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!
Wow Susan! “Aerating the chairbacks with his claws”, — That is the funniest thing I’ve seen today. Thank you and Jack for making me laugh. P.S. – I love that you put a “positive” spin on that Ha!
It’s my Pollyanna blood. xoxo
The “Glad Game” 😀
That’s it, changed my life at 9 years old! 🙂
I love your party diary… so adorable to keep track of so many fun memories. Your breakfast looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the fun!
The table setting, the food, the LOVE. What a perfect Valentines/Anniversary gathering… Can’t wait for you Breakfast book!!
Oh, and I love all things Jonhson Bros. 🙂
Susan, you have ‘doubled my pleasure’ for sure today: a lovely blog post AND a Willard! Add to that yet another opportunity to win some of your very own treasures … well. What can I say? Thank you, from the heart of my home to yours!
I do not own any Rose Chintz but I love it. What a beautiful party-I adore breakfast, it’s the best meal of the day. Someday I will have to try a breakfast party. love your dishes, table, flowers everything just to my taste-and I want your stove!!!!!!!
LOL! You can get one! Stove Heaven in Los Angeles is one place I know of. There is not a day I don’t walk by that stove and say THANK YOU! It’s like having a big white marshmallow in the kitchen.
We are currently on a search for one for our little cottage…wish us luck:) I have a scout looking out for us when she goes “junking” …she has spied some…YIKES!!! So excited!
Our home is just full of your incredible influence, dear Sue:)
Oh Thank you Christie . . . about the stove, and I could be wrong, but it’s my understanding they should be refurbished to conform to — what is it, plumbing/gas fitting standards … something like that!
Tim says we’ll have to look for one that’s been refurbished, so I’m sure that must be part of it. I checked the stove heaven website and commenced to drooling;) We’ll have to let you know what comes of our search.
ENJOYED YOUR BREAKFAST PARTY. BRUNCHES WERE ALWAYS MY FAVORITE FOR HAVING GUESTS…THE FRESH PART OF THE DAY TO BE WITH DEAR FRIENDS. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.
I PURCHASED, FINALLY, AFTER 55 YEARS, SOME RED TRANSFERWARE DISHES AND USED THEM WITH MY DEAR ONE ON ST. VALENTINE’S DAY. HOWEVER THERE WERE NO CUPS AND SAUCERS SO I WILL BE LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC AND STORIES FROM YOUR CUP & SAUCERS WHEN THEY ARRIVE. AFTERALL ‘IT’S MAGIC’…….AND THEY WILL SING HAPPILY ALONG WITH THE RED TRANSFERWARE PLATES, N’EST-CE PAS?
JOYFULLY,
~SYLVIA FAYE
Hi Susan – My husband (of 35 Years) and I moved into our home 8 years ago on Valentines Day. I told him – “he would have a hard time topping this gift!”
We too have kept a record of our party gatherings – We just had our 226th party last Saturday. This was with our four sons and their families. We had slow cooked ribs! Your brunch looked – “out of this world YUMMY”! Thank you for always sharing your creative life of love! Teresa from Bend, Oregon
Lovely family memories!
A wonderful post. We just returned from a day trip to New Hampshire to my favorite place in Contoocook NH called The Calico Hen. If you ever get a chance, go there. Wonderful. Then we went up to New London for a late lunch, I had a yummy grande latte on the way home and now I see your pics and I am hungry again. God, I need to go on weight watchers.
Anyway, beautiful table. Fabulous. And you are killing me with those teacups. I hate to say it, but I hope I win 🙂
It’s OK, we all hope you win too, unless it’s us!
Love your tablesetting and the food looks delish.
Your table was beautiful and you could almost smell the food. Your decorations and flowers so colorful. You’re right, it’s not Spring without daffodils. Our’s arejust starting to peek up in my yard, can’t wait for them. Enjoyed reading about your day. Pat M. in Indiana
Susan & Joe:
Congratulations on your 25th! Your Celebration looks too wonderful; would loved to have been there. Reading your blogs I feel like we are kindred sisters (two peas in a pod). Those cups & saucers would keep my collection great company! God bless for another 25.
Susan,
In the midst of every busy day, checking in with you is always on my list and I can count on you to breathe beauty and fun into it! Everything you do and say expresses warmth and welcome! Thanks for always inviting us in and sharing!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for sharing your anniversary party with us! The pictures made me hungry, and I love the flowers. I am going to steal your idea of a party book, how great an idea that is! How nice to be able to look back over past good times, you could relive each happy time each time you look at the book!
Maria
You get a very distinct clear “memory” from those little entries!
I love roses, tea, china, and parties and I love your outlook on life. You always make the simple things so very special. Hope ‘Vanna’ draws my name.
Beautiful, beautiful tea cups and table setting. Food too! Thank you for sharing your party with us. I always learn something from your blog.
Very nice to hear!
OH…………..SB………….you make everything a masterpiece! Loved the Bing and Fred Music about Spring…………loved the VDay Brunch and am so encouraged to make my home a place of romance. Thanks a million!
Bing and Fred . . . that song! Love it, sang it in the shower yesterday!
The breakfast looks delicious. So may wonderful things. I certainly was a feast.
I’m still on my Susan Branch books phase. On book two. Filling in with visits here.
teacups and friends for good long chat. You just can’t get much better!
Girl Kitty was so funny on the tablecloth! Jack looked at a loss for not being the center of attention! You are so fortunate to have an anniversary to celebrate and good friends to share it with you! Thank you for sharing.
Counting my blessings, that’s for sure.
Thanks so much for this precious visit … warms my heart wonderfully.
Your table looked so inviting. That is also my favoriate thing to do……….set a beautiful table and have everyone go…….WOW…………
Beautiful breakfast spread! I’d love to add these teacups to my small hope chest collection–the florals look like they were drawn on the cups!
Not sure if they were handpainted or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. I just wanted to let you know that I always look forward to reading your blog. The pictures are awesome to look at too. It’s always a mini-vacation for me.
Hi girls!…Hi Susan!!
Loved this blog today. Your parties sound and look wonderful. All the food looked soooo yummy. What a lovely way to celebrate friends . It is hard not to get spring fever…birds chirping, flowers blooming and seed catalogs arriving in the mail. Just can’t wait. I love Johnson Brother’s china…I have numerous patterns but the chintz with roses is my very favorite. Have a great day… and dream of spring…Bye for now!!!
Hi Kathie!
Oh how pretty ! 🙂 How nice of you to share your party with us! Also a couple of tea cups anyone would love to have !! Thank You , Susan! Hope I win !
Dear Susan, You have spread a lot of happiness around not just with your friends at your beautiful pink party but to share it all with us is just too wonderful for words. I feel like I have such a happy, happy, friend that I visit everyday. You’re like “Miss Rumphius”, a children’s book written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney. It’s about a little girl who was told by her grandfather, “You must do something to make the world more beautiful”. I think you would love the book because it takes place by the sea. Happy Anniversary month to you and Joe. My husband and I will be celebrating our 35th all in May ! Thanks for all the party ideas. 😉
Thank you sooo much Wendy!
Wendy~
I LOVE that book and have read it to all my children as they were growing up! Our lives have real purpose when we give something of ourselves to make the world a better place. …and yes, Susan Branch, is like Miss Rumphius, right down to living in her house by the sea!
PS Hope you and Joe had a wonderful time in New York celebrating your anniversary!
It was great, what a wonderful amazing city!
Your brunch looked so good…. I must try this one week-end soon. Maybe when one of children come up for a visit. The tea cups would really go well with some odd cups I already have so put me at the top of the list. Your writings keep me sane in this insane world.
Good, that’s my plan! 🙂
Happy 25th Anniversary! The party sounds like it was wonderful. Love the cup and saucer sets. Hope my number comes up!
What a wonderful way to start the day…nothing beats a sumptious breakfast and gathering around such a lovely table with dear friends! Love that you have kept such beautiful records of your parties through the years…fun memories and a great way to relive those delicious menus…gorgeously done!
Thank you Laura!
As usual, everything was absolutely beautiful… Loved all the pink. I have to remember to have a “breakfast party”. What a great idea! I get tired way too early any more, so dinner parties are getting harder for me. Next time….breakfast!!!!!
I’ve been saying for years, I picture a headline in a cooking magazine “The New Dinner Party: Lunch!”
Oh, your table was beautiful! And the FOOD! What a spread. You really are the hostess with the mostest. And you give away the sweetest, most thoughtful gifts. I love your your teacups and saucers and would be ever so proud to be the lucky winner. Your post was so inspiring. Blessings.
Felt like I was part of the guest list – so enjoyed your detailed account and heart warming pictures of your breakfast celebration! Can you imagine how many of us live vicariously through your wonderful, inspiring, joyful blog?!!! You are a gift to us all and your creativity, warmth and love of life (all things great and small) fill us up! Thank you for always sharing.
Thank you (and everyone) for being here — it would be no fun without you!
Dear Susan, I think this was one of your most beautiful blogs of all! Gladys Taber would be proud! Now, I suddenly know that I must get some of that Rose Chintz China! So beautiful. I was also amazed to see the flowers there and what is growing. We are still bogged down in winter, although the chickens are laying and the frogs are singing in the pastures!
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful day!
Love, Brenda
Ohhhhh, I love your party menu, I love your table setting and I love the tea cups. When is your breakfast book coming out? Can’t wait.
A glimpse of spring on a very gray, rainy day goes a long way. Many, many thanks.
I love breakfast too. I had a breakfast outing today with my dear friends Celeste and Christina! They are mother and daughter and it was so much fun seeing their inviting table filled with good food, but mostly, it’s the friendship that is the center of these get togethers. What a wonderful way to spend the hour before going to work!
Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all. I think I’ve gained 10lbs. just looking at all the food on the table!
Oh….lovely, just lovely. The flowers, the table, the china, the food, the cat….lovely. Please Vanna, pick my name for the glorious Rose Chintz cups….I have one small dessert plate that I have cherished in this pattern…I would have a cup and saucer to go with that and an extra for a friend. You are too generous Susan…happy anniversary to the loving couple!
Breakfast foods are my favorite. Alas, my dear husband is not a big breakfast fan. Early in our marriage he was in the servicd and I would get up each morning to cook a traditional breakfast for him. After about three weeks he came to me and told me he just could not handle that big meal each morning… so I gave up waking early to cook breakfast.
Then when the children were in elementary school and I was the only stay at home mom on the block I was put in charge of putting the neighbor children on the bus each morning. (We live rural and the bus stop is a bit over half a mile from our door through the woods.) Glory be! The kids loved breakfast and each took a turn “ordering” their favorites. We would make a schedule of sorts so we could rotate through all their favorites. On birthdays most ordered cake and ice cream – hey, it counts as bread and milk, right?
Now the children have all flown the nest and I am a working empty nester. I love to try new recipes and each Friday morning I try a new breakfast casserole combination to share with my little group of co-workers.
What fun! They are so appreciative and I get to try lots of fun new recipes. I can not wait to see your new breakfast cookbook and try out those blintzes!
Thank you for sharing. Your blog brightnes my day!
I bet your co-workers LOVE you!!
Hi Susan! Does life get any better than that? I think not 🙂 Good food, friends, flowers and lots of love!!! Thanks for sharing your lovely morning! xoxo Debbie
Susan, Susan…… you did it!! I’m in such a Spring mood right now!! The sun is shining out my windows and Violets are coming up. Roses are on the bush and the daffadils will be here before long. I’ve been getting in the mood for Spring for awhile now with wanting to start wearing more colorful clothes. I’m done with sweaters and jeans. But, it will be awhile before it’s really warm enough. But, wait!….. I can wear a coat when I go out and have those colorful clothes on still 🙂
Like you on Martha’s Vineyard, we are not getting the normal winter weather here in Eureka, Ca. (northern part of the state).
I would love to have those cups and saucers to add to my collection. I will be hoping that Vanna picks me 🙂
Have a great evening!,
Carol M
Happiest 25th Anniversary!!! It’s a wonderful milestone in one’s marriage! I love your blog – it neber fails to make me smile and it always warms my heart. XOXO Rosanne in Lake Arrowhead, CA
I fell in love in Lake Arrowhead one time.
My first set of pottery was Johnson Brothers “Hearts and Flower.” The dishes were sort of beight with a blue rim around them and a boy and girl facing each other. Couldn’t ever decide if they looked Dutch (which I am) or something else. I loved them each day until most of them were broke or chipped and I love them to this day.
Your teacups are lovely and if the random generator picked me, I would make a special place in my home for them. A little of Susan Branch…loved by Suzanne. It would be a perfect world.
Yummmm!!!! Beautiful breakfast party! I would stay and chat longer but I finally got a Gladys Taber book “The Best of Stillmeadow” from my little library today and must get back to it! Bye!
I’m hooked on Gladys Taber…ordered 3 books and 2 have come in. I just love her!
Good!
What a wonderful Breakfast. I felt as if I were an invited guest (without the wonderufl food of course). I can’t wait to try the recipes. Are they all in your new book? And love those rose teacups!!!!
Happy 25th to you both! We are celebrating 40 in May. My husband proposed after three weeks with, “Have you ever thought about “it”? I said, “What?….”. And here we are 40 years later…much love.
Yay!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe, and thank you for sharing your celebration with us. I love pink, and your table was just beautiful. So were the flowers and Valentine touches. I almost felt like I was there!
I feel like I was a guest at the breakfast table. What a spread!
Jody
I love Johnson Brothers dishes, and the Rose Chintz teacups are wonderful. I use Staffordshire Bouquet dishes for my everyday dishes, and I love the history behind them. My grandmother got them from a bank in Arizona as a premium in the 1970’s. She eventually gave them to me, and I still use them every day. Wish they were microwavable, but other than that, they are great!
It is just as I dreamed it would be…..but even better!
I just adore the idea of a “Dinner Party Diary” and am inspired to begin one myself. What a wonderful record keeper of great memories it is. Wishing you and your husband many more happy anniversaries to celebrate. ….that’s the glory of ….that’s the story of …..love .. (still humming!)
It just makes me feel good to read what you have written 🙂
Hi Susan:
I am so technophobic that I don’t really know how to leave a comment, but please, oh please, I want to get my name in for the rose chintz tea cups. I have a really, really good reason. I’ve been wanting to tell you about the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace (if you don’t already know them) and here’s my chance. Betsy and Tacy were actually real little girls who grew up and got married in the series of books. Tacy’s wedding china was rose chintz. And we have a Betsy-Tacy Convention in July of this year and I want to put these in the silent auction to raise money for the houses. So, I hope I’ve gotten this comment in the right place. Thank you again for adding so much to my life.
Krista
You got it in just the right place, hope you win Krista, they will be a charming addition to your auction!
If not, look on replacements.com..they have this pattern, but not magic ones like Susan’s!!
That’s where I’ve found my pieces:)) but, you’re right…they’re not the magic ones;)
My husband and I used to own a bed and breakfast and now you write a breakfast book. I would have put your recipes to use in the BnB but now will do so in our home. I love to entertain especially at breakfast. Your table was simply beautiful and I wish I could have been one of the guests. I look forward to your blogs every day. I get so many ideas for making our home comfortable. Love you, Susan.
Thank you Bonnie!
Hi Susan, What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary! Everything looked so perfect and I’m sure no one left hungry. I love breakfast, too, and one of our favorites is pecan waffles with sliced bananas and whipped cream on top! Yum! Can’t wait for your book to get more delicious ideas! I have Johnson Brothers Richmond pattern dishes. Your teacups would look pretty with them!
Happy, happy, happy!
Speaking of man food, I have a meatball recipe I’ve used for over 20 years, and not only is it incredibly easy but the men especially go nuts for it. You can either make meatballs in the oven, or cheat and buy a box of frozen, ready-made meatballs. Then you pour one jar of Welch’s Grape Jelly and one equally sized jar of Heinz Chili Sauce in a pan (or crockpot) and add the meatballs. Simmer for a few hours and voila! They’re unbelievably good. Pam
Simply beautiful, and so warm and welcoming! I never have company over for breakfast; maybe I will now with you as an inspiration.
It’s a cozy time of day!
Love the pink! Years ago I had a set of Desert Rose dinnerware, and it was so much fun to create a pink-accented table. Thank you again for sharing – it was LOVELY. Oh – and really got a kick out of Girl Kitty nestled in a swirl of your tablecloth! Love her!
It looks like she’s just swirled in it, but what really happened is that she grabbed ahold of it and pulled it all to her so she could kick it with her back feet really fast. She’s a cat!
Oh, your party must have been so much fun (& filling!!). The tea cups are gorgeous! My mother used to collect tea cups and your giveaway brings back so many wonderful memories.
The breakfast looks fabulous. I’ve been thinking about doing something different for my Girlfriends Luncheon. Usually we do a “heavy” lunch but I think I’m going to do a “heavy” breakfast. I’m totally stealing your menu!! That’s when I’m giving Jeanne your new book about Grandmas (or Omas, in her case). I have tons of baby stuff knit up and can’t wait to get it all to the babe (Morgan-girl). Well, my Pearly-girl kitty just got stuck in the bathtub and I had to get her out. Sometimes I think there was brain damage in the past . She truely could not figure out how she got in the tub. She has now opened up the closet in my studio and is trying to fit into a plastic shoe box. She weighs 13 lbs! She is huffing and puffing and making annoyed sounds like crazy. I’m just ignoring her. She’s nuts. Wait till she gets a baby sister in April. This house will be a crazy place!! Love the cups in the give-away…..I do collect them….would be a nice addition. Girlfriends…have a great evening / Susan, keep those recipes coming so I can impress everybody!!! Talk to all ya’all soon!!
I collect teacups! Especially old antique ones! I love your party diary … what a good idea! Thanks once again for your inspiration!
Your posts always seem to brighten the day, and for that I’m very grateful. I’ve just started collecting teacups and saucers and your two beautiful ones would be a wonderful addition.
Oh! I think my youngest daughter would LOVE these cups. Such a pretty party. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Wow, what a beautiful breakfast! I can’t wait until the Breakfast book comes out!
oh no, early this morning I sent a comment & it was my wittiest, cleverest, cutest & nicest EVER – but alas, it got taken by the gremlins! Now, late in the day I’m not so witty, etc., etc., so I’ll just say: Your L♥ve celebration looked divine from way out here in NorCal – the floral & cooking aromas are Mmm. The food so yummy looking & your beautifully set table just fabulous. Thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us! And, sharing your pretty dishes with us, we’ll think of you each time we have a cuppa! xoxoxo!!!!!
Grrr. I hate it when that happens! Especially when I’m at my most witty! Maybe it’s still in here; I woke up to over 300 comments to read and approve . . . I still have 92 to go!
:-)!! OMG, it’s a tough job, I too have to read all the comments – sweet, charming, nice, witty, clever, etc., etc! You run with a wonderful crowd dear girl! xoxo
Don’t I ever!!
Oh Susan, what a beautiful breakfast party you and your sweetheart put together for all your dear friends. You continue to inspire me, thank you Susan! I love the idea of keeping a dinner party diary and yours is so cute. Celebrating the good things in life is important…and celebrating love is the most important…after all “All you need is love, love is all you need.” Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe! May the love you share and the love that has grown over the last 25 years continue to grow and surround you both and keep you warm all the days of your lives. I am getting married in November and hope I will celebrate 25 years of love and togetherness in 2037! Hugs & Friendship, Jennifer
Happy wedding Jennifer! Wishing you both many many wonderful happy years together.
I just loved reading about your lovely (pun intended) breakfast party!!! My wee brain is full of new ideas. Especially like the wine cork place cards. I only have about a million of those floating around this house. Thank you so much for including us all in your wonderful event!! And I am coveting those tea cups…YEOWZA!!!
AWAITING MODERATION????? Sorry, I don’t know what that means.
I have to approve all the comments, because there is so much spam that comes through this blog . . . for every 10 comments there are at least 3 spams; stupid, nonsensical, but sometimes really long spam messages in some sort of code!!! So “awaiting moderation” means, awaiting me to get in here and click OK on each comment! And click delete on each spam!
*sigh Already 800 comments! Wow! When do you find time to COOK and DRAW and LOVE and PLAY WITH JACK AND KITTY GIRL if you read all these….whew!
I LOVE the party pics! I have ONE place setting of that lovely chintzware……isn’t it just gorgeous? And you have a whole set!!!!! What a lucky girl you are!!!!!!!
I know, when I saw it in that Connecticut antique store, in a pile on a bottom shelf, I couldn’t believe it!
What a gorgeous table and wonderful breakfast. Yummy blintzes! I’m not good at coming up with ideas for breakfast so I can’t wait for the new book. And thank you for doing yet another giveaway. I can only imagine how much time you put into approving each comment. You really are so sweet for all the time you put into your books and this blog.
Congrats and happy anniversary!
Oh, Susan, what a lovely brunch. I love entertaining in the morning, too. You aren’t totally worn out at the end of the day and a nap after entertaining is always lovely because you know you’ve pleased your friends and you are feeling good about being the “hostess with the mostest”! And your food looked devine so I’m sure it made good leftovers for dinner or delightful take home treats for the guests. Your teacups are lovely, how can you part with them, but I would treasure them with my collection if they came my way.
It really is wonderful to do a breakfast, for all the reasons you mentioned — you still have the rest of the day!
Congratulations on your special anniversary! Your table looks so lovely and the food must have been delicious. What a great idea to have a breakfast party! I love the Rose Chintz pattern.
I just love reading your blog! I can just feel the warmth and coziness coming from yur kitchen. Having breakfast for family and friends is one of my favorite ways to celebrate any special occasion. Happy Aniversary and hope you enjoy many more wonderful years and memories!
Thank you for making me smile everyday!!!
Hi Susan~I enjoyed your breakfast and didn’t even have to change out of my UGGs or worry about calories. Thank You for sharing with us & YES, please I would love to have the precious tea cups. Blessings from sunny California
Debbie Borne
Not having to change out of the UGGs is a great bonus and makes armchair travel extremely comfortable! 🙂
Oh My Goodness!!!!!!
Your table was so beautiful. All decorated in my all time favorite color PINK!!
You really know how to have fun and celebrate life. I want to be your neighbor!
Happy Anniversary! Marjorie
Wow! What a beautiful table and yummy looking food. I admire people who can cook and decorate the table as well. Have a great week!
How beautiful your table (I LOVE PINK!!), the food OH MY GOSH, made my mouth water! What a wonderful Sunday! Yesterday I celebrated my B-Day, 60 years young! Even though I had to work my co-workers made a very special day for me. There were balloons & yummy cake and a card with a gift of money. I was so overwhelmed with the love that was shown. They had heard me talk sooo much about the heart teapot and wanted me to buy it for myself. I decided that I wanted to donate the money instead to a VERY worthwhile charity that the hospital has for the homeless families in our community. I will get my teapot in time! Anyway, we will be celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary next Monday, Yes, I was 18 & he was 19 and EVERYONE said we would never make it! We showed them!
Yes you did! Happy Birthday!!
That aerial view of all that pink loveliness on your table took my breath away. However, nothing can compare with the warm, loving get together that is evident threw your descriptions. I’m craving breakfast foods now and will have to do something about that next weekend. Can’t wait for your breakfast cookbook! I’m sure someone asked and I missed it (sorry), but when do you think it’ll be on the bookshelves? Thanks for sharing the beautiful day with us.
Fall I hope!
Just love your table all in pink! And Happy Anniversary!
Love the pink sounds like a wonderful party. I to love to decorate and have party’s all kinds, all seasons. This Sunday is thee annual Oscar party. I have been your kindred spirit since you sent Willard snail mail. I have every calendar since 2001 I also have written journals in you DAYS books for years and years. I love hearing from you on your blog I read it everyday I don’t even care if it’s the same one from the day before. I enjoy it so much. I am the youngest of 10 with a thirty year span between all the kids. So I relate to the sister stories and the traveling in the car when you were young. Thank you Susan I feel as though we are friends. Hope to meet you some day. How about coming to Pittsburgh for a book signing some time. Enjoy your day.
I’ll try! Thanks Shelley … my sister, the youngest of 8, is Shelly too! (But no extra e)
Happy Anniversary to you & Joe! What a lovely breakfast celebration you had! Thanks so much for sharing!
Dear Susan, How absolutely wonderful to have these adoring fans/friends.
I too keep a journal of entertaining events. It also does not include them
Susan, Enjoyed reliving your party. I too keep a journal of get togethers with
family and friends. It has saved me more than once when struggling for an
idea as well as the memories it brings back when reading it.
It is obvious that you have a tremendous following, but I always feel you are
speaking to me as if I am sitting right at your table – a special gift. Thank you.
Donna
all, but when I read back over them I am right there all over again.
Susan,
I’m new to your website and blog, and I have to tell you that I have been thoroughly enjoying every minute. Love, love, love the Musica. I’m reading your latest post while watching Vanna and Wheel of Fortune. I clicked on the Musica and Jimmy Durante comes on. My husband shouts, “chocolate coconut cupcakes!” (same letter) and in the same breath “they just don’t make ’em like Jimmy Durante anymore”. Happy Anniversary and thank you for sharing.
LOL, loved the view inside your house!
I loved your pink table settings…so Valentine-y! I wish I could cook like you…its as lovely as delicious…I’m glad you blog…I enjoy stopping by so much!
Oh Susan!
It looks like you outdid yourself! What lucky friends and happy bellies there must’ve been! Do you entertain the same way in Arroyo Grande? We went to your store there twice (and the farmstand once – I even saw Joe!) and I absolutely loved it! I am also happy to say I have a few treasures from there, though not nearly as many as I would’ve liked. I’ve got to be honest, as much as I love beach camping in Pismo, and going to the Avila Farmers Market, it doesn’t hold as much appeal now that there isn’t a way to get my “Susan Branch fix”. Anyway, to get back on track, those dishes are such a pretty pattern, and you are very much a sweetheart for being willing to share! I liked them so much from your previous posts that I looked them up on ebay, but getting some with magic on them would be even nicer! 🙂 Your table looked wonderful with all that pink. (I love pink depression glass! Maybe because I am the only girl in my house?) No focus today! Sorry! Very excited about your new breakfast book! Hope it is coming along well. :o) Well, better get back to finishing up today’s chores. Take care!
Thanks Tami . . . I’ll have to do a post about my old store one of these days.
What a beautiful table!! Plus Yummy food, good friends
and the man of your dreams!! Congratulations!! And…
I’m really excited about your new breakfast book!!
Susan, I have a new MAC air computer and seem to be having trouble with it
but I am sure you get the idea in my mixed up message. Donna
Macs are beyond wonderful, don’t worry, you’re on your way!!
Susan, Blessings on your 25th !
The heart knows and lets you know of all the love you shared over these years. I am on my 46th and it doesn’t compare to the 25th. I guess the 25th is a right of passage in it’s on way. Your celebration was just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
We have lots to look forward to!
My goodness, what a spread! I enjoyed every morsel of this post, especially!!!! when I came to the end and saw the giveaway!!!! I have started collecting my very own set of rose chintz by Johnson brothers:))) it has graced my dining table all through the Valentines season. The teapot held the most delicious tea…Paris, by harney & sons (you MUST try it!) Sunday, while you were celebrating, I was celebrating the discovery of the 3 tiered server for tea parties, at the local antique mall! When I made the hot milk cake last week, we enjoyed it swimming in the vanilla sauce in those beautiful rose chintz bowls.
I love your idea of the dinner party journal! Thank you for giving us peeks into sweetness;))
Hugs and loves, darling Sue,
Christie
XOXO mmmm, milk cake, might need to make some more of that! Thank you Christie!
I KNOW…we took a break from the NO MORE DESSERTS CHRISTIE diet:) He always concedes to your recipes, my dear. Don’t you feel even more loved:)
Dearest Susan,
If i win the lovely little tea cups, please come with them, so that i may pour you some tea.
Fondest wishes,
diane
Beautiful! I always get inspired for a breakfast worthy of Tara in the spring. You know what to do with those blueberry corn cakes — “Sop dem in de gravy, honey.”
They got sopped in maple syrup!!
Swoon! You are really giving those away? They are so pretty. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!
Wow Susan!!! What a wonderful party!! Thank you for sharing it with us! I love the tea cups and saucers tooooo! You mentioned working on a breakfast book. Is this the next book out???? 🙂 I can’t wait!!!
Just loved reading all about your party. So yummy looking!!!!!
These dishes are so lovely. The magic they come with just adds to the beauty. How I would like to add these to my collection and I would use them!
What a wonderful breakfast party – oh, the food! Your dishes are beautiful. How nice that you want to share them, I would love those cups for my tea 🙂
I always cut my grapefruit up into sections as well, it’s not only easier to eat, but there’s a lot less squirting!
Susan, What a wonderful loving celebratory breakfast! Everything is beautiful. i would love to win the teacups and saucers. I too keep a journal of my parties, it is a great way to stay abreast of what I have done in the past. Love your blog.
A breakfast book?? O-how fun! Thank you for shareing this wonderful day.So inspirational it was!