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
Thank you for sharing your world with us. So love how traditional and warm your home is. I loved the wreath Joe made! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl, and Jack.
I so envy the cardinals at your feeder! I’m a MA native living in Washington State, and although we have lots of beautiful birds here that like to visit my feeders and all the seed heads I leave for them, we don’t have cardinals! I don’t consider a visit “home” to MA complete until I see a cardinal or two!
Oh my goodness. All that loveliness AND a wreath made by JOE? I can’t hardly stand it! You are so generous and I always look forward to these little insights into your world. I live vicariously through you (I’m a Southern California girl so snow in the yard and changing leaves are simply dreams unless I want to take a drive…). Love your little bird tree, you’re inspiring me to create one of my own. Merry Christmas you two!
Susan, your house is so pretty and warm and festive. I love natural Christmas decorations. A question – how do you keep your living room carpet so white?? At my house that would probably be a disaster!
The carpet is twenty years old too! I don’t know, every so often we have it steam cleaned, it’s far from the door, so there are never any muddy feet near it!
What a treat to touch base from time to time and read your blog, Susan! I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time and love to have your creative spark touch my own to set it “kindling”! Home, our nests, are ever so important for the entire family and for friends as well. Coziness, warmth, cheer—all such important ingredients all the time, but particularly at this Magical, Wonderful season of LOVE and JOY!! Thanks for sharing so generously!!
Everyday’s a holiday with Susan!
I love your happy decorations!
Hi Susan,
I was sitting with a cup of tea, fighting a cold and trying to ignore some pain from this morning’s dental work when I started reading your post. And now I feel so much better, and inspired to pull out some of my decorations and start making my house Christmasy! Thank you for the always cheerful and cozy blog.
Thank you so much for the wreath ideas, Susan. I haven’t decorated mine yet and you have inspired me. Our decorations are also filled with tradition and memories. We have many from our grandmother’s and great grandmother’s homes dating back to the 1800’s! Have a wonderful week, we are hoping for snow in Maine before Christmas 🙂
Susan
I thought I had the MOST perfect husband, but I have to tell you Joe is fast catching up with mine…BTW mine is a Joe also (but he goes by Richard) a long story….:)
and Jack….sometimes I am sure that my Dexter has been re-incarnated and is living at your house…especially when I saw the pictures of him in front of the fireplace…Dexter loved the fire…..
I of course would love, love love to win this drawing, but then I want to win all of them ….
Next week I begin our traditional cookie baking with my grandchildren…I am also going to have them make those cute garlands that you shared.
Wish me luck…with the cookies, garlands and of course the drawing.
xoxoxox
Good Luck Sue!
Thank-you so much for the chance to win such lovely prizes. But, even more so, thank-you for sharing your wonderful home with us in your beautiful updates. It’s so wonderful to see all your Christmas touches. Your home truly reflects the spirit of the season. I hope you and Joe have a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and Christmas decorations! This has really inspired me to get busy decorating for Christmas. Love all the special touches in your photos, especially your kitty. Also reminds me to put one of your ‘wallpaper’s’ on my laptop – love your illustrations!
How lovely your house looks. Joe’s roping is gorgeous. I have done it and it is hard work, tough on the hands too. Little Jack is so smart, smarter than my daughter’s five cats that just sleep AND eat. But, we love them and they are beautiful and pensive like Girl kitty. They will love all your Christmas colored wrapping paper and the boxes under the tree. You and Joe are so smart and your cats, but also the Girlfriends are so witty and charming (good spellers too) that I never comment because it is so intimidating with all the smartness. My spirit is lifted with all your blogs. Thank you Susan, Joe and kitties. xoxo
You fit in perfectly Helaine! xo
Hi Susan!
I really enjoyed your post today. I always enjoy it and look in my email every day to see if you’ve posted. Your house is wonderful as you decorate it for Christmas. Joe is quite talented making the wreaths and ropes for your home. You’ve got a keeper there! I love seeing Jack and Girl. I’m allergic to cats so I can only watch them from a distance. Please enter me into this sweet giveaway. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas house….you inspire me more than words can say!!!! One again, you shown us that little things do matter..and make the difference between living wonderfully and merely existing.
Beautiful wreaths! Kudos to Joe. It’s wonderful looking at all your holiday decor. It’s giving me ideas…
Always enjoy your posts…. you just speak to my heart. Wishing You, Joe & Kitties and Very Merry Month of December and a Wonderful and Blessed Christmas!
How fabulous is THAT! I would be thrilled…so would any of your readers! You are the best…you AND your hubby! Happy Holidays from Florida! Warm Southern Hugs, Diane
I am a new reader of your blog & enjoy it so much. My daughter Pam is a real fan. She & her friends made a trip to the coast one week-end a few years ago to attend a Susan Branch function. Pam is responsible for me reading your blog now! She is a thoughtful daughter, don’t you agree?
I sure do, be sure to tell her I said hello!!
Oh Susan….have I told you lately that I love you?
I LOVE the cardinal; you know we don’t have cardinals in Colorado….. we have Broncos (who are winning right now {they should with all they paid for Mr. Manning}); we have finches and hawks and eagles and osprey and yes, we have GEESE………………………LOTS OF GEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But we don’t have cardinals. I am so tickled that Yankee Magazine is coming to your house……………..because I know that if they were coming to MY house, I’d have the house all perfect and ready and decorated and all that good stuff….and then when they left, I’d be READY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I’m going as fast as my little legs [not really little] can carry me right now. I’ve managed to tear two ligaments in my left foot. “Ouch,” she says.
But here’s the good news……All my Christmas cards are written out already because I can do that sitting on my bottom while my foot is propped up. I’ve never had them done this early. So, making lemons out of lemonade my lovely friend, this is goodness.
So, I’ll look at your lovely pictures, smile at Jack, and just be happy that Willard is coming soon and I’ll sit and read it and think about how lucky I am to know you.
xoxo
Joann in Colorado
p.s. Did you hear about the fire in Estes Park? Yes, Estes Park…… hmmmmmm
I did, is everything OK there? And good for you on the Christmas cards!!!
One good thing about being back in Texas is that we do have cardinals! They are coming back now that has cooled off a bit!
But oh how I am missing a traditional Colorado Christmas. Now that we are fulltime RVers, I’ve had to rethink decorating and all… We purchased a cute little fireplace (actually could be used as an electric heater) and I’ve hung our Christmas stockings from the shelf beside it. Too cute! We finally decided on a 2 foot tree for our panoramic window and hung all my special ornaments on it ( or as many as would fit)! Candle rings on the table with pine scented candles as I couldn’t find bayberry this year. Have a swag of lighted cardinals(purchased at the International Shop in Georgetown) hanging above the tree. Our Snowman Christmas card holder sits on top of the fireplace . Cozy! As Kay Peterson (founder of Escapees) says “RVers can make a home anywhere!”
Wearing my lucky Manning t-shirt (purchased in Colorado) every Sunday. So happy for the Broncos this year as the Cowboys have been so up and down this year!:-)
Easy to decorate, easy to UN decorate, and what a view! 🙂
Lovely Susan, as always. Now I must go and make a cup to tea, put on some Christmas music and add a little whimsey to my decorations. Thank you for such lovely inspiration and, I must say, I would LOVE a wreath from your garden..and tea from polka dots…:)
Susan,
I see that Joe is almost as talented as you are. What beautiful work he does. You are so lucky to have to that all in your yard. I love the new peppermint mug. So cute for Christmas. Whomever Vanna selects will be one lucky person. I enjoy watching your decorations take shape and always love an update about Jack and Kitty Girl. We have a new puppy at our house. A golden retriever named Molly. She is the daughter of our boy Bailey. She is so full of mischief that we have had to put our tree up on a make shift base to elevate it and try to keep her out of the ornaments. So far, so good.
Enjoy your decorating.
Sue in Fl.
I don’t know if i posted in the wrong place but I did just get your email and now I hope I am in the right place……..
I do love the wreath your Hubby made. I would love to meet both of you. You are so talented and I love your art. And I really love reading about Kitty. He is sooooo cute and he poses so nice for you. I love your captions about him. I always laugh. I am still thinging of your Bird Tree…………….. : )
Susan,
So enjoy reading your emails and blog. Brings a bright spot to my day!
Kathy
Lordy, I love this post!!! I love whimsical holidays too. What a sweetie pie of a husband you have and what a great team you two make.
Love from Diane in North Carolina
Oh I just LOVE your home!! I love Jack too! He is so cute. Love your decorating ideas too. I would absolutely adore having a cup to drink my tea from and a beautiful wreath made by Joe! Can’t wait to read the next post!!
Merry Christmas, Susan! You have been part of our family’s traditions for most of the past ten years. By now at least half of our sweet baking comes from one of your Christmas recipes. The butter cookies, for instance, are made multiple times and the Bourbon Balls have become the stuff of legend (seriously!). I’ve been keeping track of Christmas Past in your Christmas keepsake books (even bought a second one so I can start recording the next 5 years). My sister and I exchange calendars every year and last year we gave each other one of your recipe keepers. On behalf of the soon-to-be nine of us here, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to make this season merry and bright, and a blessed holiday to you, Joe, and the kitties.
Thank you, Susan, for yet another lovely post. It made me want to get out all my Christmas things and start decorating. Inspiration is wonderful!
Susan,
As always, you’ve inspired me! Such wonderful ideas today and November 29th for activities I can do with my four year old granddaughter. Thank you for sharing your creativity, talent, and just plain love of life with us all!
Thank you to you and Joe for sharing your gifts and talents with us. You inspire me to see the beauty in everything.
Thank you so much for sharing all the WONDERFUL with us! It is such a JOY to visit your website!! Oakland, ILLINOIS
Dear Susan,
I was delighted to find your blog just a few weeks ago! I’ve been a fan for years–your “Autumn” and “Christmas Joy” books have a prime spot in my front room every year.
It’s unseasonably and unusually warm here and I wasn’t feeling very jolly when I turned on the radio to hear “We Need a Little Christmas!”; so I mixed up a batch of cookies and checked my email and–voila! There was your post! So now I will be decking my hall with my Christmas village as tradition has it and then adding a touch of whimsy somehow to my holiday home. Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your time and talent with all of us! Jolly Holidays to you and yours!
A new Girlfriend,
Sandy
Happy to meet you Sandy!!
Love Jack!! We have a soft gray colored kitty named Mi-Mi Margaret and she has very similar nose markings to Jack. So sweet! (we have 3 kitties and 2 Greyhounds, so things are always interesting here!) The kitties wait for me in the morning to get my coffee and then turn the Christmas tree on. Then all 3 curl up for a nap under it. Just another bonus of being retired…. especially at this time of year. Not having to rush is the best *gift* of all, and enjoying those quiet moments is, indeed, the cherry on the top. Love your blog!!!! Such a wonderful time of the year…….
Susan, you can consider me comment 627. But… I WANT TO WIN! Pleeeease? What a wonderful update. I am all festive now and what a wapper of a tree. Happy holidays! ps, I just rented “Christmas in Conneticut” and the DVD included a sweet short that renacted the Christmas manger story. Anyone else see that? So sweet. Jingle, Jingle.
Your blog entries always bring a little slice of comfort to my email box! Thanks for being so creative, welcoming and just plain lovely! Merry Christmas!
Thanks for your blog and sharing throughout the year…it’s a little something for me to look forward to when times are tough!
My pleasure Sally xoxo
Hi Susan!! Merry Christmas!! I so enjoy your blog and website so very much!! It inspires me to go decorate, bake or try a new recipe!! My family especially likes the “new recipe” part the best!! 😉 Thank you for taking the time to write this blog it is truly a blessing!! xoxo 🙂
Hi Susan and Happy Holidays!!!
Your decorations are inspirational and I can’t believe how beautiful your front door wreath is–much better than store bought–kudos to both you and Joe! Jack is too cute as always, how does he do with a Christmas tree? Looking forward to hearing about more of his antics.
I have your Christmas books out on my coffee table and am enjoying rereading them before the big day. Thank you for bringing back memories of how things used to be whenever I was growing up.
I just have to smile BIG when I see pictures of Jack. What a face! I bet he gets a lot of head kisses just like my two four-legged, furry kitz do. The only part I don’t like too much is the fur stuck on my face after the kissings done. But you know something, I do it every time. LOL I whipped up a few of those letter garlands, two for me, one for my sister and I have to say they look great in the windows. You are soooo clever and I give you the credit everytime someone compliments me on my decorations. Keep the ideas coming. Happy Holidays to you, Joe and your two kitz. Hugs from NJ
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your holiday decorating with us. Everything’s just gorgeous! And Jack is one very special kitty. Handsome AND smart!
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win these things, Susan!! The teacup is darling, the notepad is cute beyond words, and the fresh wreath would look so lovely on our door!! Knowing it is made by your husband is so special. You are a fun and crafty person. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Jack reminds me of our beloved Junior – Junior used to do the same loving things to us as well…the best was when I would pick him up, he would wrap his arms around my neck, kneading the whole time, put his head under my chin and have the best time ever…I loved that cat so much! He was only with us 2 1/2 years and passed from FIP… It was the most heart breaking thing ever! All the neighbors and family came over to consolidate us, they were just as upset as we were…The kids in the neighborhood loved him as well…but the parents didn’t want to tell them their kitty friend wouldn’t be around anymore – it would just upset them. Funny how a little furry creature as a kitty can have such a huge impact in your life and the lives of others…it’s pretty awesome!
Thanks for the post – your house looks so wonderful!!
Chris
I live in sunny Southern California where it is now 72 degrees but I look at your pictures, especially of the outdoors by the kitchen window and I long to feel that chilly air to make it seem like Christmas. Reading your blogs makes me always feel like I am having a good friend over for afternoon tea. And that Joe — he is so unbelievable…Just reading your messages puts me in an energetic happy mood. Thank you ever so much.
Happy to do it Barbara, happy that you like it!
I love looking at all that purple and pink whimsey as well but for my own home it has to be completely traditional!! Not up for any changes at my house especially at Christmastime!! Thank you for offering the beautiful give aways and Joe is so nice to make the wreath. Have a Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year!
Can I move in? Practically Perfect in every way.- Mary Poppins and Susan Branch! Love it!
Oh, Susan. … Your decorating skills never cease to amaze me. And Joe may have found a new hobby! That wreath and greenery are beautiful. I love how you’re creating beautiful things for your home together.
I hope you have fun and enjoy all the wonderful feelings that this time of year brings.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Susan, I love to see your pictures of Jack! They always make me smile. I can’t wait to see your house all decorated for Christmas. It will be beautiful.
Hi Susan!!! I would love to receive the cup, notebook and wreath!!!! Please enter my name in the giveaway contest!!!! Thank you so much… Thank you for blogging!!!!
It is grey outside…but it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! After reading your post, I am now finally feeling an excitement for the upcoming season! I am now ready for the trees, yes trees, the lights, the sounds, the smells! Thank you so much for giving me the push I needed! 😉
What lovely treats to possibly win! How kind of you.
I was so inspired by your Merry Christmas garland that I made one of my own. It was such fun, so easy, and looks so festive. Thank you for the inspiration!
Get outta town, this giveaway is awesome!!! Creative goodies from you and your Joe. Love it. Your kitchen window garlands are beautiful, can’t wait to see some more bits of your holiday decor. Speaking of Christmas time magic and whimsy (for me), this will be the last year I will decorate our family tree with ceramic c7 colored lights. It seems almost all the christmas lights have gone to led’s, and I cannot find them being sold anywhere (not even replacement bulbs).I am slightly mourning this because they have always been a nostalgic element on my tree. I suppose the plus side is my kids won’t burn their hands while retrieving their gifts from under the tree, and ornaments will no longer be threatened by the heat the lights put off. Maybe that’s why I cant find them being sold any more. Hmmm. Cheers!
This year Leds seemed to have changed, much better colors, not so strong and weird colored … I’m almost happy about them!
Oh Goody! Another drawing!! Thanks for the chance. Susan, I just love seeing
what you are up to. Thank you for ALL your posts….FULL OF WONDERFUL PICTURES……we really do get a sense of it all!! Almost as if we were there…when you talked about your banners the other day…..WHO had to get
out her scissors and paper and pens and make banners too? Yep, it was me.
(and Im sure a gazillion other girlfriends). You inspire us so much….and we NEED IT!!
I am literally blown away by the talented wreathologist. To win
such a creation straight from the yard of one of my dearest favorite American Artists, made by her talented husband……would that be the crowning moment
or what!?!
Oh Tracy, so sweet, thank you!
As you have said there is nothing more heart warming then our traditions. With such a fast pace world somethings more simple, slow, cozy, easy, is what we need.
thanks for sharing your “cozy” with us.
Loved all the traditional reminders of the season. The fresh wreath must bring such a special seasonal scent into the house. Enjoy! Merry Christmas to you!
Happy Everything! From my home with ten cats, three dogs and two teenagers, may everyone be safe and feel loved this holiday season. Thanks Susan for the wonderful blog and endless inspiration 🙂
“May everyone feel loved . . .” perfect!
Susan, thank you for sharing your glorious Christmas home! I am always excited after I read your blog (emailed to me!) with wonderful ideas. It definitely gets me in the mood to start decorating my house. My husband is a nursery specialist, and I can hardly wait to share your photos of Joe’s creations with him. I also love your cats. I also have 2 cats…maybe they can become “Pet Pals”! I was saddened when I tried to order the large desk blotter calendar and found out that it was sold out! Oh well, I still ordered many wall calendars…2 for me (kitchen & office), and 4 for my friends. Now, if I could just win the 4 piece mug set…PLEASE!
I love your cozy Christmas decor!
Your window looks so lovely and your little garlands are wonderful…I imagine how warm, cozy and inviting it must look from the outside of that window looking in!
Warmly, gail ♥
Once again you brought a wonderful smile to my face with all of your whimsy and Christmas joy!
I was so inspired by the “Merry Christmas” banner you made that I HAD to make one for myself. I never make anything for me. I always giver stuff away but this time I did it just for me! It is SO cute and I added some hangy downy things like you did. This year I am doing Christmas in a simple way. No over the top decor and only one tree instead of 4. It usually looks like Christmas “threw up” in my house. (a good friend’s son said that one year. So funny but so true!) Anyway, it was perfect for the window my bird tree usually goes. I added lights to it and it’s perfect. Thank you for the inspiration!!
I would love to win the give-away. But I am happy for whomever does. A precious gift for Susan and Joe.
Merry Christmas dear Susan.
Melissa
Just went on a Christmas home tour here in central California, and while the homes were lovely, none had the “whimsy” of yours. (And no one had a cat as cute and smart as Jack…although, I do. Jack and Ozzie could be buddies!)
The big news of the day was that I found (and bought!) a Gladys Taber hardback book for a dollar at a church sale.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Merry Christmas!!
Ooooo, deal!
Susan, I thought I was done decorating and then I read your post and your enthusiasm is contagious!!! I have to do more! Everything looks so charming and I love Joe’s wreaths. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Loved your decorations, Joe is very talented – his wreath is beautiful. I love traditional Christmas decorations and isn’t it great when the kitties want to help. I wonder what they think about a tree magically appearing in the living room? Such fun.
I think we befuddle them most of the time! But they put up with us!
Susan, your blog/emails always make me smile and you are so inspirational. Thank you for the ideas you give me and the happiness you provide for each of us! Jack and Girl are so precious and they add just that little something extra to the warm, wonderful feel your home has! From your blog I have “learned” that it is ok to not be too precise and a perfectionist when I decorate. My poor mother-in-law would die at my messy hutch cupboard where I have just about all of my grandma’s dishes on display b/c they are “messy” and not symmetrical. It’s taken me a while to realize that there is no right way to decorate. We have the things we love and we may display them in whatever way we see fit. My home makes me happier than any place on earth and you’ve taught me much! Thank you!
I was just thinking of making a small boxwood wreath…then, I read this post…so maybe I really will give it a try. Your cookies look scrumptious. I think I’ll go bake something….turning on the Christmas music first. Inspiration!
I just finished decorating my tree and sat down with my coffee to read your blog-I have my Christmas carols playing-what could be more wonderful reading about your holiday preparations. As I read, I am also watching outside my window. My bull terrier, Chunk, playing with the pool man as he attempts to clean my pool..
the simple things, yes.
And you to share yours with me.
Thank you, Susan
XX OO Robin
Susan, What a wonderful post with lots of fun pictures and treats to look at!! The giveaway is just fabulous! Thanks for the chance to win:)
You and Joe are a great wreath making team and I would be proud to hang one of your creations on my front door! In the unlikely event that I don’t win your giveaway, the small holly bushes in my backyard may be in jeopardy 😉 xoxo
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blogs, Willard’s, everything! When I need a pick- me- up, I read your cookbooks because they make me so happy!! Thank you for all you do to bring sunshine into my life. 🙂
I drove my family crazy this past weekend because I wasn’t feeling well, but I also don’t like to sit still. So…I made a few banners from the last post while sitting on the couch watching Christmas movies with my daughter. It was so much fun, even if I was under the weather! By the way, I love the tea mug; polka dots are truly whimsical.
When I got home from work there were already 659 comments. But maybe this time #660 will be the winner. I, too, ogle the beautiful pictures. Since I have very few Christmas decorations up, I will enjoy yours. I hope there isn’t a limit to how many times I can find new things to admire in your blog and pictures..
It was wonderful to read such a colorful and fun post- your decorating is inspiring. I would dearly love to win the giveaway too. All of it is lovely but the wreath- well it’s too beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity.
I spent yesterday decorating my house…you are always an inspiration to me…now I will go and “tweek” what is done. Thanks I wouls LOVE to be the winner of this holiday happiness gift…still missing a wreath…would love to hang Joe’s on my door!
It was wonderful and beautiful to see your house decorated. I try to do the little extra things for holidays as well. You are my mentor, I think the world of you, thank you very much. Merry Christmas!
Barbara B.
Pick me, pick me, pick me???? I’m starting with some new Christmas traditions for my own self as this is my first Christmas in my new apartment with just me and the cats. Would love to have this little mug and note book to make gifty notes while I drink my tea and enjoy my new wreath! It would be so AWESOME!!!
Your wreaths are so pretty. Joe did good! Homemade is best, if at all possible. I’m hoping to get our tree up soon –if this rain stops long enough for us to get it into the house. 🙂 Thank you for the give-away. What a treat it would be to enjoy a wreath made and decorated by Joe and Susan!
Oh, oh, oh ~ pick me, pick me, pick me! Thank you for the beautiful and inspiring decoration photos Susan! 🙂
Susan & Joe, Merry Christmas,love all you decorations, old and country is my mode. Have tried all types of styles and always go back to traditinal and old fashion. You have given me many new ideas thanks.would love to win the new contast as would everyone else so good luck to us all !!!. Love the wreath might try planting some of those greens. Happy Holidays to you and All !!!!
Susan
You inspired me to hang a little festive swag in my kitchen . . .I found one today on a shopping trip . . .and am hanging it over my kitchen sink. I also have a village of wooden houses with snow on their roofs sitting on the windowsill with some cute felt snowmen that I know you would love!
Oh Susan, I just love Jack what a “smart” kitty he is…I know that each person (I hope..anyway) who owns a cat or a dog just knows how ‘smart’ they are!! This is how we feel about our little Rusty….(I think I need to blog a little more about the amazing ‘smart’ things he does…lol!) But oh my gosh, if I could I would just love to reach through my computer and grab him and Kitty…they are both just adorable. And who wouldn’t want one of them purry away on their lap???
You have the neatest ideas for decorating your home and Joe…well that is a whole different story….love what he has found in the back yard and has been doing with all the greens! And you just know how to add that final touch! smile…
Your tree is perfect…I wish at times that we could get a ‘real’ tree again, nothing like the smell of fresh pine in a home at Christmas time! And I hate to say it but I have yet to find a candle or a spray that even comes close to that smell….
I’m still in aw of the thought of your ‘giveaway’… What a gift you are giving some blessed person and how I would absolutely ‘love’ to win. So….please throw my name in Santa’s hat and I pray Vanna will be smiling on me!…ha…ha…
Blessings and love,
Gert
I’ll do it Gert!
Oh I love the mug it would look so cute with my christmas mugs that I display in my kitchen and I absolutely love the wreath that Joe made…he is so talented. I bet that wreath smells soooo good. 🙂
Your house is looking so fine Miss Susan! I am tickled that I remember some of your traditional decorations from last year’s post – your tiny house with the tiny lights for your stove, and your bird tree. It’s beginning to look like Christmas there. Have you had snow yet? I love a good snow for Christmas.
Once again, thank you for including Jack and Girl Kitty in your post. They are adorable. I have my fingers crossed about the giveaway, but whoever wins will be a Girlfriend, so good for them! Pam in Dallas, TX
WOW!!! Joe makes wreaths too!!! You are a blest woman to have such a thoughtful husband….I have one of those husbands, too!!! Thanks for offering another gift!!! Everytime you offer something wonderful, I think, this is it!!! YEAH!!! It is fun just thinking about it!!! You are amazing….I am your biggest fan; my sister says I am a “Susan Branch wanna bee” – thanks for sharing your life with us:]
“Joyful! Joyful!!” Joyful!!!” your postings sing! I adore Christmas! Our tree is up and the lights are strung – just waiting for the ornaments. My mom began collecting ornaments for my 3 brothers and me in the early sixties. They started out random, with the year recorded using her special gold pen. It evolved so that each year we received an ornament signifying an event or accomplishment or memory from our life that year. I have a plastic spool and needle from 1972 when I learned to sew; a sweatered bear from 1979 when I went off to college (first time seeing snow for this SoCal native!); a little figure from 1984 wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase for my first job; a globe from 1989 for my first trip abroad…. Every year I remind my husband what each one means – though now he interrupts me and finishes the story! I’ve started collecting them for him. When we married 10 years ago I felt sad for him that only I had these whimsical souvenirs from of my past. But now we have our own collection, married with the old. Some of my favorites are from his students – he’s a fifth grade teacher. Before we married he would discard the Crayola-ed construction papered creations. Not any more! I insist we save them, and each year they brighten our tree! We remember the 12-year olds, and wonder where the now-young-adults are in their journeys. Our tree is cheerful, comforting, whimsical and joyful!
(inside on the tree AND outside! YEAH for us!!). This year I’m hanging large, bright bulb ornaments from the eaves of our home – I’m hoping it will look festive and wonderful!
Thank you for sharing your magic and memories!
What wonderful memories on your tree! Lovely!
Susan, I love the wreaths! Joe does a beautiful job.. your house looks so festive with the fresh greens and decorations. Maybe I need to scout around my yard and see what I can come up with.. I love the pictures of Jack and Girl Kitty. It is definitely going to be a kitty kat Christmas at our house too. I went to a workshop Saturday morning and made a boxwood Advent wreath (all fresh greens). I was going to add the four candles to it when I got home. I came home, put it down, walked out of the room, and came back to find one of my new kittens curled up in the center of it, like he was in a little nest.. I surrender. I will put that in the kitchen window seat and let them enjoy it… I’ll save the candles for something else! : ) I love that polka dot teacup too.. Thanks for another great post.. It will be fun to see the Yankee pictures. I hope they take alot of them. Enjoy!
“Joyful! Joyful!!” Joyful!!!” your postings sing! I adore Christmas! Our tree is up and the lights are strung – just waiting for the ornaments. My mom began collecting ornaments for my 3 brothers and me in the early sixties. They started out random, with the year recorded using her special gold pen. It evolved so that each year we received an ornament signifying an event or accomplishment or memory from our life that year. I have a plastic spool and needle from 1972 when I learned to sew; a sweatered bear from 1979 when I went off to college (first time seeing snow for this SoCal native!); a little figure from 1984 wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase for my first job; a globe from 1989 for my first trip abroad…. Every year I remind my husband what each one means – though now he interrupts me and finishes the story! I’ve started collecting them for him. When we married 10 years ago I felt sad for him that only I had these whimsical souvenirs from of my past. But now we have our own collection, married with the old. Some of my favorites are from his students – he’s a fifth grade teacher. Before we married he would discard the Crayola-ed construction papered creations. Not any more! I insist we save them, and each year they brighten our tree! We remember the 12-year olds, and wonder where the now-young-adults are in their journeys. Our tree is cheerful, comforting, whimsical and joyful!
Love the sound of your tree Nancy! All those memories!
Thank you for the lovely wreath ideas ~ will Joe mind if I steal the boxwood idea? – I think it will add the perfect balance to my wreath – looking forward to the chocolate cookie recipe – they look yummy and what a nice treat for Joe after his work with the wreath and garlands. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
What a nice giveaway for the holidays, someone is really going to enjoy these treasures!
Add my name please Susan. Oh how I would love all of those goodies!
You have a gift for making your home look so cozy!
I love Joe’s handiwork, I have a hard time with artificial anything and love the smell of real trees and wreaths. How rewarding to not only make it with your own hands but find the materials in your own yard! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Your site always lifts me up and takes me back at the same time 🙂
Susan! I absolutely LOVE vintage whimsy! And I love reading your blog posts! You make my day! I like your garlands, and Jos is an absolute angel! And quite talented! Not to mention a sweetie pie! ( i did mention it didn’t i?)
Well, I wanted to pop in my message, I would love that wonderful tea cup set and note pad! I want to come back and visit the Vinyard! I miss it so much! It’s been too long!!!! And I would love to visit you!
Thanks for ALL your talent sharing!!
Linda 🙂
I love all your decorations, and your blog! Thanks for giving us a little window into your world. 🙂
Your blog always shares your happiness and projects, and it is such a delight!!!
Makes me want to visit Martha’s Vineyard one day–
I live in Washington, and miss the cardinals so much, your little pad, and
cup, and the wreath, would make someone’s Christmas so wonderful!!!!! Such
a generous gift!!!!
I am recovering from surgery, and do not feel up to much decorating, so it
is so fun to see your house, and share a little of your fun.
God Bless you!!! Lovingly, Vicky
Take it easy, next Christmas will be much more fun if you just take this one off! Feel better soon!
Everything’s looking perfect! I can’t wait for the snow to arrive!
Thank you for such a beautiful peek at New England Christmas! (Writing this from N. Ca.)
Rachel
Your house is looking so beautiful. We are getting our tree on Saturday and I am so excited. My first real tree in 12 years!!!! You can just imagine that I am practically jumping up and down with anticipation. Merry Christmas!
How wonderful!
I just found your blog about a month or so ago, time flies so really not sure. Anyways, love your cozy blog…you are so inspirational and love so many of the same things I love. Home making, gardening, whimsey, and cats…we just got 2 kittens for our 13 and 11 year old daughters and are loving the fun they bring to our home. Take Care and keep blogging.
Two new kittens! Lucky you! Nice to meet you Katherine!
Just read your post, Susan, and I LOVE your traditional whimsical decorating. But I have to say Joe’s garland and wreath made me gasp and turn to my husband (who is sitting two feet away from me) and say “Isn’t that beautiful?”- and he agreed. So I continued with, “her HUSBAND made that!” To which he replied “That’s nice.” I even got pathetic enough that I actually ASKED the man, “wouldn’t YOU like to make one?” His answer? “No, I wouldn’t”-
well, there you go- I tried!
But then, low and behold as your sweet post ends I see a give away with all sorts of goodies AND a “Joe Wreath”?!! Be still my beating heart!! YES! PLEASE enter me! I promise that any work from the “Susan and Joe team” will be made at home here! 😉 Thank you!
I’m still surprised that Joe had this skill and chose to display it! Now he is slightly trapped by his own success as I am looking at him and thinking, make me more. 🙂
Your decorating looks great, can’t wait to see the tree. I am sending you a mental image of the trees at my house. We have our fresh cut one in the living room and an artificial one for the kitchen. Do you like the blue lights on the one in the kitchen? So silly, I know. Happy decorating!
LOL Andi!
I can’t get over the wreaths ….they are so pretty…..and Joe is absolutely amazing! You did a lovely job adding the decorations too. I can see exactly why you fell in love with him …and why you fell in love with Jack! He IS the cutest and most intelligent of all cats.
He looks like the perfect pet! I can’t wait to hear all about Yankee Magazines visit! It is so thrilling …and appropriate since YOU are the greatest! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Oh, my goodness, Susan! Such beauty, and such generosity. Please add my name to the list of girlfriends who are crossing their fingers.
Hi Susan,
It seems that we SB devotees, share so much in common with you. We appreciate our family, our friends, our homes and pets, seasons and holidays, nature, art in so many forms, creating things, giving…
Your posts are such a treat since I can relate to what you share. I, too, get up early believing it’s the Bestest part of the day, and do my little thing while I get ready to go off to school – tea, taking in the river view from the kitchen, walking our Westie…it’s been a great day even before I get to see the kids at school!
Like you, I have a group of close girlfriends, we have been friends for 30 years as we raised our kids. We have gotten together every 2 week all these years, drink tea, knit, share our lives and support each other. We feel so fortunate to have each other! We came to meet you in Plymouth, MA at a book signing..it was a treat for all of us!
Thank you for all that you so for us… your faithful friends from afar!
Merry Christmas!!!!