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
Reading your Christmas decoration preparations just touches my heart – I love to read it and it gives me such a feeling of “I want to do that too!”…and wanting to run home immediately and start flinging and decorating up a storm…but alas, I can’t as I am at work and have to stay here, but you TOTALLY INSPIRE ME TO DECORATE THE STUFFIN’S OUT OF MY HOUSE! Thanks so much! 🙂
Good 🙂 !!!
I love today’s blog! I’m not a cat person, but oh! I could seriously lust after your Jack!
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas!
Wow, wow, and wow!!! I was overcome by a glimpse of “Life with Jack” and then you just kept on giving! This is more exciting than waiting for Santa! Tell Jack I have two very long legs that I would love to have him jump all over. Sure wish I could be available for his pleasure! Oh goodness, this is beginning to sound a wee bit too e__tic. I’ll just stop now and start wishing and wishing that Vanna finds my name. Love and Merry Christmas to all. Kathy
Dear Susan
I will never tire of Christmas decorations or Jack stories! They always make my day! I have a Jack too, who is black and white also but fuzzy (my daughter says tubby, I say fluffy). What joy these little fellows bring into our lives.
Along with the joys your sweet and very talented Joe brings into your life! What a lovely wreath! And the roping also. It gave me such fun ideas I cannot wait to get out in the yard and pruning…never thought I would say that!
xoxoxo
I also forgot to tell you that your little bird tree inspired me last year to make a special little tree. We have collected the little Steiff Christmas Bear ornaments every year since my almost 40 year old was little. Even today they look forward to seeing what the new one will look like every Christmas Eve and put them on the big tree. But after seeing your tree last year I put them all on an old feather tree. It is my favorite decoration now! It sits near my desk so I can see it and it brings back wonderful memories of Christmas days past. Thank you!
Love it Dolores!
hahahaha!
Hi Susan, Just love your sense of humor and all the wonderful decorations around your home! You make Christmas such a warm and happy time of the year for everyone! I love looking at all the pictures you post,especially of Jack,he is so adorable!
Can’t wait to see your tree all decorated,I know it will beautiful!
Susan, I hope you realize how much you inspire us. When I see there is a new post I look at the clock and make sure I don’t open it unless I am going to have time to enjoy! I have to pick up my grand-daughter from school today and we are going to decorate my tree. She loves doing creative things with me…and I love sharing with her. I love the new mug—-I use my bird mug everyday. The wreath is beautiful. Hope I am the lucky one to have Vanna pick my name—keeping fingers crossed. Thank you so much for sharing you home and your kitties with us. Chris
Fingers crossed Christine!
Your house is going to be beautiful for the photo shoot. Joe is rather talented with the wreath and rope making. I always put a little cardinal sitting in a little nest on a branch of my Christmas tree, they are the perfect Christmas bird.
❇*¨*.♥.*¨*❇ May God bless your socks off this December! ❇*¨*.♥.*¨*❇
Susan, just a quick note to let you know that your website, posts, photos, and books bless my socks off. Thank you for all you share, especially in this exquisitely beautiful Christmas season! 🙂
Happy Holidays, Susan!
Thank you for the doses of cheer & inspiration you’ve brought me all year through your blog.
Thank you so much for the holiday lift on a dreary day in Kentucky! I love being reminded of what is important in life- which is what you do with your posts. I love old houses and old things, and your house is so beautiful. Thank you so much for giving a part of your world away in these give-aways. I love the holidays and I am going to get the joy of experiencing them through my grandson, and next year- grandaughter! I have really got to go shopping soon on your grandparent section!
❇*¨*.♥.*¨*❇ May God bless your socks off this December! ❇*¨*.♥.*¨*❇ Susan, thank you for all your posts, photos, books that bless each of us every day. 🙂
You mean if one wins they get a little piece of your island? Oh my that would be so lovely!! I so love your blog it cheers my days! Thanks so much!
A little Martha’s Vineyard DNA xoxo
Great post, Susan. My bird tree is up too and I’ve been able to add three “new” antique birds which I found at a garage sale this summer. Your post inspires me to threaten … er, “coax” my husband to come with me to get our tree. We usually put one up around the 10th.
Whatever it takes is my motto! 🙂
I so look forward to reading each entry of your blog. Just this morning I shared your lovely redbird on the feeder with my Mainer husband. He is especially homesick this time of year as we rarely have snow in south Texas.
Tell him I said hello! I’ll put the snow up too, as soon as it comes!
I love it all! And would LOVE to win all of these wonderful things too. :). I am heading to Martha’s Vineyard for the very first tine this weekend and I can’t wait!!!
How fun, hope it’s good weather for you!
Thank you for sharing. I love to visit your website and now your blog. Merry Christmas!
Susan,
You are so inspiring. Today it’s 75 degrees in Noroflk and I am trying to get motivated to decorate–thanks for your help. I did buy some card stock, decorating scissors and a hole punch today so I can make my own garland. I should be ready by the 24th! Cecelia
I thought I was finished with my decorating, but everytime I come to your website, I find new ideas I just HAVE to try. Can’t wait to see pictures of your tree when it’s all decorated.
Made your frosted molasses cookies & took them to my ‘girlfriends ornament exchange’ party last night…were a hit! Thank you so much for all the joy and the inspiration you send our way. <3 Merry Christmas!!!
Enchanting…whimsical…pure delight…inspiring…abundant joy. Dear Susan and Joe, thank you both from a heart overflowing with thankfulness and gratitude for the beautiful, simple nudging, encouragement and boundless creativity you share with each of us to have fun and take joy in being the heart of our own homes. May you both continue to be blessed beyond measure for all the kindness and riches you so graciously bestow upon us all!!
xoxo Carol …!
no one gets me in the merry making mood as much as you and your blog susan! and now joe with his wreath making skills…what a duo you are! i live near a house that i call the susan branch house…it looks like a house you would paint for one of your books…all decked out for christmas, but simply so. i would love to take a photo of it and send it to you. it’s on a road where there is no place to stop though…i will have to figure that one out. my husband and i took our 8 year little guy to disney world for thanksgiving and for the 14 hour car ride i took along all my susan branch books to peruse along the way. i probably have read them all from cover to cover at least a dozen times each, but i was making notes and shopping lists for holiday recipes to make this year. everyone should have the whole collection…no need for any other cookbooks ever! 🙂 have a wonderful christmas and new years! much christmas love to you! sandi
Hi, Susan ~
Both George and I have been down with the flu bug for a few days now:( It’s been killing me that I haven’t begun decorating yet! But today, we’re feeling a bit better and I have to say this beautiful, beautiful blog has helped me immensely. You definately live in a “house of creativity”, Sue, with a very creative husband! You both are such loving, kind-hearted people and very generous with your talents…THANK YOU!!!
Sending you happy, peaceful days ahead to finish up for the Yankee magazine crew…it should be wonderful fun for you!
xoxoDebbie
Happy to hear you’re feeling better; your timing is perfect!
I love your and Joe’s creativity with your “greens.” They look so much more beautiful than most wreaths you buy in the stores! Fine job! You have inspired me to do a few things around my house. I also found it useful to make a visit to a local nursery and garden center. I was able to “copy” some of their ideas using things I already had in my closets! Whee!
Oh I’d love to be entered, Susan! How fun is that! Props to Joe for the creativity & “do-it”-ness that he always exhibits, and I love how you then take over and make everything even prettier…just as cute as can be!
I’m so inspired by all your wonderful Xmas activities. Your house looks so inviting. I’m wondering if Petey has been helping with the decorating? I haven’t seen him lately. Joe is just so handy at everything. He is a real peach. You’re a great team. Can’t wait for the Yankee article. Maybe you could have an autographed copy of the issue next year. That sure would be a wonderful keepsake. Best wishes to you for this holiday season. “Keep on doing what you’re doing.” We all just love it!!!!
Petey is in the kitchen watching everything at all times! Maybe he needs to come into the living room and be with the tree!
I wish I could decorate as you do. Your home looks absolutely terrific.
May God bless you. Have a Merry Christmas !
Well, that’s settled. This Spring when I am at the plant nursery, some boxwood and holly bushes are comeing home with me, so I can grow wreaths and garlands. Also, thankyou Susan for … Well, for being you,and shareing with us.
Evelyn
Love the way you look at it, “growing wreaths and garlands!”
Your Christmas decorated home is fun and beautiful at the same time! I love the whimsical way you sharing your world with us!
Blessings!
~Anna
How wonderful!
I so look forward to what’s next from you each week!
Each post is like a little gift with all the little embellishments!
I am just delighted by it all!
Blessings!
I was just thinking of my Mom and how she made everything for Christmas special. Your post reminded me of the sweetness and fun of getting ready for the holidays and all the fun I have tried to share with my kids and others. Carrying on the old traditions she shared with us all and creating some new ones of our own. Deck the halls and fa la la la la la…have a wonderful holiday season everyone!
How I would so enjoy the wreath and tea set / notebook! Your writing is heartwarming, refreshing and so much fun to read.
Loved today’s post! Keep them coming.
First I want to figure out how to get your lifestyle – it is so charming and cozy! I love reading about your whimsy and traditions. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! My husband loves to decorate as much as yours does, and he would be over the moon with that wreath! Even if we don’t win, I really appreciate seeing your holiday decorations and hearing about Jack!
I thought I was finished decorating for Christmas until I seen this weath. I wish our back yard had everything to make one. So I’ll just have to hope I win one. I love everything with Susan Branch.
I have no words to truly describe to you how much I love your blog. Your words, your pictures, your paintings…. make me feel content and happy. I really mean that. Thank you for sharing so generously. I have told my best friend that we would love living next door to you!!!
When I saw Joe’s wreaths, I thought, ” Oh, I can do that with my boxwood and ivy”….but I think I will wait and see if maybe I might actually end up with an official “Joe Creation”.
I am not going to be able to do much decorating this year, so I am going to keep looking at your blog and living vicariously.
God bless you Susan and Joe. Thank you for enriching my life!!!
Michaelene
Merry Christmas, Sue, Joe, Jack, & Girl Kitty. Thanks for sharing your life with us. I love hearing from all the girlfriends, too! Please put my name in the drawing.
Hi Susan!
Love love love all your decorating and inspiration! Also love Jack and Girl Kitty, they are beautiful! My husband’s name is Joe Hall but he’s not as talented in wreath making as your Joe is! lol..Would love that wreath! Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! Roseanne
uh oh…….I think the comment is supposed to be at the end of this blog. I said, I love Joe’s wreath! such a clever man. Aren’t you lucky!!
Susan, I adore your little bird tree, I have two pet birds. I need to organize better and do one up! Thanks for this wonderful giveaway, count me in, and whoever wins is one lucky girl! xo
My sister Shelly had a Love Bird that used to sit in that tree — years ago. I have pictures, I should put them up sometime, such a pretty little bird!
So many wonderful decorating ideas, spreading the Christmas cheer. Your Joe is
Love, Love, Love your website! In the process of redoing my kitchen “Susan Branch” style! The cute mug would go perfectly! Thanks!
What a nice giveaway! Thanks!! I love your newsletters; they give me such inspiration and I love the old traditional Christmas decorations. I now have the Shiny Brite ornaments we used when I was a child and they are my favorites. Love Jack and Girl too! I have 3 kitties that I think are the smartest in the world. 🙂
So nice you live on Martha’s Vineyard. My girlfriend had a house in Vineyard Haven and I got to visit her twice. Such a special place!! Happy Holidays!! Cathy
Love your blog Susan. Thank you for your Christmas Spirit.
Jack is amazing and gets prettier every time you post his picture. Girl is so cozy and delicate – you are blessed with beautiful kitties. Thank you so much for putting so much time and energy into your blog. It is like getting $$ in the mail. I love it!!!
Susan, reading your blog brings magic to my day. I don’t comment much but couldn’t let this opportunity pass. Love your house, your style, your traditions and your artwork!!! Reading our blog is like stepping in a wonderful dream.
Things are coming along swimmingly! Your house looks GREAT! 🙂 Those little marzipan “men” are minions from the movie “Despicable Me.” They are hilarious little creatures and I wish had some minions like them to make life more entertaining. 🙂 Joe has missed his calling as a wreath designer. 🙂 There’s still time!
Funny, I was just telling him that!
All of your decorations look so lovely – I especially love the beautiful fresh wreath – what a lucky lady you are to have Joe in your life! I’ve slowly begun decorating my little cottage… Many of my pieces are things you’ve made in the past. I have that small collection on my microwave “mantle”, and it brings me such joy! I’ll have to make that teeny “Merry Christmas” garland you have hung in your window… It’s just so sweet!
Thank you for taking the time to share those small details in your life. It is such a joy to read and see the beautiful pictures!
Your blog puts me right in the mood for Christmas! I love all the nature you add to decorations. Very special ……..
Love the photos of your house and Jack – glad to see he’s growing up (not too big!) and not as into search and destroy as most kittens are. And I love the wreaths that Joe made (and you decorated)! Would love to win one. Thanks so much for sharing your life with all of us.
It’s always a delight to visit your inviting blog. Your home looks wonderfully festive for the holidays. The photos of Jack made me smile. He’s so photogenic but don’t tell him I said so or it might go to his head! My kitties are also drawn to the fireplace. My cat Poe loves to bask in the glow on the hearth just like Jack. Girl is sweet, too.
Especially special is the wreath Joe will make for one of us!
Please enter me in the drawing……maybe Vanna will actually pick my name this time!
Loving the whimsy, Susan…….
whoops, I have to finish my note….Your Joe is quite a talented guy, such beautiful wreaths. I just found your pocket calendar and am filling it up for next year!
Love your latest giveaway to the girlfriends. Very festive! Thanks for all the cheer you spread.
Hello Susan,
I am in bed with a ‘told, …sigh…thank you for your uplifting Christmas spirit – in all you do and say….. the MARSHMELLOW WORLD song gave me HOPE for better less snuffy days. Your blog is like a big PRAYER FOR HAPPINESS! Love the bird tree. Out my window in So CAlifornia the leaves still turning red and red berry bushes with birds tweeting “I love the earth and the earth loves me”…a stray gray kitty has found a home on the lounge chair near my bedroom window. I WISH I could let him in (I call him Mr. Grey because he is SO HANDSOME). Looking forward to seeing your decorating progress!
Much love from Dixie Gladstone in warm California (low 70’s today)
What a pretty house! and I just love the wreathes Joe made! So pretty. 🙂
Joe is so creative, just like you! I love it. Merry happy Christmas to you both!
I love to decorate with nature’s beautiful greenery for the holidays! Hope I win…my fingers are crossed!
what inspiration! thanks. a friend of mine loves tea and tea cups and we saw a tea cup yree last year that has started us on a delightful version for her. the tree was three feet high and set into a regular tea pot and then adorned with miniature tea cups [saucers glrd to cup bottom] , the tea cup handles are threaded with ribbon for hanging on tree. and i will make tiny teabags to hang also. i think it would look cute on a tray. we have been collecting mini sets from xecond hand stores so we have a great selection of different tea cups, pots and the like. i want a prelite tree but just white lights so she can have it out for her tea parties! b
How nice of you to have such a beautiful giveaway! I haved loved your drawings/paintings,assorted books and notepads for years. I love just looking and looking at them. Just losing myself in the pictures. Your truly a gifted painter and writer. Thank you 🙂
Claudette
That Joe is a keeper!!!! I think years of living with you has helped him see the beauty in everything and inspired his creativity!!! I’m not waiting for the drawing – I’m going to get one of those mugs before they run out!!!
Merry Merry Christmas and all the best in 2013!!!!
xo
Julie
You are smart, they always go too fast … if you win, you will have the perfect Christmas gift!
Oh My Oh My Oh My..I hope I win.. I love that set it’s adorable. Love this post too, wow Joe is so talented, you must be rubbing off on him:)
I just love the way your house looks, it is such joy to receive your blog. Joe did a wonderful job on the wreaths it is very nice of him to contribut to your give away.
Before I even got to the part about the giveaway, when I saw that cup and plate I thought I could live with that! How fun! ….. and the hand made wreath, I’d be in Christmas decorating heaven. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Susan, your home looks just beautiful. I too have spent the last few days readying the house for Christmas, and am enjoying re-aquainting myself with all my treasured decorations. I was just going to go out and buy a wreath, but since I am sure to win the wonderful wreath created by Joe, I’ll hold off for a day or two! It certainly is much nicer than anything I have seen around here. Also, I loved the last photo of Jack by the fire – doesn’t he look like he is just ready to ask you to join him? He makes me want to go out and adopt a kitty. Happy decorating!
I am already anxiously awaiting my December 2013 Yankee Magazine – even though I know they have not even been to visit you yet! Your decorating is inspiring, every tiny detail is so special and makes me feel special for visiting. Joe is certainly the master of all trades – his wreath-making skills are amazing! I would treasure the gift of the tea cup. I would feel like I was enjoying tea with you everytime I used it; reminiscing about our trip to England (me in the suitcase) and nibbling on the cookies. I can’t wait to see the rest of your home, decorated for the season.
The fresh greenery by Joe is wonderful! I also love seeing what Jack is up to!
Thanks, Susan!
I love your bird tree and seeing your decorating. Yes, your kitty is smarter than mine who just lays around and purrs.
I love traditional/whimsical Christmas, too! I love “coming” over to your house each time you post. This little visit was perfect for this strangely warm, but rainy rainy afternoon — wandering and looking at your Christmas decorations while I drink chai in my Christmas reindeer mug.
Good afternoon Susan. I love your homemade decorations. You inspire me. I made a Merry Christmas banner yesterday. Not quiet as pretty as yours but it cheers me up. Joe is one talented man and I would love to receive a wreath that he has made. Wishing you and Joe a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
I think your giveaway is awesome! I love cardinals, my elderly aunt taught me all about them when I was a child and now I pass that on to my little granddaughter. The cup set is something I would love but couldn’t afford on a fixed retirement income. And Joe’s wreath, he could go into business and make a fortune selling them on the internet – LLBean just sent me a catalog and a small, simple, plain and unimaginative wreath is $25 plus postage. You are one lucky woman for you have two loving kitties, an incredible husband and you get to live on Nantucket. You are truely blessed!
I’ve heard that no matter what your color scheme may be, you need a touch of black. I agree, and Jack is the perfect touch.
I love the way your Westie is looking into the fire. I would never have thought ot that cute idea.
And what fun that on the whatever day of Christmas, your True Love gave to you, a bird-deee in a pear wreath.
I know you’re having a grand time decorating, but I’m having just as grand a time enjoying your efforts.
Susan, what a great post…it is making me think about what I want to do for decorations this year. I know I want a ‘real’ tree. Our family used to do cut our own in the by-gone days of my childhood. And, I used to go cut the tree with my kids when they were little…I think I will gather up my grand-babies and go create a tradition for them this year by cutting our first tree together—I hope we can. Thanks for sharing your inspirations with us and of course I have to include the inspirations of Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty too. Merry Christmas! -r-
Your house looks sooo beautiful with all the Christmas decorations, especially Joe’s wreath! Can’t wait to see the tree in all its glory! Love looking at Jack and hearing about his latest adventure, and beautiful Girl is all serene and wise on her quilt. A wonderful and cheerful blog and OMG what a great giveaway!! I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your life with us.
I’m leaving a comment!! What a lovely Christmas it would be if I could win the giveaway.
Your Jack reminds me of my Daisy. She also plays fetch with my ponytail elastics! And the fireplace is one of her most favorite places to nap in front of…and then our other cat, Mooney, comes and curls up next to her and it’s a Christmas picture. Aren’t cats wonderful? They make our lives so much fuller.
Dear Susan: I can’t tell you how happy I have been to have found your blog. Thanks so much for brightening my day…and thanks for such a great opportunity to have a chance to win this prize. Very exciting! I, too, have two black and white kitties whom I adore-Baby Kitty and Oreo. Again, thanks…
Barb
Aww, my kitties don’t rub legs. Now they do like to rub on the laptop screen when I’m trying to acomplish something, etc. But I wish they rubbed legs too. 🙂
They are all such little individuals. Why isn’t this cat going up the tree like normal cats do? I don’t know!
Oooh! Please put me in the drawing, too! Better than Powerball! (Not that I play, mind you…I’m too cheap!)
LOL — I figure I have the same chance at winning whether I play or not!
Hello Susan and Joe and Kitties and new Girlfriends,
Whimsical, joyous and lovely photos today from your island. So inspiring! It always makes me smile when I get to spend a little time in your “neck of the woods.” We are decorated here and waiting for the next rain storm. Old books, a cup of tea, the two dogs dry and napping at my feet, music playing softly in the background…blessed in so many ways, aren’t we?
Received my first Christmas card in the mail yesterday! Seeing your post puts me in the mood to decorate and BAKE! Love the new teacup and saucer (and I have loose tea ready to put in it)! I bought one of the cardinal notepads before and gave to a friend of mine who puts up a cardinal tree every year. Would love one for myself. The wreath is absolutely beautiful — I think I can smell it through my computer monitor! Winning that would be a special treat. Absolutely love your blog — always relaxes me and puts me in a creative mood. It’s good to read it and look at the pictures during my lunch break at work — always gets me back to work in a better mood! Merry Christmas to you and Joe (and Jack and Girl Kitty) from the Heart of Dixie (Birmingham, Alabama).
I love all of your decorations! I want to make some garlands, but it will have to be next year – I’m moving to a new home over the holidays and sadly all of my decorations are packed away in preparation!
Your blog fills me with joy! I check everyday to see if you have written anything. Thank you so much for the free bookmarks…I love them and use a different one for every season! May you and Joe (and the kitties) be filled with the blessings of the Christmas season.
I love my birds!!!…..from hummingbirds to nuthatches (I love watching them upside down on the trees). I asked Santa for a Mrs. Snowman sunflower seed feeder. She has chain and snowflake earrings!!!! I hope I get her!!
Dear Susan,
You have been a part of my Christmas for many years, since I received “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” as a gift. I’ve been a big fan ever since! I enjoy your blog so much and was excited to see your Christmas Decorations! My tree this year is covered in Red Cardinals and snow flakes! But, being a sunny California gal, we have neither naturally! How I long for a White Christmas! So I just have to make my own. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us. Merry Christmas!
I like your attitude! A dream tree!
I love visiting Marthas Vineyard through your blog, and enjoying your beautiful home as well as those sweet kitties. Your cooking and decorating ideas are always so inspiring. Can’t wait to see some photos of the Christmas season from the island!
Hello! I checked your blog during my school lunch (shh…don’t tell!) and love this post! I love this season af Advent, and all that goes with it. I am thinking of having some of my older (grades 4 and 5) students make the Merry Christmas garland as a special treat of a lesson in following directions…I know they will love it. Joe’s handiwork with the greenery is beautiful; tell him I would LOVE to hang that wreath on my door. Thanks so much for ALL you give us. You are the best!
xoxoxo,
queenmum
Best give-away yet, only thing better would be if you could throw in Joe…LOL…
I always enjoy your blog and paintings. Thanks for being you.
Beautiful decorations! Love the wreath idea!!
Since we are going to our daughter’s in Chelmsford, MA for the holidays I only have a wreath on the door so your Blog is getting me in the Christmas spirit.
We have had 4 days of rain so at least it isn’t 80 degrees out. My daughter loves to decorate so I always look forward to being there and of course being with 2 of my 7 grandchildren, her daughter Megan (American University senior) and son Josh (Catholic U. Sophomore). My daughter has all my Mom’s decorations and darling little angels and people that she played with as a little girl. When her children were born I started them on the New England Village and they have many of the retired pieces and I just can’t bring myself not to buy one still.
One of my son’s has 2 college age kids and a 16 year old and I just got a picture on FB (they live in San Diego) showing the 16 year old just set up their Dickens Village which also takes up a whole table! He labeled it: “It’s beginning to look like Christmas!” Am sure these traditions will continue into their families.
Congratulations on being in the Yankee Magazine…..they picked the perfect Christmas traditions Home! Know you will have a wonderful time during the Holidays and 2013 will hopefully bring us all more health and happiness and adventures. Cheers!! Ritchie Saunders, Pacific Palisades CA
Hi Susan!
I think Joe has the beginning of a new side job!! I love fresh greens in the house, they smell sooo yummy! Just started my decorating yesterday, it is such a mess as first but so cozy when done! I would be so excited to win such a generous giveaway….crossing my fingers!
We’ve been having a “tropical” December, breaking heat records in the Carrollton, TX., area, so it’s been difficult for me to get into the Christmas spirit.
Thank you for this blog! Seeing what you’re doing and reading about your decorations is helping to get me in the mood! I have my lights out, just not up yet. My DH is a Scrooge about Christmas decorations, so I will take all the help I can get to make “things bright.!” Winning this great giveaway would be wonderful! We visited MV back in September, so I love seeing your pictures.
SANTA PAULA CALIFORNIA………Susan I love it, everything you touch looks so beautiful I wish I was as talented as you…
Love you!!!!!!!
Christmas has always been a magical time for me. I love the old-fashioned feel, the tradition, the joy that comes when I see the decorations and smell the tree and feel the warmth from the fireplace and hear the Christmas music and taste the cookies! I just want to say that you are a wonderful inspiration to me but more than that, I feel that you are a friend. Thank you, Susan, and Merry Christmas.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for sharing your Christmas traditions with us–very inspiring and so delightful! I just finished the little tree I decorate in honor of my dog, Hobo. I found great black and white ribbon with paw prints last year. I have been collecting cocker spaniel ornaments along with other ornaments like food bowl, bone, hearts, etc. It’s looking “cuter than Christmas” as my friend says. I decided to put it in our bedroom to enjoy there. Wish I could show you…you would be very proud of my creativity!!
Hugs,
Jerri
San Juan Capistrano, CA
I know I would be Jerri, it sounds darling!
I love all of your decorations!! I wish I could borrow you for a day to help me decide what I should do at my house… 🙂 I hope you have fun in your preparations for Yankee Magazine, you seem so calm… Oh and I would love to win the tea cup, note pad and especially one of Joe’s wreaths!!
Every time I think you’ve shown me everything deliciously decorated, you surprise and delight me with more. Because I’m winding down the fall semester at the community college where I teach, I’ve been S-L-O-W-L-Y getting my house ready for Christmas. My collection of German Christmas cups is on display (and in constant use), and the tree is up and lighted. I finally came up with a system for decorating it when I have a brief snatch of time. I have a number of decorative Christmas boxes under the tree, looking for all the world like gifts waiting to be unwrapped. Instead, they are filled with all my ornaments, which I will empty a few at a time, put the ornaments on the tree, and then plunk gifts into the boxes as I acquire them.
Your post AND your latest Willard make me want it all done!
I’m also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first grandchild to make a gingerbread house this year. We started the year she was four, and her younger brother started when he was six. They’re eighteen and sixteen now, and their four-year-old brother will come to make his first this year. Gingerbread houses are at the top of my list of favorite things at Christmas.
I wish you and Joe a blessed Christmas and all the love you send to others bundled up and sent right back to you.
Hugs,
Judy
Hi Susan – your decorations are so lovely and inspiring! I do have a couple Holly bushes out in the garden….hmm…
Merry Christmas, Susan, Joe, Jack, and Girl! What a wonderful giveaway you have put together, and some lucky girl will be thrilled! That last picture of Jack with his inquisitive look is just priceless, and the picture of Girl is very demure. I love cats! Your house is very beautiful this year, and I’m sure Yankee will say the same. Can’t wait for their December issue! Thanks for all you do for us “girlfriends” Susan. You are a very loving and generous “girlfriend” too!
Isn’t it fun decorating our houses for Christmas? My Christmas decorating is evolving, and I am leaning more toward nature, candles and nativities these days. Somebody is going to be very happy with your prizes this time…perhaps that person will be me! That would be lovely…Blessings of the season to you, Susan and Joe….
The new direction of your Christmas decorating sounds like it would fit into my kind of holiday, Candy N. I have several nativities which I bring out each year and I love candles and prefer decor which “fits into ” the house as the house is. Natural items could certainly do that! Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh what delight to find on this dreary rainy day! Everything looks so lovely. I’m reminded of my dad by your Peter Rabbit display and room as that was one of two stories he knew(of course it wasn’t exactly right but we loved it). You have brightened my day! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
I have to win!
Is there any way I can influence Vanna? (How you doin’ Vanna? 😉
I can’t keep up with Joe and my sweetheart is beginning to notice!
Please help! 🙂
Love,
Don
Well, that’s just about the cutest thing I ever saw … Don, your sweetheart is a lucky girl. I’ll put in a good word for you with Vanna!
Hi Susan,
The house looks wonderful. I have been collecting little birdies too. Love the bird tree. The mug is so cute and Joe’s wreath is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win and bring a little of your home into mine.
Shawn