Monday, November 30, 2015

Christmas Decorating in Progress



I have been gone from posting for several days.  I spent the time with
David and Bentley, visiting friends, chatting with friends on the phone,
cooking, getting out the Christmas decorations and shopping.

I thought I would give you a sneak peak at the things I am pulling out
to begin decorating the whole house and bringing in the Christmas spirit.




The little Christmas tree went up on the shelf.  I have not finished the mini
skirt yet and just started wrapping the mini packages.  So much fun!



The Texas Rosebud Dollhouse is getting ready for the season too.
Cards are already coming in and Christmas cookies are baking.  
The tree is up, but not decorated yet.  Unlike the other minis, this
dollhouse is all in pinks and greens and it's shabby and chic.




This year my theme is "Mad for Plaid".  I am finding ways to add tartans
to every nook and cranny.




The kitchen will be jolly too.



Hunting for all the napkin rings and candles.




Dogs galore ….



Here's McDuff.  Looks like he's saying …. Hang on Lassie, I'm playing
through ;-)  I have to represent the golfer in the family!  That would be
my husband David.




Of course horses will be represented too.  Y'all know that aside from the dogs,
this house has a big equestrian theme.



Lots of decorating going on in my studio too.  So much to do for
the two Christmas Home Tours I will be joining.




It's going to be lots of fun!


Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley










Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Just The Two and One Half of Us


We were supposed to have a guest stop by for Thanksgiving dinner
but our guest can't make it, so it will be just David, Bentley and me.
The two and one half of us ;-)

I have a 13 pound turkey and we will be having lots of trimmings
so I imagine we will be eating left overs for some time.  It will be a
really laid back day and I am looking forward to just cooking and
listening to the sound of football in the background.  Looking back
I don't think it has been just the two of us for twenty years.   

Bentley and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and we are 
so blessed to have you as friends and we are thankful that y'all
come visit us as often as you do.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Thanksgiving China, Crystal, Silver



I love getting ready for Thanksgiving at our house.  We always pull out
the good china and crystal and silver.  I know that many are much less
formal these days, but David and I cling to our traditions and really like
to set an elegant and festive mood.  




Opening cabinets, pulling out drawers, gathering bits of this and that
to set the mood.




I am so surrounded by family heirlooms that although we have lost many
family members over the last several years, seeing all the handed down pieces
brings back so many happy memories.  I am a very sentimental girl.




Parents, grandparents, greats and aunts and uncles memories
 tucked away in nooks and crannies all come out on this special day.




Polishing silver, wiping china and crystal with soft cloths so that
everything sparkles and shines.



Loving memories treasured and new ones made each year on this
 very special day.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley



Monday, November 23, 2015

Sneak Peek at Christmas Miniatures


Here is a little sneak peek at the mini Christmas living room on a vintage
shelf in my breakfast room.  I planned to show you this after 
Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't wait to show you the mini Christmas
stockings I made.



The tree is not up in this mini living room yet, but will be by the end of 
this week.  I really am hooked on minis :-)  Now to get back to getting
the full size house ready for Thanksgiving.  I am excited about cooking
the turkey and all the trimmings!

Also ~ I will have my house all decorated from top to bottom for
Christmas and will be participating in two holiday home tours.
See my sidebar for more details.  Bentley and I are planning lots
of Christmas cheer in every room including the front and back
porches, so don't miss it!


Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Need Some Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas?


Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch is a master at tablescape design.  She
always inspires me.




Check out these adorable turkey napkins ~ so clever!



Pinecones and antlers for the centerpiece.




Yvonne over at Stone Gable also has wonderful ideas.  Look at her kitchen 
island all dressed for turkey day.



Love this combination of shapes and the natural centerpiece.




Speaking of centerpieces ~ I love this one!



And Kim's centerpiece at Savvy Southern Style.




And you will always find great tablescape ideas from Mary
over at Home Is Where The Boat Is.



Yet another beautiful tablescape from Mary ~ and you just can't
beat that view.



Of course, I am very partial to the Thanksgiving tablescape at the home of
Susan Branch.  There is a certain festive, happy home type atmosphere that I
find so appealing.  You just know the company will be welcoming and fun and
that the food will be delicious.

In case you are stuck trying to decide how to set your table, I hope that
these ideas will provide some inspiration.  I'm still trying to decide what
I am going to do.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

















Friday, November 20, 2015

Fall 2015 Decorations Review


In just one week's time all of the fall decorations at Ash Tree Cottage
will be coming down to make way for Christmas.  Can you believe it?
Seems like only yesterday that I decorated for fall.  Well, come on 
inside and I will give you a tour of Fall 2015 before it is gone
forever ….
























Farewell to Fall 2015 ~ next Friday let the Christmas decorations
begin!

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley










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