Holiday Vignettes

Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco

Every year at the beginning of December I get to visit San Francisco because my daughter sings in a Christmas concert.   I was there last weekend and the city was sparkling with holiday decorations.  Twinkling lights and lavish displays were everywhere and there was holiday magic in the air. "The Nutcracker" was playing at the War Memorial Building, the hotels were decorated with garlands and Christmas trees, and the department stores had windows filled with wreaths.   But this time I enjoyed seeing the quieter, gentler displays of Christmas decor. Everywhere I looked I saw artfully designed vignettes of holiday cheer and I was inspired by all this festive beauty. Especially in the wonderful shops, boutiques, and food markets for which the city is famous.  Here are some of the happy scenes that caught my eye.

The Gardener in Berkeley carries much more than gardening items

There were beautiful vignettes all around

They have Christmas decorations and interesting books -- I bought the book on typography

Musicians at The Gardener playing holiday music

Fourth Street in Berkeley

Everything you could want for the holidays at The Pasta Shop

Panettone, Italian Christmas bread

Holiday foods from Britain

Pomegranates at the Ferry Building

Quince Paste from Happy Girl Kitchen 

Scharfenberger Chocolate

Heath Ceramics

Cowgirl Creamery

Raclette from Cowgirl Creamery

Tempting display of honeys and jams at a bakery

Locanda Restaurant in a festive mood

"Din Don!  merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing;
Din don!  verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing."

(A French carol sung by the San Francisco Lyric Chorus)

 We heard  beautiful music and saw many lovely things in San Francisco.  The city by the bay really sparkles at this time of the year.  I hope you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays in your neighborhood!

Top photo by Megan Taylor