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!

Metamorphosis Monday

Tweak It Tuesday

Inspire Me

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

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

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

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!

Metamorphosis Monday

Tweak It Tuesday

Inspire Me

Wow Us Wednesday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

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.

source

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

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