Daylight Candles
January 15, 2026
Candlelight during the daytime carries its own magical quality. Often it is not about the light they project, but the dancing flicker of beautiful energy that can add so much to a room.
Ted Kennedy Watson
Continued Green Love
January 14, 2026
Green things are always on my mind when we are at Hawthorne. Given the start of the new year, we are playing around with new formats for our mailers and my posts. Sophia put this swell grouping of Watson Kennedy green goods together and I am loving it. Really like the overlapping of things as it translates into how nicely everything works together. More creative layouts coming soon!
A Tree Question
January 13, 2026
During the holidays, I am often asked by customers, when should you take down your Christmas tree. My answer is always the same. Take your tree down whenever you would like. I don’t really think there is a set rule, nor should there be. If it is still bringing you happiness, keep it up! Often, folks grow tired of the tree or the poor tree is looking terribly sad, then take it down. At Hawthorne, caretaker Bill gets our tree and has it set up for us when we arrive late in the eve on the 25th. So for us, we enjoy it our entire stay, and the tree goes away after we head back to Seattle at the end of January. We have it lit that entire time, and it brings us tremendous joy. We do green lights, of course. Along with simple green balls of ornaments in varying shades of the hue. Super simple. It sits on the back porch which is quite cool, until we start a big fire when guests arrive and we start the evening back there with cocktails. Bottom line, the tree goes when you are ready. X
Ted’s Tip No. 562
January 12, 2026
Mirrors can be such an easy design fix for a space you are just not sure what to do with or if you are waiting for the perfect piece of art. Mirrors add visual interest as light and other aspects of other rooms reflect in it. Plus the frame can also add a bit of style to the space. Antique shops, thrift stores, flea markets & tag sales are great places to pick up mirrors in a variety of sizes and styles.
A Kind Sunday Quote
January 11, 2026
The Exquisite Beauty Of Stissing House
January 10, 2026
Back Porch Happiness
January 9, 2026
Flower Friday about our glorious amaryllis from Cedar Farm that just keeps on giving us continued joy. We have a group of college friends from Hamilton arriving this eve, so the back porch is getting spiffed up and the fire will get lit soon so the space warms up and is extra inviting. Our tree stays up until we head back to Seattle at the end of the month. We love the festiveness it brings to the room. I always find it so interesting how one flowering plant can bring such delight. X, Ted