Creating a home cozy and ready for the holidays

This week I'm starting to get the house cozy and ready for the holidays and I went to a couple of Christmas open houses to purchase some holiday decor.
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[@FolkFaninMA]

Thank you Linda for not neglecting Thanksgiving. So many people rush to Christmas and forget about this holiday. It’s sad, it’s one of my favorites. Actually, not one of, it is my favorite.

[@sandyhossman7771]

I am glad also, I love to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving before I start decorating for Christmas. However family come from out of town over Thanksgiving, so the weekend before and next Monday and Tuesday I will be making a ton of different candies. Then I start decorating for Christmas first of December, then once I am done I start baking. I make my grandmother's swiss traditional cookies plus other favorites. I like to give them as gifts 🎁.

[@avondalemama470]

I love Thanksgiving. It really reminds us to be grateful and thankful ….. and that puts us in the right mindset for the real meaning of Christmas. Secondly, autumn is so breathtakingly gorgeous, it’s so important to recognize God’s beautiful creation. Great video Linda, thanks. 😊

[@Revmaggie]

You’re the best, Linda. Thank you for not rushing the Christmas decor in your home. I love Thanksgiving!

[@elainem4583]

Linda I love your channel. I am 72 yrs old and feel yo are an old soul. It haa taken me these many years to appreciate fine living. I so wish I found this enjoymaent whaen I was 30, 40, 50 or 60. Now I dream .

[@beckid5107]

I always tell my husband as soon as that housekeeper shows up, we are going to fire her, she's not very good!!😄

[@Nancy-fo7lc]

😂I know what you mean!

[@deborahr.7696]

My husband used to write dust me. 😂

[@rt3box6tx74]

@@deborahr.7696 My 6'4" tall son delights in leaving me dust notes on top of my fridge.

[@ryan918lauren]

Baking cooking cleaning decorating with Linda Yay! ❤🎉🏡🌲🥮☕️

[@maidmarion2976]

@@deborahr.7696 hasn’t he got arms? Give him a duster and tell him to get on with it

[@cathywallace6990]

Thank you for celebrating with Thanksgiving decor .So many don't and it's a beautiful time of the year .

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

As usual, your creativity and energy are impressive. I think that the natural stems from your garden will look great tucked into the tree and garland in the dining room. We put a large Christmas tree in an archway in between the kitchen and dining room so it can be enjoyed from both perspectives. Great idea. Sugarwood will be cozy and lovely this year. Weather reports say that snow will be abundant this winter. Firewood, homemade vanilla, coffee, cozy decor and a nice doggie…I’d say that you are ready for the winter ahead. Blessings.

[@susanthompson569]

Looking forward to seeing all your decor this winter! Congratulations on not having any more contractors !... for awhile anyway!! Love watching you!

[@cindyfoley1675]

A beautiful time of year to be in New England. Can't wait to see your Thanksgiving Tree😊🍁🍂

[@robertdunbar2434]

Linda, thank you for this great video. You are such a talented and inspirational woman. You radiate joy with your ceative ideas and positive energy. As a new subscriber, I am hooked on your videos. I love your classic colonial style, and your engaging personality is an absolute pleasure to watch. I know that I am in for a treat when one of your videos pops up. I am looking forward to your upcoming holiday celebrations. You bring out the best in life. God bless you and all your endeavors. From NYC, Robert.

[@joyceschneider8377]

I agree, your videos make me so homesick for New England especially in fall. Thank you for sharing and teaching. Have a great day.

[@LadyJanuary17]

Sundays with Linda! My favorite time of the week 🌹 Thank you for another lovely and inspiring video. I cannot wait for next week’s decorating video to begin! Have a delightful week in beautiful New England 🍁

[@proverbs3150]

Find a church that preaches the Word and worship first then all these other things will go well for you! God bless!

[@daisygirrl1234]

Your videos always make my heart so happy!!! When I’m having a not so wonderful day…and you post…. I’m immediately happy! Thank you❤

[@WeezyWeez1984]

May you have a blessed day 🙌

[@FC-ym2lr]

I feel the same way ❤

[@peanutcampbell]

I feel the same way, too….I hope she realizes what a blessing she is to most of us. I shared her wallpaper with mg son who is renovating the old governor’s mansion in Defuniak Springs, Florida, and he is using the same wallpaper in one of his rooms. He’s turning the mansion into a hotel.

[@DH-qz2so]

I made my day better today by going to my boys' house, and helped them to decorate for Christmas...with all thrifted finds, I have been collecting since last year...! Was SO much fun!

[@willothewispl]

Thank you for showing us how to make our own brown sugar. I am going to do exactly that. God Bless.

[@lidiamurray5618]

Loved this video. How wonderful to know how to make homemade vanilla and brown sugar. Yes I’m inspired to make my own. Thanks Linda. What a fun time💕

[@nancychestnut8928]

Thanks for the vanilla and brown sugar tips. I always like to learn kitchen and baking tips. Those stores were gorgeous. I would find it impossible to leave without a little something or two. Nice to get a little peek at Willow sitting on her perch. Look forward to next time!

[@gina5827]

I am enjoying your videos so much. I love the Thanksgiving tree idea and I loved all the beautiful fall foliage you collected. 😊

[@myhappynest6125]

Oh I just never want your videos to end😣. Willow has found her comfort spot for sure. Such a great idea adding the window seats. Thanks for all you share Linda. ❤️

[@lindamurphy1439]

What I did today and every Sunday was watch your video. It brings me such peace and happiness. Thank you for that. Your pretty metal square cake plate with the pineapple and tangerines is one of he prettiest Christmas decorations I've seen.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you! We eat the fruit so I need to replenish it

[@rebeccaharrill7824]

Thank you for sharing all your household tips. Love the necklace your Dtr made, she's creative like you.

[@annhull5087]

Hi Linda, when I didn’t see your video earlier this morning I became worried about, you, Ben and your family. I said “I hope Linda and everyone is okay.” Yay, now I see you posted a video and i can stop worrying about you guys!🤷‍♀️😀

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you! Just slow internet for some reason today and it took forever for the video to upload.

[@annapoole132]

Love your videos Linda. And yes...in elementary school we were served peanut butter and molasses sandwiches with hot vegetable soup in the lunchroom. It was all homemade! I grew up in the mountains of WV and loved those lunches! Great memories! ❤🤗✨

[@annjones345]

Thank you for such inspiring videos

[@ufl73]

Linda: What a real girl you are. You clean, paint, take care of your yard and much more. I so enjoyed your video today. You gave me tips for my brown sugar, for sure. I love those open houses for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thank you for taking us along. You are one amazing girl. I cannot wait to see what you do with your home decorations this year. You are the BEST! xoxo Cathy

[@desertdweller8374]

Beautiful as always! I sure didn't want this video to end! SO LOVELY! You have a great eye for decor. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@carolladd9847]

I love my Sundays with you!! A very sweet memory of your Mom and Dad and peanut butter/molasses sandwich.❤

[@elizabeththequeen943]

My mother used to give us warmed milk with two tablespoons of molasses in it. Apparently the molasses has nutrients good for you...... it tastes good, though, and works really well for a before bed drink to make you sleepy!

[@revonda5204]

I had forgotten about that! I remember having that as a child, too! 😊

[@Ann1234]

When I wake up in the morning I like to think about what I can do today to make someone else’s day better. In turn that will make my day better too💕😊

[@bar-b9431]

I love that you're not following trends by moving straight into Christmas decor! At least two radio stations here in Orlando, Florida began broadcasting holiday music barely a week after Halloween! Thanksgiving seems to be a forgotten holiday in recent years. It's no wonder people are tired of the holidays before they even arrive, and that we all forget the true spirit of the season.

[@lindapowelllindadawn9029]

I look forward to every video you create. As usual, you motivate me to create decor from my outdoor surroundings and the many vintage items I have gathered over the years. Thank you, Linda!

[@ginnylangpap4170]

Linda, I hope you decided to buy the windmill painting at The Gathering. Surely there's a home for it with you! And the frame - it looked beautiful! You know all about making special moments and traditions come to life, and I'm truly grateful that you share your take on fine living with your kindred spirits so generously. A very fine holiday season to Ben, Willow, and you.

[@judyzwemke9305]

I can make my day better by doing something for someone else. That gives me joy!

[@newenglandfineliving]

Love that!

[@vickiehollandburch1285]

I have a small clay disc that is made for hardened brown sugar. You can purchase them. It keeps my brown sugar soft. My container is not air tight. Thank you Linda, this was very inspiring! Hope you are finding joy!

[@carolpipher4839]

💫 ~Beautiful content Miss Linda! And... I love your little table in the background with the lamp & nut bowl. ~The house looks so New England gorgeous!! 🍂🐿👍

[@deniseconnors8124]

🍂🍂Such fun to see how you follow your impulses in so many directions, yet manage to pull everything together in the end. It was a glorious weekend to tour the holiday shops in our region. Lots of great finds. We miss your shop at Twin Elm, but I understand. Enjoyed your video 🍂🍁

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I have put bread slices in dried brown sugar and it helps soften it too.

[@joannpergakis4183]

So very happy for you , no contractors, You are amazing , I wrote down everything, vanilla and brown sugar , I learn so much for you I had to laugh , I had for work peanut butter and fluff always for work , I look so forward to your veidos Your home looks so cozy with the fireplaces lit Thank you for sharing Enjoy your evening Can't wait to see your home for Christmas You look beautiful with that sweater and I love that necklace Yes I would love one I will love it living here in Texas lol Your daughter is talented also Beautiful

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Thanks for another fun video,my Daddy took butter and smashed it together with Molasses and ate it on toast for breakfast,also did the same with honey But no peanut nut butter ,never ! I am finally learning to be kind to myself and give myself Grace,regret I didn’t do it many years ago .. I have never done a Thanksgiving tree ,now I want to ,I will start collecting this year for next ,can’t wait to see yours ,already put in my journal 🍁🍂

[@carolwaite4343]

I so look forward to Sunday mornings with you. Thank you. Today I'm pulling out the dead flowers from my window boxes & planting new pansies to see me through winter. I have to try to make my own vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract is sooo expensive. My sister & I used to drink molasses & milk. Amazing with the brown sugar & the apples didn't turn brown..wow. Great idea to do with the cake stand. Good video today.

[@Yvonneb_]

Great video xx

[@WendyS1822]

Tip for keeping brown sugar soft: add a couple of marshmallows to the container you’re keeping the sugar in - works better than the terra cotta bears they sell! Love all your videos!

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@maggieruedy7683]

Wonderful video! Not only was I entertained but learned some new pointers!! Thanks so much!

[@s.barlow7062]

Command hooks are the way to go for everything. You can hang anything with them without damaging walls, woodwork, or cabinets. I highly recommend them.

[@kareemahamdy1223]

Hi Linda...new follower here from 🇬🇧 I just love your home and creativity ❤ New England is on my list of places to visit, it looks beautiful x

[@newenglandfineliving]

Welcome!!

[@rt3box6tx74]

Confession: I never had the patience to watch the videos on making vanilla. So many youtubers are shooting for a specific length video, thus spend time on superfluous details. Thanks Linda for making it so simple. You're a doll!

[@conuregirl007]

Thank you, Linda for all your magical work! You are my New England guru! I simply love your home and everything you do! You are AMAZING! BTW, my grandfather ate peanut butter and molasses sandwiches. I don't know where he got that particular delicacy, but he was raised by an English mother, my great grandmother.

[@DD-hy1nl]

I can't wait to see your Thanksgiving Tree! 🧡❤💛🤎

[@robertkorn7684]

Love when I see you have a new video up, as always it's enlightening and fun....gwen

[@user-yw3po9gr2i]

I always enjoy your videos and appreciate your love of cooking, baking, decorating, gardening and thrift store treasures. I also make my own brown sugar and vanilla. I've found it much easier to make the brown sugar in the food processor. It really infuses the sugar with the molasses. It keeps well and does not become dried out or hard. Thank you, Linda for all you are with us. You are amazing

[@jo-annmaruszak9885]

I just love your life… your home… your gardens… your creativity… and most of all your energy. ❤ which is what one would need to accomplish so much on a daily basis. 🥰

[@songbird5030]

Linda, thank you for your videos! Your way of living and decorating just warms my heart and helps me relax!! Each room of your home is just beautiful and inviting!! My heart hurts so much from losing my husband in 2021 at 55 yr old, so watching your videos allows my heart to rest for a few minutes, which I am so thankful!! Thank you, and I cant wait to see you decorate for Thanksgiving and Christmas!!

[@beverlywarren3675]

Thanks, this was very enjoyable. It inspired me to try my hand at more things. I am so happy that you do these videos. I look forward to seeing you on Sundays.

[@lindahedrick6442]

I so look forward to my visit to your New England home and activities on Sundays. Thank you so much, Linda! You don't disappoint ❤

[@christinecook377]

Such a comforting video. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see what you purchased. Thanks for making my day!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Love this video!!! I went to a Christmas Open House this afternoon and found some treasures! Pheasants I can add to the table. Gorgeous they are.

[@debrahalcrow1933]

Journaling is so helpful to find happiness and find pleasure in life. Thank you, Linda.

[@alauraparrish2105]

I loved everything,,, your gorgeous cozy home, and the beautiful day. Looking forward to seeing more.... Thank you for taking us along. Many blessings

[@MindysPlace]

When I retired in 2020 I made a promise to myself that I would make my little corner of the world a place I enjoyed being, and I have kept that promise. This might include remodeling, cleaning, organizing, updating, crafting, planting, weeding, or even a cup of tea in the gazebo, all adding to my little oasis.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thanks for sharing and it sounds blissful!

[@etudda7547]

Thank you for taken us on this tour of your local shops. When I lived on Long Island my girlfriend and I would make a early evening of shopping at our local shop that decorated like your shop. So inspiring! To end our evening We drove around our local neighborhood and seeing the homes decorated while playing holiday music. Magical times. 😊

[@Foxlairmktg]

Can't wait to see the Thanksgiving tree again - such a treat! Enjoyed the various projects (making vanilla, brown sugar, etc.) and always appreciate your clever tips to make things go more easily or address any issues that occur. Love going along with you to see the delightful shops in your area and finding inspiration from their creativity and yours! I've been re-watching some of your older autumn and holiday videos for idea reminders. Lots of fun things to look forward to on your channel in the weeks ahead!

[@pamcornelius9122]

I focused more on your gorgeous countertops than on the cooking! I would swear they were soapstone if I didn’t know they were quartz!

[@kathyday9066]

Thanks for sharing how to make brown sugar. I had no idea that was how it was made. It will definitely come in handy with all my holiday baking.

[@martyroberts3870]

I always add a slice of bread in my brown sugar container and it keeps the brown sugar soft.

[@patriciagrisham5938]

I got lots of inspiration from this video, Linda! Thank you so much for sharing how you make homemade vanilla. I made it many years ago, and the recipe said to cut the vanilla beans. It was messy & time consuming. I loved seeing the shops decorated for the holidays. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

[@lindabirkes-lance8915]

I love watching you look at the stores in our area because you have such beautiful options. I didn't realize you could continue topping off homemade vanilla, that's good to know for the future. Also for brown sugar, you can purchase a little terra cotta bear that you soak in water, then add it into your container for continued moisture.

[@joleneosignac7123]

Love that you do Thanksgiving decor in November! Looking forward to next week. 💕

[@cindiblazer8621]

Love your video. Been making vanilla for years. Simple process and great results.

[@cindyk4294]

Linda this was a fun video… I have my Thanksgiving tree up, and I used corn from my stalks outside and leaves. I started doing this tree the first time I saw yours!

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

I also choose NOT to rush Christmas. I transition my Fall decor to more neutral colors in November and use many candles to cozy up the rooms after the end of DST…. Much of my Christmas decor is Winter themed and stays up through February 🌬️❄️

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lorettadavis9508]

Hi Linda love your channel. I’m going to make some vanilla. Just ordered my vanilla beans can’t wait to get started. You are so motivating and I love your home it’s absolutely beautiful. That’s my dream to live where you live. Although I live in Colorado and it’s absolutely beautiful here. I’m a native I just don’t know if I could ever leave. Have a Happy Thanksgiving my dear. 🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

[@johnoquinn8458]

Trena from Florida here, just want to say how much I love your videos, they are so relaxing :))). It’s your sweet voice.

[@PB-qy8zy]

Thank you for recognizing the next holiday Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for!!! Mindful slow living. Very much appreciated

[@ImHome-yl4ur]

I haven’t the time to watch this right now, but I already know I’ll love it. When I watch you, I get off my duff, and do something! I just started a channel, and I must work on it now, but I’ll watch this evening! ❤️

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Amazing, Linda! I had no idea how to make vanilla extract or brown sugar!! So interesting. For my brown sugar, I bought brown sugar keepers from Amazon. They are terra cotta pieces that you soak in water, then you add them to your brown sugar jar. I have used these for several years now, after throwing away many packages of brown sugar! There is a way to re-soften the brown sugar in the microwave, but I've found using the terra cotta pieces has solved the problem for me.

[@lindafee205]

Hello Linda, I love all you do especially Christmas. Everything is so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

[@maryowings5755]

You can also add a slice of bread to hardened brown sugar and leave it overnight to soften it. That's been my method for years.

[@marciamellow1211]

Honestly, Linda... How in the world do you think of alllllll these ventures? You are something else. I stay busy every day, so much to do..My Christmas has taken me.... 7 solid days of decorating, Beautiful. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@godisgood678]

My grandpa had molasses and butter with bread…. Or white or brown syrup with butter or peanut butter with bread. ❤️

[@JennieSneddon-ib2fm]

I absolutely love the ship painting with the lanterns over the fireplace. I loved it at your Groton home, so glad you kept it for Sugarwood. Are you losing weight? Those jeans and pink top looked awesome on you. You always look lovely, I just noticed you’re looking slimmer. Secret please. 😊

[@patralink]

Such fun Linda. Thank you!

[@cduke1241]

Wonderful video!!!!! One of your best!

[@ryan918lauren]

Baking cooking and cleaning with Linda and decorating? Yay! I’m in! ❤🌲🥮☕️

[@Nancy-fo7lc]

Loved this video and can’t wait for part 2!!

[@valerijohnson2839]

You’ve inspired me to make my own vanilla. Thank you.

[@0JReynolds]

So I had to write you and tell you that I had no idea about making brown sugar, or softening it. My daughter was in the hospital and she couldn’t eat her apple. She was going to send it back but I grabbed it and brought it home. I followed your instructions and bam, my brown sugar is soft. My daughter went home that day and is improving. Thank you for teaching us that nifty trick ~ Janet 😘

[@JeannieMitchellMyers]

Thanks linda, always a pleasure to watch!

[@jo-annmaruszak9885]

Loved it all as usual. 😊

[@brendajones130]

I loved this Linda. Can't wait for more. Stay safe.

[@belindagill8774]

I loved watching this video ❤ I was so fascinated by how you made your vanilla extract. I never knew it was that easy. I have to try this. Also, I never knew how to make and refresh brown sugar also something I have to try. I love the idea of giving both as gifts along with some pickled eggs I intend to make. I recently learned how to make butter in my kitchen aid mixer. Gosh, I'm going to be busy. Thank you for teaching us how easy it can be

[@francineclave2207]

Thank you again Linda! I do a lot of baking and I am soooo tired of spending a small fortune on Vanilla extract. I had no idea it was so easy to make. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️. I just ordered my supplies on Amazon (YOU WEREN’T LINKED in products HINT HINT)… but I thank you again for another great idea….and my friends thanks you too ❤️….

[@deborahr.7696]

I love peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Molasses does help soften stolls and go to the bathroom. Maybe that's why he ate it. Also, a slice of bread works to keep brown sugar soft.

[@revonda5204]

Peanut butter and honey is one of my favorite sandwiches! I dislike peanut butter and jelly!

[@clj403]

Thank you so very much for being so generous with your time making and sharing these wonderful videos, pure joy every time I watch one, such a beautiful home and your decorating talents are enviable, also enjoy the great recipes, thanks again!❤️

[@nimblewimble]

I so appreciate your philosophy of living in the moment and enjoying the current holiday vs jumping straight to the next one. I've made the mistake of jumping right into Christmas too early, and by the time it arrives, I'm so burnt out that i don't enjoy it anymore. This year I'm going to follow your example and cherish the beautiful November autumn and upcoming time with family.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Enjoy!

[@barbarabrunson8588]

How charming to see!! Puts one in the mood to start getting ready for the holidays!

[@deeshea3286]

What a nice video Linda! You always get me inspired early to start decorating.😍 I love Twin Elm Farm…. thanks to you when you were there. Just a shoutout to the St George Candle company. Their candles are superb.! Bought one when you had the booth, now ordered two more from your store. Thanks for sharing such top quality products.

[@anitacalivas8315]

My dad ate daily - butter sandwiches (4) - I’d rather eat molasses and peanut butter if I had to choose but plz don’t make me 😂-I give home made vanilla as gifts - so yummy…I never have leftover/clumpy brown sugar as my waistline will attest…at a dinner party at my home last night I was taught to eat strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar - ever try that?? TFS ❤

[@jillloveless7145]

We received our apple orchard candle, and apple cider donut mix today, and looking forward to our house smelling like fresh baked apples. 😊 Looking forward to making future purchases. Thank you Linda, the packaging was superb, and delivered promptly. Sincerely, Jill and Gary

[@user-tb9rz1eq9y]

Love love love this video! Glad to learn how to make vanilla and brown sugar! Thank you😊

[@amyhilger2919]

Lovely video Linda, thank you! Especially appreciate the brown sugar tips! ❤️

[@brendaw53]

With all the construction going on last year you still made your home cozy and festive. (Watched again last night) 😊Excited to watch your holiday videos! Glad for the videos because I watch them repeatedly, especially the Fall and Holidays! Everything looks amazing! I love decorating with nature finds too and the textures and colors in the stems and branches are some of my favorite colors! I enjoy making vanilla and other flavorings too. I put a marshmallow in my brown sugar helps keep it soft. The necklace is beautiful and the quaint shops were beautifully decorated! Thanks for posting another homespun, cozy video! ❤ 🍁 🎄