Funny thing about all of this snow, it didn't keep anyone away from the big neighborhood party of 2009.
The walkways were shoveled ( I would like to use the work "we" here, but we all know that I am not part of that "we") by teenagers and husbands. I was inside preparing the house
for our company. There was a fire roaring in the fireplace, and the stockings are all hung with care,
the mantle is decorated,
and so is every chair.
The sofa is ready for visitors,
and the stairwell is decked out as well,
with fairies and Santas from years long ago.
The window sports dala horses and yulboks and sweet little teddies, and every nook,
and every cranny,
in the hallway,
and the foyer,
was decorated to delight
and amuse
the eyes.
The dining room table
was ready for the guests who brought cookies,
and cream puffs,mini cheese cakes, and brownies studded with peanut butter cups.They brought pralines
and jelly cookies,cupcakes,
and chocolate chips. I made a big bowl of fresh whipped cream and a tira-mi-su. My neighbor Mary brought, in a beautiful crystal bowl the yummiest rice pudding, studded with cranberries. We chatted about babies and who is enjoying their retirement. We caught up on who will be graduating this year ,who got their license, and how lovely all of the houses are looking.
We drank wine, and egg nog, and agreed that we are so lucky to live in this neighborhood with such lovely people. Before my friend Jeanttje left,
she told me to keep the plate graced by her delicious brownies, and to read it when everyone left. It reads, "This plate shall have no owner, for its journey never ends. It travels in the circle of our family and friends. It carries love from home to home for everyone to share, the food that's placed upon it is filled with love and care. So please enjoy what's on this plate, then fill it up again and pass along the love it holds to family and your friends." and so, in spite of the fact that I love this plate and it's sentiment so much that I want to keep it, I will pass it along, when we are again amongst family and friends.
Wishes to everyone for a very Merry Christmas.
I am linking this post to Susan's Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, and
Smiling Sallies Blue Monday (the blueberries in this plate), and thank them for hosting these fun events.
♥, Susan
I like that plate and the sweet idea it conveys. Your party sounds like it was a huge success. I'm sure you're a good neighbor. Happy Blue Monday and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Sally | December 21, 2009 at 09:36 AM
So happy your party went off as planned. The plate is a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing. And thank you for sharing the photos of your home decorated for the holiday. All the best ~ Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | December 21, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Happy Christmas to you and thank you for sharing all of your holiday photos, traditions and especially the neighborhood friends plate. We have a similar neighborhood.... what a treasure these good friends are! Pat
Posted by: Pat Petrovich | December 21, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I like that idea a neighborhood party...we don't have it here in my area but I like to start it hmmm don't know where and how to begin hehe. Love those Christmas decoration...Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Kim | December 21, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I want to come to your house! Snow and cookies, what a lovely combination!
Susan at Charm of the Carolines
Posted by: Susan at Charm of the Carolines | December 21, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I love all your decorations - it must take days and days to get everything just right. Looks like it was a great party!
Happy Blue Monday and Happy Holidays from Joysweb
Posted by: JLS Hall (Joysweb) | December 21, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I just adore your Christmas inspired metamorphosis.
Be merry and bright!
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | December 21, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Oh my gosh...your home is a total winter wonderland! :-) And the outside does look lovely with all the snow. I am "snow" not happy with how much of the white stuff hit us at the shore...I mean, can you believe it?! We measured 28" and that was on a flat, drift-free surface. Eek!
I would have loved to pop by your neighborhood. Alas, I stayed tucked in back in 'Boken while Mike dug my car out. :-) The plows did not come through Ocean Grove until about 5 p.m. on Sunday!!
I hope you are having an amazing holiday season and thank you so much for being such a fun part of my year! I'll be counting the days to the VNA thrift fair. ;-)
Posted by: laura @ the shore house | December 21, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Your decorations are so pretty!!
I love the pillows and the pretty jars you have filled too.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Joy | December 21, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Hi Sue
What a grand party is was. Very very beautiful, fun and what a neighbourhood indeed. I think you better live there for many more years.
Happy Blue Monday and Merry Christmas
Love Claudie
oxoxoxo
Posted by: claudie | December 21, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Susan, your Christmas decor is lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Wishing you and your family a beautiful and joyful Christmas.
Blessings
Hugs Karen
Posted by: karen young | December 22, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Merry Christmas!
ENJOY!
Fifi
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | December 22, 2009 at 02:59 PM
Susan you house looks so pretty and festive and your open house sounds like a wonderful success and lots of fun! I wish my neighbors were so friendly and welcoming as you and yours.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration and a very happy healthy 2010! It would be wonderful to get together in NYC in the new year. :-)
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | December 23, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Your home looks gorgous and I would trudge my way through snow to get to a party here, too!
Posted by: Tara | December 26, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Your home looks just gorgeous Susan! What a wonderful tradition to start with that plate. I hope it travels many miles. Have a wonderful New Year!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | December 26, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Dear Black Eyed Susan,
What a gorgeous Christmas you had! One with family and show, and snow shoveler, and cc cookies and Tiramisu and friend who create beautiful plates for their friend!!
Who could ask for more??
xox
Constance
Happy Twenty ~ Ten almost~
Posted by: rochambeau | December 27, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I meant family and SNOW ~ not show!!!!!!!
Posted by: rochambeau | December 27, 2009 at 09:57 AM
What a nice time to have by everyone. Wish I could say the same for my neighborhood! We are lucky to get a wave if they are going to their car! Happy New Year! Love your blog!
Posted by: Donna | December 29, 2009 at 12:32 PM
I wanna go to your house for Christmas...great fun...Dianne
Posted by: C. Dianne Zweig | December 29, 2009 at 05:48 PM
http://www.pdfqueen.com Pdf ebooks searching service may be also used for finding out whether the book you are searching for is available in electronic edition and the desired format and if it still makes sense to search for it further
Posted by: Angie | February 04, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Great photos - thankyou for sharing them with us!
Posted by: Oxy | September 12, 2010 at 01:15 AM