Ways: Grow + Make + Sip. 

​5. Don't be afraid of a little sparkle.
No matter what's "trending," I will always be a fan of glitter. My great grandmother made tons of glittery decor we still put up around Christmas. If you're like me and will always have a soft spot for something sparkly, check out these adorable ways to add some shine to your table this holiday season.

​6. Get energized with table side aromatherapy.
Get sleepy after a big holiday meal? Give the whole table an aromatherapy boost with energizing eucalyptus (and you can usually find it at Trader Joe's!).

​7. Add Succulents or other botanicals.
I think this will be my route this year. Though not-your-usual holiday evergreens, succulents or air plants (especially big bold xerographica or echeveria rosettes)  are surprising, creative additions to any table.

​8. Rethink traditional decor.
Play with quantity and color to for a whimsical, very Martha vibe.

​9. Get crafty with found objects.
Pinecones, seedpods and other foraged goods are always good decor additions. Want to learn more about foraging? Check out the Found Beauty article from this month's issue. 

​10. Skip to the main event. 
Of course you could skip the florals all together and make one giant cheeseboard!

​
​Want help with your holiday decor?
I'll be in Southern California for the holiday season this year. If you're in the San Diego or even Los Angeles area, join me for a holiday hands-on workshop (more coming soon) or let me know what you're looking for. I can create a custom holiday look for you and deliver it to your doorstep.

Not Nearby?
Keep an eye out! I'm creating a special gift just for you this holiday season to inspire you to create unique, plant-y projects all month long. It'll be in your inbox in December! Not on the list? Send me your email, and I'll make sure you get your guide too.

I also often travel for private making parties. If you have a group of 6 or more, contact me to talk about a customized private event.

by Leelee

​I can't believe it's already almost October! This is one of my favorite times of year. Long gone are the lounging days of summer. There’s a feeling of change in the air. Back to school. Back to regular work schedules. Lots to do. And soon enough it’ll be the holiday season.
 
In the hustle and bustle of this busy time, be sure to get in some much needed self care. Head to yoga, walk outside, cozy up with tea and a book. And....add more plants to your life! If you’re trying to stay healthy and focused, try a little re-wilding of your home and especially workspace.

Studies have shown that plants are good for your health, lower stress and increase productivity, all things we need this busy month. Researchers at The Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England found that students have 70% greater attentiveness when they are in classrooms with plants. And a Texas A&M University study showed that workers in a room with two plants and a floral bouquet had 13% more ideas than workers in a room with sculptures.
 
When you’re choosing your desk plant buddy, be sure to think about how much light you have. If you’re in the middle of an office, stick to low light indoor plants. Here are some of my favorites for bright and low light levels!  Happy re-wilding!

by Leelee 

A couple weeks ago I was wandering the LA Arts District and discovered a hidden gem, this stunning garden surrounded by muralled walls with a cocktail bar in the middle. It was the perfect Leelee’s Garden spot that mixed creativity, nature and planty, boozy concoctions. 2017 has been my year of travel. And in all my adventuring I’ve been lucky to stumble upon areas and sweet spots like this one that seem to fit just right with the Leelee’s Garden vibe. So, I’ve decided to write city guides that highlight a handful of my favorite finds! If you’re at all into art, cocktails, gardens, nature and adventures, these guides are for you!
 
First up is Los Angeles!  Though this year has been a hard one for me personally (I share more about this  in the summer tour story), there have been many gifts born out of big life changes. One was getting to spend more time with my family in California, especially visiting my sister often and rediscovering Los Angeles as an adult. Over several trips, I’ve collected a few favorite spots I’ll return to over and over again in this massive city of known and lesser known gems.
 
Here are my top picks in LA-LA Land:

Lately I can’t get enough of this hip and happening area. Luckily every creative entrepreneur event in the city seems to be here! Between conferences and workshops lately, I’ve been wandering and finding huge walls of color on every corner.

My favorite garden stop is the cocktail garden of Manuela (top photo and below).   With a backdrop of moody murals, this kitchen garden is just right for an afternoon cocktail.

This summer I spent a few afternoons in Venice and am officially hooked. Yes, there’s beautiful people watching, but you can also take yourself on a Venice Canals garden walk. The homes that line the Venice waterways offer a ton of SoCal garden design inspiration.  And you can’t leave Venice without hitting the beach. Maybe you’ll spy group hula-hoop practice like I did!

​If you need a nature break in the heart of LA, nothing beats Griffith Park. Golden hour amidst the trees is magical!

​I still dream of one day starting my Leelee’s Garden café and nursery with a restaurant in a greenhouse. The closest thing to this in Los Angeles is surely Commissary at the Line Hotel.  Dine in an indoor jungle right in the heart of Koreatown. Great for brunch!

​While Commissary has the greenhouse restaurant look I love, there are tons of other spots to try in the city. Some of my other favorites are Firefly for a nice night out, Gracias Madre for upscale vegan, and Republique (below) for a bite with a friend. All of these have a courtyard feel and exquisite food.

What's next on my list?

​I haven’t been yet, but I really want to go to one of these wine tasting nights on my next trip to LA. You can bring a picnic, sip wine, watch the sunset, and try tasty treats from food trucks and pop-ups like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.  There’s only one day left this season, October 6, but I’ll surely be there next year!