“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
Merry Greetings sweet friends. Can you believe it is eleven sleeps until Christmas? A friend and fellow blogger shared a little Dr. Seuss wisdom that I will share with you.
“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? -Dr. Seuss
‘Tis the season when my sweet husband that I call Renaissance Man and Head Gardener does most of our outside Christmas decorating.
Our kitchen porch doesn’t change much from year to year. The fresh garland is a mainstay!
It all begins with RM cutting Loblolly pine from our acreage!
He magically turns all that pine into thick and gorgeous garland to surround our door!
A little trio of “snow people” carolers took up residence on our porch five years ago. They apparently feel right at home because they keep returning!
On a whim, my Renaissance Man gathered Leyland Cypress, blush nandina, magnolia leaves, and pine cones and randomly placed everything in an old handmade rustic basket that I thought had been retired for the winter!
These carolers are sisters according to Ella Mae. I do see the resemblance. Last year she said the caroler on the left had a crooked nose and that could be Emma! Isn’t that just like a big sister?
Of course, this one is Wyatt. He is a cutie in his bowtie!
Two years ago word got out that our porch was a neat place for “snow people” carolers to hang out. The trio became a quartet…we love four part harmony!
When EM was more their size, she thought the carolers were her playmates. Every time she was visiting, the carolers got a break from porch duty and came inside to play.
There was a time where we attached each pine branch to the form, one piece at a time, with a hand staple gun. It was a real advancement when we purchased an electric stapler, but still a very tedious ordeal. And finally a little light came on in RM’s brain… enter plastic cable ties. It works so well to bind up the branches into bunches and then attach to small eyes along the form. Duct tape and cable/wire ties have to be two of the greatest inventions ever!
The same process for garland is now used everywhere we place it. Hanging it horizontally over the doors is the most challenging part. See more of the Sunshine Cottage porch here.
Preparing and displaying a Colonial Williamsburg fruit fan has been a tradition for us for over 30 years. So many people asked how the fan was made that RM did an entire tutorial on the process in a post several years ago. You can find that tutorial at ” From Our Door To Yours“.
The 2021 version was challenging and a bit frustrating because the quality of available fruit was quite inferior to past years. Finding excellent looking pineapples has always been difficult in our part of the world in December but this season much more so. RM is searching for new fruit and especially wants to replace the pineapple, wanting the fan to last through Christmas. I think it is still very pretty but he has not been pleased!
Some years the wreath and door greenery change but the fan is always made in the exact same manner.
This door is always spotlighted at night during December. RM says if he can locate a suitable pineapple and change it out, he “might” put a pic on an upcoming Simple Southern Sunday. He best hurry since there is only one Sunday left before Christmas!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a most joyous Christmas and holiday season!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Just gorgeous Pam! I’ve always admired your Williamsburg fruit fan! Butch truly is a Renaissance man and a perfectionist…I think the pineapple is perfect! ♥
Thank you, Mary. He purchased another pineapple, he says it isn’t any better 😉
I have always admired the Williamsburg door too but never knew anyone who made it. It is an absolute joy to see. Thank you, Butch. All of this takes a lot of energy but it is so worth it. You both are setting traditions for those beautiful grands and making your lives full of magic and beauty.
Thank you, Ruthie. We are thankful we can make memories with our little ones!
Wow. I wish Renaissance Man hired out in Michigan! This is stunning and I can tell how much work and time it takes to do it so beautifully. And I LOVE the pineapple and overall shape of the arch with the pineapple and apples. I am in awe. Three cheers, Butch. This is glorious.
It does take lots of work, but he loves doing all of it. Thank you, Jeanie.
I have always loved the garland and fan that your husband makes each year. It is stunning!
Thanks so much, Penny!
Everything is just stunning! Butch’s Williamsburg fan is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I too have discovered the wonders of the zip tie! Along with a staple gun and hot glue, I can conquer the world. It would be wonderful if you all could make a tutorial on the garland too. How does he attach the form to the house? EK’s flouncy pants remind of the girls dancing in Mama Mia!
Thank you, Roxanne. Maybe next year he will do a tutorial on the garland. We saw Mama Mia in the West End of London many years ago. It was a beautiful theater and wonderful memories!
You and your blog are a blessing to me every day. Thanks for sharing your beauty with us.❤️🎄❤️
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Martha!
Just wow! In my entire life I’ve not seen such admiral work in creating such beauty from your own land. The garland, and RM’s efforts and diligence, welcome everyone with peace and beauty. I love the singing carolers and the tiny precious humans who will all feel the love of the work in your Christmas celebration. It really is astounding to me as I know no one in my area (I really should do home tours don’t you think?) that brings such intentional impact on creating divine decorations! Do you offer tours? ❤️🤗🥰❣️🙏🏻
You are so kind hearted dear friend. No tours, just friends and family so you are most welcome ♥️🙏🏻✨
Thank you, Pam. I would love to visit sometime. Perhaps that would be in my future. ❤️🙏🏻
That would be wonderful ♥️
❤️❤️❤️
Amazing doors! Your hubby is a real keeper. I’ve long admired the Williamsburg Christmas decor but alas Florida is not the place for it. 😏
Thank you, Pamela. Merry Christmas!
You are sooooo lucky to have a master decorator in residence! The garlands are so beautiful and every year when you share the Colonial Williamsburg fruit fan it takes my breath away, so gorgeous! I think this year’s is beautiful! Love the carolers too, and all the wreaths and swags, does RM make them too? The incredible part is that he cuts greens from your own property, that is amazing!
Jenna
Jenna, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish much without his help. He actually enjoys it. He doesn’t make the wreaths, but he could.
Pam, everything is just beautiful!The pineapple looks perfect. Butch always does a great job. Your door is definitely light worthy and post worthy! Your carolers are so cute. The garland is gorgeous. What on earth would we do without duct tape and zip ties? I must agree they a great inventions! Enjoy your day. Clara ❤️
Thank you so much, Clara ♥️
Good morning, Pam. I am pleased you enjoyed the Dr. Seuss quote ~ true words, I thought.
Pam, Colonial Williamsburg would love to have Butch on their staff. His work is amazing – simply gorgeous. One of my favorite things to see at Williamsburg was the different wreaths and especially the ones with oyster shells. If you all have not been there at Christmas – you must go. Make reservations at least by May and be sure to eat at Kings Arms Tavern (also reservations by May.)
Your home should be in a special Christmas issue of “Southern Lady.” Wishing you and your family a “Merry” week!
Sandra, we have enjoyed Colonial Williamsburg on several vacations but never at Christmas. We have also eaten at Kings Arms Tavern. We should plan a December visit.
That is all so gorgeous! Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much!
Your sweet renaissance man does a beautiful job. It looks absolutely beautiful. Love those sweet little carolers how cute are they. Your little granddaughter is adorable too. Enjoy these next few weeks before the big day. xoxo Kris
Thank you, Kris. Christmas is fast approaching
Absolutely beautiful, Pam! Butch did a wonderful job on the outdoor decorating. The pine garland always looks so beautiful! I’m happy the Carolers are back. I can see why those sweet sisters love them so much. I can’t believe the big day is almost here! Have a wonderful day, my dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. Happy rest of the week my friend!
That Williamsburg Fruit fan is quite Beautiful! I think the pineapple looks great.
All the greenery Butch makes is quite amazing. It sure is a labor of love.
Love all the beauty you both share with us… thank you dear friends.
Merry Tuesday!
Thanks so much Nancy. Butch loves working outside!
My very favorite, the Williamsburg Fruit Fan by Butch! Sorry Pam but I have to admit it. It reminds me of the days back in NC that I made the fan and the amount of hard work involved. I never found the perfect pineapple but the one in the fan looks beautiful. All the hard work, and it is hard work, Butch puts into making everything outside is so appreciated. The back door and the front are important to me so I give each one special attention. And so does EK.
Thank you Alice. Butch found a better pineapple yesterday. You do know the work that goes into the fruit fan. Wishing you a joy-filled rest of this week!
Those carolers are adorable (as well as the grandchild who joins them). Your home must be a popular stop on everyone’s Christmas lights-tour!
Absolutely beautiful !I am always amazed how much detail and hard work that is put into your detail. Thank you for sharing such wonderful decorating ideas. Merry Christmas to you and your!
Thanks so much. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Nancy. Merry Christmas!
Such beauty and inspiration! Thank you, dear friends.
Thank you!
Oh, my goodness! That fruit fan is a true work of art! You all are so talented and gifted by God, and it is a true treasure that you share those gifts with all of us here. May He continue to bless you with abundant health and long life together!
Thank you, Cheryl. May God bless you this Christmas!
The Williamsburg fruit fan is amazing. The Carolers were a very welcome sight. You could definitely give tours of your beautiful place. Thank you for sharing all the beauty. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you Dianne. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
So beautiful! RM does a wonderful job with the garlands and the fan. I would like to try it one year. I will check out his tutorial. Merry Christmas to both of you and your family.
Thanks Lynda. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Your posts bring me such joy, and I find myself wondering when you and Butch are ever going to run out of energy. Your garlands are wonderful and if I take a deep breath I imagine their fragrance.
Thank you Linda. I am out of energy, but Butch is still going strong!
SO beautiful Pam! You two are an amazing couple, and both so talented! Thanks for a few moments of extra beauty and inspiration today! 🙂
You are so sweet, Barbara. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
A work of art. I am loving this so much. so glad you included instructions. Kudos to the artist. Here’s to a Happy New year.
Thanks Linda! Happy New Year!