For years I’ve kept a “Dinner Party Diary” where I write about special parties ~ for the memories ~ it’s part diary, part scrapbook. And this MUSICA is for you, also for the memories . . . we can only imagine how many kisses there’ve been with this music playing in the background! (Just click on it and come right back, it will play while you read.)
♥ ♥ ♥
I started keeping track of parties in this book in 1993, but not every party I’ve ever given is here . . . it’s a tiny book and probably has only twenty parties. I only do them when I remember, or I’m in the mood, or the party is so good that I have to do it! Our Sunday Breakfast Party went right into the book: I remembered, I was in the mood, and it was good!
♥ ♥ ♥
Our 9th Anniversary is in this book too . . . that one was an afternoon tea party and we hired a piano player to play The Glory of Love, and all the other old songs we love. I always write down the names of guests, the menu, the dishes, and the weather. (And sometimes what we wore, and sometimes poems people say at the table.)
And here we are, getting ready for our 25th Anniversary Party. Starting with putting a clean tablecloth on the dining table; Girl Kitty had grown fond of the old one and wasn’t letting go of it so easily.
And then the flowers . . . it was supposed to be a combination Valentine’s & Anniversary party, but with the gorgeous weather, it turned out to be an impromptu celebration of Spring! We even had the door open! Birds were singing. It was gorgeous.
You can’t celebrate spring around here without daffodils! They are the cheeriest things!
A little pink for the coffee table.
Happy singing bird vases, a heart teapot, a matelassé bedspread for the tablecloth ~ and what breakfast party is complete without chocolate kisses?
Love? Romance? Hearts and flowers? Old music, best dearest friends . . . and delicious food. And everything pretty in pink!
I made the place cards; luckily Joe has a cork fetish and never throws them away, so I thought, what says celebration and happy memories more than a popped champagne cork . . . ? ♥
I tucked the cards into the wires on the back.
We needed a centerpiece. Joe and I took the QEII on what we called “our test run,” to see if we liked it, in 1997 from New York to Bermuda. Sailing on the QEII was something we talked about the first time we met — not necessarily doing it together (it was too soon for that at the time) but something we both wanted individually! So, of course we saved this little bottle of port we found waiting, when we finally did go, in our stateroom, and now it’s part of the glory of, the story of, love. ♥
Almost there, need napkins! Need food!
Jack helps by bouncing off the walls and aerating the chair backs with claw holes. Thank you Jack!
Yes, actual food will be served. I do adore setting the table, but I know that our guests are going to expect food, not just dishes and flowers! Here, Joe’s making crepes the day before, for the Cheese Blintzes we’re serving.
There they are, the blintzes; the lemon, basil, and ricotta-cheese filling is all rolled inside…. we covered the pan and put it in the fridge; the next morning we browned them in the frying pan before serving with delicious jams, applesauce and sour cream. The recipes for all of this will be in my new Breakfast Book!
Did the MUSICA go away? Noooo. Say it ain’t so. Can’t have that. ♥
Is there anything better than plain, old-fashioned, ice-cold, juicy-pink grapefruit on a spring morning? No, and I do what my mom taught me; I cut around each segment for easy eating.
Mmmmm, crisp-edged, crunchy Blueberry Corn Cakes and hot maple syrup! Gotta have it!
Homemade Applesauce made with Granny Smith’s, so fresh and appley! Yummy with Corn Cakes, delicious with pork sausages, perfect with Cheese Blintzes.
My Applesauce is full of apple bits with a little tooth to them, not the smoothed out stuff you get in the market . . . we served it cold. I put some roasted cranberries (left over from the cranberry marmalade I made for the blintzes) in the middle as decoration.
We had bacon, sausage, sliced steak and buttermilk biscuits too . . . the platters warmed on top of the stove. The southern style breakfast at Tara, with Scarlet O’Hara’s family, I read about in Gone with the Wind, was my inspiration for this . . . believe it or not we didn’t touch the decadence they managed to come up with! But we tried!
Margot and Tom weren’t able to make it 🙁 , they’re on their way to New Orleans 🙂 , but before they left, they stopped by with Margot’s gorgeous bouquet of Valentine roses ~ which were still beautiful; she thought we might like to have them at the party.
She was so right! I recut them and put them in a shorter vase and here they are, a little more Valentine love DNA, gracing the granola-yogurt-and fresh-fruit buffet we set up on the sideboard. Thank you Margot! (BTW, that sideboard was here when we bought the house; Mrs Bowditch (a previous owner) told me it was here when she bought the house in 1949; maybe it’s been here since the beginning, 1859, when the house was built and the Smith family moved in! I would like it to talk!)
Man Food.
And there it is in all its glory; we turned on the music and toasted to love and each other with icy tangerine juice and bloody Mary’s; we had tea, coffee, and everything you see on these plates! We talked about local island news while the birds sang outside the 
window; what’s been in our papers, what the ferry boat is up to these days, the weather (of course), how far up the daffodils have come, the blooming snowdrops, our gardens, Facebook, Twitter, movies, spring vacations; and we ate, and ate. I didn’t do a dessert (although I was tempted to make baked stuffed apples in a cream bath!) — but did we actually need anything more? No. We did not. Then everyone kissed good bye and went home; we washed the dishes, read the paper, and took a nap, then we went to the movies and saw the new silent movie called The Artist. And THAT was Sunday, pretty good huh? Love morning parties!
And for your patience for reading through this, not to mention WILLARD, who has spring fever just like me, and is going out to play all day today and tomorrow; you have a reward . . . I have something I’m really excited about . . . a giveaway I think you will love. Ready? OK, it’s these ~
Two Johnson Brothers, Rose Chintz Teacups! Yes! With saucers! “Sing Ho for the Life of a Bear!” My own set actually has twenty cups-and-saucers, many more than I will ever need! So I am giving away two of them! They come with invisible magic as they were right there on Sunday, at the party of love. (But, of course, just like the sideboard, they won’t talk!) All you have to do to be entered is to leave a comment; “Vanna” will draw a name in about three days . . . want to make sure you all get a chance to enter to get a little springtime pink in your life. ♥
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY GIRLFRIENDS! Sing HO!
Hello Susan
Let me start by saying that you are very talented! with cooking food if you were to call me over to supper I would already be in the seat!!! all of your table wear is just lovely, I think I remember telling you I love pink so you know I love your plates. Your home and all that it entails is something right out of a book of COZY… I wish you & Joe much happiness in today’s world we need to hear about people staying together, my Joe and I are 35yrs so anything past ten years today is a miracle! God Bless love ya XO
My mother used her Rose Chintz every day (wondered what happened to that set?) and your lovely table brought back those memories. Would surely enjoy a few of these tasty blintzes right now!
Oh what a wonderful spread. How fun it must have been at your house Sunday AM. Favorite meal of the day is breakfast. If hubs ever wants to go out, and he does not because we both are decent cooks, I’d pick breakfast or brunch any day of the week. And your gift, love them, want to win! They would fit in perfectly with some redware that I have a set of four of and never enough for my group of friends. Always one odd set.
What gorgeous tea cups! I started to write and the entry disappeared 🙁 – but I am excited that it sounds like your delicious recipes will be shared in a new recipe book! Breakfast is my favorite meal and how lucky to share this wonderful respite with special people! I so look forward to all your writings; you always brighten my day and inspire me to create some wonderful memories of my own! I am dining with special people this week myself; my two year old twin grandchildren while their parents and big brother are in Florida. I treasure every moment of our dinner parties!
Gremlins live here. Mostly we get along fine, but every so often they want to prove who’s really in charge!
Beautiful table setting and I loved the idea of using corks as placecard holders. Genius! It’s Pancake Day–Shrove Tuesday–so I’m borrowing your blueberry corn pancakes idea for dinner tonight.
Everything looks scrumptious and the table setting is a delight…I, too, love teapots and tea cups and all things chintz and roses…Thanks for your inspiring books and delicious recipes…can’t wait for The Breakfast Book….
Was just wondering if those are just regular link sausages or bigger ones? That was one beautiful table! (and the food wasn’t bad either.) Also, it wasn’t part of the blog, but are you a fan of “Downton Abbey?”
I started off as a fan, I love the clothes, love the house, but honestly — it got a little soap opera-ish for me! The good thing about that is you can pop in anytime and figure out what’s going on!
Susan, your table looked absolutely beautiful. I am so looking forward to your Breakfast Cookbook — I love breakfast any time of the day. You are putting me in the mood to have a breakfast/brunch for my old girlfriends from high school. We’ve been trying to find a time to get together (almost all of us still work), and this inspires me to “set a goal.” I would love the teacups and saucers. Everytime I see that pattern in any of your pictures, I am tempted to start my own set. The two cups would be a great beginning!
Such a beautiful table setting!! Thank you so much for the lovely pictures. What a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s day and your anniversary!
What a lovely party! All the pink was beautiful. I have some old white Johnson Bros. china. The pink would be a lovely complement to them. Thank you for the warmth you add to my days.
Oh Susan I am so glad you shared your table settings & food with us. Wow, how fun that had to be. Your friends are so lucky to have you guys in their lives! smile… You are so gifted to be able to put this all together with such grace and love! AMAZING!
Those cups are so pretty, I have a few that I have collected over the years & these would be a perfect addition for me! smile…
Blessings,
Gert
Such joy came through in your account of your anniversary party!!! Even reading it here in the office at work (ssshhh…don’t tell!), I felt like I was right there, celebrating with all of you. Here’s to many more happy anniversaries!
The men needed that selection of meats to make up for all the pink and flowers. 🙂
This was so lovely, and it is so nice of you to share such a personal, intimate celebration with all of us!
You met Joe in the Fall, so this must be your wedding anniversary??
25 years…..that is so incredibly wonderful and romantic. You are both absolute role models for so many of us!
Happy Anniversary!
xoxoxo
It’s really true about the meat . . . otherwise there would be no feet on the ground, we’d all be floating around the table! Thank you Dawn!
What I love about East Texas- the daffodil fields. This morning while driving to a local book club meeting the fields were in full bloom of bright buttercup and dainty white colors. The cows in the pastures don’t seem to mind! Spring is near.
Would love to see that . . . Lady Bird Johnson did some good things, wild-flower wise, along Texas roadsides — I’ve read — would love to see that too!
Love the Johnson Brothers teacups! All I have left of mine is the creamer and sugar bowl.
What a wonderful party. I felt like I was among the friends that attended. I bet a good time was had by all. I too wish that furniture could talk and houses also. I am sure they would have wonderful stories of what went on in their time. I would love to win the beautiful cups and saucers. I love the pattern on them and yes would go well with pink depression glass that I have.
What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday! Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!
Hi Susan
You just have the best parties!!! your breakfast/brunch looked simply yummy. I am going to try making crepes now that I have seen yours. I love all the pretty pink. Love all the flowers. What a fabulous day
deezie
Happy anniversary! What a wonderful celebration of love! Good friends, good food, who could ask for more? Love the photo of the “man food.” My husband would say “amen” to that!
🙂
Susan you are the hostess with the “MOSTess”! What a sumptious brunch you put together, every little detail so pretty, and the food….wonderful!!!
When I was a young gal about to be married, your Chintz china pattern was my first choice. But to my sorrow, it was out of stock when I went to order it…so instead I got the J & G Meakin Chantilly pattern….still roses, but all pink with a white background. I still have all my china pieces and never tire of it. It goes so well with my mother’s pink Fostoria depression glassware. Love your table setting too!!!! xoxo
Love Meakin!
Ooh! Lovely party! Makes me want to celebrate our anniversary (actually, it is in November!)!
Happy Anniversary! And many more 🙂
What a lovely party and Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! I love your tea cups and would treasure them forever.
I’m a former So Calif girl and love to read about your life then and now.
Blessings,
Elaine
February 19th…a beautiful day to remember with Joe and friends! Everything looked wonderful and so delicious! One of my favorite things is to set a lovely table as well…just so creative and fun! Loved the photos, flowers, food, Girl Kitty and Jack. The Artist movie was charming and I hope you two enjoy watching the Oscars on Sunday. I will keep my fingers crossed for the pair of teacups filled with magic! Again, thanks for sharing. You inspire me!
Hi Susan,
Another gorgeous post. Congratulations on 25 years, you are a lovely couple.
What camera do you use? Your pictures are wonderful just like your watercolors are beautiful.
Thanks so much for the updates, I look forward to each and every one.
It’s a Canon … I’m cozied up on the sofa with my computer and old movie while I’m doing this, so I can’t go look at the number on it right now, ask me again!
Oh how fun. What a wonderful party. Your table looked absolutely beautiful. Loved how girl kitty and jack always want to be part of your celebration. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!!!
P.S. Can’t wait until your “Breakfast Book” is published.
I would love to come you a party at your house. What a lovely table!
BEAUTIFUL-EVERYTHING!!!
Wonderfulness!!!! Your writings are so uplifting and exemplary. The morning of your party I woke up and thought of you. Sooo nice! Except for naughty, darling Jack and his poking his nails into the cushions…Good thing he’s so dang cute!!!
You make us all want to have a beautiful party.
I hope so!
Oh Susan…a teeny story:When I asked my dad why they named me Sharon,he said,with a twinkle in his eye, it was for a bush in the backyard! My mom lovingly explained that it was because of the Rose of Sharon,from the Song of Solomon in the bible. They had planted a dozen for ME!!!! Everytime I see your gorgeous rose dishes,my heart remembers my “beloveds”……..thank you,Susan.
Warmly,
Sharon
Okay, I have to admit it….I have party anxiety. I love to have people over, but it causes me a great amount of stress!! Kind of along the lines…what if no one shows up, what if the food doesn’t turn out, what if I don’t make enough food…. what if….. what if….. blah de blah de blah…. I’m letting that all those doubts fly out the window and I’m going to have a party…. a Spring Fling party! You’ve inspired me, Susan! Gracias!
It’s a gift you give your friends, they need to be entertained!
Robbie, I am the same way….my mother never entertained so I never learned to feel comfortable with it. I too find myself so very very hesitant to invite people over due to being scared I didn’t prepare enough, doesn’t taste good, house not pretty enough, etc etc etc etc!!! I have had people over a few times but EVERY time I feel overly stressed and think okay, it will be another 5 years before I do that again!! LOL!! Fortunately my grown daughters do not have that hang up at all and are very gracious, successful hostess’! 🙂
I say if you don’t love it don’t do it . . . maybe just one girlfriend, cookies and a cup of tea . . . you would make someone’s day. xoxo
Oh, how I love you, Susan Branch 🙂
Lynne freeman
I can’t understand for the life of me why you were so skimpy with that meal? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the tea cups are ALREADY TALKING to me, I hear what they are saying, and if I win them, I will definitely tell you too! thanks!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful day! The table was gorgeous! Happy anniversary
Beautiful, yummy breakfast party! Wish we had neighbors as fun as you! I think evry day should be a party…why not..lol….don’t save the good stuff for an occasional party..use them everyday! Please “Vanna”…pick my name! “HUG”
Oh, how I love everything about you, Susan Branch 🙂
Lynne freeman
So sweet Lynne Freeman!
Hi Susan, Wow, I am full just looking at all that gorgeous food. Lucky for me that I had just eaten before I read the party descriptions or else I would have been raiding the refrigerator. I have a very low control level for Yummy Stuff. Sad but true. Everything looked so lovely, but that was not a surprise. Thanks for sharing. Well, it’s time for a cup of tea, join me?
I’m on my way to the kettle!
My groom Scott and I will also be celebrating 25 years this July – isn’t love grand? I think the perfect pre-anniversary gift for myself would be a pair of lovely teacups in my favorite color…pink! My bridesmaids wore pink in my wedding, and I carried white gardenias and pink roses-although now I think I would choose peonies! I sometimes think it would be fun to redo the wedding now just to see how it would be different with my more “seasoned” tastes! Of course, the original was perfect in it’s own time! Happy Anniversary to you two lovebirds!
Susan,
You never cease to amaze me! The breakfast looked delicious. (Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!) I can hardly wait to purchase your new book. Breakfast is always such fun, and I agree that to entertain good friends early in the day is wonderful! Then everyone starts the day with such fun and can enjoy the rest of the day energized… Now about that Tablecloth… I have the same one. I couldn’t decide if it was a tablecloth or a bedspread and I didn’t know it was called a Matelasse’ bedspread. I’ve only used it once as a tablecloth and never on the bed. It was left in the house when my mother died probably from my Great Aunt’s house. I never asked her about it. But I’ve charished it and kept it safe. Now I plan to use it. Can you tell me anything about it? Or does anyone else know more about it?
They wash in the washer in warm water and dry in the dryer and can be bleached. Some are old but they are still being made, it sounds like yours is old. Use it and have fun!
I think I love tablewarwe because I grew up a real cowgirl and nobody in my family loved roses and dishes and pretty things like this. I just got a late start, but I AM making up for it!
I wasn’t a cowgirl, but with eight children in my family, we didn’t have a lot of things with flowers on them either! Never too late to start making beauty around you!
Oh, how I love tea parties, though I have only had one for my daughter (when she turned 12), and my sister took me to one. I have a tea party all by myself several times a week in my own little imaginary world. I pick the cups, teas and food. Then I select the friends I want to invite. My dream is to open my very own tea house to be able to share my imagination with others. I just love living in your world through Willard, your blogs and your books. Can’t wait for the new one. With love to you and your family. <3
The world needs more tea houses, it really does, I love them!
Your anniversary breakfast looked beautiful ! And may I say you must have a bit of Southern genes somewhere from the look of those biscuits!! WELL DONE !
Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful party with us. Happy Anniversary! And I would love to have some invisible magic coming to my house. 🙂
Loved, loved, loved your table setting………oh my gosh, and putting all the meat on the same platter complete with fresh parsley was so lovely. All the flowers looked great. We ususally end up going out for dinner together for our anniversary, but I never thought to celebrate with friends for breakfast. Once in January a few years ago I had a Sunday brunch buffet and made all different quiches, cinnamon rolls, sausage, bacon, coffee cakes, cookies, juices, tea, coffee………..but your idea of the blintzes was super great. I’m going to try them soon. Absolutely love the tea cups too. Just said to my Joe this AM…………how much I love having my tea in the morning. My favorites lately are Cinnamon Stick and African Rooibus. Happy Anniversary Susan & Joe!
Your postings just pick up my day, and this has been a week that I have needed some pick me upping. As I read it, the word peaceful comes to mind, and I feel a calmness that seems to radiate. It just puts me in a good place. Thanks so much.
Wow! what a wonderful breakfast party! I know I would have been stuffed after eating all of that! The table looked beautiful!
Oh what a wonderful party! I can practically smell the bacon 🙂
Love your set table very pink and pretty, I would be honored to win a couple of those pretty dishes, here is keeping my fingers crossed 🙂
Can’t wait for Willard, have a great week.
Happy Anniversary to you both! We will celebrate our 34th in May. Time really does fly, doesn’t it?
You always make me feel like I can touch, smell, and taste your beautiful loving creations. Everything you do is with care and love. Thank you so much for what you give from your heart! Those rose pink cups are beautiful! I cannot wait for your Breakfast Book. Any idea of the time frame?
Fall is the plan, if I get it done in time, I’m hurrying!
I too collect and adore Rose Chintz! Your dining table looked absolutely beautiful and I think pink must be the color of love & sweetness. I have also realized that black and white kitties go perfectly with Rose Chintz and perhaps a meal is just not complete without a few kitty cats here and there. I have two of my own black and white kitty boys: Noguchi after the famous mid century modern designer and Kitten who is sweet and old and would be best friends with your Jack and Girl Kitty. Can’t wait for your Breakfast book to come out! Soon please!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. He is a lucky man to have such a talented and creative wife. Suspect you got a talented and creative husband in return 🙂
I always save your blog for last when reading my email – I like to savour it like a delicious dessert.
I have always wanted to tell you how brave I think you are – setting off across the country all those years ago to a place you had never been. Am I correct in thinking you hadn’t been to Martha’s Vineyard before you moved there? What made you choose Martha’s Vineyard? I have been a fan for many,many years. You are the girlfriend for all girlfriends Sue!!
I’m writing that story in my spare time right now. It’s sort of long!
Thank you for sharing your party with us; I enjoyed it with a cup of tea in my favorite tea mug. I love that Joe saves corks, because my son also loves wine and champagne corks. He loved them as a very little boy (he’s 15 now) and always saved them whenever my husband and I had a bottle of wine. Then our friends and neighbors started noticeing his “cork collection” so they would save their corks and give them to him. He would sort and organize them, and of course build things out of them, like boats, which he would float in the creek behind our house. Our local library has a glass case for children’s collections, and one month he actually had his cork collection at the library! Most kids would display their trucks or dolls, but our son displayed his wine corks. I found an old printers tray (with all the little compartments) at an antique store and hung it on our wall and filled with with his corks. People love it. So tell Joe that my son understands the whole cork thing.
Yes, he does!!! I just your comment to Joe — he said, “that’s very sweet.” How great they took his collection at the library — he must have been proud!
I get the cork thing, too, Kathy! About 9 or 10 years ago, I started saving wine corks. I use a fine tip permanent marker to write the date, the occasion, the food, the weather, the people with us….whatever seems important at the time (or whatever I can fit on the cork). I started out keeping them in a jar, then a small bowl, then a larger one, etc. I now have them in a very large pasta bowl. They sometimes are the centerpiece on my table, sometimes they “live” on the sideboard. What a wonderful conversation piece they have become. It’s so much fun to randomly pick up a cork and relive a special memory!
I love your blog and all of the beautiful photos. I would really like to have my name put into the drawing for the beautiful teacups as I collect them myself and these would be a gorgeous addition.
I haven’t read the Willard yet so need to get back to it.
I love your blog, the beautiful pictures of the scenery and all of the yummy food. I would love to have my name put into the drawing for the cup and saucers as I collect them and these would be a beautiful addition to the collection.
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. Your table is beautiful and the food looked wonderful. I am sure that the best part was the friendship you shared at your celebration of your Anniversary and Valentines Day.
Yes, it’s not what’s on the table that counts, it’s what’s on the chairs! xox
Oh my! Me! Me! Pick me!! 😀 Last summer you had shown a picture of your store displaying these beautiful dishes! SOOOO…I got on ebay to see if I could start my own collection!! 😀 I absolutely LOVE them!! I have a complete place setting for 2 along with the beautiful tea pot….want to keep adding more but my budget doesn’t allow it for right now! 🙂 Thank you so much, Susan, for introducing these pretty dishes to us! I so appreciate your blog and the pleasant lift it gives to my day….love girly, domestic things, pictures, etc….and the posts always makes me happppyyyyyyyyyy! 🙂 LOL! I used to be a stay-at-home mom and so so so so so miss those days (b4 the divorce) ….so your little nesting and home-making gives me the little fix I need! 😀 Have a wonderful day!
Women who get to stay home and do the most creative job in the world are so lucky!
Your table looked gorgeous & love that side board. I love old things like that too & wish we knew what the conversation was like in that room when that piece was new! Such history!! Have a good day Susan!
Cant wait for the new book 🙂
Your party sounds wonderful. Congratulations to you and Joe! Thanks for including us in your celebration!
Your photos are so inspiring – they make everything so special! You really make me realize the joy in the simple things of life. I’m so anxious for your breakfast book. And I would love to sit with a cup of tea using one of YOUR cups and read it and plan a wonderful meal to share with loved ones.
Congratulations on celebrating your 25th anniversary! Your party looked splendid, thanks for sharing with us! 🙂 I collect pink depresssion glass( well really anthing pink:)) so I was inspired by your lovely table setting! I loved “The Artist”. My husband and I just saw it on Sunday. We have two jack russell puppies, Ellie and Tuck, so we really enjoyed the dog!:)
Oh that dog, what a little doll!
I love the idea of the party notebook. Such a good way to remember special times with friends. Makes me want to find something to celebrate. Spring really is coming and a brunch seems like the perfect way to welcome back the flowers and longer days. Thanks for the inspiration and just for the chance of winning those beautiful tea cups. Your blog fills me with joy and an appreciation for all that we hold dear. Thanks!
Oh sigh, Susan! What a lovely breakfast — thank you for sharing. And of course, Vanna will know that I just need to have those “special” cups and saucers to go with the other Rose Chintz pieces I’ve been collecting — started as a gift from a dear friend.
What an inspiration! An amazing party AND 25 years! Congratulations!
How exciting to see that you are giving away two teacups! I have admired your beautiful tables and displays and often wondered the company/pattern of your china collection. It’s great to know that you have the names available when “hovering” over the photos. What fun it would be to “share” in your lovely brunch by owning a piece that was present!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful breakfast and the lovely music. I have had a lovely evening reading your blog. I have a smile on my face and am looking forward to spring.
What a wonderful brunch! I agree with most above, you have “cozy” down pat. I would at “welcoming” too. It was all beautiful! It’s much more enjoyable to cook for many people. Having grown up in a home where six to twelve is normal, cooking for just two is hard to get interested in these days. But, at least once or twice a week we make a real dinner, flowers, candle light & special dishes… all for us. My husband wouldn’t admit to it, but he likes it very much. He always picks the music too!
What an absolutely stunning table you set Susan! I am so glad you chose the white spread! I love the bottle you got from the QEII! How awsome! You save things like I do! I love the books and the picture you chose to set on the table, what a great idea! And spring! The daffodils! I need to plant 100’s more, I never cut them, cause the look so beautiful where they are that I just can’t bring myself to cut! How sweet of your friends to bring by the flowers before leaving for New Orleans! Psst, I would much rather be with you than in New Orleans! What a wonderful day everone must have had! Thanks for sharing, I see all the beautiful birds on your table as well, do they miss their green friends?
Tweet tweet!!!
Found your blog after reading one of your books my daughter had taken out from the library. Oh, happy day! I look forward to your blogs each day. How delightful your life looks and sounds. Would love to be able to “walk into town for dinner.” Your table is beautiful. You share wonderful ideas with us all. My daughter collects vintage china; I know she would fall in love with your teacups. They are so sweet. Signed up for Willard. Will look for your new book when it hits the bookstore. Have a blessed day. Happy Anniversary.
Thank you Barbara!
Susan–your table was lovely!! I bought a set of pink flowery dishes at an auction a few years ago. Gave them to my daughter. Her home has a cottage look. I just love all your wonderful ideas. Will have to try some of the recipes…..thanks
Everything was so very pretty…
Sing Ho! How sweet was it that you had such a spring-like day ta boot! Thank you, dear Susan, for sharing all the details. And especially the Girl Kitty and Jack pictures. I LOVE these teacups. Me hopes me wins. Blessings.
So incredibly beautiful.! We will be celebrating 25 years also in October. You make everything you do so effortless and give the rest of us hope that we can do it too. It would be an honor to add your rose chintz tea cups and saucers to my 12 mismatched cups and saucers. I could use them and pretend that you are here with me enjoying tea. Thank you for including us all in your family of girlfriends.
Just returned from a week in Cancun (got a good dose of God’s vitamin D) to read your post…it was a great trip, but there’s NO PLACE LIKE HOME! RNG, be good to me!
Connie B.
Welcome Home!
OH ! LoVe ! I just LoVe the idea of a book to remember the memories !
I am going to make one up right now with the last Lunch bunch ladies I had over recently. ~ Thanks for all the wonderful loveliness x0x0x!!!
How I love to read your postings!!! and to see your pictures. I even shared your post of the lovely walk you had at night with your friends and the French restaurant you went to. He loved it as much as I did!!! I would be beside myself if I could win these lovely cups and saucers!!! Sounds like you had a most memorable 25th!! *HUGS* for the day 🙂
Susan,
You always knock me out with your choice of lovely things. Such an inviting tablescape to welcome guests! Thanks for sharing your Johnson Bros cups with a lucky winner.
Mame
Oh heavens! 768 people have commented before me. Just between the two of us, I wish not another person read your blog! Can you imagine why? Those tea cups, for one thing! That is not nice for me to be this way. I like to feel like we are having a little chat when I read the blog. ❦
Today has been my day! Willard came and what is so amazing is that my box of things I ordered from your online store also came today. AND, of all things, one thing I got was the pillow case with the blue hanky stitched on it. Another thing was the Emma little pitcher with the hearts on it…AND, the third thing was the Grandmother book which I bought for my bff for her birthday. GENIUS! Can I even believe that these things were in Willard today? I am having a bridal shower for her daughter in April and your romance ideas for decorating around the house will be used…so sweet.
Beautiful! that is all.
When I see something in an antique store I love and want, I throw myself over it to hide it in case anyone else see’s it. So I know how you feel 🙂 You got all the good stuff! Thank you Rosemary!
My DH and I have just arrived in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada for 4 days with hopes of seeing the Aurora. It is cold and snowy here so I loved hearing about your mild weather and birds singing. We took the train north from Winnipeg to Churchill, a wonderful 2 day/night trip. We also love train travel – it feels so civilized. 🙂
That sounds great! A perfect comment to go under the heading “Memories Are Made of This!”
Oh WOW!!! This is the first blog I’ve seen!!!! I just found you and your site and I AM IN LOVE!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You make me feel inadequate but I can aspire to be like you… 🙂 Hugs.
So happy you’re here Deborah! No — not inadequate, because if I can do it, anyone can!
You’re going to love it here deborah!!
Hi, Susan!
What a wonderful party! I was so hoping you were going to use the white tablecloth. I love it! I love the champagne cork place cards! I will never throw away a champagne cork again. 🙂 I absolutely love, love, love the party book idea. Maybe you could create a beautiful one we could all use. I have been using your Book of Days for many years, and I record our parties and celebrations in there, but a special book just for the parties and celebrations would be perfect. I will certainly buy one or two o three or four.
Thank you for the Jimmy Durante music. His music brings back such wonderful memories of my childhood and my dad. Thank you for the memories.
I am so happy you had such a wonderful party!
Happy Tuesday!
Terry
Nice to hear from you Terry!
Susan, you are truly an artiste!
How beautiful!! Lovely flowers, and table setting, and delicious food! What a perfect way to celebrate your special 25th anniversary with your dear friends!
wow what a super day for you and yours and what a wonderful idea of the party journal it might be a bit late for me but our daughter is just starting her independent life and i will get her a journal to become her party journal thanks for the ideas and love love love the pictures and the kitties
How wonderful, I really would have liked it if I’d started my book when I was in my 20’s — but any time is a good time, because even one entry is good.
Congratulations on your 25th. The table was gorgeous and I am sure the food was as delicious as it looked. I have a set of Johnson flowery dishes, but not the same pattern as yours. However, the two cups and saucers would make a great addition to the set. I really look forward to your blog. It is always so inspiring and uplifting, it brings sunshine to my day.
Pick me, Vanna! Pick me! I wonder what kind of magic it would take to get them to talk??
Invisible magic! Ah…..we all can use a little of that, can’t we? The kind of magic that surrounds you with love♥ and laughter, celebrating with friends, in a home filled with history, creativity, inspiration and furry friends! What a special day.
Susan, your table was just beautiful, the pink, the birds and the novels…just perfect. And….oh, the food…………………….one word YUM! Love the rose chintz pattern of your china.
And your sideboard is so intriguing, can you imagine the “events/celebrations/parties” small and large it must have been used for ? The stories it could tell……that could be a book! “Stories from the Sideboard”.
Celebrate the magic of your Anniversary everyday…..life and love are special blessings.
I love that title…”Stories from the Sideboard.” Good idea.
Ohhhh, please oh please, tuck away that idea and pull it out when it’s time for the next book;) love it!
I’ll do that!
Dear Susan.
Love the tea cups!!My mother was from England and we grew up with tea time.Your blog is so comforting to see and read.It brings back so many great memories of my family.My mother passed away suddenly and then my 38 year old baby sister was diagnosed with cancer and in two years it took her life.She was a lovely women full of the most love any soul could have in one body.She adored you and bought us all your books as gifts thur the years.Now that my mother and Shelly have passed we treasure the recipes and remember our life as it used to be so lovely.Thanks for your inspiring words and creations of beauty it brings back so many memories
sheila
Terrible losses, I’m so sorry Sheila; it’s beautiful to hear the love in your words.
You have given me spring fever! I must have a brunch party soon!
You set such a lovely table Susan and it looks so inviting and festive. I am always so inspired by all that you write about. Thank you for sharing the heart of your home with us. Good luck to all~
We always used an assortment of different teacups for parties growing up, and I’ve recently started my own collection:)
I love breakfast parties too…so many things you could make! I love how your table setting looked, very romantic. Of course, I also loved the picture of Girl Kitty in your tablecloth…too funny! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to share a treasured day, heres to many more such days, of Love . cheers and cheerio!
Susan, you are one “party animal” girlfriend! lol. I just felt like I was right there with you as I was reading this just now! YUM! I had the flu, but am feeling well again today and in the mood for some serious food….so your morning party just saved me as I was looking at the pics! I was looking at your table and was delighted at how picture perfect it was, and suddenly I realized that I was getting the exact same joy I experience everytime I open one of your books and see your paintings! 🙂 The party looked to be amazing, and it was adorable that your little ones…Jack and GK …were also “helping” in the ways that cats love to do. I had to laugh at Joe’s corks….and that you put them to such great use! It was so cute! I forgot to write last time that I do hope that you will one day show pics of your store….with all the flowers!!! That would be such a treat! I cant wait for you to draw a name for those beautiful tea cups….this is one time I will hope to win! lol. Have a wonderful week!!!
I’ll do the store on the blog one of these days!!! The killer thing is, in one of the pictures, right in the middle of a table, is an entire set of Rose Chintz dishes we sold there . . .
Teacups from you would be lovely! I have a small collection of cups which were collected 40 yrs ago…..I was doing what my mom and grandmother had done.
The table was stunning….great job Miss Susan!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe, isn’t marriage grand?
I live in a wonderful neighborhood and have had tea party for all the little girls for the past 7 years. I love decorating, so every year is a new theme on the back porch. Of course this year was the Royal Tea Party. The girls are adorable.
I have to tell you that I love the Hershey kisses on your breakfast table, I am going to try that 🙂
They say it all!
Those teacups are beautiful! Great party ideas. Now all I need to do is have a party (haven’t had in in ages). It’s hard to carve out time between all the kiddo activities. Obviously, I need to take the time to schedule one. Thanks for the inspiration.
Happy anniversary! The party looks great, how marvellous to have a breakfast party. Great idea… sooooo much food. Looks great especially the crispy bacon and little sausages.
Oh my goodness….over 790 something comments already – how do you read them all ?!?!?!? And, I just had to call my husband over to the screen and show him your “party book”, because I have one too ! Now, mine does not look as beautiful as yours, but it goes back to 1995 and lists guest, menu, what I used to set the table, if we had favors or take home treats, and if it is the holidays what we gave as gifts ( you only have to have a great idea TWICE to want to do this….), and likes/dislikes of guests. We just had our dear friends here for the Super Bowl and one person does not like peas, he knows I have it in my book that he does not like peas….and it was so cute – at dinner with corn muffins with whole corn in the mix he said ” you can write down that I like these…we could have these again !” Oh, the tea cups ! SO BEAUTIFUL ! They are screaming tea for two on the porch on the rockers to watch the Spring robins ! Oh Vanna, pick me !!! Thank you Susan for being oh so generous to us !!!
Happy 25th Anniversary!!! My husband and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary last July. Here’s to the BEST years… the years to come!! 🙂
How lovely they are as well as your tasty table…..I have a birthday coming…..
HI Susan,
Thanks for having me over for the party, I felt like I was there, I think I even eat to much. Your table looked great, and of course kitty pictures are always a plus.
The cups are sooo pretty , what a nice drawing.
Nancy Jo
Happy Anniversary – enjoy your new year….lovely to celebrate with your friends