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
What a wonderful Visi~goth horseshoe arch covered in greenery!
A wonderful Christmas bog post along with a new Willard? I’m in Christmas heaven, Susan!!! ♥♥♥ So much fun…thanks for bringing joy and the spirit of friendship and Christmas to all of us. Finally decorating this weekend – just started a new job yesterday so life has been hectic – must get on with Christmas…it doesn’t wait lol 🙂 Have a great day!
You too Mari!
Your home is perfect, so cozy, so pretty, so full of life with you and Joe, Jack and Girl. It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas! I love that Joe made wreaths from the garden, I did that one year (many moons ago) and they do stay very fresh. Nothing like the smell of Christmas greens in the house to make the day feel right. You are doing a phenomenal job of the decorating, Yankee magazine won’t believe their eyes!! I recently bought the brown bird cup from your online shop and I just love it, it’s large and the tea stays so hot with the lid on! Definitely my new favorite cup. The spotted one on today’s post looks Christmassy. I haven’t read all the comments yet, I have to go to work! But they will be waiting for me later…with a cup of tea…..but then I still have to get to the decorations.
I know, so many good things to choose from!
I just love that Jack, with his perpetual look of wonder! Just the way we should all greet life! Whimsy and vintage are how I roll! This is our (yours and mine) first Christmas together, Susan, and it’s a sugar date! I’m loving each detailed, abundant posting. Don’t forget to throw another blog on the fire soon!
I won’t — cookies are up next!
To be inspired and motivated, reading Susan’s beautiful words, seeing her wonderful pictures and ideas and contentment and I know that all is right with my world. Love Christmas so much – sure do wish the cups were still for sale in your store – hee, hee – I looovvvee them and sure wish I had seen them earlier.. Guess I will just have to win one!!! Thank you Susan for your generosity and love of all things wonderful that you share with us. Judy C
They are checking to see if we can get a few more!
It is always so lovely when I get an email from you. I look forward to getting good decorating advice. Such lovely surroundings with a beautiful homespun flair. I love it! Thank you for sharing your home and your art.
Melissa
Merry Christmas to you Susan. Can’t wait to see pics of the finished decorating ~ is it ever really finished?? I put up my Autumn cookbook and replaced it with my Christmas From the Heart of the Home, so the transition from fall to Christmas is underway. Such a big job, but I love it when it’s all done. I have decorations that are almost rag-tag from so many years of use, but I can’t bear to part with them ~ they were some of my children’s favorites and now my grand children. Special treasures.
Christmas Blessings~
Ginger
What a wonderful post to read on a cold December morning. I love all of your whimsical decorations and you have left me thinking that I might spend the day with the kids, making a few decorations of our own 🙂
thank you for all your wonderful pictures & ideas. thank you for the “free stuff” too. I love the bookmarks & all that you put there for each season! OMG I would love to win the cup & saucer, & thye darling wreath. Penny Hoopes
Since I receive this by email, I clicked on where you said to and it took me to an error page – oops! So, I’m posting here in hopes of being in the Happy Everything Drawing. Thanks, Susan, for all your heartfelt inspiration and wonderful ideas. You rock!
Ooops, thank you Jo, I fixed it!
Good morning Susan, all looks beautiful and just right for the Christmas season and your visit with Yankee Magazine. Can’t wait for that next year!! Girl Kitty and Jack are the finishing touches. Love Jack by the fireplace…my big guy loves it too and he’s so content there, and can stay for hours that I worry sometimes that he will start to roast like a chicken lol! The wreathes Joe made are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it all with us. xo
No wonder Yankee Magazine wants to come and photograph your home. Everything is so lovely. I love the touches of whimsy as well. Love getting your blog posts. It gives me a reason to get a cup of tea or coffee and snuggle in and read it, even if I’m at the office!!
Nice to hear Heidi!
Hi Sue!
Question: how don you keep the greens from drying out?
The kitchen looks wonderful. Making me a little swag this afternoon! I have to thank you for the great breakfast this morning. English muffins with homemade strawberry jam. Yummy in my tummy! I have a great recipe for English muffin bread. I will send it to you.
Well, I don’t think you really do — but they are a lot fresher than the ones we usually get at the store — for whatever that’s worth! 🙂
Now I’m in the Christmas spirit after looking at your beautiful decorations. I’m all about Traditional Whimsy too! I’m hoping for a few snowflakes today and maybe some cocoa!
Thanks for bringing joy and the spirit of friendship and Christmas to all of us: What a wonderful gift.
As I sit here in my quiet kitchen, the sound of my husband’s soft snores creeping out under the door, I can hear the lovely song of the snow geese as they fly overhead. When it’s light enough, I always turn my face up to watch their unchoreographed dance. Lucky us to be under their flight path.
I bought Heart of the Home in 1990, then your Christmas Book…loooove it right now! Followed by all your others & a visit to your store in CA. I wrote you a thank you note in 1991 & cherish the card you drew, wrote on & sent to me.
Your books, blogs & art warm my heart & keep me present. Thank you Susan.
Mary Lou Rossiter
Oh I am so happy to know I did that! 🙂 Thank you Mary Lou!
Oh Susan, you are so fun! And Joe is so creative with his swags and wreaths! My husband is helping out our little city of Fletcher by putting up lights on the house we are remodeling, our cottage we are living in til the house is done, the old shed by our garden that is so old an rustic (I love it!) , and plastic santas, snowmen, and electric reindeer, three babies on one mama that moves her head, all bought every year after Christmas on sale of course! Mostely 75% off! He was out there so much that he finally got what the rest of us got, coughing, achy bronchitis! yuck! But it looks like a wonderland for our 4 & 2 yr old grands who live just down the driveway with our wonderful son and daughter-in-love!
How could I have forgotten your bird tree! Love it! Good Jack, guess he just likes to look at them, good thing!
I want a cookie!
Thats nice that Jack is going to be a little guy, so sweet! Out new adopted last August Sammy is a big beautiful solid black cat, and unfortunately verrrry curious! We’re afraid to get a tree! Guess we’ll just put our unbreakables on this year.
Susan your gifts are so exciting! Love them, hope I win!
Love the old magazine cover!
I’ve got your Christmas books out ready to put up with my decorations on the side board!
Love ya,
Hugs and blessings,
Chirp chirp!
Jeannie
Cookies coming Jeannie!
What a delight to read over your blog, as always. I’m always entranced and in heaven. My mother and I are making wreaths this year, after last year when my sister made them. Going to go out and start collecting pieces in a few minutes!
Hope you are well, and warm,
Lizbee
Everything is looking absolutely beautiful for your visitors. Your Joe is such a treasure. His wreaths and garlands are wonderful. Wish my corgis could meet Jack. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Oh thanks you for sharing all your inspired ideas. Now I must go make something too! And I love seeing your cats! I am so allergic so this is sort of my way of having a cat!
Here I am reading your blog and my dear husbanad asked me if I wanted another cup of coffee, and I asked him when he brought it to me to look out the kitchen window and see if our cardinal is at the feeder. He looked and said “no, not yet”. And then when my eyes returned to your blog, there was the picture of your cardinal at your feeder. Thank you for sending him from Martha’s Vineyard to Madison. Ct.. You are truly the best.
Oh Susan! I know everything will just be perfect for the Yankee photo shot!!!! Your home is a dream….and I’m wishing I win a little something from your dream home for my home!!! Happy Holidays to you and Joe!
You are so inspirational Susan! I am going out into my unusually sunny and green (for Michigan) yard right now, and see what I can find!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for giving us such a beautiful glimpse of your life on the island! I find your blog soothing and inspiring during these tumultuous times. Love hearing about Jack and his exploits. I miss my pets, but did get some kitty and dog time at my daughter’s home over Thanksgiving. Thank you for showing all your wonderful decorations………….love the little trees in your kitchen windows! And your cute old house…………..and, and, and……….I could go on forever. But best of all, thank you for the gift of you!
Thank you back Jane!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh New England I miss you so much especially at this magical time of year. I always enjoy your offerings Ms Branch thank you!
Happy~Merry~Delightful~Whimsical~Traditional~Yankee Christmas to you!
Amber
Thank yoooou!
I just loved visiting with you in your warm and cozy kitchen….looks so inviting and welcoming. It is a coldish and gray day here..a.perfect winter day. If one could just rest and snuggle up to the fire……what a pleasant dreamy day that could be! I enjoy so much your sharing from your heart..and your home…now am going to get greens from yard and make wreaths and swags…yahoo! I hope this puts me in the drawing for the adorable cup and note pad..and of course the wreath most of all. I have tried to sign up for the Willard letters but haven’t been able to receive them so far…let me know what I need to do..have a blessed winter day………evangeline
Oh yes, you are in the contest now Evangeline!
Would it be bad to say, I want to be just like you!? You are so creative and inspiring and FUN.
Your wreaths are beautiful (Way to go, Joe!) and all the little touches around just say, well, “This is Home!” Yankee Magazine will be a smitten kitten with you – just like Jack.:-)
xoxo Carol!
I love your blog. I have your books set out on the coffee table, guests are always picking them up and telling me, these books are so me! I agree with you on so many topics. I feel like I am connecting with a precious and dear friend! Merry Christmas, my Friend!
Merry Christmas, Barbara!
Gosh Susan, your post made me want to get right to work! I saw your darling christmas mug in an earlier post and wondered “where did she get THAT?” I’d love to receive your Christmas package 🙂
Yesterday, in the mail, I received your Christmas Book. I now have three of your books and have added your calendar to my Christmas wish list. I’ve always been a fan, but just started following your blog this year. You are a bright spot in my day, thank you for sharing yourself (and your family) with us.
Merry Christmas!
Lorilu
Thanks for sharing with us not only your beautiful and whimsical ideas for Christmas decorations, but especially for encouraging us to find the joy in each day. You are such a generous and talented woman. Your postings always make the day more special. Where do you find the time to respond to so many comments?
Have a joyous Christmas!
Marjorie
Your kitty’s markings are so unique! A beaut.
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season. Your wonderful gifts would make a great way to enjoy CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR. Loved the new “WILLARD”. It was great. Your blog is one of the highlights of my days. Thank you for sharing so much of your time and insights.
joyce
wow! I just saw that there were 1659 posts already and I thought, “should I enter with that many already in” and then thought “heck yeah….I have a chance like anyone else, haha” so here I am! Oh dear….to win all the goodies would put me over the moon which normally would be a good thing, but if I’m on the moon, then the Christmas shopping and baking will not get done, LOL! Susan, your house is lovely and what a talented husband…yikes!
P.S. I would love to steal Jack! is he too cute or what? our beloved Sophie used to sit in front of the fire for hours and just stare…I miss that.
have a wonderful week and I hope I have a chance at winning!
Love, Rae
Chance are MUCH better here than the lottery! Good Luck Rae!
Wow–a piece of the east coast, how thoughtful!
P.S. Is Jack wearing booties (first photo) or is that trick photography?? haha…cracks me up if those are booties on him.
He has one of Joe’s work gloves, which he loves to play with!
♥ ♥ ♥ Thanks for warming my heart….Oh Jack, what a charmer and Girl…..it is a Kitty Christmas! I am excited that in a couple of weeks I will get to be with my B.K. Kitty – aka) The Bean for the holidays. I have really missed her, these past months, while care-taking for Mom. My Brother called me last night, and told me that for part of my Birthday present….( yikes another year passes this Friday)…that he was going to drive to my home, pick up The Bean and drive her down to Florida when he comes for Christmas! How wonderful is that? It is a 12 hour drive….and The Bean is a good traveler…so I am very excited. It may sound like a little thing, but when you have been away from home for months at a time….giving all you have…..getting a kitty hug for Christmas will be a big thing for me.
Susan…..just love the wreaths and garlands….they have so much character….all the different kinds of greenery, give them so much depth. And Joe, what a gem….he really has his Elf on …..loved seeing the Bird Tree and the little house again! The traditional things that are dear to the heart, we bring out every year, mean so much.
Have fun decorating your Christmas Tree….it looks like a beauty! And thanks for the wonderful Willard!
P.S. the cookies look yummy!
Sending holiday wishes to all the girlfriends….!
Hugs,
Deb
Dearest Deb,
Oh, how happy I am for you that you will see your darling “Bean”! What a great b’day present! I can just imagine how happy The Bean will be to see you. Lots of cuddling ahead! And, just in case I don’t get another chance to say it, “Happy Birthday!” I am so glad I got to know you through our wonderful Girlfriend Susan. I hope you have a great Friday! Didn’t your mom just have a birthday? Party Time again!
Lots of love,
Linda
I love reading your blog-if one is not in the spirit of Christmas before reading it , you most definitely will be after! Hope to win in the drawing- I tried to order the candy cane mug but it is already sold out! Enjoy the holidays!
I hope we will be getting more, we are waiting to hear back from the company that makes them!
OH! Can you throw Jack in the box, too?!
Thinking no.
Whimsy it is! Happy Holidays!
For some reason I just have not been in the Christmas Mood. I start my decorating the end of November and start the Christmas songs playing all the time. Our lives this year seems to be so very busy. But when I got The Willard yesterday and the music of Dean Martin’s Marshmallow World (first time to hear it and Loved it) I played it so much the kids in my class asked if I had any other songs! Then today I went to your blog and saw Joe’s marvelous masterpieces, simply gorgeous, I just had to smile I “felt ” Christmas:) I LOVE Christmas and I just wasn’t “feeling” it. So I want to give a BIG shout out of thanks to Joe, Susan, Jack and Girl. I also have a request. The blotter calendar is super-great. I would really love a calendar like it for my desk, 11in by 8in, that runs the school year August-May. Susan I really enjoy your website and blog. I would love to see the the magazine with your house pictured in it. I don’t think it is sold in Georgia. Thanks for taking the time to share so many wonderful ideas, memories, pictures, quotes, and love! Your website and blog many times will be my lunchtime read! 🙂 You are wonderful!!
I’m so happy you’re getting in the mood! We’ll have the magazine in our webstore next year when it comes out!
I have been ill and not in the Christmas mood but this has helped, thank you! Please enter me in the drawing!
Feel better soon Dee xoxo
Oh my gosh….looks like Joe has a creative streak too or has learned from the best! What an adorable wreath…love it!! I just know your house is going to look amazing for your photo shoot. I hope you can squeeze the kitties into a few shots.
Thank you for all of your fun and creative ideas and for sharing Christmas (and all of your holidays) with us.
Hugs, Barb
Hi Susan, I was SO glad to get this since our weather is much warmer than usual for this time of year. While that’s nice, and it makes for fun in a different way, I expect to smell woodsmoke and cold air, and sometimes snow by now, and it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas time with blazing sun and 60’s- 70’s to me. I am waiting for the weather to cooperate and make it Winter for me. So far that just hasn’t happened. Receiving your post and the Willard, really got me in the Christmas frame of mind no matter the weather. Now I don’t have to go looking for a new cookie to try, they landed in my lap….YAY! Who says you can’t get Christmas presents early… I am going to pick a cookie and bake it this morning so the whole house smells great and when they are done I will print out a bookmark for my Mom, she will love it! I can’t wait to see the Yankee pictures…I just know your house will be stunning. Oh! That gorgeous wreath and roping, what a team you and Joe make! Such gifts! Thanks so much for sharing them with us all. I love fresh greens in the house, it just feels different and almost expectant with the fragrance in the air. Lovely gifts to win,I love them all but the cup is just perfect, it could keep the cat hair out of my tea… nosy kitties… thanks again and I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
Cheryl
Sweet, smart Jack! He adds a special touch to this post. 🙂 Thank you for starting my day off right!
Susan…….thanks for the lovely e-mail. Jack and Girl Kitty are both adorable…….just want to snuggle noses with them. The bird tree is wonderful, as is the black bird near the wreath.
Nettie
I would love to win the give away but sadly dont think that the wreath could be sent here !
Just wondered if tiny lace curtains would look good in the windows of your dollshouse. Little people like privacy you know ;o)
Where are you Philippa?
I live in Germany.
Oh, well unless there are restrictions — maybe for plant matter? If Vanna pulls your name, we can send to you!
Thanks for sharing. I feel like I am right there decorating with you!
Love the little bird Christmas tree and the update on the kitties! I have a little kitchen Christmas tree that I have decorated with adorable kitchen themed ornaments since I love to cook (and eat!) My problem is that there is no more room on the tree but every year Williams Sonoma puts out more adorable kitchen themed ornaments!
Bigger tree time! 🙂 (just kidding, because I have the same problem re: birds)
Would love the special gifts for my 85 year old mother who is having hip replacement surgery December 13. I e-mail her your blog and she reads them on her i-pod. She keeps THEM ALL and reads them over and over. Thanks for making me and my momma happy!
That makes three then, happy people!
How cheery and bright your home is. Thanks for sharing it with us. I love whimsical tradition too.
yyour post just brightened my day. Iread a post last night on FB from FOSB. Itold her I was sad had not been getting your post or Willard.I was signed up & it was something about cookies or feed.I had surgery yesterday & was just laying here resting ,& decided to read emaill on Kindle. What a wonderful surprise to see your post.The lady tolld me to contac Kelly, hadn’t had time & then surprise here it is today. A sweet giveaway too. Your decor is looking very festive. Thanks for happy post &giveaway.
Hope you are feeling better!
Your decorations look great (Jack included) 🙂
I love your whimsical Christmas! I just finished arranging a little display of various bird, bunny and sheep figures atop one set of dining room shelves, surrounded by a woodland of little trees and a wooden chapel. Next I’m putting various angels atop the other shelves, also with their own forest and star garland. . I love all of the decorating ideas you show here, Susan, and would definitely order several of the mugs, too. Thank you for all the inspiration and enjoyment you offer for our mornings!
Oh Susan, you do get my “inspiration” going! Can’t wait to see how all your “whimsical” decorating comes out!
AND Way~To~Go, Joe! That greenery and the wreath look A~W~E~S~O~M~E!!!
AND as always, a little hello to Jack and Girl. So, SO sweet!
Your charming home will make the perfect feature for the 2013 Christmas edition of Yankee Magazine. How exciting! You have so many warm and wonderful ideas. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.
Perfectly charming ~ You and Joe have captured the festiveness of the season in oh so many ways right down to the warmth from the fire! Snow would certainly finish off the beauty of the season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I love, love all of your decorations. Your house is so cozy. I would love to win your giveaway and thank you for being so generous. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! <3
Wow! Love all the fresh greenery! It’s gorgeous and I bet it smells wonderful! I am loving the garlands over the windows, reminds me of my childhood 🙂
Susan, you’ve been a part of the Urrutia family Christmas for nearly 25 years! Recipes and decorating ideas from your “big three”(that’s what I call your first books!) that I stared using when I was young have become hallmarks of our celebrations and traditions. Now that I’m…less young shall we say…I can’t imagine Christmas without all of the Susan Branch magic. Continued blessings of love and abundance to you and all of those you hold close in your heart. ❤❤❤
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
Thank you so much Tawni!
Susan, you continue to inspire me. Your home is really beginning to look a lot like Chritmas! I can almost smell your tree. (Ours is artificial) God Bless you this Christmas and always!
Thanks so much for the inspiration this morning! Love all the fresh greens and whimsey.
I love the pictures of your cats, especially Jack, who seems to get with the spirit of the season yet stay a little aloof, too. I would love to win your giveaway but would like Jack added to the items!!
Oh how lovely!!! You inspired me to start decorating today!! I have always loved the “whimsy” look!! Going to work on that today!!! Thank you for the inspiration – you are amazing!!!
Love your Christmas decorations Susan!! Love the little cat stories. My cat, Mr. Jinx, looks just like yours. He is a Tuxedo cat w/the most adorable black spot on his nose. He is just the sweetest little thing. My husband is an artist by night. When he is painting, Mr. Jinx gets right there in his way. Laying all over is paint, trays and if he gets up for any reason he’ll start drinking the paint water. We have put up our Christmas trees and I am sure Mr. Jinx thinks we brought the tree in for him. Hope to win this give away, but I’m going to your store because I need some Susan Branch inspiration today <3
how beautiful. You have inspired me to decorate in a “whimsy” way this year. I’m going to get started now!! Merry Christmas!!
My goodness, how I love reading your blog ! It’s an escape from the scene outside my windows of drought ravaged Central Texas … the only green in view is prickly pear cactus and cedar trees ! Have had to start feeding my chickens cans of whole kernel corn and leafy green salads from the grocery because there is no greeny stuff for them to eat ! Bows, pails and buckets of water dot the yard to provide wild birds with drinks …the deer drink from the sheep water troughs along with road runners and white wing doves …. so , it is a pleasure to view your green yard and Joe’s fantastic wreaths.
Give Jack a belly rub from me and my cats 🙂
Thank you for sharing the pictures of your Christmas decorations. The pictures of Jack and Girl are so beautiful. Enjoy all the fun of getting ready for this happy holiday season. I hope Santa remembers to bring catnip mice for the furry friends.
Love
Oh Susan!
So many things remind me of Christmases past here (even Leon Redbone–went to see him in the 70’s!) and so much with which to get inspiration from.
Love the cup and…
Marianne
Thank you Susan for sharing your New England Christmas with us here in California. I adore your home and Jack! He is the most gorgeous fellow! You are so blessed to live your art and have so much talent. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Have a truly blessed Christmas in your cozy home filled with Christmas wonder.
And thank you for your generous give~away.
I love your home decorating. Just the way I fill our home. Had to copy the garland that you put in your kitchen window. I’m not good at printing so I printed my letters off the computer onto card stock. Used a garland of tiny beads and ornament hooks to hang the letters. Just love it!! Thank you for giving a smile to my days.
Sounds wonderful Jana!
I love reading your blog and seeing your lovely home. I especially like to see your kitties. I have a calico named Sundae Grace. They are such a delight. She loves hearing the bird on your blog and comes running. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas.
What a darling name!
That wreath is fabulous!!! I wish my hubby would surprise me like that!!! You are a very lucky woman!! And oh my gosh, that mug set is the cutest thing EVAH!!!!! Yep, right up my alley… I so wish I could live next door to you… you’d never get rid of me!! Haha!!
Hugs,
Teri
Your blog today really put me in the holiday mode! Such great inspiring pictures!
As always, your post is a boost to the spirit– and Jack is…
Susan, you and Joe are doing a fabulous job in your gorgeous cottage. I love the wreaths you made from clippings. So pretty! So sweet of you to have a give away. I am too. 🙂
Oh, Susan. I love this particular post. It makes me homesick for the traditions of my childhood in Baltimore. I really miss the days of old. And I love your story about Jack. He is quite a little love bug, isn’t he?
Your giveaway is charming, and whoever wins it will be one lucky girlfriend. God bless and Merry Christmas!
I’ve always loved decorating my house with greens from my own yard. This year I planted holly…..but, no berries!!! When do you get berries??? May be forced to get the hot glue gun out and IMPROVISE….
Some years are better than others for berries — last year we had none, this year we have tons, no rhyme nor reason as far as I can see! When you have them, you’ll see them in the summer.
I enjoyed the update on your precious kitty, Jack, and seeing your lovely home decorated for Christmas. The garland and wreath are amazing! Joe is a man of many talents! I’ve been decorating for a week and my copy of “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” is proudly displayed in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing and I wish you and all your loved ones a happy and blessed Christmas.
Well, Susan inspires me every day to make my own sunshine. Today I feel some Christmas spirit coming on. So, to the basement for my trees and Santas, jar of tiny calls that Mom always had in a wine bottle, cotton batting for snow, and the cookie cutters. Thanks Susan. I needed todays blog.
You’re on your way Donna!
Just love your blog! So much inspiration! Happy Holidays!
I think there’s something about black and white kitties. My kitty (Millie) looks like she could be Jack’s sister. She also loves to fetch toy mice and sleep in front of the fireplace!
Also, Susan….I thought I’d tell you, my mom got my Susan Branch calendar signed by you last year, and when I flipped the month to December a few days ago, I saw your autograph wishing me a happy birthday (which is next Monday). It was so awesome!!!! 🙂
Oh I love it when I can surprise someone! Happy Birthday Cadie!
Thank you! Is there a way to subscribe to comments to find out when you’ve replied to one of our comments? I had to come back and track it down through the thousands of comments! 🙂
Not that I know of, not yet, we didn’t really plan for thousands of comments! But we’ll have to get it on the list to do asap!
Wow what a beautiful wreath! Count me in for the drawing. I would love a New England Christmas as well! We are going to cut our tree today!
So festive and fun Susan. The pictures and decorations make me happy! Thank you for your generosity!
I love the pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty. Girl Kitty looks so composed while Jack looks weeeeell mischevious. Your Christmas decorations look great. I’m sure it is a matter of time before Jack spies the little tree. Enjoy the holidays. I am and lucky the person who wins the giveaway.
What a beautiful gift. Thank you so much for your kindness, please put my name in the hat, and please draw my name!
Merry Merry Christmas!
Your decorating is coming along for the Yankee magazine shoot….So looking forward to seeing it in printed form. LOVE the fabric on your couch and that lovely pillow at the end of your blog entry today! Would give just about anything for your cooler weather and the opportunity to have a fireplace…I would also be curled up right beside it. Yes….. indeed a very SMART cat!! I have been looking ALL over Tampa for some boxwood and cannot find any. Interesting story…a girlfriend up in North Carolina has some boxwood in her yard but not quite enough to make wreaths for her home….BUT she made three wreaths this year. Where did she get the boxwood from?? Her local Walmart…..gets it every year AND she is trimming their bushes for FREE!! CHecked the Walmart here but none to be found. Thank you once again Susan for a delightful blog entry….<3
Boxwood is slow growing, really popular in hedges too! But you must have some wonderful growing thing down there that you might use instead.
After being inspired from the wonderful wreath your husband made…KUDOS to him!! I am thinking the same thing!!
On my gosh…what fun! There is nothing in this drawing I don’t love…including you and Joe for thinking of it and sharing yourselves with us!!! Merry Christmas to you both… xxxooo
Oh my, Susan!! This is a beautiful post and such BEAUTIFUL wreaths and garland made by your sweet honey!! Please, please, please, PLEASE put my name in the hat!! I bought the little bird teacup and saucer with lid last spring and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! I keep it at the office because I love it so much! Everyone who comes to visit me in the office love it too! 😉 I would LOVE to have a Christmas set….it is so so so so so pretty!! And I would love to have the beautiful handmade wreath!!! Always wonderful delightful things in your world!! 😀
Merry Christmas!!!!!
Same to you Carolyn!
Woke up to Willard this morning! Just perfect! Your remembrances of Southern California “winters” are also mine. When I was 21 I was in the mountains (not Big Bear but Wrightwood) with my sister and friends. It is the only time I have seen soft falling snow! Awoke in the morning to look out the window and there it was! It really is a BIG thing for us!
Yes, I too sit in front of the tree on Christmas eve; everyone has gone to bed; house lights off; tree lights on; listening to carols and drinking tea. (Are we related? Ha!Ha!) Well, I’m definitely in the mood now!
You didn’t disappoint me–the cookie jar is right there! For MANY years we had a cookie exchange at work. It was the cookie exchange to end all! What fun! I do miss that–maybe next year………..
For the first time in many, many years we have kitties in residence. there’s the mama, Kitty Bella (calico dilute), and her three sons, Sumatra (sleek black), Indie (beautiful grey tabby) and Simon (adorable rag doll with Siamese markings). Four incredibly different personalities. I’m sure they will add a lot to our Christmas season!
Thanks, Susan, for all the fun and inspiration.
No doubt about it! Lots of love right there!
Susan your tree is beautiful!! As always I love seeing pictures of your cats. Joe’s wreaths are wonderful! He is so talented!! Thanks for sharing. ms nj
Dear Susan,
What a wonderful Christmas themed blog from you! Love all the little details of what you and your Joe are doing to get ready for Christmas! And how everything does look very magical and whimsical, I could smell your Christmas tree from Martha’s Vineyard, how magical is that! (Haven’t got my tree yet!)
Have a most wonderful Christmas season!
Hugs, Cocoa from San Diego!
Your kitty pic’s make me miss my kitty. Christmas time is the perfect season to really enjoy cat-snuggles! Thanks for sharing your bit of whimsey. I’m inspired!
I love Joe’s wreathes! Very talented man! Jack and Girl kitty look adorable as always. Has Girl kitties name always been “Girl”? I named one of my cats “Popoki” which in Hawaiian means “cat” after a visit there one year. We just call her Poki for short, but I love unique pet names 🙂 Love the gifts too! All the best Susan!
Allison
Yes, sadly, and she is my second Girl. I have had two Man’s also. Girl Kitty and Man Cat. I’m a terrible cat namer. We broke the mold with Jack.
Holy Moly! You sure have a lot of comments on this post!! You and Joe are amazing, so creative and talented! Teamwork! Hoping you have the Merriest of Christmas seasons, looks like you are well on the way to it!
xo Kathy
What a great blog! I must have spent a couple hours taking it all in. My husband would ask me what I was doing, my answer would be, “Reading Susan.” An hour later: Same question, same answer!!! The wreaths are beautiful — what a stunning touch to your home. Please tell me about your paper whites — never seen them started like that before! They are a springtime favorite. Thank you for sharing all those wonderful pix and forthcoming gifts. You truly embody the spirit of this season. Ethel
PS Still secretly praying for snow! Shhh … don’t tell my husband!
You just put small rocks in a dish (you can get them at craft stores), set the pape rwhite bulbs on top and anchor them with a few more rocks, fill with water up to their bottoms, and they will magically wonderfully grow and bloom!
Thank you, thank you! Paper white bulbs are on my shopping list! Won’t they be a breath of fresh air this spring?
Beautiful is the only word for such talent and creativity. Love your bird tree. Joe did a wonderful job and the kitties are darling. Merry Christmas to you.
Susan~
Those give-aways would be perect as a hostess gift to my family christmas party! I’ve been driving myself crazy trying to think of something good! BTW- I LOVE your bird tree on the kitchen table. I think I’ll head off to ACMoore & create a similiar tree! Happy Holidays to you!~*
Arianne
all of your designs are to swoon for, but the boy bird and girl bird note pad touched me this morning; Joe’s wreath, the happy mug and note pad all would be so fun to win, (I won’t ask for snow here in Texas ;>) thanks for the chance!!
Beautiful wreaths and holiday ideas. Please pick me!
Dear Susan
I have been reading your blog now for about a year and so enjoy it specially your trip to England my favorite place in the world.
I get so excited to see each new one it is like a gift and lifts my spirits.
Thank you for all your efforts and Joe too he is amazing.
From Northern California