Hello dear friends. I have almost completed decorating our home and the Sunshine Cottage for Christmas. Just a few little vignettes to add and tweak and I can call it finished.
The weather has been beautiful this week! You won’t even need a coat to visit the Sunshine Cottage Porch!
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:4-5
My Renaissance Man cut fresh pine for the garland to surround the doors. He does such a beautiful job and it is truly a labor of love!
You can catch a glimpse inside the cottage through the old beveled glass. The swags were ordered last year and they still look great!
The nutcrackers returned to the cottage porch! We can’t remember when we purchased them from Walmart, but it was many Christmases ago. They have spent most Christmases on our kitchen porch. They did reside one year in the dining room and another on the front porch.
A plaid throw and a Merry Christmas pillow dress up the rusty garden bench!
The nutcrackers have been impacted by the weather through the years. EM and I were talking about their present condition when I said they were old and broken down, kind of like me. She didn’t agree with my statement. She said, “PJ you are not old and you are not broken.” Ella Mae has a way of making you feel better!
You might remember that this guy was blown off the porch by the wind last year. RM glued him back together, but it isn’t a pretty sight. I mentioned that it might be time to retire them to the nutcracker cemetery and so many of you said NO. We listened to your advice!
I plan to share the cottage interior next week!
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
-Norman Vincent Peale
The rug says JOY and I hope everyone who enters the Sunshine Cottage feels the joy of the Christmas season. There are two new planters on the porch. Actually, they are very old. They have lived on the screened porch at my Daddy’s house for many years. My beloved Mother always had them filled with something beautiful. For the past fourteen years they have sat empty. It was time to use them once again. RM dug up two small cedar trees and planted them in the Chippendale-style boxes for Christmas. I love seeing them on the porch!
And by the way, the pumpkins you see aren’t part of the Cottage Christmas interior decor. Only a reflection of the remaining fall pumpkins awaiting RM to come by and take them to their retirement home.
Rocks have been placed on the bases of the nutcrackers to weight them down.
Look closely and you can see the nutcrackers have been tied to the wall. We are hopeful that the wind won’t further damage them.
Their faces are still holding up well! EM and I didn’t discuss that!
You want to be sure and visit Monday Morning Blooms this coming Monday for a fantastic giveaway! There is a limited time to enter, so be sure to come by on Monday.
Thank you for your visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a most joyous weekend!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
I love all merry and bright decor of your Sunshine Cottage for Christmas Pam! I’m glad to see the nutcrackers return and stand sentry, hopefully their ties and weights will keep them safe! Your garland and swags are beautiful and I love your pretty pillow and throw on your bench. Happy Thursday ♥
Thank you, Mary. Have a lovely weekend!
So much fun at the Sunshine Cottage. I love what Butch does with the greenery, including the two cypress he dug and planted. Let’s see how big they grow! EM is so cute in her conversation. I hope you listened to her little pearls of wisdom.
I am wincing just a bit on the swags I let go in my purge. I could have used one or two, but instead I just used a very light touch outside. Your swags are wonderful. Mine lasted over 14 yrs with good storage.
Thank you, Rita. I am purging Christmas deco this year. Decisions of what to keep or let go are really hard for me. Happy weekend!
I’m so glad you didn’t retire the nutcrackers! They’re really handsome and wonderful “greeters” to the cottage. The evergreen garland is great and your porch inviting. I’m eager to see the inside now!
Thanks so much, Jeanie. Happy Saturday!
Pam, the Sunshine Cottage is magical and takes me to another place and time of beauty. The fresh beauty cut by your “Renaissance Man” is beautiful. I agree that you are far from old and broken. The Nutcrackers still shine in glory~even if their age might show! I can’t wait to see the inside. Your hard work and efforts bless us all. 💛❤️❣️🎄
Thank you, Karla. Your sweet comments warm my heart. Happy weekend dear one. ♥️
You’re welcome, Pam. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. ❤️
I agree wholeheartedly with the Norman Vincent Peale quote – it is so true. We all need Christmas more than usual this year. And I am so happy you are using those beautiful planters that belonged to your Mom. They look so pretty on the porch! Also happy to see the nutcrackers will live to see another Christmas! God bless you and your family, sweet friend.
Thanks so much, Cheryl. Blessings on your dear family!
Enchanting! Who wouldn’t love to spend an afternoon sipping tea on that porch? Always enjoy your creativity and posts! My favorite blogger!
The front door of the Sunshine Cottage is exquisite! I remember you said they were very old, but I wonder if you might share the paint color and brand? It complements the doors beautifully!
Merry Christmas!
Yvonda, thank you for your sweet comments. The color is Buxton Blue by Benjamin Moore. Happy Weekend!
Many thanks!! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Yvonda and Merry Christmas!
Sunshine Cottage porch looks so festive! The garland is amazing!
Thank you, Penny. Happy Weekend!
Yea! You kept the nutcrackers. Butch might want to use some fishing line around their necks and secure to wall using an eye hook to wall. Almost invisible
Thank you, Bobbie. I am not sure why he didn’t secure them in that manner. I will find out. Happy Weekend!
Pam, The Sunshine Cottage looks so inviting. I love the nutcrackers and am so happy they got a reprieve! EM is so sweet with her observations and precious comments. The planters are so pretty and they have a wonderful history. They’re in the perfect spot. The greenery is beautiful. The pillow and throw are pretty too and I love the holiday colors. Great job! Looking forward to seeing the inside. It has been good weather this week and I’m loving it! Enjoy your day sweet friend! Clara❤️
Clara, it has been a beautiful week with lots of sunshine and warm days. Thank you for your sweet comments. Happy Weekend!
The Sunshine Cottage looks so festive and inviting. Oh, those beautiful doors with the beveled panes..the swag frames them nicely. Love your weathered bench with the throw and pillow. Looks a little like snow! I cherish old and worn as some of my 30 year old Santa’s have to have minor repairs occasionally. The nutcrackers are keeping watch beautifully! Always JOY to see your fabulous work.
Thank you, Dianne. Happy weekend dear one!
I am in love with your front porch to the Sunshine Cottage! And those Nutcrackers add so much love to it all. Except Butch adds lots more love with his garland. Those swags are superb!
Happy Thursday to you!
I can’t wait to visit inside!
Aw, thank you Nancy. Safe travels!
Pam, I have a shed and it looks nothing like your 😉 Mine is full of organic fertilizers and garden tools.
Love all the Christmas decor and the winter garlands.
Merry Christamas
Rachelle
Thanks so much, Rachelle!
Pam, the cottage porch looks beautiful and the nutcrackers still look magnificent IMO. Please don’t “retire” them. We all look forward to seeing them each year and where they will reside. 🙂 RM does a great job with those beautiful garlands. There is nothing like fresh greens to dress up the place for Christmas and they smell divine. I can’t wait to see the inside of the cottage decked out for the holiday.
Thank you so much, Lynda. I suppose as long as the nutcrackers are standing, they will make their appearance each Christmas. Happy Weekend!
I wondered if you had the nutcrackers as I remembered the wind had caused one to be broken. I noticed RM had attached them to the cottage. I’m sentimental and would miss them. RM did a beautiful job in making the roping and so I’m waiting to see his Williamsburg piece over his workshop.
Thank you Alice. The nutcrackers are old friends!
Love the sparkling beveled window panes looking newly washed. They deserve the beautiful roping RM made and the old nutcrackers would be missed should they be discarded, EM was right, we are only as old as we think. Looking forward to seeing the Sunshine Cottage interior and I haven’t forgotten RM’s Williamsburg’s piece on his workshop.
Thank you, Alice. I will be sharing the Williamsburg fan soon. Have a wonderful weekend!
Lovely Pam! I can see us taking tea together on the porch 😊
Bless you sweet friend ❤️
Jennifer
That would be so lovely. Thank you, Jennifer!
Pam, I have so enjoyed my visit to Sunshine Cottage! The porch looks beautiful! Your mom would be happy to see the planters being used on your porch. They look perfect! I’m glad you were able to use your Nutcrackers once again. They look so stately standing guard. I look forward to seeing more of your Christmas decor and your MMB creation. Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend!
Thank you sweet Shannon. Happy Weekend to you!
So festive and beautiful Pam! I love the fresh greenery, the double swags and the adorable JOY rug!! The nutcrackers look great guarding the cottage and they don’t look old and broken to me! How wonderful to have your parents planters, and I’m sure they bring back fond memories every time you see them. I love the bench with the blanket and pillow, so cozy! Have a wonderful weekend and Roll Tide!
Jenna
Thanks so much, Jenna! Roll Tide Roll 🅰️
Glad you kept the Nutcrakers. They made a grand statement. The wear and tear only make them more endearing.
The Sunshine Cottage looks charming in its festive decorations for Christmas. Looking forward to seeing the inside soon. My mind is in a whirl as I know everyone is experiencing the same feelings.
This is a busy time.
Thank you, Bonnie. Yes, it has been a busy time of the year. I am so thankful for God’s provision of peace when my mind is in a whirlwind.
Blessings,
Pam
First, GOD BLESS ELLA MAE!!!!!! Whenever you are feeling blue, just reflect back on that moment when you were STRONGLY declared viable in this world!!! Out of the mouths of babes!!! Your nutcrackers have held up equally well through the years. I would love to have a set of Nutcrackers this size, but there’s nowhere I’d feel comfortable storing them the rest of the year. I’m about tapped out on outdoor (and indoor!) storage. But they look so great…I may have to figure it out. And I am STILL in absolute awe of how great that garland looks around the door casing!!! So elegant!
I love reading your comments, you are quite the wordsmith! I understand about a storage issue. I think I have stuffed every nook and cranny. I may need a dish intervention!
Happy Weekend!
Good morning, Pam. Oh, precious Ella Mae, I do agree with her. You are anything but “old and broken.” You are totally amazing in all that you accomplish. Your porch is so inviting and set for Christmas. It looks to me like a heavenly place to enjoy a cup of coffee and all of your work. Have a beautiful weekend, sweet friend.❤
Thank you, Sandra for your sweet comments. The cottage is a respite for me. Happy weekend!
Love it…!!! that beauty!!!! The opportunity to see one more year my friends the “Nutcrackers” is a unique opportunity …
Congratulations to that Renaissance Man, his taste for ornaments is wonderful …
A post full of beautiful and endearing things both for you and for me, who am already a veteran on this site.
Congratulations and a big hug
Dolores
Querida Dolores, siempre disfruto escuchando de ti. ¿Dónde pasarás la Navidad? ¿Como esta tu hombro? Espero que se esté curando. Sí, eres un veterano de mi sitio y te agradezco mucho que nos conociéramos hace prácticamente muchos años. Bendiciones y abrazos, Pam
Hi Pam…and a shout out to EM and RM!!!! Your Sunshine Cottage is a ray of sunshine to all of us. I love the nutcrackers and have two large ones still in the boxes as it has been a few years since we got them out. When we do put them out again, it will be like having them “new” all over again. LOL. Maybe next year.
So glad you are able to use the planter boxes. What wonderful memories they give you.
I like seeing the reflections in your beautiful glass doors…life can be a mystery and the anticipation of what is just around the corner (or inside) makes it all the more interesting when it is finally revealed. Have a great week-end! God is amazing and His beauty is everywhere.
Blessings Always
Kari
Kari, thank you my sweet friend. I understand not putting out your nutcrackers, sometimes it is too much to handle.
Yes, God is amazing and He is omnipresent. Sending love and hugs ❤️
Wow I do love your porch deco! Love the planters, I thin they’re quite perfect there!
Thank you, Liz. Wishing you a beautiful December weekend!
Amazing porch! How inviting and beautiful! Hugs, dear friend.
Thanks so much, Maristella!
Beautiful Pam, I love the gorgeous garland and swags. Can’t wait to see the interior of the cottage!
Christmas at the Cottage is just as I dreamed it would be, Pam! Those beautiful greens and blue doors make me smile …
;-}
Merry Christmas, my lovely creative friend!
Oh, Pam, everything turned out so beautiful I just love all your little details. I am featuring at this weeks TFT party. Merry Christmas time, my friend.
Thanks so much for the feature, Theresa. Wishing you a most joyous Christmas season♥️
I know you’re a magic-maker, but this time you’ve outdone yourself! I just love that garland and the swags on the doors. Wow wow WOW!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thanks so much for the feature, Richella!