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
This giveaway was made for me! I live with a pair of cardinals that engage me all winter long! This cup and wreath would make my Christmas PERFECT! Thanks for all the beauty and tradition.
Susan, you, Joe and your home are such an inspiration. The way you decorate, your house, is everything I would want if I could live in an older house. And Jack, well, what can I say about him? He is just adorable. I can’t believe you get those pictures of him without actually telling him to pose. Very photogenic little guy. You were lucky to find him. It was meant to be.
Joe is also amazing. Those wreaths are beautiful. Keep reminding us about Yankee magazine updates. I would love to purchase the issue where your home is featured. Look forward to your posts. Question, do you have any counted cross-stitch or needlepoint of your artwork?
I used to, but not anymore — maybe someday!
Hi, Susan!
For yrs I have been one of your most ardent fans. I was given HOTH by my sister-in-law as a gift, and was instantly hooked. She had gotten it at a home party, I think. It was yrs ago. Many women on my gift list received what I refer to as your “cookbook trilogy”.
Now that you have gone live with Willard and your blog, it is an incomparable treat! To give us the privilege of getting a glimpse of your life, not in watercolors but in photos of your actual home, is just so generous on your part! I can’t express in words how much happiness it gives me…not to mention inspiration. I tell everyone that your blog is a sanity saver.
I agree that Joe is amazingly talented. The garlands and wreath are exquisite. You will be getting requests to order them, I’m sure. You both deserve congrats for all your DIY.
Sorry this comment is so long, but I’ve been saving it up for at least 25 yrs. I like all the same things as you do, and as I peruse your blog I keep finding more and more “loves” we have in common…like dishtowels, Beatrix Potter, birds, antique china, etc. Whichever things do not echo my obsessions, my sister makes up for, since she has cats. It’s wonderful to read comments left by others, and to know that there are so many who all love this lifestyle.
Many thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the joy and warmth you generate!
MaryEllen! How wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much!
Loved your blog and Willard arrived too! I guess no more glitches to the system. We haven’t had any measurable snow either and Monday it was 60 degrees here in Michigan! Sometimes it is hard to think Christmas but then…add the music and voila! Being semi-retired from teaching English (now working in an independent bookstore) makes decorating a slower and relaxed adventure. I love your touches and cannot wait to see what Yankee magazine does with it all. I think they should produce a separate magazine – A Susan Branch Christmas! Whatdaya think?
Off to a local assisted living facility. Former neighbor, Helen Jean, turns 90 today. She was one of the first women to sign up for the Navy when WWII began. Another reason to celebrate the glory of the day.
Brilliant idea! 🙂 Happy Birthday to Helen Jean from me please!
Oh I have to say I LOVE your blog today and the Willard was an added bonus…thank you!!!! Tell Joe he is super talented and that one of us gals would surely love one of his wreaths…..and I know it would look so good on my front door…hahaha. Please enter me into the drawing- i would love a chance to win.
Jack and Girl kitties are so cute….i am surprised that they haven’t gone after the birds in the little tree on your table….maybe Jack is waiting on you to be asleep or not paying attention to nab one of those feathered friends? I have to tell you again – i love your blog-website-and Willard….can’t wait for the England book to come out- and if i could- i would have one or two-maybe even 3 of everything in your store…….Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties too.
I hope your holiday season is filled with joy and happiness.
thank you for all you do- which is bring a big smile to my face when i find you waiting in my email box.
xoxox Kathy Fletcher in Kentucky,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas decorating is my passion, and I love seeing your home all dressed for the holiday. I too use the small trees tucked in all over the house. I tied little red ribbons around the top of the trees to give a spot of color! Cute! I also use children’s mittens, and tuck little trees in them with mini teddy bears and kitties and puppies and hang them with mitten clips on the mantel-LOVE! I think making little scenes around the home in miniature is so charming, I can’t stop myself! I am very impressed with Joe’s wreath-I want it! Happy decorating, Laurie
Good Morning Susan…… What a post and as usual, I’ve got butterflies!!!!!
Oh the tree is going to be so beautiful, and love , love, what Joe did!!!! Just beautiful! oh what fun you guys are having!!!! I cannot believe the give away…oh my goodness….
now you’ve got me inspired to get busy!!!!! xoxoxo
This is the most delightful Christmas post, I would like to sit all day and look at the pictures! Your kitty Jack is a joy, playing with the rubber bands and sitting by the fire. Your man Joe is amazing with his swag and wreath skills. You, of course, are always amazing with your designs, and yes Virginia, I would be the happiest girl in Virginia if I won the giveaway! Thanks for a wonderful offer. Mary
Tis the season – although it was 60 degrees here in Iowa yesterday. Thanks for sharing so much with us.
Karen L.
Love it! You set the mood for the holidays! Can’t wait to start decorating my home.
Thanks for lifting my spirits today. Looking at your beautiful decorations made me think of my childhood home at Christmas. Very impressed with Joe’s wreaths,too!
Christmas blessings♥♥♥
Aww, Susan, you are so generous! The house looks wonderful and festive. I love it all. Love Jack in front of the fireplace. :O)
Jo
Susan, I love the wreath!Can’t believe that Joe did that—— it inspires me to try to make one myself——- on second thought winning this contest is the only way I’m going to get a wreath——– crafty I ‘m not! LOL! Please have yourselves a merry little Christmas!
Good morning Susan!
As always. a Lovely, INSPIRING blog!
It’s rather warm here in Philly, in the 50’s today, not a chilly December day like it should be, but tomorrow should be more seasonal.
And, speaking of your “England” book, is there a deadline you are required to stand by, or is it “whenever you are finished it”?
(Inquiring minds need to know, so we can look forward to the date!)
And I really “VANNA” win the prize, so please, pick me, pick me!
Jack is adorable; Joe is handiness personified. You are so very blessed!
Enjoy your decorating, and thank you for sending us such JOY!
Yes, must be done by end of February!!!! Yikes, help!
hehe! “vanna” win the prize! I get it! Funny girl, Patricia from Philly. You made me laugh.
Linda
I am looking forward to receiving the new Willard. It is always a great source of inspiration.
We will be decorating at our house this coming weekend. Reading this post, this morning, has given me several ideas to incorporate this coming weekend. Headed to the nursery!
Thank you for the lovely post.
Oh… do count me in on this fun give-away!
Birds, wreaths, Christmas, all are my favorites!
Susan and Joe, what a wonderful visit to your home this morning!! It’s the perfect blend of tradition and whimsy! Joe’s talents as a wreath and garland artist are amazing. You make the perfect “team” of elves! Happily waiting to see your tree all decorated, Willard, and your cookie recipe. Your party next week is on a special day ~ 12/12/12. Lucky! Wishing you both a lovely, old-fashioned holiday together!
Warm hugs,
Dawn ♡♡
Your blog is such a comfort to me, Susan. Thank You! In this crazy, hectic, world we live in…I always find peace and joy when I sit down to read your posts. Just like your books, your blog is brimming with old-fashioned, beautiful, simple charm. Just the reminder I need to sloooowww down and enjoy the simple things in life (especially this time of year).
Your home just says come in, sit down, enjoy the fire and a cup of tea. So lovely. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
Reading your post this morning is pure Christmas joy – just what I needed. Thank you for the inspiration and your generosity. It’s MAGIC!
Just love to read your blog and view the pictures of your beautiful home. Everything is so festive and “whimsical”. Never entered one of your contests, so here goes. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
What an absolutely beautiful post- I have that same Currier and Ives book from my grandparents- Love coming here-you know I do- xo Diana
What inspiration! I am heading out to the yard now to see what greenery I can bring in. Thank You for sharing your home. Happy Holidays!
Oh so lovely, Susan!! Thank you for letting us peak in on your Christmas prep!!
I love reading your blog and I just finished Willard. I was wondering about the full moon bookmark — couldn’t figure out what to click on to get it. I printed out
the one you made last year and I have it here on my desk at work. I have a blotter type calendar on my desk (very boring office supply kind) and I decorate it each month with photos and artwork. I always want to know what day the full moon is and your bookmark has really come in handy — I also love to know the names of the moons. I hope I can print out the one for 2013!-?
My husband and I like to go out looking for a good view of the full moon…too many trees around our house. We have a place called Sunrise Mountain where,
in the summer, you can drive to the summit and watch the sunset over the mountains of PA to the west and drive to the lookout and watch the full moon come up over the valley in Sussex County, NJ. It seems like you and Joe are full moon watchers too!
You are always sharing music, movies, books, etc… so I was wondering if you are a fan of Jackie Lawson (e cards, notes, and now — the Advent Calendar!)
The Advent Calendars are such fun. I’ve given several away to family and friends — the gift that keeps on giving — a little cuteness each day throughout the month of December…and Jackie is English too!! This year I’m enjoying the Alpine Village — last year it was London.
Good luck getting ready for Yankee — I would be really stressed by now if it were me!! You still have time to share with the girl friends — wow!
I would love to win a little something from Susan Branch — my luck at winning is 0 for 0, but hey, you never know!! Hope springs eternal…
JoAnne from rural Sussex County, NJ
hi joanne…i saw you mentioned Jacquie Lawson cards.. i LOVE her advent calendar this year too and have sent it to many family and friends…my grandkids especially love it…. those of you who haven’t seen Jacquie Lawson yet.. google her…very cute stuff….happy holidays joanne!!!
Cindy – isn’t it amazing this year!! So glad that I sent it to a number of friends & family! 😉
Oh I love cardinals! The picture you got of him eating at your feeder is so pretty. I love it.
Your decorations are so pretty! (Love your bird tree!)
Susan, You certainly are helping my Christmas spirit! Joe HAS been busy. Are you sure you have any bushes left?! It all looks beautiful. It’s so much fun to bring nature inside to decorate. When I lived in Ohio I always did that. One year my girlfriend and I rode our horses out to cut pine boughs, we bundled them and brought them back to the house. There was snow on the ground and it is one of my fondest memories. Give that Jack Cat and Girl a sweet little kiss. XXOO
Warm and fuzzy inside ~ that’s what I always feel while reading your blog, Susan. Thank you for sharing your many gifts and talents with the rest of us girlfriends out here! As soon as I’m over this “lovely” virus that is running rampant here in South Carolina I’ll drag out all the boxes and totes filled with whimsey and tradition and get my house feeling all Susan-ish for Christmas! Having a chance to win your adorable gifts, including a one-of-a-kind “Joe Wreath” is great and I’ll hound your blog until Vanna draws a (my) name. LOL
And I think I’ll get a subscription order over to Yankee Magazine right away so I don’t miss next year’s Christmas issue! That will be a collector piece, for sure!
Happy Tuesday, dear Susan…and Joe…and Jack…and Girl Kitty ~ from Barbara
Dearest Susan,
Your Christmas Book continues to be my most favorite book ever! Your blog posts make me feel all warm and cozy inside, and forget for a few minutes my troubles. I am so thankful for your blog. It would be the best holiday surprise ever to win your little gifts! I didn’t know I could get so excited for a wreath – bravo Joe!
Susan…..
I just love your blog….I owned a bookstore for 30 years….I retired last year….I sold your books for many…many years…I have all your cook books and use them all the time…..it is the artwork and little stories that add to the already good recipes….it makes me so happy when I use the books….So when I found your blog a few months ago I was in 7th heaven…..and what a great giveaway……Thanks…..
Hi Teri, thank you!!
I just love how comfy cozy your home is. I am sure little Jack knows just how lucky he is that you picked him! Happy Holidays to you, hope they are as wonderful and magical as ever.
I LOVE your Bird Tree!! Sorry, gotta go out right now and find some of those birds to make a centerpiece for my own table. Thanks to you and Joe for the opportunity to win such nice gifts!
Susan, I am feeling inspired! Hard to believe it is Dec. 4th – it is warm and rainy here. However, as typical Indiana weather, wait a day and it could all change. I agree that whimsy is important! It makes every day magical. I am also finding out that tradition is more important than ever. My mother passed away this summer and she was the Queen of Christmas! Slowly, I’m unpacking her treasures and a mixture of tears and love sweep over me. Your cats, Joe’s brilliant creativity, and your decorating are helping turn my ho ho hum into ho ho ho! <3
What a wonderful thing for Joe to do for us! I’ve just checked out 2 of your Christmas books from the library. I’m waiting for the first cold day to read them, with a cup of tea of course!
Thanks for another wonderful sharing of you and your home. I’ve always felt greens should be placed around inside the house for Christmas, kind of a little outside atmosphere wafting through the air. Of course, there are always dried needles for weeks after Christmas but it’s worth it.
Can’t wait to see the “Yankee” article….wish we didn’t have to wait a year!!
Again, thanks, Susan!!
Susan.
Love Joe’s wreath and the teacup ,they would make a wonderful christmas surprise. You inspire me to renew and enjoy my home all over again. I just re-painted my dining room and den for the holiday , and will start to decorate with small live trees in every room before we get our big tree. HAPPY DECORATING .
Mary
You are both so talented, the lucky winner will surely have something to treasure over the Christmas Season. You are such an inspiration, I want to try it all! Now, I want to go home and look around the yard. As always, thank you for sharing your ideas.
Since I live in California, it doesn’t look too Christmasy around here, but I love looking at all the wonderful Christmasy things that you do. Thanks for sharing your home and life with all of us. I’m wishing snow for you for Christmas:)
Beautiful as always~~ This is my birthday month and is just my most favorite time of year~and we cannot forget “The reason for the season”
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!!
Happy Birthday Kathy!
I can almost smell the woodsmoke and cookies baking. Love this little peek into your life. Thank you! Pam, in Montreal
I so enjoyed your post today! Thank you! I am still decorating also. I am wishing you a blessed Christmas season!
Crossing fingers and toes hoping to win your delightful giveaway prizes. Joe so reminds me of my beloved Grandpa who always went out into his yard, gathering greens and berries to make my Grandma’s wreaths and garland for the mantel. There wasn’t anything Grandpa couldn’t do and I suspect Joe is the same – men with hands and hearts of Gold. I include my husband Robert among such wonderful men.
I just love all the little touches you have around the house. I think Joe needs to give us a lesson on wreath making 101! Such a talent!
Best wishes on getting everything done, if it was me I’d still be adding things as the photographers walk in the door!! Just can’t have too much Christmas, can you?
Jenny
Whimsey? I know all about it! There’s a crow perched on my antique typewriter. He flew in for Halloween and is likely to stay through Christmas.
Love the greenery! Joe is a genius!
Joy
I signed up for Willard a few weeks ago and I see in the Comments that others have received the latest issue, but I didn’t. I checked my spam folder for “Susan,” “Branch,” and “Willard” but no luck.
Hi Mary, Willard started going out this morning, but won’t be finished until tomorrow evening — wednesday … so keep checking and let me know if you don’t have it by Thursday morning!
Dear Susan,
I LOVE visiting your blog and all the wonderful idea’s you share with us! You inspire me!!! Merry Christmas!
Yes Tradition!
I have my first graders make paper chains every year because I loved making them as a child. Now of course we connect it to our math lesson where they come up with their own pattern and then make the chains and when complete they use them to measure compare etc.
Thanks again for the joy and inspiration you bring to our lives.
Fondly,
Lani
Good Morning Sue!
I have to agree with you, It’s the small things in life that can provide our hearts with the greatest of joys. At Christmas time it could be the sight of a snowflake or hearing a special Christmas carol, the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights when you sit in a dark room with nothing lit but the tree or the feeling you get as you hold the ornament you just took out of the box to hang on the tree that was on your father or mother’s tree when they were a child and now it’s on yours! The taste of the first Christmas cookie you eat for this Christmas season which happens to have been made using your mother’s recipe which she got from her mother. The smell of the Christmas tree as you walk past it, the little leap your heart takes when you read the Christmas card from a friend you have kept in touch with through the years at Christmas time as you drink a cup of tea all cuddled and cozy on the couch with your favorite quilt your grammy made you. Yes, things may seem like mouse milk in the big picture but in your heart…their the things that provide us with those wonderful moments of heart felt joy. And what is really a blessing is that each Christmas you get to experience them over and over again. Knowing this is part of the blessing! After Christmas…as each decoration is taken down and boxes are placed back up into the attic and garage or barn your heart becomes sad until your realize it will all happen again next year!!!!! Thank you for the wonderful blog today. I’ve really enjoyed it and tell Joe…next year I think he might be able to go into business for himself. Only problem is the yard will be naked of bushes and trees! Hahahahaha! BTW…has your girlfriend moved into her new house down the block from you? FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~ xo
Doreen,
Thanks for your wonderful “word pictures” of Christmas memories. They reminded me of some of the many reasons why Christmas is so special to me.
My heart goes out to those who don’t have such wonderful memories.
Christmas blessings to you.
Marjorie from PA
Hi Marjoire from PA!
You are quite welcome! So many of us have such memories that we keep deep down inside and sometimes it’s the things that people say or do that bring them forefront in our minds. I find this happens to me a lot here on Susan’s blog. Someone will say something or talk about something and BINGO…a memory is awakened. Then for the rest of the day I am thinking about it and enjoying having recaptured the memory. My heart does go out to those who do not possess the childhood memories of joyful Christmases from years gone by. Hopefully they can indulge in ours and allow there hearts to play in the land of fantasy. For, that is what Christmas is all about as a child…the magic…the make believe and the dreams. As we get older…our hearts speak to us in a whole different way about Christmas…they speak of family…memories…comfort…love….and friendship. Thanks for the message Marjorie from PA…look me up on FB and befriend me. I’d love to keep in contact! ~ Doreen ~
Your’s and Joe’s generosity just overwhelms! Sharing such cheerfulness and talents is a true gift of Christmas. It’s lovely to see that true gift of love shining out to all of your blog readers. Thank you.
I’m getting there too. Decorating puts one in a creative “mood”. Love what you’ve done and the musica too.
Your decorations look as charming as I would expect from you (smile). Looking forward to the article in Yankee Magazine.
In the eighties here today in south Louisiana, but seeing more Christmas decorating all around. I am waiting for a nice fire in our fireplace, but will have to wait a while. Making popcorn balls today. Yum.
Each giveaway you do seems better than the last. How do you do this? Amazing.
Love everything you posted, as usual, but oddly attracted to the chartreuse Reindeer moss adorning the paperwhites and to Joe’s leaf piles, which looked so uniform on the lawn that I thought perhaps they were part of the decorating scheme! Hoping you get the final touch of snowfall to complete your holiday preparations, and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from Alabama!
Hello Susan & Joe (& Jack & Girl kitties!)
Absolutely lovin’ it ALL! I always look forward to your posts – especially this time of year! Thanks for sharing the charming and love-filled little bits of your lives with us…..
Raising my coffee cup to wish you a beautiful and blessed Christmas season!
Oh my, what a lovely Willard and blog! A double treat! Here at our house, we are in full swing with my annual cookie swap coming up on Saturday…which will include the following much-loved cookies from your cookie jar- Mary’s Mother’s Snowballs, Christmas Wreaths and Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies. How sweet that you get to end up as part of everyone’s Christmas traditions! Even my 12 year old niece, Noelle, stole your Christmas Journal from her mother to claim as her own. I had given this to my sister years ago, but she isn’t really a journal-type person so it sat on the bookshelf for years and years until Noelle discovered it…recognizing your artwork from her Auntie Jacqui’s house full of Susan Branch Paraphernalia. She’s just like me, my niece Noelle, she loves artwork and beautiful drawings and journaling…so I now have a supply of your Christmas Journals collected from various websites, all used but in perfect condition, ready to be loved my Noelle and any future little persons who get my “artistic-loving genes” that may appear in the future. Well, that’s all for now- Sing a Song of Gladness and Cheer- For the time of Christmas is here! xoxo Jacqui
Inspiration abounds!!! Have fun decorating for the Yankee Magazine Shoot. That is going to be fun. We are planning to get our tree next weekend and finish the Christmas shopping. Can’t wait. The excitement of the season is getting stronger every day.
Have a great day.
Sharon
Your house is such a lovely home- all year round! Thank you for sharing such wonderfull-ness!
Your house decorating is coming right along, and so wonderfully! I’m glad Jack hasn’t had interest in the bird tree so far. Smart cat! And Joe’s handiwork is wonderful! He’s a keeper that’s for sure. I’m enjoying your decorating and seeing the little touches you do here and there — very Christmas-y and feels like “home”. And then to offer such a wonderful giveaway! Wow! My tea leaves are just waiting to fall into that great cup!
Wow! Joe has some serious talent there. You better think about hiring him out next year..
Susan~as always, you jump-start my day! I’m off to get the last few presents on my list and I’m full of holiday warmth and joy by this post. Thanks much for sharing your world with us Girlfriends.
Bliss!
Marie xo
A holiday give away…. YEA… The wreath is lovely and since I am not much of a gardener I am so impressed with The christmas-y notepad, would be great for making a list for my grandlittles. Merry Christmas, Susan.
blessings to you.
Merry Christmas to you, Christmas Queen! Thank you for all of your charming giveaways. Pick me, please! 😉
Once again I am smiling. What a treat today’s post is! Love the kitties. Our tree is up. Lights on and awaiting. We have so many handmade ornaments and each year we treasure all the memories given to us from family and friends. Every ornament has a story. Thank you for thinking of all of us. Love Joe’s greenery,too. Getting ready to check my e-mail. A Willard, too!
Woo Hoo – Christmas is a coming! We don’t put up our tree until a day or so before 25th, but I am all done otherwise, except for putting out one nativity a day until then! Totally cold here ( minus 18 celcius) and snow and ice all over.
I do love to see your inspiring decorations. I still have a box sitting unopened with the most precious of our holiday decorations, so I’m now ready to finish with a flourish!
Susan, what a beautiful post!! Your house looks magical! I love the traditional decorations. Hubby and I made a little village one year and we always put it on the mantel with greens. I try to use real greens wherever I can, they smell so nice.
I remember one year my Mom decided we had to have one of those awful aluminum trees that were popular in the ’60’s. Oh it was ugly!! We all just kind of sat and stared at it when it was done and I (maybe 8 yrs. old) started crying! That was the last year we had it!
My mother in law taught me how to make a wreath the first year hubby and I were married. We had Thanksgiving at the family camp, then went out to gather greens and had the wreath making lesson. It really is fun. But…the one that Joe created is beautiful…all the different greens make it quite special.
What a wonderful drawing you’ve come up with – all kinds of lovely things.
Happy Tuesday to you and all the girlfriends out there!
xoxoxo from SW Hbr., Maine
Thanks so much for the opportunity to perhaps receive some of Martha’s Vineyard here in Wyoming for Christmas. We’ve started our home decorating too……..all we need is some snow to make it perfect.
Blessings to you and Joe this Christmas season and throughout the New Year too.
Weave a good day,
Charmayne
ut
I love your blog.I always look forward to a new entry.
You’ve inspired me! I think I’ll check around our little yard for some greens. I love the window decorations, now, where can I do something similar in my house???
Oh I’m sure you will find a place! 🙂
Oh my, it’s all so beautiful. But I must give giant kudos to Joe for the wreath. A masterpiece!
The first thing I did this morning was sit down with your Christmas book, reading it for the 100th time, while having my first cup of coffee. Cat in my lap and dog at my feet :o) And then hoped I would find a new post from you to enjoy with my second cup, and you didn’t disappoint. I have a question though. I once planted paperwhites, but only once because they made the house smell bad. To be honest, I thought they smelled like pee! Have you not found that? My sister said the same thing, so I don’t think it’s just me.
Oh how I would love to win this one. I think this might be the best giveaway ever – just magical for Christmas!
Dear Susan:
Your house is looking so festive. Thank you for the blog–it is the highlight
of my day. And I love your kitties!!!
Today is my 25th Wedding Anniversary and we will be spending part of the evening getting our Christmas Tree. I can’t wait to bring it in the house. The smell is so very inviting. I love coming down the stairs in the morning and smelling the tree at the bottom of the steps. Decorating the tree will be Friday night when all the children are home. Even though they are 24, 18, and 16 they still help decorate the tree, I tell them that it is part of my Christmas present because I love it so much. Your tree looks lovely and I can’t wait to see it decorated.
Happy Anniversary Natalie! Joe is putting the lights on our tree right this moment!
I love the wreath and roping made by Joe. The only decorating I have had time to do is hang an artifical wreath on my front porch, but your post today has put me in the mood to decorate. I just hope the mood is still there when I get off work today. Merry Christmas!
Good Morning, Susan,
Again what a fun, especially with Jack and his IQ and then all the Whimsy. Love it!
Christmas is so special and to think we have such blessings to celebrate. Would be so happy to win All the treasures; Joe’s wreath is a huge treasure in itself!
Blessings, Hugs, and huge Thank You for inspiring us. Waiting for Willard!
Irene in Colorado where it is too warm.
Everything at your house is so pretty and Christmasy!
thank-you for all the inspiration!
Oh, you and Joe have been VERY busy!!! Love everything you have done!! And the give-away.. it takes my breath away!!! THAT would be a VERY lucky winner indeed!!! Good luck to all the GIRLFRIENDS out there!! So beautiful, the whole post.. I may actually start decorating today!! LOL… my one day off is Monday and my hubs was off too so we HAD to do something fun.. a little shopping and then we saw the movie, Anna Karenina… it was absolutely awesome, quirky and intense! So worthwhile seeing! Can’t wait for more updates on your decorating!! Love it all – from the rainy and unusually warm Midwest today!!
I was feeling rather blue about the holidays….lots of water under the bridge as far as our family is concerned. But this post has inspired me – I believe that I will get out my nutcrackers and some greenery from the pasture and the woods, and get started! We WILL keep Christmas, and banish the blues! Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Hooray! Proud of you!
I do miss Christmas in New England. Seeing your post and pictures bring me home again. Your home is so lovely, especially at Christmas time. You and Joe have inspired me to try and make a wreath and garland also. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.
This is the time of year I miss our New England style home in the woods the most. Then I just bring out my Christmas quilt and all is good. Wishing you and Joe and your extended family a wonderful Christmas filled with many Blessings.
Dear Susan, you inspired me to have more homemade Christmas decorations this year 🙂 I hung a banner in my kitchen that says “God with us.” I bought pre-cut scrap book paper in a smaller size than it usually is and glued cardstock letters to each sheet and then hung it on ribbon with clothes pins. It looks awesome 🙂 so great to decorate with simple, little things.
Pick meeeee! Please!!!!!! xo xo
I would love this gift from my adoptive family for Christmas.
Oh, Susan Branch, your lovely writing and pictures is bringing so much joy to this season. Thanks for all you do!
Merry Christmas….
Reading your blog makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I so love reading it. Hope you both (and two kitties) have a wonderful Christmas season….
More than anything i would love a wreath from Marthas Vineyard …..I worked there summers during college many moons ago – it is MY happy plcae for sure.
Norman, our black-and-white-Girl-Kitty-type-male-cat, used to do the jump and rub with a soft-paw bat or two at the end. He’s older now and just rubs and offers a paw, while gazing in his most darling way at our faces. He loves to sit on my desk top, right on top of whatever I am doing. He believes, too, that he is the original cyber-cat, engaged specifically to test all printers and keyboards for warmth and comfort. Cats and Christmas…a great combo, once they begin to use Christmas, less as a toy, and more as a back-drop for their beauteous poses! Love those kitties! Norman has his own potholder design just for him! You can see it at prairiecottagecorner.com
Reading your blog always makes me feel happy and inspired. 🙂
Hi Susan, your blog is beautiful. How creative you and Joe are. Loved your bird tree. I collect rhinestone snowflake pins and one year I decorated a small tree with the pins. My, how they sparkled in the tree lights. Very pretty. Joe’s wreath is perfect. Love that we all can enjoy the anticipation of maybe winning your give away. I’m finishing my cards today and then we will go out and get our tree. Happy Christmas to you and the kitties. Looks like little Jack is trying to be good. He doesn’t want a lump of coal in his stocking. Girl , on the other hand is always on her best behaviour.
I do so love whimsy at the holiday season. Thanks so much for sharing your whimsy and your very smart Jack. Your Merry Christmas string inspired me to make my own. I would love for you to come by my blog and see my post from Monday and what I made from your inspiration. I am loving it. Happy Holidays to you, Joe, Girl, and Jack.
Oh Susan, what a treat this is! Just the idea that one *might* win all these adorable goodies! I live in San Diego, and we have to try extra hard to summon the Christmas spirit with the lack of any appreciable *weather* which is why your blog is so dear to me. Needless to say, I’m crossing my fingers and kissing my elbow that I might be the one you choose!
Love,
Annie Dru
Talk about being put in the Christmas spirit! Such a beautiful post, pictures and art. Your home, yard and kitties are lovely. Cannot wait for next years Dec. issue of Yankee. You and Joe have given us so much this year. Thank you for all the joy and inspiration, not to mention the fun! Stowing away on the Queen and touring England still brings a smile. This mornings Willard is gorgeous as well. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and kitties.
XO
Jackie
I am so glad to see your post! They really do brighten my day. My 18-month old daughter loves to see pictures of the “kees” (kitties) and will actually sit long enough for me to read you blogs. 🙂
Kees! I can just hear her!
I can almost smell those cookies!! Yummy! I’m looking forward to the recipe. It’s necessary to have more cookies hanging around the house this time of year (as if I didn’t have enough hanging around already, hehehehe 🙂 ) I’m getting fatter just thinking about it them 🙂
I look forward to every post, now that I found you. Your decorations are so pretty and festive. What a wonderful giveaway. I’d love to win!
I SO want to be a cat living in your home! What a life! Jack sure is one lucky kitty.
I have to agree, would LOVE to come back as my cat! 🙂
Susan you just make me feel so happy. I love to see your preparations and handiwork. Joe’s creations are beyond awesome! Joe you rock. Girl and Jack never fail to melt my heart. I’d love to win your giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity.
I read your blog everyday (even if you have not entered anything new, which does not happen often). I feel like I just live down the street. I must say you are like a breath of fresh air. Love Jack, I would say his eyes are always twinkling with mischief. And Joe made some lovely Christmas goodies…I bet your house smells divine with cookies, trees etc. And last but not least thanks for the chance to win such a great give away…HAPPY HOLIDAY’S to all of you…
good morning susan,
i have been waiting to see your christmas wimsy! one of my favorite things about your musings (besides jack) are the pics of your beautiful house and the way you dress it up. i love the style and the homeyness ( is that a word??)
speaking of jack, dont ya just love kitty hugs! what a ham he is.
have you been getting much snow? the wreaths are beautiful, so much talent there in that household hehe, what a great man you have, he knew what would touch your heart 🙂 i will be looking fore ward to finding yankee magazine to see your spread!
im off to work now, have fun with the rest of the house dressing! thanks for the joy!
natasha
Such a beautiful blog again today! I love a kitty stretched out by the fire! I don’t think there’s anything that Joe can’t do, is there? This giveaway is wonderful! What a gift!
I am struggling to get Christmas going this year because all my precious chickadees are gone…but your post warmed my heart and gave me the desire to make my home merry just for ME!