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
Hi Susan,
Your home looks wonderful already. You are so dear to share so much of your life and your wonderful presents with us. You are a blessing to all of us. Thank you. Pat
Hi Susan,
Thank you for this wonderful post! I love hearing about Jack, Girl and your wonderful home. Thanks for all of the inspiration and Merry Christmas to all of you!
Vickie
I love reading your posts. They are warm, sweet and filled with inspiration. Thank you!
Love the wreath and all the traditional decorations you do! I too like more simple (Ha! OCD christmas collector that I am!) things. I love to play Bing at Christmas time.
My outdoor stray kitty let me scratch his head on the way to the food bowl last night!! Kitty love is great!
Merry Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Your blog is a year round gift to us all! :o)
Hi Susan,
Jack just epitomizes someone who knows how to enjoy life. Tiffany, Lola, Buttons, and Dexter say hello to the island kitty (Girl too). Christmas is coming and I would love to win the wreath! 😉
Once again you have made my day with your inspiring Christmas decorations!
I have to check your blog every day or two to see what you are up to. You never disappoint.
Darlene
Natural Christmas decorations are my favorite, garland,wreaths, berries and pots of pine trimmings! My husband says hiking with me is like hiking with my grandkids because I’m always bringing something home from the woods! I love the garland you put over the window. I also love red plaids and bows.
Looking forward to see all your ideas in Yankee Magazine. Love your kitty too. I used to have cats but have developed an allergy:(
I love reading your posts.
Thank you Susan for so many wonderful ideas and such a heartfelt blog. I have been a fan for many years and have all of your books. I was so thrilled last year about this time when I discovered your blog and love, love, love it! So kind of you to share your life. Thank you for giving all of us “girlfriends” such an uplifting, positive break in our daily lives. Merry Christmas and God bless.
I just started reading your blog a couple of months ago. Thank you for sharing all of your creativity…it’s such a nice escape and inspiration to me! I am a “details” girl but don’t have much time to add them right now due to homeschooling my 3 children, so I look forward to reading your blogs and seeing what you and Jack and everyone else is up to!! I am living vicariously through you until I have more time again to add those extra touches that truly make a house a home. I think the kids would love making some banners and window decorations – good memory making 🙂 -…just loved that along with the fresh wreath and greenery you added to your window. Many thanks for sharing so much with us!
I’m so impressed with your wreath maker! Of course, I enjoy your creativity. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for sharing your home…what a wonderful give away!
Well, if you weren’t filled with the Christmas spirit after this post…you must be a Grinch! I love the delightful and festive touches all through your warm and cosy home…and those dear kitties are just too cute. Joe’s garland and wreath are just perfect and how clever of him to utilise the trimmings in your own yard!
Wasn’t that smart? We have five 3-story holly trees! We usually grab a sprig here and there, but I’m shocked at myself that we didn’t do this before! I guess I just see them so often I forgot to look!
Wow, great giveaway. I’m keeping my fingers crossed! Looking forward to the new Willard.
Hi Susan, Just finished reading Willard and now your blog for today. I love Christmas. I usually try to make lots of different things. My granddaughter who is 5, we make a gingerbread house every year. I do needlepoint ornaments for her and then we make all kinds of crafts. She loves to create. I have been so inspired by your makings and doings. We will be making some garland when she is here next. Not sure, but I think paper chains will be first, then maybe popcorn, that is, if I can keep her from eating it. One of these days I hope to own one of your mugs. They are all so wonderful and unique. Maybe this would be my lucky draw. Merry Christmas. ps can hardly wait to see your finished tree!!
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe!
When I saw the wreath Joe made, I thought “ooooh I want one!!!” That would be so fun to get.
I just live your decorations and how cozy everything looks–you have inspired me to finish my decorating tonight. Merry Christmas!
Hi Susan, What a great treat – a Willard and blog on the same day. Thank you so much. Yes, Jack is a very smart little guy and so very alert. I have to tell you I love the black pillow in the very last pic of Jack which looks so very comfy. The Eden entryway reminds me of Bermuda because there they have big block circles like that you can walk through and it gives you happiness all your life and they are called “moongates” but they don’t have greenery on them. I’m still trying to figure out how in Joe’s swag he kept all the greens together since I saw nothing holding it all together and also the same on the wreath. Both were beautiful and he could go into business on the side. Love all the greens above the kitchen windows, and I can see how the curtain rod kept them in place. I love putting each ornament on the tree each year and it brings back memories of who gave them to us. And that new peppermint tea mug with the top is just plain dear! I love all the red and green polka dots. The girls in bunco laugh since sixies is my favorite number to play because of all the dots! I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you well on Dec. 11th when “Yankee Magazine” is visiting you. You will have so much fun and I wish we didn’t have to wait a full year to see it all. Hugs to you and enjoy the season. Gail Buss, Beverly Hills, Fl
Such a dear prize for a lucky winner. I just downloaded the snow scene and house for my desktop image. And I’ll be running off bookmarks for my girlfriends. In Willard you wrote about seasons…Did you ever dream you’d be gifting us every season with your beautiful art! Thank you so very much!
There must be something about the charm of black & white cats; ours is an elderly gentleman who loves all who enter here——children, dogs, and other cats. I am very much a fan of Jack and his adorable antics, but YOU, my dear, are a kindred spirit. I have been a devoted fan from your very beginnings and now your blog is as neccessary to my well-being as breathing. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re the gift that keeps on giving.
Susan, you are so kind to hare your bounty. And your creativity. Merry Christmas my friend. If I win, I have to share the mug with my sister! And if I don’t win, I’ll have to buy her a mug. Thanks again.
I love the little vignettes of your home, of Jack, and of spots on the Vineyard. They provide so much detail into your daily life. I’m decorating my home now and just enjoying taking decorations out and seeing where I’ll put them. Joe did a wonderful job with all that greenery. He really can do everything! And I like all your little touches. Your home is so inviting and cozy. Thank you, Susan, for sharing so much of your life with all of us.
Susan, if my name happens to be pulled, I will share my gift. I would be happy with just the wreath and you could either pull a second name for the mug and notepad or I will send them to one of my Pen Pals that I have through F.O.S.B. Not that I don’t want them, I just really love the wreath and want to share the holiday merriment.
Happy Advent Season Susan~
I love how you are preparing your home for the Blessed Christmas Holy Day.
Putting yourself into each of your decorations is a beautiful gift and all who visit your home will be so touched by all of the lovely details you decorate with.
Your home is just so lovely and it looks so inviting. Such a special Holiday give-away you have chosen for one of your lucky girlfriends!!! Happy Saint Nicholas Day to you on December 6th~~~ Sincerely, Debbie
What a beautiful wreath! Please thank Joe for the inspiration to create one of my own 🙂
Merry Christmas!! I enjoy your blog so much. Thank You. Joanna
I will leave by front door bare in hopes that I will soon have a beautiful “joemade” wreath! When it comes to Christmas I am a strict traditionalist but your ideas have encouraged me to try a little whimsy this year!
LOVE, LOVE the photos of Jack and Girl Kitty!! And I can’t wait to see the decorated tree. Today we finished our outdoor decorating in beautiful 60 degree weather. Great weather, but not very good for getting in the Christmas spirit when it should be 20 degrees cooler here! Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing your wonderful home with us!
winnie*
>^..^<
What a beautiful wreath! Please thank Joe for the inspiration to create one for my door 🙂
I love how inspirational your artwork & life is!
Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
Every time I receive one of your postings, I feel such joy and pleasure. Thank you for enjoying life and sharing it with so many. I have to make some of your garlands…!
Merry Christmas,
Karen
Oh this would be such a fun prize! 🙂
Your kitty-cat looks adorable watching the fireplace! Waiting for that chocolate chip cookie recipe! So sweet and merry of you to have a Holiday Giveaway! Merry Christmas everyone!
Hi Susan, It’s very exciting to be chosen for Yankee Magazine, congratulations. I love your Christmas Whimsical/Traditional, if you don’t mind I’m going to borrow a few of your ideas and of course Joe has inspired me to make my very own wreath, (great job, Joe). Your home is like a quilt, cozy and warm. Jack & Girl are so lucky to have you and Joe….It would be great to be chosen for your Giveaways…Have Happy Christmas…Bevy
p.s. thank you for the cookie jar recipes!
Finding a blog entry from you in my e-mail is like getting a thoughtful gift from a good friend who knows just what I like. I am planning on mailing a banner to my pen pal, since 6th Grade, in Germany. The only thing better than your blog e-mail is a snail mail from Germany! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
How wonderful that you have such a great partner in crime to create such pretty wreaths and roping for you. Love everything whimsical but truly appreciate the traditional, too, as it brings back fond memories of times past. Thanks for all your inspiration. Merry Christmas.
We’ve just put up our tree and while my husband was untangling the lights, I looked at your blog. What beautiful decorations and creative ideas. You’ve inspired me to try some new touches and change my usual arrangements of
holiday decorations. I’m already using a Emma Bridgewater holly mug a friend
bought me in England last summer. Soon I’ll be making my favorite cookies from your little Christmas book- “Mary’s Mother’s Snowballs”. Thanks for your inspiration. Happy Holidays!
OH Susan, I was so happy to hop onto your blog tonight and see that you are also in the midst of decorating…..I was feeling overwhelmed today, as I felt I was way behind in my endeavors of turning this house into it’s Christmas attire. It is so much fun to open all those containers that keep all the treasure’s safe for the year ~ I get a little behind, because I have to touch each thing and then reminisce about each one and how it came to be in my possession 😉 Then I think…’oh you have so many things, you should maybe let some go’….but I can’t, as they all have a special place in ‘tradition’ now, and into a special spot they go!! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your special things. I look forward to seeing your tree all decorated….I am also moving onto that project next!! Thanks also, for your generous offering of the special Holiday Giveaway. We are so lucky to be your girlfriends!!
Have fun in the continuation of decorating!! (love your little ‘helpers’)
Enjoy your blog. The wreath is lovely.
What a marvelous collection of goodies to win! Can’t wait to see the Peter Rabbit room all decked out! Have you always chosen black and white kitties for yourself? I love Jack’s eyes; he’s such a cutie. 🙂
I started with a yellow cat “Pooh” was her name…I still love them, and when I got my previous black and white kitties (that were supposed to be yellow, but that’s a long story), I also got a yellow one — which was why I had three cats then. From then on I was hooked on the black and white ones, and then seeing that mustache on Jack! And those round eyes! Irresistible!
I’m going to bed happy from having devoured this adorable post! I have to have my traditions, too, and they are definitely linked to girlhood magic at Christmastime. Love seeing Jack and Girl! And KITCHEN! (the heart of the home, indeed). I may have to begin a bird tree in addition to my all-things-tea tree! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I have put up a lot of decorations for Christmas already, but you have inspired me with some more ideas. What a cozy and inviting home you have. Thanks for giving us a peek.
Love, love, love the wreaths. They were the only decoration my mom wanted in her final years. She wanted my sis and I to make them, which we did. She had bought me girl and boy holly plants to grow my own holly, which is hard in northwest Montana, but it grew. We would put my holly in the wreaths and one year I drove 320 miles to special delivery it to her. What a special surprise for her. The next year she was gone to heaven, so we now put the wreaths on her and dad’s graves. I know she still loves the fresh wreaths we make. Just like Joe…they are made with so much love and symbolize to me everlasting love.
Very lovely Patty.
What a super fun giveaway!! And how sweet of Joe to make another wreath … they are very cool. Merry Christmas to you all!
Susan I just love your FUN style of Christmas decorating and it makes your home so warm and inviting. And Jack is there helping you. I tried to see his sweet face but when I turned my phone upside down, he followed me! So I used my make-up mirror and I was able to see that cute face. Wishing you and Joe the happiest of holidays !!
This is almost too much to wish for, but I will throw my hat in the ring. That Jack is such a sweetie. I’m sure he knows how lucky he is 🙂
Happy Festivus! I loved that episode!
Wish you were here to help me make my house a world of whimsey! Got to get motivated!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Lynne
Joe’s wreath is beautiful! I love your decorations! I have mine all done and just love how festive it looks! Please enter my Mom, Gloria Groza, in the drawing too. Her internet is down and she can’t get on to post on your blog. She just loves your books and this blog. Kiss the cats for me! I have 2 kitties and they make my life so fun.
Love Love,
Lisa
The wreaths are absolutely beautiful, along with the cats!
I thought I had checked your blog today but must be asleep! Your giveaway is so fabulous and it would be truly wonderful and so I feel sure some deserving person will be the winner!
Best pre-Christmas tour of the season, Susan, Joe, Jack & Girl. Thanks.
I love all your beautiful decorations! Everything looks so pretty!
Looks like a whimsical Christmas, lots of ideas. Time to start decorating !
Win the prize or not, you make my heart sing with your sweets words and photos. Thank you!
Merry Christmas!
ok vanna, i’m sure it must be about my turn?
Loved today’s blog. You decorate like I do…something here something there and lots of ad-libbing. Found a few “new” reindeer at our Cancer Wellness re-sale store so doing the mantel up differently this year. Love your curtain rod! And Joe’s greeneries.
We’ve had gray rainy days here in Cincinnati…would prefer snow.
Your new cup is darling…..Just what I’d need to drink my tea during my recovery from surgery coming up in a few weeks…not good timing for Christmas. Can’t wait to see your place when it is all finished with the decorating for the photo shoot!
I love a bit of whimsy too Susan. I try to bring a smile to others faces when they see something they weren’t expecting. It’s wonderful to share the joy of the season with others. Love your whimsy and Joe who’s more creative than he realizes! You both are great friends and soul mates. God bless you now and through out the coming year.
Hi Susan ~
Just like my sweet friend Debby said, I’m a new SB blog fan! I read through every one and was sad when I got caught up. I so look forward to your wonderful blogs and to Willard and appreciate how much you share with the world!
I’m a long time Susan Branch cookbook fan, especially your Christmas treasure, and I’ve loved incorporating your traditions and recipes into my family’s holiday! YOU are such a gift and I thank you.
You are a sweetheart Patty, so nice to meet you!
Susan,
I absolutely LOVE the way you decorated your home so far. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year! I can’t get enough of the decorations, the music, the baking, and the magic!! Joe’s wreaths are just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing these small parts of your day with us. I always look forward to what you have to say & show us next!! 🙂
Your home always looks so lovely and warm! I love the little touches you add here and there and how wonderful that Joe is wanting to add his festive creativity! Thank you for sharing your Christmas cheer!
Thank you for reminding us of the beauty in simple things. Making others feel at home and at ease, harkens back to a simpler time. Time to bring the simple pleasures back and enjoy this beautiful time of year!
CHRISTmas. Always and only CHRISTmas. 🙂
Susan, you are such an inspiration always. Your “Christmas Home” is so inviting.
Would love to share tea and Christmas cookies in front of your fire. I too, enjoy the company of 2 wonderful kitties, Sassy and Sadie, and a new addition, Frank a border terrier/long haired daushund. Your husband has developed his creative side too, his Christmas wreaths are rustic and beautiful. Merry Christmas to you both, wishing you goodwill and joy this holiday season
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe! I love your blog so much! You have really put me in the Christmas decorating mood! I love this time of year and love for my house to be decorated. The one time of the year I get to be a kid again! I also love all the family traditions that my husband and I are passing down to our girls. It is truly a magical time of year! Thanks so much!
Susan, your mug is so cute!! Why have I not seen this before? Love the peppermint on top. Just yesterday, I bought a bag of mini peppermint marshmallows. They would be perfect in this mug with some good hot chocolate….mmmm…. and Joe’s garlands and wreath, gorgeous! Fresh greenery is so festive and beautiful. And last but not least, you truly do have the most perfect kitty. 🙂
Your home looks so cozy, and Jack has the right idea to relax by the fire. I love the greenery and ideas for the window garlands. I’m making some ribbon & snowflake garlands this year. Thank you for artfully sharing your recipes and decorating tips!
What a wonderful job Joe did on the garland and wreath! I love that he gets inspired by the holidays too, so cute. This year my husband announced he would put up no Christmas lights – Blasphemy! I forgive him because he Did just have new tires put on my car but secretly I’m planning to motivate him this weekend. Wish me luck. I’m excited for your magazine spread, it will be great!
Dear Susan,
Oh, to have all that greenery! Here in so-cal we’re somewhat limited in that respect. I loved your post about the joys of growing up in so-cal…..many blessings here in our land of one season. How lucky for you to have experienced the best of both worlds! Whomever wins your giveaway is one lucky duck (or birdie, haha)!
I love your whimsical Christmas! Your kitchen is the cutest! I wish I was there baking cookies and having tea right with you right now! The wreath is gorgeous. Joe has done an amazing job! You inspire me with all your decorating! I also can’t wait for that cookie post you promised. They look delicious : )
Please enter me in your drawing. It would make my Christmas to win all your whimsical goodies! xo
Danielle
Hello Susan ~
Oh, I absolutely love the wreath! It reminds me of an old fashioned Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you!
I always enjoy your blog–it is the only one I follow on a regular basis. You are a voice for home and tradition and down to earth attitudes. I love the joy you give out in each of your blogs. Well done ropes and wreath, Joe. Can’t wait to see the finished decorations this year.
+Hi, Susan! You are such an inspiration : ) Just love you and all that you lovingly share. What a blessing to have discovered you and your books (which I dearly cherish) years ago; it’s been a nothing but pure joy since : ) Such a heavenly treat to be able to regularly visit you via the blog….really, it just warms my heart. Loving those charming vintage magazine covers, too…aahhhh…I’ll be an old-fashioned, vintage gal forever. And your darling Joe has quite the talent with the greens…that gorgeous wreath is a truly a feast for the eyes! Please enter me in the drawing; I would be just so delighted to be the winner of an original creation from you and Joe. Wishing you all the very best with the Yankee Magazine visit; I am truly so very excited for you. Have a happy, enjoyable Christmas season. God’s blesssings to all of you! Sending Love, Hugs and Prayers : )
If you aren’t the sweetest most generous girlfriend ever! Thank you for giving all of us not only the wonderful holiday decorating inspirations, but also, a healthy dose of Christmas excitement and anticipation. Waiting for Vanna to spin that wheel is going to feel like waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve . . . what fun!
Oh how I love whimsey! In every room there is something that doesn’t quite fit, but it fits us. like the giraffe we had in our bedroom (now in the hall) or the large bird looking down upon you while you are on the “throne” in the bathroom. We just got to have something!
I just adore the tea cup and sure would have quite the morning and afternoon tea in it.
Happy everything everyone, for me it is Merry Christmas.
Gin
Love your blog!:)
Susan-
Your bird tree, and Joe’s festive holiday wreath have really inspired me to start decorating my Cowboy house for christmas. Thanks for always adding sparkle to my life!
Pat
I love to visit your home through your blog, so much fun and cozy
Whimsical and tradition? Absolutely perfect!! Thanks so much for sharing so many wonderful ideas. And Jack….well now, he’s one of a kind. 🙂
Can’t wait for the chocolate chip cookie recipe – they look delicious and my mouth is watering! Please put my name in for the drawing.
Hi, Susan,
My mom used to say, “you have to get up awfully early in the morning to beat Ruthie,” which was her name, of course. Well, I guess you have to get up early to be one of the first to post a response on your blog. I’m smiling broadly as I type this. Boy, 1,202 responses moderated already on this post. I guess that’s what happens when you offer such an exciting give-away. Seriously, however, I feel I’m a winner whenever I check your site and find a new blog post. Honestly, that first picture of Jack looking lovingly up at you just about blew me away. I, too, was concerned about the elastics, so I’m glad you clarified that he wouldn’t be able to ingest them.
I was also enchanted with the magic that your husband wove with the greenery you had right at hand. I am going to try and convince my husband to craft some garland to go along the curtain bar on the bay window in the living room. We have icicles and snowflake lights, but I removed the valence, and it looks a little bare.
Are the folks from Yankee Magazine coming this weekend? I hope the photo shoot goes well, and maybe Yankee will include links in a digital edition for even more of the magic of Susan Branch and company.
Thanks again for such joy. Carolyn from Connecticut.
Thank you Carolyn! Yankee is coming on the 11th! So we’re going along fine, getting ready!
I’ll bet Jack thinks the little dog is close to the fire so he should be too! When I read your blogposts, I always feel as if you and I and a few friends are sitting down for coffee and a chat. And then I see the number of comments you have and am overwhelmed with the amount of people at our coffee time! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts of familiarity and friendliness with the world and writing so personally to each of your readers! And Joe is an amazing wreath maker by the way!
Oh Dear-Oh My! There’s over 1,200 comments so far….and I was so in hopes no one had read this blog. Or maybe just 3 or 4! I’m telling myself I’m actually glad that I haven’t won a gift yet, so my odds are great that I’ll get picked by Vanna!!!! :-)) Thank you Susan, and I loved reading this post and gazing at your pictures….wonderful! Jack is great…..Joe’s even better! Love the garlands and wreaths! Thank you for the excitement of a possible win!
Your home is beautiful and I am inspired to get my decorating done. The Merry Christmas banner looks fun to make. I plan to try it. I am putting my name in the drawing because my tea would taste wonderful in that beautiful mug. Looking forward to seeing your decorated tree.
How wonderful your house looks, so cheery and Jack and Girl Kitty make it all the more festive. For three years I worked in a most wonderful gift shop that closed in 2009 as the owner retired. There were eight of us who worked there and we continue to have an “In Stitches” staff party at Christmas each year. Tonight was our party at my house and I have been scurrying about decorating and cooking. Everyone came and we had such a wonderful time laughing and visiting and sharing. There were new grandbaby pictures to admire and ooh and aah over and one of our group is getting married next week. One of the special things about Christmas is the gathering and sharing with friends.
Isn’t Christmas wonderful? We are having unseasonably warm weather in Minnesota .
Love reading about your kittens and wonderful decorating. Inspiring!!!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the inspiration, Susan! We have a black cat who does the same trick as Jack:) We call it his “Red Skelton.” It reminds us of a funny little step he used to do on his show – which we loved! Back in the good ole days when a family could watch TV together and not be embarrassed by content (or the commercials!) I love that you love tradition. We need roots and that’s a part of it. Looking forward to seeing you in Yankee! We’ve been subscribers for many years. A Blessed Merry Christmas to all of you!
You are sooo inspiring! I’m glad I read your “blog” after reading the lovely “Willard” you sent earlier in the day. You’ve helped me jump start my Christmas decorating. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you!
Your blog is just the most wonderful, inspiring thing one can imagine. You are truly gifted in the inspiration dept., as well as writing, decorating, painting, I could go on and on. Thanks for such a generous giveaway. It will be wonderful to see your house in my copy of Yankee Magazine!
I think maybe all my years of searching for inspiration have rubbed off on me!
Love all your decorations. Who knew Joe and the greenery! I love the wreath! Seeing you with Jack makes me miss my kitty. May have to do something about that. Nothing is so homey as a kitten laying in front of the fire or curled up on the chair. Can hardly wait to see more Christmas at your house. Will be waiting for the cookie recipe. Am almost done decorating. I love it when it’s done – 3 bigger trees, 3 small trees, 2 feather trees – whew, too much, but fun to look at when it’s finished and every room is lit. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!… Susan, Joe, Girl and Jack!!
We have enjoyed your blog so much this year, my husband and I. Well, mostly me. But he does enjoy when you intertwine Joe into your blog. 🙂 And he is a true cat lover so he enjoys it when you mention Girl, and Jack’s “kitty” antics.
BTW, I now have an authentic Susan and Joe White Picket Fence Vegetable Garden. I KNOW – so exciting! And, it is BEAUTIFUL. I am very proud of “my Joe”. 🙂 Thank you for the blog post which allowed him to see the plans so he could copy it. We don’t have the flowers around it yet – next year we will add that to the design.
Thank you for the WONDERFUL gift you have already given us this year… a year of stories of “Life on Martha’s Vineyard”, and that “Lovely Trip Across the Pond”. Plus, watching you create “our” book!
After Christmas, when winter sets in, I will nurture the creative corner of my soul, which, heretofore, has been hiding. Thank you for helping inspire me to “draw it out”.
Love and hugs from Southwest Missouri oxoxoxo
Congratulations on your garden! I know it will give you years of pleasure! Say Hi to your “Joe” for me!
I just love your enthusiasm for decorating and enjoying the seasons. After reading your posts I’m always ready to get started with my own decorating and I enjoy doing the decorating so much more. Thank you for the joy you so much for the joy you sow, it’s surely growing in my life!
I love Whimsy! All around a beautiful display of Holiday Warmth at your lovely home. Thank you so much for sharing with us all. Love the wreath!!! Very Creative!
LOVEly, just lovely…your blog is such a joy! Looking forward to all your Christmas postings, I’m am still fasinated how you and Joe hook the tree to the wall…looking forward to seeing more of your Christmas tree. The greens are so festive, and please put my name in for the drawing. Thank you Susan for such a happy blog.
How wonderful of Joe to make such creations with all of the greenery!! Absolutely love all of it, and would hang my wreath proudly for all to see! And the mug is so very Fun. I think I would have to use it year round. I will wait patiently for the wonderful and beautiful Vanna to draw my name.
Do love that you incorporate everything around your home as you decorate. It’s especially wonderful to see the gorgeous wreath and ‘roping’ your Joe has done. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, and for the inspiration to live each day to it’s fullest beauty!
Please add me to the list for your wonderful giveaway. My Christmas Tea would be wonderful in that!
May you be blessed!
Hi Susan,
Your home is looking beautiful as usual, I cant wait to see it finished. I have not done any decorating this year, Ive been dreading the holidays since Oct., since my husband passed away last Dec 29th. I dont know what I want to do, but I do love seeing everyone elses decorations. Joe did a great job too, the greenery is beautiful.
I hope you, Joe and the kitties have a wonderful christmas.
Michelle
The wreath is just beautiful!!
Love all your Christmas decor! Especially what Joe did with the yard trimmings!