A couple of weeks ago my friend Phyllis and I went to lunch at a wonderful Mexican restaurant and next door there was the BEST gift shop I've seen in a long long time. Everything was drop dead beautiful. Of course, it was decorated to the hilt with Christmas trees, ornaments, Santa's and everything else you could think of. It's called Through The Garden Gate it's in La Habra, CA I hope this will give you some ideas..... I know I have lots going through my head.
He was the most beautiful decorate owl that I have ever seen. Now on to some more pictures.
Better get a glass of wine or coffe as it's a little long post.
I just loved the Gingerbread and Peppermint Tree - I wanted the whole tree with all the decorations.
Isn't she just the cutest
The Santa was just a little to skinny for me, I like big chubby ones.
Gingerbread trains and look at all the faux cookies and cupcakes. WOW
Isn't she just the cutest
Gingerbread faux houses of all sizes and forms
A small tree with pretty ribbons, Santa's and Elf's on it.
Do you see all the doggies on this tree? It was so darn cute with bones and dogs.
The pillows were stunning, but very expensive.
Wouldn't this been cute Christmas morning set on the table with Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate?
Do you see the Elves climbing up this picture frame from the tree? It was so unusual.
A little better picture of the tree, pillows and frame.
Now you get a full picture of the picture frame with all the decorations around.
This wreath was simply beautiful all in creams and white. Thought of Kris in Chicago land with her beautiful home of creams, and white.
Isn't this the craziest tree you ever seen, it is upside down with the presents up at the top. Guess it would be great if you had little children and they were into everything.
Oh so pretty in silver and white.
This is the view when I first walked into the store, my eye's glazed over and I felt like I was in a dream. Everything was so beautiful. I have to say, I have been to a lot of stores, but this one is the best one of seen in years. I asked the lady at the store who decorated them and she said that there were 15 people who did it all. They did not leave one thing undone.
Lots of one of a kind Santa's all over the store, but a little to thin for me.
Needs more padding.....
I liked the black and white ribbon on this tree, I will be going back to get some, if it's not too expensive.
Snow men all over this tree and on the floor.
I thought that I was going to have a heart attack when I saw all the jewels on this stunning ribbon.
Lots of little Santa's all over this tree.
Off to a great lunch with my friend Phyllis at El Cholo which is next door to gift shop.
Here we are, boy was I hungry after all that shopping. It was a belated Birthday lunch from Phyllis
as her back was out on my Birthday. Now I have to find something special for lunch with her because her Birthday is the following Monday.
The following week I took a friend to Shinoda's and Rogers Gardens. I was so disappointed at their decorations that I took very few photo's. I need to take her up to Through The Garden Gate, maybe next week.
No pictures from Shinoda's and here is a couple from Rogers Gardens, very disappointing.
Almost all of trees were tinsel trees and very modern. I didn't like them at all. They had them in red, green, silver and gold very retro. I understand that it is the hot item now.
These pillows were needle point and they had lots and lots of pumpkins.
That's what I have been up to. And how was your week?
Have a wonderful weekend and please let me know if you like this post. We, Waldo, Lili and I love reading them.
Mary
Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday
The Dedicated House ~ Make it Pretty Monday
Between Naps On The Porch ~ Metamorphosis Monday
A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday
Confessions of a Plate Addict ~ The Scoop
Coastal Charm ~ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesday
Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson ~ Share Your Cup Thursday
Thoughts of Home on Thursdays @ At Home With Jemm
I've been to Rose Gardens and it is usually done up to the hilt. Need to go to your new place, it looks absolutely amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Marty. Yes, you would love Through The Garden Gate. I was so surprised. I had never been there for the Christmas decorations before. Bet you can be sure I'll be going back.
DeleteMary
It was SO nice to see such a nice long post from you. I would LOVE to visit that place with you. Amazing trees and decorations. I am so glad you were able to go and enjoy it...and you look beautiful at that table, by the way. I won't tell anyone your age but if they knew they would not BELIEVE you are as old as you are...and that's all I'm gonna say about that!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you and Phyllis had a good lunch for your birthday. I am sure you will treat her equally well for her upcoming birthday, too.
Take good care of yourself, Mary, this fall. I pray for you and your health ---xo Diana
I had gone over to her house to take her her Birthday present which was going to be on the 17th. She said no, we didn't get to go out for your birthday because her back had gone out and she could hardly walk. I am taking you for your Birthday. So I have an idea to take her down to Huntington Beach to the new Hyatt Resort Hotel, eating out on the patio. She will really like that.
DeleteAt my age I really don't care who knows how old I am - I am proud that I am 81 and still kicking. Most people can't believe that I am 81 - good German gene's LOL.
You are such a dear friend and if I ever get to Chicago, I am going to spend as much time as I can on a layover so I can see you and Kris and Jane also. Will get you a room at the Hyatt O'hare. To long of a drive to drive down and then turn around and go back.
Have a great weekend with the grands on halloween. Be sure you take pictures.
Hugs dear friend. Hope Pat is better.
Mary
Hi Mary I'm so glad you have a nice lunch with Phyllis her blog is around the house dose she
ReplyDeleteAny way what a besutiful post I loved so
Many besutiful decorations
You look so nice in the pictures and elegant
Take care love for you ,as well for Waldo and Lili
XO
Blessing
Isora
Happy Halloween!!!!!!
Thanks so much for you sweet comments. Yes, that is Phyllis from Around our House. She is my best friend and we are like sisters. Her mother always said I was her adopted daughter and introduced me as such.
DeleteThanks for the complement on ow I look. Just turned 81 and still kicking.
Have a Happy Halloween.
Hugs,
Mary
Gorgeous, Mary! Oh, it was just like being there! Thank you and have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you enjoyed it.
DeleteHappy Halloween
Mary
Mary how fun is this post. I love love love all the whites! Those elves on the picture frame are pretty cool too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time with your friend. Glad you will have another nice girlfriend day to celebrate her birthday soon. Have a great week end.
Hugs,
Kris
So glad that you liked my post. I thought about you when I was all that white and cream. If I had won the lottery I would have bought you many items from there. But, we can only dream.
ReplyDeleteI am taking another friend there tomorrow. I want to get some of the checked ribbon (of it's not to much) can't seem to find it anywhere else. Not buying any new decorations, just changing things up a little any getting rid of a lot of decorations. I am trying so hard to de-clutter, but having a hard time LOL.
Enjoy your weekend and Halloween. Know the grands will be so cute.
Hugs, dear friend.
Mary
I better go to bed, keeping making mistakes. LOL
ReplyDeleteM
Hi Mary! Here I am after my niece's football game night- she's a varsity cheerleader - and then hubs wanted to go to his fav Mexican restaurant after. I ate way too fast, way too late and way too much - and then the very first post I see mentioned a Mexican restautant, haha.
ReplyDeleteThat store seems AMAZING - just wow - it is total Christmas Wonderland in there! Sure is inspirational, right? Did you buy anything?
Big hugs. Sorry I haven't been posting, always something going on instead. Sad but good, too. xxoo
I went back there again today and took another friend and she was amazed at all the beautiful decorations. It's probably the best one I've seen in a couple of years.
DeleteI'm sure you have been so busy with that beautiful grandbaby of yours, she sure is a pretty baby.
Enjoy Halloween my friend.
Hugs,
Mary
I love seeing a post from you, Mary, and I can read and comment as you so lovingly do with me...at least I feel that way!!
ReplyDeleteI know you know your displays...you always help me focus on the right touches. You did a pos last year that was spectacular! What great places. I love the owl in one of the first photos. I went a tangent a few years ago with a bit of natural 'wildlife' on my tree. To be honest, I still like that a bit more than the shiny baubles. Exceptions being the ornaments I inherited from my late father that date back to when he and my mom first started out.
Love the pics from your lunch! You are a born beauty and do not look close to your years. And knowing you thorough our 'blog friendship'... you are very young in spirit and soul. My sweet father in law will be 86 in December. He drives to his old haunt, a steakhouse about 8 blocks from his home, every Friday night. He still meets his buddies from his firehouse days (he was a captain with the CFD). No sign of slowing down. So I truly know you are still in your prime. Your writing reflects that.
I hope you do come to Chicago, soon. I can't wait to meet you in person!!
Jane xx
Oh Jane thank you for the wonderful comments, I love reading your posts and comments. I am so glad that you liked my post. I went back there today and took a different friend and she was over the moon at seeing all of the beautiful things in there.
DeleteYour father in law sounds like a wonderful man and he keep young.
I hope I will be able to go to VA in early Spring. As soon as I know and have a definite day I will let you girls know my plans. I am so looking forward to meeting you all.
Enjoy your Halloween with that cute little girl.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Hugs,
Mary
So good to see you Mary~!! oh how I would love to visit that store. The santa dressed in silver would have definately come home with me. Really enjoyed seeing all the festive photos.
ReplyDeletehugs
Sonny
So glad that you liked the post Sonny. Yes, I really had to contain myself from spending any money as I have so many Santa's already and way to many Christmas decorations.
DeleteHugs,
Mary
Oh how wonderful !!! This really is the best time of the year. We have a couple of shops in Houston looking this way: Cornelius on Voss Road is decadent with Christmas goodies...it's a real nursery for beautiful plants, but at this time of the year their shop is filled like the one you showed us, and then there's Craft-tex, a wholesale place, everyone knows about that seems as large as a football field, filled to the brim with beautiful goodies of all kinds. I know you guys had a wonderful time, I can tell by all the great photos. There really is nothing else like girlfriends, is there? Well, except dogs !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Marsha. So glad that you like the post. It certainly is a beautiful store. I took another friend there today and she loved it. I was talking to one of the ladies that work there and she said they closed the store for 10 days and 15 people worked on them. They really outdid themselves.
DeleteHave a great Halloween.
Mary
so lovely decorations.. I'm eagerly waiting for Christmas..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am going over to you blog sight now.
DeleteMary
Mary!
ReplyDeleteChristmas displays, already?! But, that's your trademark: you always have the scoop on the latest and greatest stores/finds/restaurants! You and Phyllis must have had a super fun time, getting so many creative ideas of how to trim your trees this Christmas season, which is not too far away, now.
I agree; Santa needs to gain a few pounds, the 'jolly' is just not jiving! My favourite Christmas motifs are santas, snowmen, gingerbread houses, and stars, and I tend to stick to the traditional red/green/white colour scheme; I find it very cheery and seasonal and sweet.
Thanks for taking all these fun and festive pics; my favourite is of the pretty lady in the blue - YOU!
BIG hugs,
Poppy
Oh Poppy, you are so sweet with your comments. I am more of a traditional decorator. I used to decorate Christmas trees for the different hotels in the area. The Holiday Inn I had 2 12 ft trees and 6 - 6 ft trees and one very large one in the lobby of the banquet space. I would always have to have them before the first weekend in December, since there would be Christmas parties going on. Then I would have the trees in the hotel where I worked to decorate which were 7 total. The I would come home in the evening and decorate the 5 trees i would put up in my home - crazy lady that I am. I now onyl do 2 trees at my house LOL.
ReplyDeleteI loved doing all that work on the trees, so that's why I know where all the wholesale and decorator shops are at. But unfortunately I have grown olden and cannot do all that work anymore. But, I just love seeing all the pretties.
Today I took another friend over to Through The Garden Gate and her eye glazed over at all the beautiful decorations in there. I did take a few more pictures and will share them in another post that I will be doing on a Fall theme.
So glad to hear from you, I always think about you and wonder how you are, dear sweet friend. Hope your job is going well for you and things are good.
Hugs,
Mary
Oh my! I love those stores and this one is just wonderful. Problem is...I would want it all!! Choosing just one thing..is something I've never been good at.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Halloween, Mary. We are doing good but getting OLD! :) Sending love!
Mona
Oh so good to hear from you Mona. I often think about you and wonder how you are. This getting olden is for the BIRDS lol.
DeleteSo glad that you liked my post. The store was amazing.
Enjoy Halloween.
Hugs,
Mary
You need to shop more often if the end result is going to be a fun blog post like this one. I went out to lunch and shopping last week and not only was I dazzled by the wonderful Halloween things, but the Christmas decor as well. I didn't buy anything, and now I'm regretting it. Not that I need anything, mind you, but there sure was a lot that I wanted. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Pattie. Glad you like the post and I so wanted to buy out the entire store. There was nothing that I didn't like LOL. But I have so many Christmas decorations and once I get the tree up, I am getting rid of whatever is left over. I used to put a tree in every room, but now I don't, only two and that's to much.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week and Happy Halloween
Mary
Mary this is spectacular! It really puts one in a holiday mood. There were so many decorations that I have never seen before. Love all of the gingerbread houses and the train is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing all of this with us, I am thinking that if I can get a free day I might just go over to La Habra and take a peek.
Oh do take a day and go there, you will not be disappointed. It is on Whittier Blvd. closer to Harbor Blvd in La Habra and there is a Mexican restaurant next door. Would make for a nice outing. It was far better than Rogers Garden. I was so disappointed with their decorations although they had come lovely items in there, just not the trees.
DeleteEnjoy your week and hopefully everything will come together for your remodeling.
Mary
First of all that blue is gorgeous on you:)♥
ReplyDeleteThen..I was surprised to hear Rogers gardens ..not exquisite as usually bloggers rave about that place..but the place you went to?
Mary if there's something you love just buy it..this isn't a rehearsal for us all:)
You're a wonder Mary.
I love the big Santa w/ the glasses..ans the Xmas morning set etc..etc..lol
Thanks for your comments. I do love that blue color.
DeleteNormally Rogers Gardens have stunning items and decorations however, their Christmas trees were a big disappointment. I am not into retro decorations, I am more traditional. But it something to see and they now have a restaurant there. You need about a 3 week advance to make a reservation. Three of my friends have eaten there and have not given it a good review and very pricey. Of course this is in Newport Beach, which is a high end area. Don't get me wrong, Rogers Gardens is very lovely and a must see.
Happy Halloween and have a wonderful week. Again, thanks for stopping by.
Mary
Hello Mary, wow those place look so wonderful with all of the Christmas decorations! I would love to shop with you there. Too bad we live so far away from each other. Looks like you had fun both times and it's always fun to go to lunch with friends.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Halloween. Bosco is dressed up as Super Dog today! Give Waldo and Lily a hug from me and Bosco. Enjoy the week. :)
Julie xo
Thanks so much for stopping by Julie. I really loved that gift store. Oh so many beautiful things there.
DeleteI had all this candy and I only got 7 trick or treaters and there is LOTS of candy at this house.
Yes, I wish you lived close so we could go shopping together.
Have a great week. Waldo and Lili send hugs to Bosco.
Hugs,
Mary
Wow, what a store! I guess not many will be able to compare after that one. Love that upside down tree! Hope you are now feeling better(I was catching up on your last blog post), and that lots of lunching and shopping is on your agenda!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Amy. Yes, it seems to come all at once for lunch dates. Thanks for asking, I am feeling better now.
DeleteHave a great week.
Mary
This place is WAY too cute for words! I wouldn't be able to control myself.
ReplyDeleteGlad or at least hope your are feeling much better -- it's so nice to see you back on blog!
It was very difficult not to purchase anything, but I didn't buy anything. Have to much Christmas already, need to get rid of a lot.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping - have a great weekend.
Mary
So glad that you are feeling better and was good to read your post. WOW! What a store! I would have been in hog heaven. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful pictures. Made me drool. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments. So glad that you enjoyed the post. That store was unbelievable and I could have gone nuts in there LOL.
DeleteI am feeling better, it takes time when your olden.
Have a wonderful Fall weekend.
Mary
Wow am I impressed. Wish I had been in that store. So much inspiration, Christmas is now on my mind. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you liked the post Judy. It was all so beautiful.
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Mary
What a fun day you had, Mary! Wow, that Christmas store was amazing, I am loving all of the white, silver and gold! I can't imagine how long it must have taken to decorate all those trees. I love Mexican food too, yum! Glad you had such a nice outing with your friend!
ReplyDeleteOh Donna, so glad to hear from you and that you are alive and well. How is that darling Molly? Bet she is getting big now.
DeleteThanks for the lovely comments, it was a terrific store. Your are not alone when it comes to Mexican food, I love it.
Take care of yourself and have a wonderful weekend.
Lots of hugs,
Mary
Great.
ReplyDeletePretty.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't know better I would say that you have been to Santa's workshop at the North Pole!
ReplyDeleteI love, love Christmas and I adore this outing you had.
So great to have you join us today and also for your thoughtful comment!
P.S.
We eat Tex-Mex every Friday at our favorite little cafe.
Jemma
You are not lone when it comes to loving Tex-mex and Mexican food. Could eat it every day.
DeleteSo glad that you liked the post. I did feel like I was in Santa's Workshop.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mary
I think we should just pick up that first tree and move it to my house. It's beautiful. Glad you are back.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping buy. All of the trees were stunning, but I really love the candy cane tree.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Mary
Holy eye candy!!! What a fabulous find, I love those kind of stores and literally it would take hours just looking and drooling at everything there is to see. It's funny how the whole retro thing is back in style, but like you, for me it hits too close to home and not appealing at all. For the younger generation, it's new and cool. Well it looks like you had a great time with your friend, and a very happy belated birthday to you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
Have a great weekend
Saimi
Oh Saimi, I went back again and took another friend and she almost fainted at all the beautiful decorations.
DeleteThanks for the belated Birthday wishes.
Have a wonderful week.
Mary
Hi Mary. Wow, what a treat for the eyes in that store! I love those kinds of stores. Wasn't that little Christmas set for the table so cute. I have been making some snowman heads like the one shown, but I can see that I need to add more snow. It's nice to know that you like your men with a little meat on their bones!. Happy belated Birthday, mine is coming up on Monday, and thanks for the lovely tour..Glad it sounds like you are feeling better. Happy Sunday. xxo Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Judy and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday, may your day be very special.
DeleteSo glad that you liked the post, have another one to work on.
Enjoy your very special day.
Hugs,
Mary
Always enjoy seeing a post from you Mary! This store is fab with so much eye candy. Reminds me of 'Rogers Gardens' I visited with friends in CA. I wanted to connect with you so badly! We were only there 2 days and all we did was run. You and Phyllis are two cute gals!!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Our family loves El Cholo. In fact, we held my son's rehearsal dinner at the original El Cholo in downtown Los Angeles.
ReplyDeleteThat shop looks amazing, but I need to avoid shops like that because I just don't need anything more.
I'm surprised that Rogers Gardens wasn't awesome because I have heard so many good things about it from you and other OC friends.
Oh my, this is an amazing gift shop, Mary. This shop is right up my alley. ;) First, I love that sweet old owl, it's so cute. Look at all the trees! One of my favorites was the candy cane one. And I love all the Elves in the decorated tree. The wreath in creams and whites is so lovely, but I always prefer Red at Christmas time and maybe some silver and white. Those Snowmen sure are cute with their BIG BLACK HATS! What a fun birthday celebration you had with Phyllis. The Mexican restaurant sounds Yummy, and how nice of her to take you there for your birthday. This is such a pretty picture of you all in blue.
ReplyDeleteWishing you warm and cozy November days, Mary.
love, ~Sheri
I am so glad to see you enjoying lunch and shopping with friends.
ReplyDeleteLoved all the Christmas photos...I am so sick of pumpkins I can hardly stand it...so ready to put up our trees and all our stockings....
Love to you, dear Mary...O, and you look beautiful in blue..xoxo
Hi Mary. It is so good to visit you. Wow! You really know how to celebrate a birthday. I read several of your posts. I am sorry to hear you fell during the summer, I hope you are doing ok by now. And glad to hear no hip surgery. My goodness that gift shop is beautiful. Oh boy! I would love to go in a place like that, but then I would want everything I saw. But what gorgeous decorations. It gives me some ideas. Thanks for stopping by my blog and always leaving a sweet message. I love hearing from you. Oh, and by the way, a Happy belated Birthday to you. And I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You are a sweetie. Hugs, Karie
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great Christmas Mary. You always have such special decorations. We are about to get cold her tomorrow and I am so ready to work in my garden. I've been fighting a sinus infection for months and didn't get my indoor decor up. Fooey. Happy New Year
ReplyDelete