Hello friends, it’s Leah speaking! I’m taking over the blog today to share my annual Christmas visit to Chestnut Cottage. As most of you know, I’ve been working for Kathy for several years now. Even though we are in different cities, we see each other pretty frequently! Usually for play, but sometimes for work, ha-ha!
I jokingly tell people that Kathy is my fabulous 39 year old friend and I’m her young 32 year old friend. At least that’s how our relationship feels…until she references actresses and musicians that I’ve never heard of, then we start to remember our age gap! But nevertheless, we just love getting together. This year, my mom Julie (affectionately known as “JuJu”) and my sister Kendall joined me ‘up the mountain’ to have lunch and celebrate Christmas with Kathy and her four-legged love, Duncan!
We walked in from a rainy day to be greeted by the most festive ambiance. From the mantle display, to the wreaths, Chestnut Cottage is truly ‘decked out’!
Tartan, trees and treats, oh my!
How fabulous does this chandelier look with it’s tartan shades and ribbons?! We mustn’t forget the beautiful Simon Pearce Christmas tree display… I wonder if Kathy would notice if one of those trees came to live with me?!
The great room is bursting with the smell of evergreen and the glow of Christmas lights…
I love when two of my favorite things are waiting for me upon arrival…
Duncan MacDuff Greeley…
…and a chilled bottle of Veuve!
Please notice the cocktail napkins… I think you can guess who Vixen is!
No matter how many times we visit Chestnut Cottage, there are still new things to explore! Therefore, JuJu, Kendall and I went perusing. Starting with the front porch…As you can see, Duncan wanted to join!
Next up, the wine cellar! We love it when Mr. Wells Greeley is away… the mice will play!
I’m sure Wells wouldn’t mind us sipping on his 1988 Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Kendall was born in 1988 so we thought that might be a sign!? I’m sure he would beg to differ.
Other than Veuve, I leave the selections up to Kathy & Wells. However, that doesn’t mean one can’t have a photo-op to pretend!
Next, Duncan agreed to humor us with his new tartan coat while posing with his very own tree! What a cutie!
In return, it was only fair that we agreed to humor Duncan with our piano playing skills!
Once we finished our sister duet, it was time to eat lunch.
Kathy prepared an arugula, apple, and goat cheese salad topped with pine nuts and dried cranberries followed by a heaping serving of Quiche Lorraine! As if that wasn’t enough, we indulged in a slice of chocolate yule log with local toffee for dessert. After this meal, we were feeling quite ‘fat & sassy’ as I like to say!
Onto our gift exchange! Kathy always manages to get me something extremely unique and special! This year was no exception. Not pictured, are a beautiful set of pink champagne coupes and a set of square pink dessert plates. I collect pink Depression-era glass so obviously I was thrilled with my newest pieces!!
Before we left, another KGD employee, Emily Clark stopped by to see us! She may kill me for posting a picture as she was on her way to work out but I certainly couldn’t leave her out!
This Christmas, as I reflect on things truly important to me, I am overwhelmed by the wonderful friends and family I have been blessed with. God certainly did not have to bless me in this way, but I’m so glad he did. So, Kathy, thank you for being a constant source of joy and laughter! I treasure our unique friendship and I’m so happy we got to celebrate this Christmas season together.
P.S. Look at how sweetly Duncan is posing for the camera! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree 🙂
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
