christmas at Magnolia

I think it's safe to say I had high expectations for Christmas at the Silos. But true to Chip + Joanna's fashion, they did not disappoint. Not a hall was left un-decked, not a light was un-twinkling. We all know this duo goes big or goes home and you really have to love them for their commitment.

I was lucky enough to have two of my favorites with me at Magnolia (those precious sisters, seen below.) I made the trek down to Waco (for the 3rd time now, if you're keeping count) with them on Saturday afternoon for their Saturday night Christmas concert. (You can find the deets about trips one and two here and here.) And man, setting the thrill and experience of Magnolia aside, the concert alone was worth it. Shane & Shane and Phil Whickam have been putting on a Christmas concert for a few years and it is always so worth it. Their harmonies are supremely and seriously the best I've ever heard. There's not much else that sparks my Christmas flame like hearing those three sing together. Don't believe me? Have a listen.

Thankfully Texas came through for us with some appropriately chilly weather with highs in the 50s. Mmmmmm, exactly what I wished for! But huddled together with the masses (3500 people I was told) we had a nice little incubator and it really didn't feel that cold! *praise hands*

It was quite the treat to see the Silos transformed for Christmas - truly, truly decked. I've said many times before that Joanna is so intentional with her design and the thoughtful details she places on the property and this season is no exception. Her unique way of incorporating merchandise into the decor makes your shopping experience so perfectly organic. Like you're casually strolling through a stranger's home - a stranger who's style you admire and envy. And you can casually pick and choose from the home as you walk - lucky you! - getting to take home whichever prized possessions your favor falls on.

And may I just say, that deer? I'm sure you remember me expressing my love for it in my last Magnolia post and I was just waiting, oh tapping my toes and waiting, for them to rosy up that nose for the holidays!

Of course one of the elements that contributes to the organic aspect of the experience - in the most literal form of the word - is the delightfully strong presence of greenery. Joanna is wonderfully heavy handed with the more natural side of decor and her wreaths always wind up being some of my particular favorites. Because, come on, don't you want to grace your door with one of those beauties?

While we were there, the majority of our time was spent outside (read: huddling together or dancing to the music to stay warm) so for the first time, I feel like I really got to appreciate the design and thoughtfulness of the grounds themselves. The previous times I had been, it had been slightly on the warmer side than I would have preferred, so it was an especially special treat to get to experience the Silos in what I would consider more comfortable weather.

Quite earnestly, of all the stops they pulled out and decorations that were hung, I think my complete favorite was just the expansive amounts of white lights - twinkle lights, Christmas lights, and classic outdoor baubles all mixed together in one magical, cheery, twinkly blur.

Simple, sweet, and always stunning.