Botanic Bleu: Christmas At The Magnolia Silos

Need to buy a last-minute gift for Christmas? You are in north central Texas? Christmas at the Magnolia's Silos in Waco, Texas may have just the perfect gift. The second week of December I found several gifts (for others and for me.)

Just seeing the live Christmas trees set up in a covered outdoor stage at the Silos puts you into the Christmas spirit. This is before going inside Magnolia market and seeing all the Christmas inspired decorations and goods.

The large sign painted on the exterior wall near a parking area sets the mood. "Enjoy the sunshine & silos."

Shopping is only one event at the Magnolia Silos this Christmas season. December 9-10, there was a live concert in the evenings, visit with Santa during the days, and crafts for children during the days.

Waco now has a free trolley for the Silo District to help with parking.

The trolley could not be any more convenient, pleasant, or cuter. The vintage look adds to the fun of riding in the free shuttle, and it stops right at the front entrance to the Silos.

The front entrance is now landscaped with both live plants and astro turf grass.

Yes, 'tis the season for experiencing the decorations both outside and inside the Magnolia market.

The store displays are filled with fresh ideas for shoppers to try a similar version at home.

From berries attached to grapevine wreaths to Joanna's signature artificial magnolia wreaths, there is sure to be a style for everyone.

Outside, a classic truck sports a wild tendril wreath with red berries, illustrating how to give a new twist to an old favorite holiday tradition to display wreaths.

Inside, sample Christmas packages illustrate farmhouse style in decorating gifts.

These metal script words displayed on a wall chalkboard were flying off the shelves. Everyone who walked by, stopped, and picked out their favorite word for buying.

For more of a farmhouse look, the script words can be mounted in rustic wood trays. A friend shopping with me bought "family" and planned to mount it in an old tray that had been designated for the trash.

Wood and metal lanterns would be beautiful with fresh greenery and holiday ribbons.

Artificial narcissus blooms with roots attached to the bulbs are one of my favorite items at Magnolia. Of course, I love fresh real paperwhites, too.

Paperwhites in a galvanized metal wire basket is a look that appeals to me. I have an old locker basket and some of these paperwhites which means I can copy this look this spring.