"And We Can't Forget Miss Congeniality . . . "

Greetings,

Too often we put much way too much pressure on ourselves during the holidays.  We decide that if our Christmas is not *perfect,* it will be simply ruined.   So when you feel that stress coming on - remember, a good laugh can get you through almost anything . . .

And to prove my point - this was one of my favourite entries for the "Best Christmas Tree" contest that finished up last week.  And entry from a good friend.  A friend running a little behind schedule.  And who clearly has a great sense of humour.  This was sent just before the contest closed - but, she wanted to take part in the fun . . .

My Tree, at the moment.
Lisa, California

Giggle,
Scot

"And Just in Under the Wire . . . "

Kristen Mullen, TX

Greetings,

So a quick glimpse into my evening last night - I had a last minute rehearsal for a Lessons & Carols Service that I'm singing on Sunday morning - so I was away from my office and also had my phone turned off for most of the late afternoon and evening - whilst we were practicing.

So image my surprise when I switch my little iPhone on late last night - to see the swarm of last-minute entries in the Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest.  I've spent a good part of the morning just getting them all sorted.

Here's a few to share . . .

James Hamm, North Carolina

Scott Schaeffer, Arizona

Katie Denham, California

Eileen Krammer, Minnesota

Matthew McDonald, New Jersey

Now everything is off to our illustrious judges.  I'll post our winners in each category next week.

For all of you how took the time to photograph your home and share your great ideas and holiday spirit not only with me, but with my readers here at Tartanscot, I can't begin to thank you enough.  There simply wasn't time or space to post every image, but I was charmed and delighted opening each email every morning.

Cheers - and a massive thank you!
Scot

"And Yet More Entries . . . "

Anne Fifer, California

Greetings,

There was a bumper crop of entries this morning in my in-box!  Just wanted to share a small portion of them with you.  All with such great ideas - and homes just filled with the holiday spirit.  Enjoy . . .

Janet & Joy, The Moggit Girls

Kristen Mullen, Texas

Linda Braden, Texas

Pat McIntosh, California 

Francine Gardner, New York

Jane Peak, Ohio

Robin Preussker, California 

Anne Fifer, California

D. Meacham, Utah

Hugh Luck, New Jersey

Jen Borba, California

As of this evening at 11:59 (eastern time), I'll have to close down the contest and start organizing the entries to get them to our great panel of judges.  I don't envy them their task of deciding on a winner.  So get those last-minute entries in.  You can check HERE for all the entry details.

Cheers,
Scot

"Time Is Running Out . . . "

Addison Searles, California

Greetings,

Well, there's only a few more days to enter the Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest.  Y'all have until Thursday night at midnight to get your trees, mantels, and dining tables in.  Check HERE for all the details and instructions.

Virginia McMillan, Illinois

Pinky, Pennsylvania

There's a great collection of ornaments from Gumps for the best "tree" entry. 

Daniel Shigo, New York

Artie Vanderpool, New York

A beautiful scented candle from Ralph Lauren for the winner in the "mantel" category. 

Gina Jaber, California 

Delores Arabian, California 

And a spectacular serving piece from Anthem in San Francisco for the best "dining table" entry.

Keep 'em coming in,

Scot

"By an Open Fire . . . "

Carol Brademas, Indiana

Greetings,

As temperatures start to fall - we all begin to gather around the fireplace.  Sipping hot chocolate.  Telling stories.  And basking to the glow of these beautiful mantels all decorated for the holiday season.  Just a sample of the entries in the Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest. 

I'm so glad that I don't have to judge these entries.  They are all so wonderful.  Thank heavens for these fine folks!  Don't forget, you can submit entries in all three categories (Christmas tree, mantel, and dining room) until midnight on Thursday.  All the details are here.

Cristin Bisbee Priest, California

Maureen Coates, Ottawa

Kelly Farwell, California

Pinky, Pennsylvania 

Sherry Hahn, Illinois

Until tomorrow - cheers,
Scot

"Oh Christmas Trees, Oh Christmas Trees . . . "

Delores Arabian, California

Greetings,

So, how many of you took advantage of the weekend and put your Christmas trees up?  If you're still waiting, I thought I'd share a few of the entries in the "Christmas Tree" category for the Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest.

Kelly Farwell, California

Teri Elliott, Kansas

Laura Ritchey, Arkansas 

Carol Brademas, Indiana 

Christian May, California

Remember, there's a beautiful collection of ornaments from Gumps of San Francisco for the best entry!  

Cheers,

Scot

"It's in the details . . . "

Cristin Bisbee Priest, California

Greeting,

I've begun to giggle with delight each time I open up one of the entries in the Tartanscot Holiday Decorating Contest in-box each morning.  You fine folks are clearly getting into the holiday spirit.  I thought I'd share a few of the 'close-up' images that y'all have been including with your entries.

"God is in the details."

Mies van der Rohn

Judy Russell, Texas

Sherry Hahn, Illinois

Carol Spinski, Missouri

Therese Long, California 

Carol Brademas, Indiana

Delores Arabian, California

Keep those entries coming.  Last day to enter is Thursday December 16th.  For all the details, check HERE.

Cheers,
Scot

"What's a Contest Without Prizes . . . "

Greetings,

I hope everyone has been having an amazing week.  Personally, I've been in New York visiting with my mom all week.  We had a mad flurry of the BIG THREE.  Shopping.  Dining.  Theatre.  But, I'll update you on those in the coming days.

Heading home today - and excited to get a better look at the emails in the "Tartanscotcontest" in-box.  Y'all have been VERY busy getting your homes ready for the holiday season - and I thank those of you who have already send in pictures for the contest.

If you're still waiting - you have until December 16th.  Check HERE for all the detail on how to enter.  And have a look HERE at the exciting panel deciding on our winners.

But, have a look below for the prizes for our contest . . .

For the 1st prize for the Christmas Tree Contest - A beautiful collection of ornaments from Gumps in San Francisco, retail value $125.00.  A charming group of our SF landmarks to enjoy each year . . . 

For the Dining Table Contest - A spectacular serving tray - in ceramic and pewter, from Anthem in San Francisco, retail value $210.00.  Anthem always seems to have the perfect hostess gift - and a marvelous collection of excellent presents for the season.  If you live in the Bay Area - please stop by and have a look.

For your Mantel - the perfect scented candle - from Ralph Lauren.  

And since we seem to be having a large number of entries - I'll offer a Baekgaard Tartan Notepad for second place in each of the three categories.

Keep those pictures coming,

Scot