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
Hi From Los Osos, CA – your old neck of the woods! Susan – what years were you published in Country Living Magazine and was it a monthly article?
Blessings to you and Joe for a fabulous Christmas holiday.
Julie
It was every other month and it was, I think, 88 to 90? Right around there! 🙂
We’ve been adopted by a Porch kitty who’s about the same age as Jack! We are taming each other planning for the best & gentlest way to integrate him into our 2 kitty 1 BIG dog household. He Loves Abby, our English Mastiff, except when she stepped on his tail:(
His favorite place is under the potted Christmas tree with the lights at night…second to rolling in the dusty walk way… we’re calling him Dust Buster. Dusty for short.
Merry Christmas to You & Hubby, Girl & Jack!
I love him already!
Dear Susan,
Our cats, Tabby Sue & Duke love Jack and Girl Kitty! They too love the fireplace!
Like you, we think Duke (he is a Havana Brown, “more dog like than cat!”) wants to crawl into the fireplace to keep warm!
We love Christmas at our home too! Bringing out tons of Christmas Quilts, table runners, quilted socks, fireplace mantel covers (1 embroidered by Mom, another wool one crazy stitched by me), to make our home look loved!
My 3 cousins and myself Sunday baked 1,236 Christmas Cookies! How fun that was!
They all brought cookie dough mixed up the day before and refrigerated. We baked them in our 2 ovens (on Convection Bake…2 sheets in each oven) from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. We all were beat, but so excited! My favorite, a friend brought to bake……. same dough, divided in 3rds, 3 different ingredients in each 1/3, then layered overnight in a wax paper lined bread pan, then removed, cut and baked the next day! Bottom was white with poppy seeds, the center was red with mar chino cherries, and the top was chocolate! The most unusual Christmas cookie I have seen in years and it tasted the best by far too! We love Christmas! Would love to enjoy fresh loose tea with a cookie soon! Merry Christmas from KS to you and your family (kitties included)!
There is nothing like a good, warm fire and furry friends to know that things are okay in the world.
Well, with over 1,000 comments I don’t think I’m going to ever get through this post anytime soon! So I’m getting my comment in so I can be in the running for the terrific prize.
You’re just like my mother! Any time you admired something in her house, she’d send it home with you. I was really admiring those wreaths and garlands and that cup and notebook. I was also admiring that Westie on your hearth. 🙂 My Gabriel is a Westie. I dropped him off at the groomer this morning and was missing him and then I saw the Westie in your photos with wonderful Jack. You really know how to make a girl feel happy.
Thank you, Susan, for being so generous with your ideas, feelings, and visions of your lovely life! Best wishes for a glorious holiday season. I would love to win the cup with the lid and Joe’s beautiful handiwork, but just seeing them is present enough for me.
Susan from Spokane
Just beautiful! You are so inspiring. And your hubbie, wow, am I impressed!! Would love, love, love one of the wreaths!
I love the vintage decorations I have for Christmas. They never used to be “vintage”– just hand-me-downs! Or perhaps they’re a bit of Christmas that reminds me of my family at Christmas time. I have recently purchased just a few Shiny Brites because my dad has a small box of them from his youth that he really enjoys. So sweet!
I mix the handmade, with the “nicer” new ornaments and then tossin the vintage ornaments with a bit of character! It all looks good together!
Beautiful Christmas decor! I just love the little ‘love’ tea cup!
Your blog has been the favorite part of my day! Thanks for sharing all of your traditional whimsy.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for the wonderful gift you give to me all year, sharing everything magical and inspirational that pours out of you! You are a great blessing and really help put a lot of joy and beauty in each day. Enjoy creating Christmasland!
It just doesn’t get any better than that!!! As one of the other GF said….”would love to get this giveaway, but would love to get ALL of them”!! What a special Christmas it will be for the one that does!!!! 🙂 Joe’s wreath and swags are just lovely…he is truly multi-talented, just like you! The two of you make quite a team!! (Does Joe use a grapevine wreath for the base of the wreath or a wire ring?) Hmmmm, not only does Joe fix breakfast, designs and makes gardens, rebuilds porches and now makes greenary decorations….there is no end!! I do feel sorry for the husband that left a comment!!!!! 😉
So nice that you have each other to create and enjoy live together. And then there’s Jack…….what more can I say?!!!!! Looking forward to every “peak” into your preparations for Yankee…..BTW, you should be the one taking the pictures!!!!!! 🙂 xoxoxo Miriam
Oh thank you!
This post was so cheerful…so much creativity between you and your husband Joe. Merry Christmas!
Your decorating is wonderfully “homespun”. Can’t wait to see your tree. It looks perfect! If we can get out of the 80’s maybe we will have a chance for a white Christmas ~ otherwise, I will just enjoy yours through cyberspace. Have a wonderful holiday
Love seeing the decorations going up in your home. I spied that beautiful cup earlier in the post and thought to myself, “I have to have one of those!” I am so enjoying the brown bird teacup set. Thank you for searching out these little treasures for us and offering them up on your website.
What a talented Husband you have, He is THE perfect guy for you! Lucky girl to have found your true Soulmate. Love the cute cup, notepad the greenry and the wonderful wreath. I’m saving the spot on my front door for it. Thanks for all you do to make us happy. Love, Karen
He’s my best Christmas present ever! Thank you back Karen!
Hi Susan! You have been inspiring by your work and heart since 2000! or maybe even later. But your books and stories have been part of my family traditions throughout the seasons and years.
Thank you so much!
Love and Laughter,
Holly Lynn Cook
Thanks for your blog and Willard. I just read Willard and your childhood was similar to mine. I was a California child and never saw snow til I was 10 years old! What Californians lack in snow they make up for in lights! I now live in Wisconsin and am married to a New Englander, so we love the change in seasons. I baked Christmas cookies wearing shorts and having the windows open our first married Christmas in San Diego. Mu husband came home, smelled cookies baking as he walked across the courtyard of our apartment complex and hoped it was coming from our house, which it was. We have experienced warm Christmases and the good old fashioned winter ones.As our daughter would say, “It’s all good!” Have a Merry Christmas!
It’s all good!
Thanks, Susan, for brightening up my day with your blog!
Merry Christmas!
bh
Hello Susan! Thank you for this post it’s beautiful!I love cats !! I think i’m going to be a cat lady when i get older! I have a cute little kitty named Saphira who lives outdoors[ my sisters allergic] with big blue eyes. Sometimes i call her ol’blue eyes like Frank Sinatra!We just decorated are tree and when we just sat down it fell! Nothing broke though! Have you ever had a accedent with your tree? I love your mug and note pad sooo cute! Id love too win it to! I hope you have a good Christmas season! LoveFaith
Yes, the whole thing fell over about 15 minutes after we got it decorated! Quite a shock! We lost a few glass decorations, but none of the old ones!
Dear Susan,
Greetings from Cape Coral, FL. It is more difficult for a New Englander to get in the Christmas mood when it is 80 degrees. But, today, I spent the day with my girfriends at a lunch and cookie exchange. We had a blast talking and laughing all afternoon. I find it doesn’t matter the weather, it matters who you are with that makes your heart glad. Now, I’m in the Christmas spirit!
You are such a lovely and generous person and Joe is your perfect partner!
What wonderful gifts from your hearts. Your magical, happy spirit shines through whatever you do. Thank you for thinking of us girlfriends.
Have a magnificent week! Lorraine
I just love the things you and Joe do with your greenery! Wonderful!
P.S. – My kitty,Calista, sends greetings to her “cousin,” Girl Kitty.
This may sound pathetic, but I truly live for your wonderful posts and pictures! I LOVE your Christmas look and find it wonderfully sweet that Joe is a vital part of it all . . . so is Jack 😉 Thank you for your posts . . . they brighten my days, make me laugh outright, stir up wonderful memories, and make me feel blessed to be a small part of your life. Thank you for the opportunity and merriest of Christmases to you and yours.
Doesn’t sound pathetic to me! 🙂 Thank you Carol!
“It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas (put in the melody) at Susan Branch’s house”. 🙂 It looks festive ~ and yes! ~ “whimsical” 🙂 ! If one of Joe’s wreaths were to arrive at my front door, I would keel over ! Merry Christmas to you both ! Helen
Oh, how you have INSPIRED me! I already have a couple of paperwhites in bloom, and have started more! Our Christmas dishes and “silverware” are out of storage and being used with the Santa placemats. I am hoping to make the “Merry Christmas” garland and hang it over our bed for the season. Thank you for all the joy and whimsy you send our way. MP
I sure do look forward to getting your e-mails. My cat “Henry” likes his belly rubbed too. I didn’t think that was a cat thing. I sure wish you and Joe, Girl Kitty, & Jack a very wonderful Holiday! Thank you for sharing your life with us GF’s:)
As always, you inspire me!!! Altho’ I think I’d have to challenge my little luvbug Binx to your Jack because mine is a very smart kitty too.
Two things I look forward to are your blog (I look everyday) and my Yankee magazine in the mail. It will be fun to see your home in next years Christmas issue. I made a Merry Christmas banner for my window using small disk tags that I put in coffee grounds then let them dry. They look vintage after they dry. I hung them on twine. Very traditional Christmas looking. My husband and I went to a local antique shop this weekend and we found some adorable angels and choir boys from the 50’s. More traditional decorating. I would love to win the mug to add some whimsy. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas!!! 🙂
I so love your post! I was feeling down but now that I saw how Christmasy everything looks in your neck of the woods ( it’s warm here in Ca. !) I want to get out my old movies (White Christmas, Scrooge the really old one, etc.) and dance around the house LOL!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see more and Thank You for all of the wallpapers and bookmarks too Susan. Sandy
Between your talents and those of your Joe, your home is so warm and welcoming!! I would love to have one of Joe’s wreaths hanging in my log home here on the mainland. I could put it up, make myself some tea in your pretty cup and have myself a little “Martha’s Vineyard Moment”. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us.
I took a break from decorating and decided to read your blog, which I always love, and you talking about your kitty made me laugh because as I was walking into my office I noticed my kitty is now sleeping in the middle of my Christmas house display on my sofa table looking like a big giant in the middle of Kitty Christmas Island. She and Jack would get along famously. Off to take a picture. And I love Joe’s wreaths. I bet they smell wonderful!
Hi Susan,
I love your tree….I’m looking at the exact same one in my living room…how did it get there!? Some years it takes us almost a week to trim the tree. I know that sounds crazy, I used to put it up when I was home with my mother in one day. She had to put up the lights, not that I minded watching, so now my husband has that job because if I do it there are more pine needles on the floor than on the tree, but he puts up one strand after work at a time. lol Poor man…he just put up the garland and lights on the fence and I’m asking him to put the lights on the tree too. Oh well, I love watching him do things. lol All kidding aside, like your Joe, my Bruce is the love of my life. We met at 16..then met again at 27 and became engaged…broke up…then met again and finally married at 42…what a story! We love every day we have together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Maureen
Third time is a charm!
Hello Susan,
Just looking at your home as you decorate for Christmas brings back such lovely childhood memories for me. You have certainly captured that warm,cozy, comfortable feeling I remember. I feel so relaxed after viewing your posts!
And the wreaths……..! Simple and beautiful! A treat from your backyard. Thank you for all you share.
What a generous helping of Christmas spirit to inspire us all. Love all of your blog. And winning one of Joe’s wreaths would really bring Christmas to my desert home.
God bless!
Oh, wow, you give away the sweetest prizes. I would not need another single thing for Christmas if I won your wonderful things. And to have a homemade wreath made by a famous person would be awesome. Yes, Joe is now famous.
Love this post – happy holiday prepping! Jack’s a darling!!
Dear Susan,
I love the little tea cup with the bird in it and the tree with the birds. My husband and I inherited a small collection of birds like that from his Mother and I have never found a good way to display them now I will have to try a bird tree and a bird tea cup. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas and creations. Happy Christmas from British Columbia, Canada.
uh oh… somehow I managed to leave my comment on the wrong post! It’s on the previous one! I read the entry in my email first and I must’ve scrolled down too far on the blog!
I love reading your blog. I live in sunny Florida now and miss the north so much in December. Your house is so adorable.
Oh Yes Please!! The wreaths are lovely and that tea cup and saucer made me smile. I hope you choose me 🙂
lovely Christmas post, Susan! Note the profile on Jimmy Stewart in the new issue of “Matchbook Magazine” (free email digital magazine) Very interesting reading~ he truly had a WONDERFUL LIFE!
my little Luna kitty does the same thing. She jumps to do the leg rub. silly kitties. I love birds, so I just might have to “borrow” your bird tree idea and make one of my own for my kitchen (as long as I can keep my feather stalkers away from it). Thank you Susan for giving me the boost in the rear that I needed to make my home all Christmasy. I’ve been dragging my feet as I haven’t been feeling inspired, but reading this post has given me the spirit that I’ve needed. Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties! Jennifer
I have a question about this week’s Willard: You post a photo of a drink which you posted last year, with the recipe-it was a HUGE hit at my annual Christmas Eve party and I’d like to serve it again. I think it’s cranberry juice and champagne, but can’t remember exactly, and it had a darling name. Could you pleeeease post the recipe again(and this time I will put it in a safe place!)? Ta ever so!
Yes, it’s a Holly Jolly … I’ll put it up with the cookie recipe, they would be REALLY good together! 🙂
After going all out for Halloween and Thanksgiving, plus having 17 over for Thanksgiving dinner, my husband and I are a little tired and slow on getting the Christmas decorations out, not being as young as we were. How much easier it was at 30 instead of 60! Your lovely, homey decorations just may be the spark we need to get us off our tired duffs. Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and please give both the kitties a pat for us.
Your lovely blog went a long way in curing my blues today, but winning such a lovely gift from you and Joe would send me over the moon.
I think adding a custom wreath by Joe will crash your server with all the folks who would love to have one! If the notepad and darling tea service were not enough already…just icing on the cake. Thanks for sharing the whimsy with the traditional – they belong together. Thanks!
This could actually happen!
Love, Love, Love the things you are sharing — especially JACK :-). I’m glad I ordered two bird cups while they were available. I enjoy sipping tea while working on a Christmas memory story from the mid 40’s. I was in charge of my two younger brothers while my parents were out shopping. The bare tree was sitting in the living room and I remembered seeing the boxes of decorations on a rare glimpse of our attic space. I talked them into dragging in a ladder, installing it in the pantry where there was a ceiling hatch access to this attic. It was a great adventure leading them up that ladder, wrestling those boxes down to the living room and surprising Mom and Dad with the tree all decorated. Very fun to remember and write about all this while drinking tea from the darling cup. I ordered two. One will be for my sister-in-law along with the story of one Christmas with her husband, my brother. I tried to order two more for my daughters, but all gone . . . So maybe I’ll try for the polka dot ones . . . . Thanks for all the inspiration. I JUST LOVE JACK!
Sylvia in Seattle.
As always, you and Joe are inspiring. Especially love the way you are bringing nature inside to celebrate the season. Just Sunday I was out in my neighbors back yard cutting holly, it looks lovely in a matte white pot. Thanks so much for sharing and brightening our day.
Thank you for the inspiration! I have the same greens in my yard and will try my hand at it too! Thank you!
Even a sprig over the top of all your pictures and mirrors!
Love to have a chance to win but most of all wish you a Merry Christmas and hope everything looks grand for your debut in the Yankee magazine. Such cute wonderful decorations!!!
I love your blog–just wish one came every day! You inspire me to try new things in decorating.☺
Susan, another enjoyable post….thank you! I remember your “bird tree” from last year. I wanted to make one for my mother who also loves birds, but I didn’t get around to it. I need to work on that for this year! The mug, notepad, and wreath are so wonderful! Stay warm and cozy!
Thank you for all the inspiration to try new things!
I enjoy it so very much when you show us your home and you tell us of your daily life. I filled my dining room hutch with Emma Bridgewater tins and mugs last night. I bought everything she designed for her Big Love line because my husband’s grandfather name is Big and I decorate for Christmas with red and white. I added a few Martha Stewart red and pink cookie boxes from Michaels and a pitcher and small tray from Greengate bought in Keswick last summer. I think of you when I enjoy my memories of England since we were there at the same time.
Oh Susan ! You are too good to us. I was at a Christmas luncheon on Saturday (at Ethel’s) and came home to start the tree. Sadly we have an artificial one these days but not prelit. I love lights and I put 20 multicolored strands on it each year. 2000 lights make a tree just sparkle. Finished the lights, hubby helping me with the garland an all but two light strands went out. I sat down. Didn’t say a word. Think time was great. I thought maybe I had overloaded the cords. Sure enough I switched things to extra extension cords and the all relit except the top. I replaced that tonight. Sometimes the holiday spirit is tested but then we get a new blog from you and we can’t wait to get back to it. Can’t wait to see the tree. Love to you, Joe, Jack and Girl. Luv Lucy
LOL, and one time I got my whole tree decorated and about 15 minutes later, it fell over! Now we tie it to the wall … what were we thinking??
I love-love-love your site! It’s such an uplifting place to visit! Your decorations are just like Christmas should be…homespun, warm, and inviting! Thanks for sharing your world with us!
Oh, you are so sweet! I love all of the “whimsy” touches in your home. Merry Christmas to you and Joe…………….and a blessed 2013.
my kitties all walk as ghost cats now so visiting Jack and Girl cat is such a joy, I’m Canadian and not sure if Canadians are welcome to join in but I would love to join in the fun give away.I can’t wait for the magazine to come out! You have the best home, beautiful yet homey!
Oh yes, we MUST have Canadians, or we wouldn’t be complete! xo
Been wanting to thank you for offering the hooked rugs and chair pads at such an affordable price. I went nuts…..chair pads on every chair, stool, and bench. And a beautiful hooked rug on the floor in front of my old treadle sewing machine. It looks wonderful. Thank you, Susan.
We were lucky to get them at such a low price and wanted to take advantage of it for you! For as long as they last! Glad you like them Ruth!
Hi Susan,
I am enjoying all your inspiring post. I spent the day feathering my nest too.
Thank you for the give ways. Oh tomorrow I am going to make a project from your Christmas book.
XXOO
Elizabeth
Delightful photos. Love the wreaths.
So much enjoyment out of one blog site….
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Susan! Thank you for another chance to win a lovely little something from your corner of the world.
Michele
What a cheerful, fun post! And a chance at a beautiful wreath from Joe. Who could ask for more? (Except maybe a “hug” from Jack or Girl Kitty.)
Thank you for sharing your Vineyard Christmas with us. I can’t wait to see you featured in Yankee Magazine! How exciting:)
Thank you for sharing such wonderful Christmas treasures especially the four-legged variety!
Oh my goodness. You and your Joe are amazing. Such inspirations. And yes, we should have known that Joe could do anything he set his mind on for you. How lovely for all of you, Jack too. How nice that the bird tree is not a new temptation. Thank you for all you share. I have realized this year I have been such a slacker. Maybe, this will spur me on to do more and more instead of less and less.
Bunny hugs,
Shirley
What wonderful giving hearts you share with us all. I love your post!
Thank you, Susan, for all the great decorating ideas. I love seeing what you are up to every day. Your home, and cats, are just so inviting and warm. My young cat, Lily, likes to walk on the keyboard to express her thanks, too.
Not feeling Christmassy yet. Hopefully soon I will feel motivated to to add some whimsy to my house!! Your house is looking quite lovely!!
Thank you, Susan, for the cozy post! Just love meandering inside and out of your lovely abode, especially with the kitties adding their own whimsy!
Warmly,
Carolyn
I really feel the love of Christmas in your writing and decorating. So glad the magazine is going to publish it. The winner of this give away is going to be a very greatful winner. Merry Christmas from Oregon.
What cozy decorations! Thanks for the chance to win some Christmas goodies!
Thank you Susan for all the beauty you share! Your creativity is so inspiring! Makes my world happier just to read your blog and your “Willard’s”!
Gosh, I wish I lived in your house. It looks so festive with your handmade decorations. I’d love to be the lucky name picked for your goodies.
What a wonderful giveaway, I have started drinking tea again mostly because you have inpired me too , I cant wait to see your home when your done, !!!!!!
Thank you for the little glimpse into your sweet, charming, adorable home. It is looking so festive! Thank you for the pictures of Jack, Girl Kitty and Joe’s wonderful creations. I look forward to seeing a new blog from you, as it brightens my day, thank you Susan.
I am crossing my fingers and wishing upon a star that I might be the lucky girl that gets chosen.
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty.
Hi everyone….
It’s pretty warm out my way…more like early Spring…but they said the cold weather is on it’s way soon.
I have started to decorate…always start on my birthday…November 29…it is sort of tradition with me. My son put up the tree for me…so it only needs the ornaments now! Susan…your house looks so cute…really homey. Can’t wait for the Yankee Magazine article next year.
Talk to everyone soon
Please Vanna…the mug and tablet is such a lovely treat…how nice to drink my cocoa or tea in it on cold nights here in the Northeast!
Kathie from Limerick. Pa
Oh what a Merry Christmas Cottage you have, Love It ♥
Hi Susan,
I wanted to comment on Willard that I received today. ” What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?” is my very favorite New Year’s Eve song!! I fell in love it after seeing the video of Zooey Deschandel and Joseph Gordan Lovitt singing it last year. I love the ukelele too!! They are just so “whimsical” together! Thanks for letting me hear it again.
And I can’t wait to see Yankee Magazine next year with you and your beautiful Christmas dcorations. Please tell Jow he can make a wreath at my house anytime!!
Ann
I texted my 24-year-old niece just this morning; she happens to be a dead ringer for Zooey, and I wrote, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you love Zooey Deschanel?” She wrote back, “1,000,000; I’m calling you.” Then we went on and on, did you see this, did you see that. Love her, that’s all, she’s my new favorite!
Do you watch New Girl? Zooey is the only reason I watch the show. How lucky is your niece to look like her! Maybe someday you could incorporate Zooey into one of your blogs! About 5 years ago, my son wrote a movie script and thought Zooey would be great as the female lead. At the time, I had no idea who she was. But now I can see, with her clever quirkiness, she would have been great in the part. Unfortunately, he never did sell the script…but if he does…maybe its not too late!
I haven’t watched it yet, but I’m going to. I did put that New Years video in my last year’s New Year blog, one of my favorite sweet songs ever! And that ukelele, so darling. I’ve always loved Diane Keaton, and Zooey reminds me of her! Good luck to your son, I hope it happens!
Yes, Please Susan, enter me in your drawing. One of the coolest prizes ever. Two lovers pouring their love of beauty, Christmas, friends, and each other into a handmade creation – priceless! BTW as far as Jack being a small kitty – I have a 2 1/2 yr old orange tabby (too cute for words – AuggieBleu – with his blue eyes and “freckles”) and he was small until about 6 months ago and suddenly had an amazing growth spurt and is quite the big guy now. So ya never know…
That kind of happened with Girl too, so maybe, he’s really such a little guy. But strong!
Dear Susan and Joe,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful house with us. Your fireplace loving kitty is so precious…I love everytime you include him in your blog. Joe has done a banner job with the wreath. Well done you two!! P.S. you were so thoughtful of your little people who needed a few more trees on their windowsill!
Your home looks so cute and whimisical. I am almost done at my place in CA but keep finding little “things” that I really need to put somewhere!
As far as Little Jack being so little, we have a 13 year old girl named Queenie, who has always been about 9 pounds, and very dainty. She is a tuxedo cat, just like Jack and Girl Kitty.
I love your Christmas decorations and can’t wait to see the rest of the house! I especially liked the idea of decorating with your Beatrix Potter figurines!
Thanks for the continued inspiration.
Susan, I am cat-less at the present and love your cat stories. Makes me long for another kitty. Joe’s greenery projects are lovely.
Get a Kitty, Ruth Ann!
Vanna, dear Vanna, how I would love for you to draw my name! But if it is not to be, could I come to Martha’s Vineyard for Christmas with Susan, Joe, Jack and Girl?? Susan, you and Joe have outdone yourselves. Joe’s magic with fresh greenery is outstanding! All your efforts have inspired me to get going in a moment when I thought I just couldn’t do it this year. That is a gift in itself. Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your home and all your lovely holiday decorating ideas!
Oh, what a wonderful Christmas it would be to have Vanna draw my name for the gorgeous wreath and precious cup!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us all !
Your Joe is so cute for making all those wonderful, natural Xmas decorations for you. My hubby sat down with me last weekend and proceeded to paint his very first Xmas card, he painted a wreath using oils with a palette knife and its gorgeous!! We will use both our little 6×6 paintings this year for cards, they are being printed as we speak. There is a little artistic ability in us all, our hubbys have proved that to use
Now that was a post made for a King…. that’s what I’m talking about! Thank you for the wonderful “Jack” fix. 🙂 “God bless us, everyone!”
Joe did an outstanding job with the greenery. He can do it all! I love the kitchen window, it just keeps getting better. I was feeling kind of down the last blog and you had such kind words for me. Now I know why, I was starting with the shingles and am now just starting to feel better. It was not as bad as it could have been in some respects but was bad enough. But I finished Katie and Andy’s box for Okinawa done before it really got started bad and mailed off. There may not be much decorating done here but that’s ok too. My wonderful husband has been great and taken care of everything, he’s a real gem. Can’t wait to see the tree decorated, I know it will look beautiful as always.
What a wonderful job Joe did with all your natural Xmas decorations. My hubby sat down with me last weekend and painted his first Xmas card, a 6×6 oil with a palette knife. We are now having both our little paintings printed and all will be surprised when they receive his!! There is artistic ability in us all, our hubby’s have proved this!!
Very true, and in everyone, is what I believe.
Your site has helped me to be Merry!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I need, need, need a wreath. : )
Oh my! You are simply amazing and the little touches of whimsey remind me of a time in my childhood when I went to my Granny’s. I miss her so… Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts and for the chance to possibly win a little whimsey from your home to ours. xoxo Sherrie
Oh, my gosh! There are just too many cute things in your photos to pick just a few to say I love! The wreaths, of course, the bird tree, the cookies…I just love “visiting” your house!
Susan, this is a wonderful blog and I will thoroughly enjoy all of it, but first I have to tell you I am SO excited to see you have a Blo-Poke! Is that the real thing? For several years I worked for Bill Greenwood who bought the company from the Burt family in 2005. I took the phone calls for orders, and the email orders, and I loved talking to everyone about it. It truly is a wonderful product. A few years ago he sold the biz to his brother in St Louis (we are in WA) so my job ended. But I am so happy to see you are one of the special people who not only know about it but have one! xox for now, sandy 🙂
Good eye Sandy! Yes, it is the real thing. Belonged to Joe’s great aunt. It’s so HANDY! Brilliant invention!
Ohhhh, what a wonderful whimsical Christmas you and Joe are creating, so loving, so peaceful and full of magic! You inspire us all with your honest to goodness creativity! And that wonderful little Jack just fits in with it all. I love the vision I have in my mind of your home and the spirit that is within, how beautiful. Thank-you for all the sharing, you truly make everyday full of joy. I must get busy now and do some magic for my HOME ! I feel sooooooo Thankful ! oxox
love your decorations I have to get started on mine this weekend
Hi Susan,
I just gotta say it; “I love you! I love Joe! I love Jack!
Now the whole world knows and I don’t care.
Thanks for adding happiness to my life. Hugz!
Smiley faces around here are just way too small! xoxo
Oh my! You are simply amazing and your little touches of whimsey remind me of a time in my childhood at my Granny’s house. I miss her so… Thank you for giving all of us a chance to win a touch of whimsey from your home to ours. xoxo Sherrie