That looks like an odd shaped, narrow angled back corner of the yard. Previously the big peppercorn tree filled it out, softened it and it looks like a cubby house enjoyed the cosy, secret corner behind the natural screen. One idea would be: firstly, get a stump grinder in to remove the stump which will otherwise limit any planting; secondly, plant a curved hedge of a suitable shrub (Murraya, bottlebrush, lilypilli...). Leave an opening at one or both ends of the hedge screen for access to the "secret corner". This might improve the shape of the yard and provide a useful utility area for compost bins, a small garden shed or other unsightly items.

I'm from a European background ... Italian and Catholic. Christmas means celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. I hold onto generations of passed down tradition ... We celebrate December 6th as St. Nicholas Day (European Father Christmas) ... this is the day that all the house & garden decorations go up! We celebrate January 6th as The Epiphany (this is the 12th day of Christmas - when the Kings went back home) ... this is the day that all decorations get packed away. That's one month of relevant religious dates/events ... just enough time to truly appreciate celebrating the birth of Jesus with family and friends - whether gift giving or not - and "ooh-ing and ahh-ing" over the home Christmas decorations without getting bored with them.

I don't have room in my current home for any sort of tree, not even a hat stand like pictured, so I can't wait till our new home is complete and I can put up a tree but I think the stand and the gifts looks perfectly acceptable and does still have the important Xmas spirit!! Well done Maria

Modern Cottage please!