I’ve been decorating for a whimsical Christmas — lots of inspiration for it! Starting with MUSICA . . .
IT’S A KITTY CAT CHRISTMAS . . .
I thought you might like a “Life of Jack” update — and I know everyone thinks their cat is the smartest in the world, but this is actually the smartest kitty in the world.♥ He just is. You know how cats rub against your legs? Now every time Jacks walks by me, he doesn’t just rub against my leg, he JUMPS up, his front paws leave the ground, so he can rub against me. He jumps up, then curls around me and comes back and jumps up from the other side. Do I love it? Yes! Then he stretches out on the floor in front of me, full length, so I can rub his belly.
He’s also not as interested in ball-retrieval these days, now he likes rubber band retrieval . . . the thick elastic kind you use on a pony tail. I shoot them, and he leaps into the air and catches them, or chases them, and brings them back to me. I tell you he is brilliant! I will be reading a book, feel something come up into my lap, look down, there’s a rubber band. He’s little too. Not growing very big, so far, for a 16-month old. He’s a little, smart cat.
He adores the fire. Curls up in front of it, stares at it, rolls around next to it, naps as close to it as possible . . . to the point where I have to stay there with him, he loves it so much that I’m not too sure yet that he is aware that it is HOT in there.
But, just so you know, Joe and I do leave the house sometimes … we’ve been getting the house ready for Yankee Magazine who, if you read Willard or have been hanging out on this blog, you know, is coming to take photographs of our house! Here we are at one of our garden centers called Eden. They always do the cutest things at their entry way! Nice “roping,” don’t you think?
And we found our tree! At Vineyard Garden Center. Thar she blows. Now to get her home!
I started my paper whites — I save the rocks from year to year; I also found a bag full of moss when we were shopping off-island … thought it would be pretty to mix in a little bit of green.
Speaking of green, for a while there we could not see a speck of it outside, our lawn was wall-to-wall leaves . . . But Joe made compost out of them . . . and while he was out there raking, he, got an idea, inspired by the roping at Eden. . .
And made this with the bushes in our yard! Isn’t that great? I was very impressed! Who knew that, #1, we had the stuff to make this — even though I should know, I see it every day …. or, #2, Joe would be able to do it! (Although I should know, he can do anything!)
While he was doing that in the yard, I was baking cookies — and, by the way, this recipe is SO Delicious, I’ll put in the next post (this one is already too long!) . . . It’s a chocolate chip cookie different from any other — Joe loved them and so did I! Good Housekeeping is what we were doing . . . here on Christmas Island.
And then Joe, even more inspired now … came in and surprised me with this! We usually buy wreaths and put our own bows on them . . . but he got the urge to try making one; went out there and cut more Chinese and English Boxwood, Holly, Ivy and Pine — and look how cute it turned out, all fresh and perky! I hope he realizes what he has gotten himself into. One is seriously not enough.
My job was to add the toys, the bow, bird, and pears!
So he went back out and brought in a whole box of greens for me to play with! I love whimsy; a little decorating-sense-of-humor is a good thing at the holidays, but I also love tradition. When you google Decorating Whimsical Christmas, there are lots of white trees, bright pink, turquoise, and silver ornaments. I love looking at the pictures of this . . .
. . . because they are full of creativity and joy … BUT I’ve never quite gotten over the old-fashioned traditional things, and need to have them! When I think of Christmas, I remember how I saw it as a child when I was at my most personally whimsical (believing with all my heart in the magic) . . . sparkle, and lights, candles, color, stories, singing, cookies … pure magic! That’s still what I love. I want whimsy, but now I’m grown up, I know about tradition, and I need my old things too. ♥
Like wreaths and roping made from traditional greens that are green, my little trees in the window sills, or my bird tree on the table . . . I had fun playing with the leaves and branches over the windows — I just poked everything under the curtain rod!
And talk about whimsy, these were the “men” sitting in the “yard” of a gingerbread house on display in a coffee shop downtown! Aren’t they adorable? I think it’s marzipan … my favorite part is the tiny chocolate shots stuck in the top of the heads! With whimsy, the sky is the limit!
But this probably as traditionally whimsical as I get . . . my bird tree. I’ve had it for years and years, and guess what? It’s been up for a week, and Jack hasn’t touched it yet! It’s on the kitchen table, just over his food bowl, and he just isn’t interested. Knock on wood.
Rachel, my English girlfriend, gave me this tiny precious cup; I brought home leaves from our walk, another little bird and voila! Nature whimsy!
Plus of course my little old house that I found at an island flea market, it goes on top of the stove, like every year …
I’ve also been setting out my old quilts, which Girl loves . . .
I took this picture last year . . . it’s the ornament I got the year I move to the island. Now that’s a tradition!
And of course I have to do my shelf-scape of Beatrix Potter People; they needed a few trees and pears. ♥
And there’s not too much more traditional than Christmas apples and old books . . .
Yesterday Joe and I carried the tree down the driveway and around to the front door, which is the best way to bring in a tree at our house, through the front hall, causing the least amount of damage, both to us, and to the house, and there she is! She smells wonderful!!! When we get her trimmed and ready for prime time, I’ll be sure to show you!
I am not done decorating by any stretch of the imagination, I have the fireplace to do, the Peter Rabbit room, and lots of other spots. Which is where I’m going now. But first off, I remember how much you liked the picture of the beautiful cardinal on the feeder outside my kitchen window, and was thinking, what would the girlfriends like for a Holiday Giveaway . . . ??? Something whimsical would be just right, I think!
And I thought, maybe this little notebook, of the boy bird feeding the girl bird, the way it should be in real life at all times! And then, of course, because I love mine so much, you really must have one of these darling new mugs we just got in. They are just like the bird cup . . . four pieces, the cup, the lid, a mesh basket inside for loose tea, and a saucer for your cookie! So cute …
So yours. ♥ And the little pad opens up, is perfect purse-size for little winter notes . . .
And one more thing. Joe says he will make you
One of these! And I will decorate it! And we will send it along with the mug and the cardinal notepad, so we can wish you a Merry Everything girlfriends, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Soltice, or as Jerry Seinfeld called it, “Festivus!”
To be entered in the drawing, just leave me a little message in the comment section (if this blog is being emailed to you, you have to click here, www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/; scroll to the bottom of this post, click on the tiny word “comments”); in a few days, our Winning Name will be pulled by the wonderful and beautiful Vanna . . . and I will announce it here. Joe will make that wreath at the last moment so it will be fresh! ♥
We say Bye for now! We would jump up and rub your legs if you were here! ♥ xoxo
Susan, this is just the inspiration I needed to start my decorating for the season. It’s been warm and raining here in Michigan, so I’ve been feeling more like decorating for Easter rather than Christmas. Now that I’ve seen these beautiful pictures of your festive home, I’m ready to start bringing up the boxes from the basement and getting to work. Bring on the snow!
🙂
Oh Susan I so enjoyed my visit with you and Jack and Girl and Joe! How fun it was! Merry Christmas to you and yours from here in Michigan! No snow yet! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Love, Linda K Foster
I do believe that Jack is the cutest, sweetest, smartest and most creative CAT in the world! I can easily say this because I know pets ~ I have the cutest, sweetest, smartest and most creative DOG in the world. We are lucky don’t you think? Love all the Christmas touches around your house too!
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
It IS so much fun to read your blogs …see the wonderful words ..and pictures…and drawings….and even almost smell the smells coming from your home!!! And sharing once again a chance to win for ”we girlfriends” a lovely bunch of gifts from you and Joe~~ so special !!
Sweets for the sweet . . . ♥
This is THE BEST giveaway! I want a homemade “Joe” wreath! Who wouldn’t?!!
I know JUST how you feel! He will make it so beautiful!
I just adore smart kitties! I had one who knew that when I held my hands up and said “Done”, we were through with treats and he should find something else to do. I do miss my Beau….
I love it when they speak our language!
*happy sigh* You’ve just made my Tuesday!!!!!! I love everything!!!!! Kitties, birdies, wreaths, magic…….Thank you so much!!!
I enjoy this website very much! Thanks for all the info.
Love the wreath Joe…….I just pulled out my BDTavern Cookbook……love the quahog chowder…….Enjoy Christmas on the Vineyard, do they decorate the ferries? If they don’t, they should!!!! Merry Christmas……
I think just the lunch counter inside … it get’s pretty wild out there on the water sometimes . . . but wouldn’t it be fun if they draped it in lights!
We need to create a new word that expresses how much we adore you! The current ones just don’t do our feelings justice. Happy Holidays to you and yours, one & all. Love, Connie
Sweetheart! So nice! xo
I love Jack. He really adds a spark of home to your photos. Thanks so much for sharing your home with us, Susan. Merry Whimsical Christmas!
~ Good Morning~
What a fun post!~ I am starting my decorating and would love to put your wreath on my door!~ Joe has quite a knack for creativity too~
I remember my Aunt always had a silver Christmas tree with pink satin balls~ and the light spinner that would change the colors of the tree as it spun!
~Thanks for sharing all your “whimsy” with us!~
Off to craft store soon as they open~
~Happy Tuesday~
Lynn
~I forgot to mention that St. Nicks Eve is tomorrow night so hang up your stockings!~
love that tradition…we usually put out our shoes
Thanks for the reminder Lynn!!! I hope Schmutzli doesn’t show up at your house. LOL
No he won’t~ I have been a VERY good girl!! Hope you have been too!
we put our shoes out by the door and we hope Black Peter stays away. no lumps of coal just apples and oranges and nuts in our shoes, and gold chocolate coins all around. that how we celebrate. then come dec 13th is Santa Lucia Day, anyone celebrate that one besides us????
Okay—wait a minute–how come I don’t know anything about St. Nick’s Eve?? Lynn, tell me more!
Linda
~ Hi Linda~
Our family always hung our stockings on the night of December 5th, on the Eve before the feast day of St. Nicholas.
He was a 4th century bishop in the Christian church~There are a few different stories about him~ go to Wikipedia to read about his life.
As for my family’s tradition, our stockings were hung~ (some
others put their shoes by the door) in hopes that St. Nick would fill them with treats if we had been good children~ if we were
naughty it would be coal~ (we were never naughty!)
Our treats would be an orange, an apple, nuts , chocolate ~ sometimes 3 gold coins~ (read the story about them in his history) and a little toy~ . He was a very generous man who helped the poor and loved children~ our present day Santa Claus is believed to a modern day St. Nick~
That is what we have done for over 50 years in my family and I continue to do with my children and grandchildren.~ Every year since their births they get the same things I did~ only I have added a new tradition of a Christmas ornament for each instead of a toy~ hope that explains it for you~
~Happy St. Nick’s Eve~
Lynn
Your home looks adorable, with a surprise in every nook and cranny! The little “Despicable Me” men with their chocolate chip shoes made me giggle! How clever!
Merry Christmas from the Land Down Under (well… Texas, that is!) !! Thank you for sharing your warm, happy home and family with us throughout the year… but especially at Christmas! Be blessed this holiday season!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe! Your home looks lovely. Thank you for the inspiration as I decorate this year. We are having an exceptionally mild December (so far), which is great for getting up outside lights. I would LOVE to win all the goodies. I love drinking tea – always loose tea – and the note pad is perfect for my Christmas to do list. And last, but certainly not least, that beautiful wreath would look perfect over my fireplace. Have a wonderful day.
I am running behind this Christmas season…the house isnt decorated yet…but I am very inspired by your posts and it will happen very, very soon!. Joe is talented….love the greenery he has put together! Beats anything you could buy…thats for sure! I am curious what the second swag in your kitchen window is….did you buy it or make it? Looks so twinkley and whimsical! Thanks for all the directions and ideas! Love you site!!! Merry Christmas to everyone!
Hi Susan, You always make my day with your blog. It gives me ideas and makes me dream abut fun things while I’m working. Bless you for your uplifting writing. Arlene from Minnesota
You are sweet to tell me!
Loved today’s blog, well actually always love the blog. Thank you for your gift of time and talent even when you must be so busy with Yankee preparations. Love the decorations over the window, very much a tradition in England, or at least in our family, especially holly tucked over every picture hanging on the wall. Enjoy your day……I’m going to read Willard which just popped up in my e-mail box while I was typing this!
I am running behind this Christmas season…the house isnt decorated yet…but I am very inspired by your posts and it will happen very, very soon!. Joe is talented….love the greenery he has put together! Beats anything you could buy at a store…thats for sure! I am curious… what the second swag in your kitchen window is….did you buy it or make it? Looks so twinkley and whimsical! Thanks for all the directions and ideas! Love you site!!! Merry Christmas to everyone!
I bought it at either The Christmas Tree Shop or Jo-Ann’s — not sure which!
Love your decorations so far…. I wish for a Fraser Fir …… Not common here in SoCal!
Xoxo
Today when I woke up,I heard on the news the temperature will be in the lower seventy degrees! What ,this is Pennsylvania and by now we have had to use our snow shovel several times(only once so far!). What is going on? This reminds me of when we lived in the Phillipines. Shorts in December! What is wrong with that picture. To keep us in the Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve our church would run the air conditioners and make it extra cool. It made us all a little homesick,but for a few minutes we could remember all the the wonderful cold crisp hoildays of our past and now making new memories of the warm humid hoildays spent in the Phillipines. We do have some wonderful memories of holidays spent in other countries. The worst part is being away, was not being with our families. When I look back now I laugh at the hot days of the Phillipines Christmas and now a memory for our childen to carry on. They love telling the stories of triming the tree in our bathing suits just before we went out for a swim! I have a plaque in my kitchen and it says “Home is where the Navy sends you!”
Let’s hope this is just a blip … it’s warmish here too, which is nice, but just not right!
Where to start… with your precious kitties of course!… Jack looks so cozy and comfy by the fire… I just want to hug him!… and Girl Kitty is so beautiful laying on her quilt… kittie kisses little ones!… your swag and wreath that Joe made are so pretty!… I love that he surprised you with the wreath, I love surprises!… and I love tradition… my entire decorating is traditional, much of it has been in my family since I was a little girl in the 50’s… it’s fun to look at the more modern decorations, but mine will never, ever change… love red and green and popcorn garlands and kneehuggers who have lost their stocking caps over the years… and my favorite little angel with the spun cotton head and broken wing… she reminds me of the Martina McBride song “And With A Broken Wing… she still flies”… your tree is huge!… I can hardly wait to see it all decorated… hard to believe Jack has not snatched any of your birds!… oooh how I would love a kitty hug from him right now!… I am going back to look at all of it again… have fun when Yankee comes to your home… and thank you so much for a chance to win your beautiful generous giveaway… much love, hello Joe!… xoxo Julie Marie
PS Dear Susan… I missed out on the squirrel cup, so my next choice was the hedgehog… I see it is now sold out too!… so, I want my hubby to buy me a Piggy cutting board like yours for Christmas… those are all really to use right? not just for display?… I love those little piggies!… please let me know… Julie Marie
Yes, Kellee’s mom MAKES them for us, and they’re perfectly safe!
Thanks so much for answering Susan… going to order my piggy right now!… xoxo Julie Marie
Hi Susan,
The Yankee’s ARE coming! How exciting. I get the magazine. This Giveaway is amazing, just like Joe. What a guy, and so handy. I would love to be in this drawing. Thank you.
Nancy JO
You are in Nancy JO!
Yet again you provide such lovely inspiration and happiness! I love your bird tree. Makes me want to start collecting birds to make one of my own!
These days you can find them everywhere . . . they’re fun to collect too.
Your house is so beautiful it gave me goose bumps. 🙂 You are truly amazing. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season.
I have long been a fan of your beautiful cookbooks and so when I just recently discovered your blog, it was a little slice of internet heaven! I so enjoy following and especially love your kitties!!!!
Love that “internet heaven!” xo
Susan, I’m sending you both a hug for thinking of us in such a special way this morning!!!! What a fabulous way to start my Tootsday – with Willard in my in-box and a blog update with THE most super-cute ideas and inspiration, as always.
Joe’s greenery gorgeousness is just amazing. Very clever, if I say so!
I was a dervish this weekend – lots of inspiration channeled from you! I was up at dark on Sunday morning, took care of the pups and went to my studio and painted my Christmas cards – felt very Susan Branch-ish! Then I made several garlands and adorned my hutch and shelves in the living room. Still have a few more to make, I’m working on it! I don’t have a photo shoot looming, but I’m being an Elf in my own little ways! Thank you for being you! Who we adore, which I’m sure you know!
Those cookies look delicious and know I’ll be baking them when you share the recipe, thanks in advance!
And, thanks for being so generous, as you always are and putting together such delightful, spectacular goodies!
Sending oodles of sparkly love and warm hugs, today and always!
XooX,
Jeanette
And back to you Jeanette!
Susan, A quick question – what’s the loose tea you have in your polka dot cup – looks interesting…I’m always on the look out for new teas to drink…Thanks! Jeanette
It’s earl grey with lavender.
Thanks, Susan!! I bet it tastes as good as it smells! 🙂 Appreciate you sharing.
So comforting, stirring, and exciting all at once! Thank you for sharing the joy!
Gasp!!! I was already excited to enter the contest with the precious mug and notepad but then you said Joe would make the wreath….. so I HAVE to win…just have to…..:) Loved all the decor…can’t wait for more….:)
I hope you win Lisa!
Wow Susan, Such an inspirational post for Christmas Decor!!! Your natural greens are amazing, you are so lucky to have these in your yard!!! Great Give-away!!! I will keep my fingers crossed!!! Fondly, Kim D. from Dublin, OH
LOVE the wreath! Great job, Joe! Adorable mug and note pad and I’d love to win the lot!
Blessings for a lovely December!
Niki
Ever since your posts from England this summer….i see “Gloriosity”
everywhere! Thank you for a taste of Christmas Gloriosity in your home!
When will the Yankee magazine be available to enjoy?
Linda
Not until next year! So we will forget all about it, then it will be a surprise for the holidays next year!
Oh your place is so festive!…really getting me in the mood to get going. Love you sharing your house, life….and especially that little guy Jack!
I have been checking every day for you blog (I am addicted) and its wonderful–I love all the decorations, your creativity inspires me to do things at my house,Jack is sooooooo adorable and Girl is soulful and kind. Joe is a “super man” and also a great match for you–you guys remind me of “Christmas in Connecticut”–instead its “Christmas in Marthas Vineyard” full of warmth,color,great food, cozy blankets—-I have traveled all over the world but coming home is the best.
So very true!
Joe ! Jack ! And Mr. Cardinal at the window! You are surrounded by the best guys in the world, Susan…….and you are sharing with us! Thank you! Joe’s wreath would be the cat’s meow hanging in our window. I’m like you. I could never decorate with aqua at Christmas. I’m a traditional girl through and through. I bring out all the rather shabby looking stuff my kids (now 47 and 43) made in preschool. Our granddaughters think it’s wonderful and that’s all that matters. As always, DonnaRay
A magical Christmas of wonderous merriment! My hubby too has been making wreaths! We hung ours from the front windows. Hubbies and their hidden talents! Don’t you just love how they keep WOWING us 🙂 That wreath Joe made is top notch! He should get an extra batch of cookies for that 🙂 And look at little Jack growing up to be a fine gentleman indeed! And then you and your warmest of warm heart! What a delightful give away! What more could a girlfriend ask for? Nothing I say Nothing!
LOL!
A holiday giveaway?!
Good Lord, I’ve been ogling over your stove for years. Now I have a chance to win it. Yay!
Partially kidding, of course. All wonderful prizes-good luck to everyone.
Susan, enjoy little Jack’s antics. I once had a tuxedo cat who lived to fetch; he was my favorite playmate. My new kitty is not nearly as playful, but he’s quite the hugger.
Oh dear, once I get going…
One last thing. Please, give Joe a pat on the back for the beautiful job on the wreath. His talent is certainly inspiring. You both make a wonderfully-creative team.
I love how you have decorated your house for Christmas, heck I love how you decorate it year round. When I left the house this morning, my black and white kitty was all snuggled into my down comforter, so only the tips of his ears and his little pink nose were sticking out :-), made me want to jump back in and snuggle! Happy Holidays….
I love your blog. Listening to Leon Redbone while I was reading it, was fun, too. Joe’s garland and wreaths are perfect! Hope you both have a wonderful holiday! I know it will be festive!
Your house makes me want to start over in mine! I love using natural greens….and I have enough in my yard to make a few arrangements I think. Thank you for your inspiration. Can’t wait to see the Yankee Magazine layout!
I start over all the time, I take everything out of the room except the furniture, and put only one piece back at a time. It’s a big help!
That’s how I do it with smaller projects also. I’ll take everything off the mantle, or bookcase shelf, or corner cupboard and start fresh. You’re right, Susan, it’s a big help!
Thank you for the chance to win. Could you add Jack to the box too? He is the best!
Uhhhh, no. 🙂
NOW I’m ready to decorate! You are rubbing off on Joe! Beautiful wreaths and garlands. 80 degrees here yesterday but I am in the mood now to break out the decorations. Thanks, as always, for a beautiful start to the day!
Another wonderful start to my day…I always get in the spirit after I read your post and today I will finish my chirstmas decorating.. Thanks Susan for welcoming me into your home once again…
Oh my- I most love your Scottie looking at the fire! I’ve never noticed that in your pictures before.
He’s so close to the floor, there are two, a black one and a white one.
That’s probably because he’s so close to the floor! I’m not usually down there — things have changed with Jack!
Merry Christmas Susan!
So excited for your visit with Yankee Magazine! Your home looks so cozy and Christmas-y ~ You have inspired me to put on the music and start decorating!
Oh Susan, how lovely! Everything is so festive. I LOVE the garland that Joe made. I cut branches from our trees and bushes and put them in my window boxes and in a planter on the front porch. But I HAVE to make the garland. I bought pine roping because I didn’t think I could make a pretty garland, but Joe has inspired me!! Thank you for the hope of the sweet Christmas gifts, you are so thoughtful. xoxo Joy.
Hmmm, I’ve been thinking about a wreath for my kitchen door…. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Dear Susan ,
What a great blog to wake up to !!! Both you and Joe are so talented and are giving me the motivation and inspiration to get moving and start trimming the house !!! It’s a little bit bittersweet since we have just sold our house after living here for 40 yrs…..but Pennsylvania is calling us….Our children and grandchildren live there and of course home is where the heart is and they are our heart !!! Thanks so much for you postings ! Love them and love and hugs to you and Joe !!!
I would think that would be very hard to do! Home is such a hard place to leave! But you do have a lot to look forward to! And Pennsylvania is beautiful country!
What an inspiration you are to all of us. Please tell Joe that his creations with greenery is wonderful! What a doll you are to offer us one in your holiday giveaway. Whoever wins is a very lucky lady.
Emily is home today sick, and almost jumped in my computer when she saw the picture of Jack. Its a good thing she can’t or you would be missing a kitty or gaining a 13 yr old.
It is national cookie day, so I am going to finish our tree and then to bake cookies.
Perfect, national cookie day!
There’s a national cookie day?? I’ll have to tell hubby, he’ll certainly want to do his part in celebrating it! 🙂
Loved reading your blog today! I’m decorating too. I’ve been working on a sign for the yard in the event it snows here. It says “SNOWMEN FOR SALE-CHEAP! Assembly Required”…
Your home is beautiful! Cheery wave from Bev
Cute! You’ll make everyone laugh!
Oh Susan, I so look forward to our chats. As we live in the woods, I have a collection of feathers (pheasant, turkey, owl, blue jay, cardinal, etc.), deer antlers and greenery on the oak icebox, all collected while walking. Have a great day and good luck on the shoot.
Merry Christmas!…the best traditional greeting! I check every morning to see what’s new (or precious old) with the decorating. Thank you for all the ideas. Wow! great job on the wreaths and garland…beautiful!
Love the wreaths! We use pyracantha (sp?) and cottoneaster here on the Central Coast – holly’s in short supply. Always fun to have all the old traditional decorations come out of storage for their December glory.
Erin in Morro Bay
Pyracantha would be wonderful and quite whimsical too! 🙂
Hi Susan! Joe really let his creative side out…he needs to do this more often! Beautiful valance for the kitchen window..I hope you don’t mind if I try to copy, we both know it won’t look the same lol. Jack is just squeeze material. I wish I could send you a picture of my Midge under the small tree I have on the sofa table. She looks like she is a present. Have a great day, love ya!
ps. how do you keep the kitty hair under control? Your house always looks so clean! 🙂
He isn’t shedding … and she really doesn’t much either. I don’t know why, we don’t brush them!
Love the name Midge!
Great bird tree! Love red cardinals!! Some day I hope to see them up close when I visit my friend since first grade, Darlene (Dart), in Indiana! (She follows your blog but is too shy to comment :)) Is there much your Joe can’t do? Fun, tons and tons of fun as well as enthusiasm, that is what your blog brings to our lives – thank you!
Well then this is my opportunity to say a special hello to DART! Darlene, Hello from me and Carrie!
My sister-in-law just recently introduced me to your blog and I love it! It’s a real bright spot in my work day when I need a little break. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Happy to have you here Annette!
Dear Susan.
First off, love your sweet “jack”, I had a cat just like him:) Loved him so, our whole family was:) He is still in our memory.
Sending this to sign in for the door prize, I’m over the moon about Joe’s wreath, how clever is he? I must share the picture with my hubby, hint, hint,:)
Wishing you & yours the most festive, joy filled, blest, Christmas!
Peace in the New Year to come,
JmF
I just feel as if we are all in your kitchen chatting away! Your home is beautiful and makes me get in the mood to start decorating. My husband is home today and we hope to get the tree upright and in it’s stand today. I have been creating banners because of you! The glitter is drying and have them positioned all over the dining room table. I made a few for valentine’s day as I had all the supplies and mess out. Thanks for the inspiration! And how I would LOVE to win this holiday bunch of goodies! Well, who wouldn’t!!! Say, whatever happened to your Pancakes book? On the back burner?!!! Lots going on! Whew!!
After the diary is finished!
You are SO sweet! It looks like Christmas is shaping up beautifully at your house. I LOVE your Merry Christmas garland — I’m going to have to make one for my kitchen — thanks for the inspiration!
What a wonderful post to savor over my coffee this morning. I don’t have the words to express how warm and comforting your blog feels. Thanks for inviting us into your home.
Thank you for coming Patricia!
I couldn’t wait to read your new post today and as always, i LOVED it!!! My eye zeroed in on the polka dot mug with the candy topper…i love polka dots and candy canes are my thing at christmas too!!! Joe did a great job with the greenery for your home, you’re both so creative!
I’m house decorating today too and gathered inspiration from your pictures.
Merry Christmas and I hope Vanna finds her way to my comment!!
That Joe is quite the treasure. I love his wreath and other work with the greenery. You too certainly work well as a team to make things beautiful! I’d like to be entered in your draw, please (providing it’s open to Canadians). If not, I’ve still enjoyed your post (as always).
-Karen
Yes, I meant to say, that it’s open to the whole world. Of course!
Thank you, Susan.
You make Christmas decorating sound so wonderful and everything you and Joe do looks fantastic. You’re both welcome to come on over to my house and decorate and bake and cook and anything else you want. (tee hee).
I love your kitties. I don’t have any but my daughter does and when I get a chance I go over and play with them and when I’m done playing with her kitties I go over to my other daughter’s home and play with her dog. I have the best of both pet worlds.
I’m wishing you and your family the very best Christmas and New Year that is filled with all the things you love.
Hugs,
Brenda
Susan,
You expressed my same feelings to a tee in your new Willard. I grew up in Tucson, youngest of six kids. I never knew what seasons were either! Once in about every ten years we might get a little snow that would last until the sun shined upon it. I too remember sitting in front of the fireplace with the Christmas tree lit and doing a lot of dreaming. I have now lived in beautiful NW Montana for 35 years and cannot imagine living anywhere that you don’t see the four seasons fully displayed. Thanks for sharing your photos and have fun decorating the rest of your house for Christmas and your photo shoot.
I know, the seasons are very addictive — as my dad would say, the difference between cinnamon rolls WITH the cinnamon, or without!
What a darling and whimsical decorating job you two do. I love it!!!
Thank you Yvonne!
Lovely! I think your cat is really a dog! : ) Thanks for showing us such great ways to decorate. The wreaths are just fantastic.
Your cardinal theme treasures would be a perfect gift for my mother. I love it all and the wreath is a feast for the eyes with wishes from Martha’s Vineyard. Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night!
I love your blog!!! It really makes my day when I check in and there is a new post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful world of creativity with us. Can’t wait for your new book about England.
Page 119 today Wanda, I think it’ll be about 200 pages, so I feel like I’m really getting there!
Such anticipation to see the final product. After our virtual trip to England with you I can’t wait to see all the beautiful art,stories,pictures. This is a must buy ~
Fabulous, Susan! I am so amazed that with all that is going on, you continue to make progress with “our” England diary. I find that I want to praise you the way I do my first graders!! So here goes, “good girl! I am so proud of your hard work! When we see the final product I am sure we all will swoon with delight!!” hehe! So, you go, Girlfriend!
You knew I would like that! Thank you!
you are quite welcome!!
Linda
Oh that sweet Jack reminds me of a kitty we had called Timmie (a girl kitty). She was black & white too, and oh so smart!
Your Christmas greens have me very jealous. I love fresh greens at Christmastime. We have a few junipers around our yard that I trim and bring in, but nothing like what you have there. And what a good man Joe is to make you all those swags and wreaths! Simply gorgeous! You’re a lucky girl (but you know that!).
~Jody
Thank you so much for sharing all of your Christmas traditions and decorating. I made your Merry Christmas banner, hung it on the dining room window before we had our tree-trimming party. My six-year old granddaughter came in the door, looked at the window and pointed to it – “Look, Merr Christmas”. Wishing you and all your friends and family the best of Holiday times and blessing aplenty through the New Year.
Oh my gosh, what a wonderfully beautiful post! All the joyous pictures of your Christmas decorations, Jack, Girl, just everything! And Joe’s creative wreaths and boughs, wow! Thank you so much Susan for all the inspiration and love you give us girlfriends! Our home is decorated inside and out and we are really enjoying the season too! I sure hope Vanna picks my name this time, what a fantastic Holiday Giveaway! With love, Marie
Loved the green wreath made from the yard clippings. I brought my own clippings in last week, but came across them differently than Joe. My “hunting” dogs (do they really hunt in a fenced in backyard?) chase panicked squirrels up the pines and branches fall down like rain as they run away frantically. I grab branches that come down and put them around candles, etc. Recycling at its best!!
Happy Holidays from Indiana!
That’s a good way to get them! 🙂
Stunning! Thank you for the inspiration!!! I especially love to hear of the kitties since I’m in an apartment right now and can’t have any…
Jack & Girl Kitty are my favorite part of your blogs, no matter what else is included.
WOW! Your Joe is gifted with talent. Your kitchen looks so inviting. The Grand Prize is awsome. Looking forward to the cookie recipe.
Jack laying at fire place is just precious. ^.^ ^.^
My ten year son was looking over my shoulder while reading your post this morning and when he saw the cookies he said, “mom, scroll back up….you need to bake those cookies!” Of course he loved seeing the pictures of the smartest cat in the world and all your Christmas goodness! As always, I enjoyed your post as well!
Tell him I promise to give you the recipe on the next post!
Beautiful photos!!!! I can’t wait to see Yankee’s magazine issue photos of your home.
♫♥♫♫♥♫♫♥♫ Hello Elf~Sue I am Twirling to The Kitty Cat’s Christmas Song!♫♥♫ Jolly & Musica~Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfection! 😉 Yay! This Christmas Blog is Filled with Everything Scrumptious Like those Cookies! OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! 🙂 Thank~You Sweet Sue for Bringing Us so Much Joy! & Jack… Fireside… Priceless! (Meow & Kitty~Kisses to Him & Girl!) Your Christmas Tree is Gorgeous! I Know It Will become Enchanted with All Your Decorations! & Tell Joe His Holiday Creations are Wonderful….& Now Your Contest for Your Holiday~Treasures Oh My Goodness! 🙂 The Holiday Mug The Cardinals Notebook & a Christmas Wreath Made My Joe & Decorated By You! Joy & Delight!!!! You Know My Wings are Once again Crossed & My Elf~Ears Too… 😉 Christmas Whimsy & Traditions & All The Magic That Christmas Brings…. We are Twirling into Holiday~Bliss It’s In The Air….Merry Christmas To All & To You Sweet Elf~Sue & Joe & Girl~Kitty & Jack! Ho~Ho~Ho! L♥ve & Lots of Christmas~Pixie~Dust! (Of Course! 😉 ) xoxo Poof! Elf~Angie(Tink!) ♫♥♫♫♥♫♫♥♫ 🙂
Happy holly-days! Love all your special touches and am always inspired by your artistic touches. We’ve been busy little elves here too getting every room Christmas ready! …and just about done with the decorating. (However, there are always little touches to add here and there before completely finishing up.) I like to put little Christmas trees and magical touches in my kids bedrooms. Even though they’re grown up now with homes of their own, they all come home for Christmas and love the traditional whimsy that greets them! Tell Joe he’s got quite the artistic touch himself! ~Love his wreath and garland! Such satisfaction when you step back and see Christmas throughout!
I just love looking at photos of your kitties. Your home is lovely. So inviting and warm. But… I love your kitties best!
Happy Tuesday! Loved your blog today, and can’t wait to do more decorating – thanks to your lovely ideas. I too love tradition and Christmas memories. This past weekend we went to see the Rockettes in Dallas (seen them several times in NYC), now they really are a Christmas treat. The best was the Andrea Bocelli concert on Friday eve, my sweet husband had bought tickets way back in July! Andrea was – well, amazing! Thanks for the cutest-ever pics of Jack. Thank goodness he’s not camera shy. My sweet cat, Grayson, loves to curl up under the tree on the tree skirt. You are SO generous to offer that special mug, notepad, and hand-made wreath – I would be so very honored and grateful if chosen. Thanks for taking time to share your blog – even when you have so much to do, getting ready for Yankee Magazine, etc. Your are such an inspiration! May your day be filled with JOY!, Wanda Collins
xoxo Wanda!
We had our big Christmas over Thanksgiving with our granddaughters visiting but you have inspired me to grab some greenery from our yard. We have a quieter, more homey Christmas at Christmas just us two “old folks”. Jack has certainly grown into such a handsome fellow and I know he brings you smiles each day. I enjoy your blog very much and read it daily. I wanted to ask you if you have read any books by Mary Stewart? I love Thornyhill and Rose Garden and have recently discovered some of her old ones at the library. I also love Susannah Kearsley and think you will too. I hope that you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I so enjoyed reading this! I know that my own kitty is ready and waiting for our Christmas decorations to start going up. He’s like Jack- tiny but very smart. There’s nothing more exciting for a kitty than a real life tree in his own home! I’m looking forward to twinkling lights, evergreen trimmings, and warm fires. Hope that your holiday season is cozy and bright!
So inspiring – I have holly and boxwood right in my front yard and never thought of using it like that! I tried once to use the holly clippings in a table arrangement, but I LOVE the wreath!! Makes the fake green garland in my house look sad. Hmmm, can I borrow Joe? Just for a day? Thanks Susan for another wonderful post 🙂
Sweet whimsy! Merry Christmas lovely Elf lady! What a great give away! You are so kind as is Joe for making a wreath for the lucky winner! I put that same quote on my Christmas cards last year. Blessed is the season that engages the whole world is a conspiracy of love! Truly!
Good luck with your decorating and how fun to have the Yankee magazine come take pictures! Your magic infects us all! Thank you! Xoxoxoxox Pollyanna
It’s very much a two way street Pollyanna!
Beautiful, lovely, festive, twinkly, magical, inspiring, & smiles all around, when I read your blogs & get to gaze into your SNOWGLOBE HOME!! Thank you Susan, Merriest and Happiest Christmas! Best of luck to us ALL in this holiday drawing!
We too have just been and purchased our tree the smell is lovely. Im really looking forward to Christmas this year, if we could have snow it would be perfect but not likely, although we have been told we are going into a cold snap so who knows. Enjoyment of the season is as much about the preparation as it is about the event. Enjoy your festivities Marie-England
Your decorating ideas are so inspiring! I love the little bird tree, I think I can make my own! Blessings ~Lina~
I grew up in the midwest with wonderful memories of snowy Christmas days. Now I live in Texas and sometimes it is hard for me to get into the Christmas decorating mood when the temps are still in the 80’s in December. Your blog postings and latest Willard newsletter were just the inspiration I needed to get the tree up and decorated with all our sentimental ornaments. My husband grew up in Rhode Island so our yearly subscription to Yankee magazine has been our link to the beautiful east coast. Can’t wait to see your cute home in the Christmas issue next year. Love everything you do and love seeing your life played out with your illustrations. Merry Christmas to you and your dear Joe.
Love all the cat pics! My 2-year-old tuxedo Frankie is smaller than normal, but he is a ball of energy and a talker. I can’t leave rubber bands or hair elastics around though – he thinks they are bugs or worms and tries to swallow them. Very dangerous for him. Please throw my name in the hat for your giveaway goodies.
Love, love, love the little bird tree! Need to do one of those for myself. Thanks for the wonderful ideas.
Through your love of home and family and pets, and all that is simple and pure…I am loving all that I am blessed with even more. Thank you!
Merry Christmas from the Jersey Shore- Marcy
It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! What wonderful green displays – you two are a great creative team!!
Our little tuxedo kitty isn’t very big either – she’s going on 5 years now!! Another smarty too!
Can’t wait to see your tree!
Happy St. Nicolas Day on Thursday! Lovely German tradition – pre-Christmas for youngsters of all ages! 😉
Susan, you make me so happy! Can you and Joe adopt me? Can’t wait to see the tree all decorated! I love your blog – I feel like I know you. Anyway, I would love to win your give-aways – they are awesome!! Merry Christmas to you, Joe & the adorable kitties – Jack cracks me up!!
You’re adopted! xo
Love it all! I was going to comment anyway to tell you that those marzipan men are actually Minions from the movie, Despicable Me. It is a super cute movie that adults can enjoy as we’ll as kids. Definitely you guys should watch it! There are three sweet little girls in it that you will love.
Did they buy them — I was thinking they made them!
Good morning,
Cardinals make me think of my grandma. We had a cookie baking weekend every December for years. OH weather is unpredictable in December, one year it was 70 degrees so we opened the kitchen sliding door to enjoy the mild evening. We were baking away and dinner was in the oven. A gray and white cat appeared at the door. We always wondered if the good smells drew him to the door. Of course, we gave him a treat. Another year, it snowed during the cooking baking weekend. We looked out the window to see at least a dozen cardinals in a small tree. It was a such a pretty sight – the red birds on the snow covered branches. I can’t wait to share this with my mom. She loves wreaths of all kinds and sometimes makes swags or wreaths using the boxwood and greens in her yard. What a great guy Joe is for making the garland and wreath. Thanks for another delightful post.
Everything is looking so festive in your home. I can’t wait to see how the tree turns out. A lot of wonderful ideas to add to my decor. Fingers,toes crossed for the giveaway.
Oh, take me away to Christmas Island! What a wonderful cheery post, I have never been a cat person but Jack makes me want one. He is so cute. Thanks so much or all you share with us.
I wasn’t a cat person either, believe it or not, but once you have one, you can’t help but fall in love!
I’ve been daydreaming and reading through your decorating post. Just lovely, so warm and inviting, inspires me to go home and start my own decorating. hmmmmm maybe I can talk my hubby into making a wreath! 🙂
Susan, You make my day! You are such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing your days with all of us. We Love You!!!!!!!!!!
love the greenery! you need an elf on the shelf! merry christmas! 🙂
~She has Joe! LOL!~
Or Jack……!