The Kitchen Tree

How is it possible that this is Christmas weekend???

This has been an incredibly busy season for me.

Beginning in early November with our Holiday Show,

on to Thanksgiving and having Kate home for the weekend.

Then, decorating and shopping for the holidays.

After that, my brother Rick and I made a quick trip together

to visit our parents.

All the while, I've also been working diligently to get

my Etsy orders shipped in a timely manner and

producing new items to restock the "shop."

Whew!

As a result, I haven't done a single holiday posting.

I didn't want you to think I was a total Scrooge.

I am enjoying lots of pretty holiday decorations.

One of my favorites is a small kitchen tree

for which I've been collecting ornaments for many years.

So, let me pour you a cup of tea

and let's enjoy the tree for a bit!

Would you like a gingerbread cookie?

Or perhaps a s'more?

I think I'll have a lovely sugar dipped cherry

and some whipped cream.

This is an ornament a good friend, Debby made years ago.

It's one of my favorites.

Perhaps we could share

some favorite recipes?

Real espresso cups make ideal ornaments for a kitchen tree.

Sitting atop my little kitchen tree is the Chef.

He helps me with holiday meals.

Thanks so much for letting me share

the kitchen tree with you.

I've already been thinking of resolutions for the new year.

One of which is to be a better neighbor in Blog Land,

visiting you and inviting you into Buttermilk Cottage!

Happiest of holidays to each and every one of you!

Treasured Ornaments

A special joy for me at holiday time is unwrapping treasured ornaments.

After many years of acquiring them, I have several collections.

But none are more dear than my little

"Santas on Animals"

created and made by my daughter Kate.

I began collecting ornaments which featured

Santa riding different animals.

(I'll share those another time.)

I loved these ornaments, but could never find

my favorite animal,

a sheep,

with Santa perched on his back.

Kate surprised me one year with one she had made herself!

She is now grown and following her dreams in NYC,

but since she was a little girl,

Kate has been especially talented in molding clay.

For several years she has surprised me each year

with a new one to add to my collection.

One particular favorite is the Kitty Kat.

Can't you just hear him purring?

This little canine was inspired by my, now gone, dachshund, Lizzy.

What would Christmas be without a red cardinal?

Kate's Santas are always serious.

This is last year's creation.

"When pigs fly..." always pops into my head when I see it.

Hang on Santa!

All during her childhood, Kate had a favored stuffed bunny

which was always called "Brown Rabbit."

I wonder if he's the inspiration for this little guy?

The Christmas Parade at Buttermilk Cottage!

Santa IS coming!

My "favorite."

Thank you, darling girl Kate,

for my beautiful collection

and

memories!

This week I'm liking up with parties at

Between Naps on the Porch for Deck the Halls

Savvy Southern Style for Boring to Better

A Stroll thru Life for the Christmas Cloche Party

All Things Heart & Home for All Things Merry & Brite

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Holiday

and

Favorite Things Saturday

Fruit Flies in my Kitchen--It's a Good Thing!

It's a good thing to have these

fruit flies in my kitchen.

I unpacked this small ornament collection this morning

and they've taken up residence in my kitchen window

until after the holiday season.

Several years ago, I first found a couple of these ornaments.

Since then, whenever I happen upon one

I add it to my small collection of now six ornaments.

"Miss Strawberry," the newest addition,

was found the first year I moved into Buttermilk Cottage--

a good omen!

Stirring up the Christmas plum pudding!

"Miss Hospitality"



I love the whimsy of these ornaments.

Tea, anyone?

They're a little difficult for you to see, but they are now hanging in my kitchen window and make me smile every time I look up from the sink.

While I was at it, the Kitchen Fairy begged to go to his place in the other window, where he spreads sugar dust during the holidays!

And keeps an eye on the winter garden.

Bye!

I'm linking to the "All Things Merry & Brite" Party

and

the "Hooked on Holiday House Tours" Party

and

the "Holiday Feathered Nest Friday" Party