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
So, so love your blog and Willard. Can’t imagine how long it takes to research and draw the blog. Thanks so much! And yes, I remember canned brown bread. My mother would slice it into five slices and top it with real whipped cream!! Yummy! I would dearly love to win. Everything you do is just so wonderful.
That sounds delicious! Thank you Toni!
Can’t wait to see your house in the magazine. It feels so homey through the pictures. Plus you are beginning to make a cat lover out of a dog owner.
Yes, I’d love a chance to win anything from you! I have a Mr. & Mrs. Cardinal that visit my sunflower bird feeder all year long. It is so nice to see the bright red of the male against the stark white of winter snow. They usually feed in the late afternoon.
I wasn’t always a cat lover, but all you need is one kitten, show her the cat box one time, voila, she is trained, and let the laughter begin!
Susan, Your home is so lovely. I love your kitties! And tell Joe his greenery is just beautiful! thanks for sharing you lovely home with all of us!
Linda from Michigan
Thank you for the chance to win such beautiful things!
What I do every year to get in the holiday spirit is pull out my “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” and once again savour each page. I then carefully place it among my grouping of red and green decorations. You see, I mainly decorate my home with copper, silver and gold but I just need to display all my treasures. So I make a corner for anything red and green like my pop-up book “The 12 Days of Christmas”, santas, vintage toys, and my penquin ornament tree, and it works.
I have penguins too Amy! So fun!
Thanks to you both, Susan and Joe, for your endless inspiration! My son is coming home from school next week and you have given me so many ideas to cozy-up and festivize (new word?) my little house. Merriest of Christmases to you both!
Oh how I wish I could pop in for a cup of tea!
Wishing you and yours a merry little Christmas. XOXO
Hi Susan:
Thank you for adding so much joy to those of us who are fortunate to have access to your website. I love everything that you create and have a collection of your books which I read often for inspiration. I look forward to seeing more of what you do to dress up your home for the holidays.
Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian),
Lani
Loving your decorating, pictures, drawings, ideas, kitties , everything !Definitely perks up a stressful workday. Met you once at Ontario quilt show and you are just as nice in person. Thanks for a wonderful website/blog.
Have a Merry Merry Christmas !
whew, I am so happy to hear that! 🙂 It must have been a good day!
Okay, I have “Christmas in Connecticut” set to record on my DVR, and I’m going to watch it while eating brown bread from a can slathered with butter. Now if only I had a fireplace! 😉
Candles are pretty nice too xoxo
Dear Susan,
As always, I absolutely just love your beautiful blogs!! Also, we just got
two black & white tuxedo kittens in October– we lost our beloved Socks(girl)
in April from kidney failure. Anyway, love the pics of Jack! Girl kitty too!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!! –Mary & Bob
So sorry about Socks, but I know you are enjoying your new little ones!
Susan, Your website has inspired me tremendously; so much that my daughter flew me to Martha’s Vineyard this summer. A dream come true. I absolutelly love your postings and really enjoy them more than any magazine . I truly look forward to seeing your beautiful whimisical decor. Your gifts are wonderful choices, hopefully the reciever will be apprecitive as I know I would be. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Holiday Happiness! Connie
How nice Connie … I think everyone should see this magical place if they can. What a sweet gift from your daughter!
I enjoyed your Willard and share the same memories of growing up in S. Cali and then moving to cold country. You are right, it is the best of both worlds. Love the cats, cardinal, Joe’s creations, and those cookies. After your home is picture perfect, please hurry and send that new recipe. All my kids and grands are coming home for Christmas and we are having a cookie bake-off!
Thanks for the fun and Merry Christmas….
ps, what I really want for Christmas? To purchase your background papers for my blog. That would make for a very Happy New Year!
Season’s greetings & many Blessings to you, please enter my name in the drawing, I love to come here to visit & sip tea with you & all the others who visit, your beautiful words make me smile the whole time I am reading it, you live in a heavenly place, have you finished your knitting yet? & thanks for taking us along with you on your trip , I had a wonderful time, your work is just gorgous. Vanessa in KY.
Nooo, my knitting is being saved for the snow!
My mom used to make steamed brown bread when I was young….it was such a treat. I will have to go look for brown bread in a can and give it a try. Love reading about your decorations….I have just moved and am in the middle of unpacking, and I just want to push it all to the side and start decorating!
LOL, I know exactly how you feel!
Loved visiting MVY in the fall. Your beautiful pictures are almost like being there now. I check for your emails each day and look forward to an island escape even if it is only through my computer. Happy Holidays!
Susan,
Love your posts. So many inspiring ideas and fun things to do for Christmas! I always look forward to reading and seeing all your colorful pictures. The Yankee magazine looks fun too and have ordered a subscription for a friend. May just have to put a subscription on my wish let too, especially since you are going to be in it! :). Thanks again for sharing “yourself” with all of us! Have to go now and look for some brown bread. Haven’t had it in awhile. 😉
I love seeing all your decorations and ideas. Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
I just read your BBB (Boston Brown Bread) post. Brown Bread was always a favorite of mine when I was growing up. I never thought of toasting it. My mom would spread thick slices with cream cheese and we enjoyed this as a special treat. YUM! Thanks for the sweet memory of childhood. Wouldn’t it be nice to settle in for watching Christmas lights twinkle on the tree while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and a nice thick slice of cream cheese covered brown bread?
Thank you for your post! I’ve been having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year and you’ve inspired me to get decorating and baking. Happy holidays!
Oh my gosh, Susan, I used to buy that bread in a can and over the years had totally forgotten about it. How did that happen? I love that stuff and will be on the lookout for it next time I go shopping….probably today. Thanks for the memory!
You and Joe are so talented, I would be blessed to win!
Hi Susan,
We’re out of PA for two weeks, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for R&R before jumping into the holidays on Monday when we return. I’ve said before that you and I (and at least 2000 other friends here) are so much alike. I’ve had a ‘bird’ tree on my kitchen island each Christmas and some years, in the morning, I’ll find a bird has ‘escaped’ off the tree and is on the floor in another part of the house, often with some feathers missing. Hmm, I say, my kitties have found the bird tree and have kitty radar to know when it comes out of storage.
I have boxwood and evergreens galore so I’m going to try to copy (the best form of flattery) Joe’s roping idea! Did he use floral wire? That’s what I’ll try.
Have a Blessed, Merry Christmas season and Bonne Chance with the photo shoot!
Hugs, Diane Marie
Yes, he says he did use floral wire!
Thanks for the info! Best of luck and enjoy your time tomorrow with the folks from Yankee Magazine!
On my wish list is a way to be notified of responses from you or others to our comments here. It would be such a time saver vs. scrolling through thousands of comments. Can you see if your tech fairies can work on that sometime?
Cheers!
I will ask them. Sometimes they look at me with no expression on their faces at all. What do you think they are trying to tell me? 🙂
Over the past couple of years I have started paring down (gasp!), but some things stay, no matter what. . . my tea cups and Susan Branch books. Even the ‘simple life’ needs a bit of tradition and whimsy. Every year, my husband pulls out the ‘Autumn’ book for your Autumn Spiced Cider recipe. Truly, a wonderful man.
It’s the little things! 🙂
Hi Susan–
Love your homade garlands and greenery decorating ideas, wreaths, bird trees, etc. You have given me so many ideas for decorating, including decorating with the Beatrix characters (can’t forget them!). Isn’t it nice that you have helpers too?! (Joe and Kittys) You should be all set for Yankee Magazine when they arrive. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh, such loveliness! You have such a knack for the little touches that are so homey and familiar.
Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas ideas and beautiful pics!! And I just love your kitty!! As a widow living alone, you have helped to inspire me to decorate my house. Even tho I’m the only one who may see it. It brings me joy and memories of old. God Bless you and yours. Love, Marie
Hello Susan,
I so remember this wonderful brown bread. Whenever my family went on picnics my mom would always bring this delicious bread along. It was such a treat to eat a slice. Because there were so many of us kids, picnics was the only time we had it. Thank you for sharing your story for it brought back wonderful memories for me of my mom and siblings. Have a delightful day!!
Susan, Loved your decorating. Can hardly wait to see everything in the magazine. It was Good Housekeeping right? Exciting…and the best part of it, is that you have a good excuse to go “all out” decorating over the top and enjoy the fruits of your labor all month. Sometimes I decorate later in the month and then I’m not ready to clean it all up the day after Christmas – because I couldn’t really get my fill of the all the decorations before the Christmas season ends. This year you’ve inspired me, I’m starting to decorate today! Loved this post…and oh yes, please enter me in the drawing…love the little Christmas tea mug and the note pad, very special indeed!
It’s Yankee Magazine … next NOv/Dec issue.
Hello Susan ~ Thank you so much for giving us such beautiful ideas to enrich our lives. I am in awe of your talent and generosity. I’m hooked on your website and blog! ~ Smiles to you ~
Susan,
I so enjoy your Musica selections. I may have missed a few now and again. I have a couple of suggestions for you.
Italian song (it can get on your nerves if you listen to it more than once, but it’s silly!) I’ve sent you the link from YouTube
youtube.com/watch?v=YSPkD5uMUjg
And a favorite, found it on CD for my husband years ago, he hadn’t heard it in years prior to me locating it. Made him so happy. “The Music Goes Around and Around” Danny Kaye sang it in “The Five Pennies”
youtube.com/watch?v=Mj73yYe3AY8
Thanks for starting my day off right!
Cheers!
Carisa, Thousand Oaks, CA
I love your energy and talent. I bet your house always smells wonderful. The prizes are over the top but could you throw in Jack too? My Prince Albert would enjoy a new friend!! Happy Christmas to you all!
In 2001 our son’s fiancé gave me a copy of your “Christmas JOY” book. That first joyous Christmas with our beautiful, future daughter-in-law, was celebrated on the Vineyard at my sister’s house on Oklahoma Ave! Four grandchildren and two dogs later I still read your precious little book every year to remind me how to bring warmth, coziness, love and joy into our Christmas. Thank you!!!
Can’t wait till I hang up my new Susan Branch calendar which is my traditional Christmas gift every year!
Susan, Thank you for sharing your life with us; it’s so heart-warming, and never fails to inspire.
Here in Arroyo Grande the leaves are so pretty!!
I remember the 1st time I wrote you a letter and then you wrote me back! And back then, it was by “snail mail” lol. That was probably some 20 years ago. I still love your words, stories and memories! Makes me smile! Merry Christmas!
In the beginning, I was able to answer all my mail, ah those were the days! Lucky that we have the computer now, so I can say Hello again!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful decorations! Can’t wait to see the pix in “Yankee” next year. And will be thinking about you the next few days, I hope you’re not, but I would be”fretting”, as my grandma would say! I’m especially loving the pix of Jack & Girl, & your stories about them, as I just had to say goodbye to my “kitty-girl”, Daisy. I miss her terribly, but she was a shelter “save”, and we gave her a good life. Some time to miss her & heal, & I’ll be back at the shelter for our next furry kid!
I so enjoy reading your blog…you lighten my day 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
“Merry Christmas” Susan and Joe….There’s nothing in the world like an old fashion Christmas in New England. I came from a family of eight children .Dad and Mum gave us the best Christmas’s always. I remember when we would go to the woods behind our house and cut down the tree bring it home for all to decorate. Mum would bake cookies, for our neighbors and we sing Christmas carols to them. We would string popcorn for the birds so they also would have Christmas. Mum made popcorn balls every year. What a treat. We used to get an apple, a banana, a popcorn ball and a candy cane in our stockings for Christmas. We thought that was a big deal.We kids used to go slidding with all the neighborhood kids using what ever we had at the time. We used toboggans, flying sausers, sleds with iron runners, and some even used a big refrigerator box we saved when some one through it away at the town dump like us. That was owesome! So much fun.We used to all jump on it at once and go fast down the hill. I remember we use to go skating on the ice that flowed throughout the woods from ponds and rivers. Sipping hot cocoa after.We didn’t have indoor ice rinks to go to.We just made due with what we had and so,so much fun. Today I look forward to going and getting my tree, baking like crazy gingerbread boy’s and girl’s are a must.I love the one horse open sleigh rides and hay rides and tree lightings we have all through the towns in our great state of Maine. The first snow fall breath taking! A simple life but awsome one.There’s no place like New England at Christmas time and all through out our four seasons of the year. Come all and join the fun here in Maine. Thanks so much for all your little tips and sharing your home and travels with us each year. I hope your never stop making your calendars and books. Love them. Thank Joe and willard for all they do. Keep up the great work. Some day I want to come to your Island and chck it out. Merry Christmas. LT.
A Maine Childhood, wow, is all I have to say. xo
I always enjoy your blog and appreciate the time and talent you share. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. The stand out this year was our trip to England. Now in my Senior Seventies that was an easy and pleasant voyage.
In my childhood , the Brown Bread in the can with cream cheese was a treat.
I have since introduced it to some younger friends, liked it, they did!!
I am a quilter, painter, musician, spinner etc, so I know how to fill a day with LOVE of life, May Joe, you and yours and kitties fill and feel each day with LOVE.
Blessings, Brook in Sunny California
Nice to hear from you Brook!
Your house is beautifully decorated so far. Look forward to seeing what else you and Joe come up with for the rest of the areas of your home. :}
Me too! 🙂
Susan,
Your books are always close at hand for every occasion at our house. Now I so enjoy your blog. I’d would love to win!
Thanks for the chance.
Terry
Just love seeing how you decorate your house. Love that you do it in stages instead of killing yourself (like I used to) trying to get it all done in a day! You are such a great inspiration to us all. Love, love love y’all.
Oh yes, we are having a wonderful time, doing it slowly too … a little bit every day, and it’s truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!
great post!
Oh what a wonderful giveaway! Thanks, Susan!
I just love reading your blogs and seeing the pictures and hearing about Jack’s antics. When are you going to have your book about your England trip finished? I’m so anxious to get it.
I have to have it done by the end of February so I am on a roll! Not that I haven’t been since I got home!
This is SUCH a wonderful post!!! Thank you – I needed cheery words from a friend! Here I am, without a single decoration up, yet, and not a present bought, yet because I don’t dare move until I know what funds we have. yup! It’s one of those Christmases that makes us focus like a strong beam on what it’s all about and makes us deeply understanding and grateful for what we do have! and, even though I’m not worried – somewhere in there, there’s stress and… you just melted it all away! Hugs and appreciation!!! xxo =]
But, I don’t want to mislead… we live in a kingdom – 20 acres in a high valley in the rolling Vermont ‘hills’ – across from a pond – in a BEAUTIFUL castle (that’s still needing fixing but it’s BEAUTIFUL and, btw, definitely not as drafty as the old fashioned kind. 😉 ) Life is good and off I go to find a tree! Falalalalaaaaa….! (Hope it’s really fat – that’s the best kind! 🙂 )
and everything is beautiful, Sue! (Still don’t know what to call you – eep!) A hospitality in pictures!
xxoo and an extra xxoo because “’tis the season!” 🙂
I should say, a surprising bit of good advice, instead of buying new, shop your own house! I woke up this morning at 4 am, thinking “winter wonderland!!!” That’s how I want to decorate my dining room! I spent the next hours combing the house for white things — surprising how many I found! Snowy pinecones and paper cut outs of trees! Then I cut out bread into star shapes to make croutons for gifts! Not so expensive. Have fun Katy!
wow, over 2600 posts. Amazing. Just think of the power of girl friends! Happy day Susan.
And the Internet, where we can FIND each other! 🙂
Pretty sights~just what one needs to see during a lunch hour break…..now back to work. Thanks for the lift!
As I am just getting started decorating I thoroughly enjoyed looking at all your lovely rooms!
Go up to the top of the blog under Home Sweet Home for some other ideas ….
Your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity are to be admired. Willard and your blog inspire me and make me feel the warmth and love that should always be a part of Christmas.
I’m glad Jack is behaving himself with your bird tree so far. We got a new kitten this year as well and I put up the trees one by one to see whether he’d start climbing them. So far so good!
Me too, Jack seems uninterested! Lucky. He is interested in so many other things!
Hi susan I start my day looking at your latest blog and I get so much inspiration! I love your beautiful home and jack. I have seven cats of my own and they are so much fun. Have a wonderful christmas with lots of love and joy! Sherry K.
Thank you for always giving me a wonderful blog to go to after a busy day!!!
Boston Brown Bread! Yummy! It brings back such happy memories! I still save my French Market coffee cans for steaming fresh Boston Brown Bread or Plum Pudding. It’s a tradition!
I feel like I am getting two Christmas’; one with you & yours & one with my family….thank you for all the beautiful inspiration. You are one talented & wise lady! I look forward to next year’s December Yankee Magazine.
Your latest Willard was the best yet & most rewarding & heart felt. Thank you! Thank you!
May all your days be blessed,
~Jane
I was introduced to brown bread by husband, native of Natick Mass…who ended up here in Ventura County California, where we met, I’ll always be greatful to the USMC for bringing this east coaster to me….and the brown bread too!
Hello Susan, Joe, and everyone,
Loved this blog and all the goodies up for one lucky winner!! Jack of course is swell! I am off to get some B&M Brown Bread, such a great idea. Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season.
Peace and Love to all,
Doreen
P.S. Girl kitty looks swell too!!
Hi Susan,
I just love your blog! And your books! And your calendars! And everything else you do. I have all your cookbooks and have been following you since day 1.(we’re the same age, btw). But most of all, I love your attitude, your down-to-earth style and your giving and inspirational ways. You are a light to the world! Merry Christmas!
Darlene
xoxo Darlene!
I have only bought one Christmas present so far, and it was the 2013 Susan Branch Calendar….for me! To be honest, I have made some gifts, but need to get shopping too!!! I would love to add to my gifts already bought list if I win the giveaway…except they would probably be for me too!!!
I, too, have your Christmas Joy book (and lots of others!). I have them out and love looking through them. Thank you for all the joy you bring to us all through your wonderful blogs – I look forward to getting them!
Have a wonderful Christmas,
Vicki
(from Washington state)
Susan, thank you for all you do to make our lives so much more joyful. I look so forward to your Willard’s, and am so excited when I see them in my e-mail. Life is so hectic, it’s easy to forget that it really is the “little things” that matter most – and you are so good at reminding us with your simple pleasures, and warm and caring outlook. I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas!
Oh my goodness, I loved every single thing about this post!!
Okay, Susan. Now my mouth is watering and my stomach is growling at the beautiful, tempting picture of your toasted brown bread swimming in butter! I fix my toast just like that – just about burned. It gives it a whole new flavor.
I guess I’ll have to go on line to buy some B&M brown bread. I grew up in N.Y. and spent every summer vacation in New England. My Mom would buy the brown bread for us as a treat. I’m in the Tulsa area now and can’t find it anywhere.
I want to be involved in your generous holiday drawing and didn’t know which post to put my comment.
Maybe some day you can hold a drawing for some of the brown bread!
I was thinking the same thing Diane!
I always look forward to ready your blog. I want to do all the fun things you mention – some day! Even if I never get the time; I like knowing that YOU are there – showing everyone how to celebrate life. Thanks! Have a wonderful holiday season.
You put me in the “Holiday” mood. Thank you. Cheers
I remember the B&M Brown Bread too! Isn’t it nice to have a husband who’s so handy…making garland and wreaths is awesome. I love this time of the year with all the decorations and love tucked in everywhere. Thank you for keeping the tea hot too!
I have been sick with bronchitis and not been in the mood to decorate this year; BUT today my new piano was delivered and I have read your beautiful post and the wreath is on the door! That is a beginning, bringing up more boxes after lunch!!
Piano! How wonderful!!!
Thank you for the chance to get these special gifts! Thank you for reminding me that whimsy is happiness, it brings light to my life and all who are part of it…
Here in Arionza it is sunny and unseasonably warm. We all look longingly at our sweaters and scarfs while wearing capris and sandals! No kidding!
I have my home full of Christmas cheer and snowmen! When I see them I think COLD. The icecicles on the outside of the house are blue/white and at least they look cold!
Happy Holidays from the Southwest.
Even though your home will not be featured in Yankee magazine for another year, I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss it so I just sent in my subscription for the magazine! I also have a Tuxedo cat named Star but I usually call her the ‘queen of the house’.
I think you girls are making Yankee love me, and I thank you for it!
I think Yankee should feature you every season! Hopefully, they’ll see their subscriptions rise and get the hint. 🙂
I like your thinking! 🙂
Thank you for sharing a bit of Christmas with us! Blessings to you & yours!
Oh, my gosh! I’m in love with all things Susan Branch! Susan you are incredible, inspiringing and I could just go on and on. I wish I lived next door to you! I will be your daily follower from this day forward!
xoxo Eileen!
I look forward to your blog and Willard. You have inspired me to decorate from top to bottom and inbetween. Thank you for letting us into your life and sharing your great ideas.
I love your decorating ideas….the traditional touches are my favorite!
I Love your site, your artwork and your cheerfullness :o)
You just ooze words of wisdom and inspiration and stopping by always cheers me up 😀
Wishing you and Joe and Merry Christmas.
Roxanne
♥Oh how beautiful and festive your home looks♥ Love the kitty photos♥ I feel all warm and snugly and happy reading through your post♥ Thank you so much for sharing♥ I am going to make a few of your recipes♥ The fudge is something I have been wanting to make♥ I trust that your recipe is the perfect fudge♥ Thank you so much and Merry Christmas! ♥
Thank you Suzanne — and on the fudge, it’s wonderful… but be sure to cook it long enough so the sugar dissolves!
Hi Susan! Thank you for your wonderful posts. My friend got me 2 of your cookbooks for a birthday, and we also get together for teas, and talk about your recipes and ideas. I was also wondering, has Jack ever climbed into a box? If so, you’d have a “Jack in the box”! My cats love boxes, and I have a Jake, but no Jack. Just 7 wonderful cats and a large dog, who, along with me, send you our love and wishes for a Merry Christmas!
Linda
Oh yes, if there is an open anything, we have Jack in the dryer, Jack in the tub, Jack in the drawer, Jack in the bag, and Jack in the Box! 🙂 Seven cats! Lucky!
You always have such a lovely post,thanks for sharing.I do so enjoy reading all you post.I like to take this time to wish you and your’s a verry Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.
In looking at the Susan Branch “Christmas Joy” book I bought many years ago, I decided to see if there is a Susan Branch website and voila! There is! I was happy to find it!
Nice to meet you Lisa!
I just love your decorations. They are so unique and beautiful. Love the wreath too. One would look beautiful on our front door. Merry Christmas!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! This year we changed our 21 year tradition of Cookie Exchange and Holiday Tea from our home to our church. I started it so our daughter would have a tradition. Now, she and her friends are joining in and keeping the tradition going. Many years of sweet memories, article in the paper, etc; but time to share the event and move on… sigh. The part that is really hitting home now is that the house isn’t mostly decorated cause we didn’t have the party there!!! Gotta get that done now.
Love this Advent/getting ready season. My birthday is on the 20th and it’s double nickels year! Before that, we will watch While You Were Sleeping, Muppet Christmas Carol along with absolute favorites Christmas in Connecticut, Miracle on 34th Street (original, thank you), It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife and listen to our ALBUM of Andy Williams, The Beach Boys Christmas Album, Firestone Presents Julie Andrews and the Harry Simeone Choir singing, singing, singing..
Susan, I feel so at home with you and your stories and art. I was the youngest of 5 and my mom’s doctor had her stay in the hospital with me until the 27th the year I was born; he knew she had 4 kids at home. So, my dad was Santa; wrapped all the gifts, put the tree up and decorated it after my siblings went to bed, etc. Boy, was he tired! I know you “get” all this, as I do with your stories. It was a simpler time, that’s for sure!
Have a blessed, and Merriest of Christmases in your snug and happy home with Joe and the critters. and…..I sure would love to win!
Dear thing your dad did! (Not to mention your mom!) People are amazing sometimes!
A very Merry Christmas to yoou and Joe, Susan! You make evrything feel so magical and your home has a warm and welcoming feel,,,,,can’t wait to see the photo shoot in Yankee magazine!
Hi Susan! I love seeing the way you decorate your home. It’s always so cozy and inviting. There have been several times when I’ve tried to pin some of the pictures you’ve posted to Pinterest so that I can remember the ideas when I move into my new home, but it won’t let me. 🙁
Anyway, thanks for sharing all of these things!
I kind of keep the decorating ideas handy at the top of the page under Home Sweet Home, if that helps! There is code written into this blog that doesn’t allow it to go!
Love B&M Brown Bread!!! That was a favorite from my childhood. I have to go see if my new grocery store carries it! Thanks for the childhood reminder!!!!
As always, I love your blog and posts; definitely helping me get in the Xmas mood!
Susan, I love your ideas and your artwork. I just purchased a couple of your cookbooks and spend an hour before bedtime winding down with them and a cup of good tea. I love the little stories and sayings you put in them. They remind me of my own childhood. You have a knack of welcoming us into your home and making us feel like family.
Wishing you and Joe the best of the holiday season.
Hi Susan, When I turned 40 my sister in law gave me your Christmas book (that was 19 years ago) and I have all of your books, and follow you faithfully. You bring such joy to me and many. This year I decorated early because I was having surgery on Dec 3rd and wanted to recuperate surrounded by my winter wonderland of trees, decorations, furry pets and beloved family. As I write this the pups (3) are snoozing at my feet and my little black & white kitty, Miss Vanessa sleeps curled up on the couch. My tea is by my chair and all the tree lights, lanterns filled with strings of white lights and lighted ‘snowy’ branches fill shiny glass vases. It’s perfection. Thank you for sharing your memories and life with us all, it reminds us of our own happy childhood memories and fills us all with love. Lois
You were so smart to “decorate ahead!” It sounds lovely! Feel better soon Lois!
I love reading your blog. You are so generous with your time and talents. Thank you so much for the entertainment!
I was reading your post and admiring all of your beautiful decorations – the ‘bird tree’, the home-made wreath (all incredible)! I can’t believe someone will be lucky enough to win a ‘one-of-a-kind Joe and Susan wreath’ – how wonderful! For any of you Rolling Stones fans out there – I will be attending their concert in Brooklyn tomorrow! Wow – I can’t wait!!
Martha from CT
That should be fun!
The Rolling Stones were fabulous!! I went with my 3 children – we had a blast. A once-in-a-lifetime event!
So happy to hear that — what good company you had Martha!
How sweet! You are always so nice and generous and full of wonderful goodies. Please count me in. I love all of it. Merry Christmas!
The B&M Brown Bread looks absolutely wonderful! I don’t know that we can even get it here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Next time out, I will definitely look for it!
Susan, Reading your blog today cheered me up! I am behind on all things Christmas and family is coming in two weeks. Seeing all your ideas gave me the encouragement I needed..to start somewhere, anywhere and get things moving in the decorative direction. My little grandson expects it to be Christmasy and he loves to decorate for holidays. I have been running to doctor appointments and dealing with the necessities of life, and haven’t even started. So, thanks for the inspiration, and I’ll just go one step at a time and hopefully do some transforming of our home in the process.
Every little bit helps. xoxo
Susan,
I love reading your blog. One question: you said you started your “paper whites”, did you mean paper weights? if not, what is a paper white? hope to hear back.
Jean 🙂
A paperwhite comes from a bulb, like a daffodil, it has small white very fragrant flowers on long green stems . . . here look at THIS — these are paperwhites . . .
I wonder what the B&M people are thinking as to why there is a “run” on brown bread across the nation suddenly? Hahahahaha.
Thank you for the lovely post…Merry Christmas Susan and Joe!
Susan, somehow, we have a connection with our “stuff”. Haha Esp. with the Beatles, Beach Boys, Movies, Books and our collections. And Christmas is the best. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to reading your blog and “Willard”. They are great inspirations for me. I am an art teacher for grades 3, 4 and 5, and I have gotten MANY great ideas from you. So…..thank you SO much. 🙂 A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. -Cathy
Thanks for inspiring me to decorate for Christmas. I always look forward to reading your blog. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
I love your website and books,you are an imspiration to me everyday. And I’m enjoying reading all your back posts that I didn’t read yet. When Life was getting me down a few weeks ago your blog cheered me up. I hope you’ll have a really great Christmas
Thank you Nancy, that makes me happy. xoxo
Hi Susan,
Your website is like a wonderland. I go to it for inspiration and laughs. Yesterday for lunch my husband made your Baked Montrachet for just us two. And our 150lb. Great Dane puppy, who loves the Christmas lights but is scared of the Snowman decoration on our neighbor’s front lawn.
Merry Christmas
Cary
Thank you for the chance to enter