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!
Hope you use some kind of random number picker because you always have so many wonderful comments. Love your blog! My hubby and I will celebrate 20 years on March 7th — time flies when you’re in love!! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration.
Yes, we renamed our Random Number Generator “Vanna” — a better name, but she does the same thing! I could never choose!!!
What a refreshing blog for a Wednesday morning with a headache. Thanks so much for all of your inspiration and magic!
Happy Anniversary! My two Golden Retrievers and my Himalayan all say “Hi” to your kitties. I LOVE the video of you playing with Jack ; ) Keep it coming!
Thank you Susan, hope the head is better now!
I would love to be a flower on your table to soak it all in. What a beautiful party.
Hi Susan!! Happy 25th!! Loved your blog today, everything looked so beautiful and yummy!! My baby kitty Pepsi sends her kisses to your kitties! 🙂 Have a great rest of the week!! 🙂
I loved reading about your breakfast celebration of Spring/your anniversary. LOVE your beautiful table, and laughed at your comment about the guests expecting food, as well as flowers and pretty dishes. Setting the table is my favorite part of having friends over too. My dishes are very similar to yours, with flowers, in soft reds and pinks. But your table was to die for!! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us who love you so much!
Nanajan
How wonderful to spend some quality time with friends to celebrate your love!! Thank you, Susan, for sharing the scene, the music, and the menu with us! You definitely show us how we can enjoy the best things in life with every blog you write. I’m looking for Willard, not yet seen the post. Best of luck to all the girlfriends with “tea cups” sparkling in their eyes!!
Willard goes out all day today too!
WOW…That was fun…what a great party….and love all the foods you cooked…they looked yummy…I also love morning parties….and I am sooooo over the top on the Johnson Bros. Chintz….always looking for pieces in Antique shops…love looking at yours all the time…the Table looked beautiful with so many pieces…what a great set…and I would love, love, love, to win just your few pieces…I already have a Gravy Bowl…sort of Toile pinkish ..that my girlfriend bought for me in your darling old shop in Central Calif. that was from your personal collection..they said..I miss the shop….If I win…I will have a little more Vintage from Susan…along with your signatures in all your/my books…you two had such a great Anniversay…First New York, then this party…Happy 25th…Thank you for taking along with your beautiful Day…It was so fun…(as you always are susan….)Carol O. in So. Cal.
I know, it’s the month that never ended! We won’t be forgetting it soon!
Such a lovely brunch and so you! Everything you touch turns to gold. I use my Celebrations books from your collection to record my dinner parties and when I read and re-read, I am so glad that I recorded the moments. It is amazing how much we accomplish in our day to day and as years go by, we forget, until we read about it in our very own writing. I like to think of you as my sister, that is how very much I love you. Happy Spring!
Very sweet Debi, thank you!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful celebration. I also love to set a beautiful table. I love your china pattern. Johnson Brothers makes wonderful china. I especially like the strawberry pattern. It was made in the 1950’s. I go to thrift stores and collect any old dish in good shape. My husband keeps saying “Joan you do not need any more dishes!!!” I am partial to pink and cream colors. Green and pink depression glass along with Jadite always gets my attention.
Joe gave up on me a long time ago, and I let him save corks!
What a beautiful table! I was reminded of the tea party breakfasts I have with my sister’s Granddaughter. We use the pink china and antique linens, and it is just the two of us. Being the mother of three boys I love those times. It’s a girlie time just for us!!
Hello Susan! Oh how beautiful your table looked for your special brunch!!!!! I love pink depression glass….what pattern are your pretty glassware? (I collect pink Adam, but just a few pieces.) I couldn’t t breath when I read that you were giving away the two tea cups with saucers…..I’ll be dreaming of them the next three days! My teenage daughter is sick in bed with a fever, but when I showed her your lovely brunch pictures, she sat up and told me the crepes/Blintzes looked really good!!!!!! And, that the pretty tea cups would look so nice for when we have our Rosary Advent Tea in November. We are both keeping our fingers crossed!!! God bless you Susan for all that you do to make our days happy and cheerful!!!!
Hope your daughter is better today!
I would love to hear about your Rosary Advent Tea. Pray tell …
Wow! What a wonderful time you all had! Your table was so gorgeous. And the food. I’m just totally wowed. And to have the chance to win 2 beautiful teacups that attended the party!! You are so generous to share your life with us. I’ve been thinking of having a Spring girlfriend party. With your inspiration, I’m off to plan a Sunday Brunch.
Have fun!
I so enjoy reading your stories. They make me feel like I’m sitting with all of you at the table eating your glorious brunch. Jack was my date and he showed me the grounds before making me promise to slip him some food under the table. I told him he could move up to my lap and be closer to the food. Thank you Susan for the virtual invite…..I hope you didn’t mind my visit.
Big hugs,
Rose Morse
Jack will never be the same — all that people food, he loved it. Now he likes you better!
What a beautiful table setting, I love all the pink, the bedspread/table cloth and the fresh flowers! I, too, have 2 cats, so love to hear what your’s are up to! Thanks for sharing – I always look forward to reading your blog and what fun things you’re up to. Thanks for sharing. Would also enjoy your teacups, I had just set up my 3 different cups and saucers in the dining room. Your’s would be a lovely addition!
My mother always said that having good manners was not knowing which fork to use but much more how to make guests feel as comfortable as possible – making them feel welcome, relaxed & important. It certainly looks as though yours were on Sunday. A beautiful setting with lots of homey personal touches, delicious homemade food and interesting conversation. And what a terrific menu – my mouth is watering still. Thanks for sharing with us! Can’t wait to find out what’ll be next!
PS – please add my name in for the sweet teacups.
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing with us!
Mmmmm!!! Your breakfast looks absolutely scrumptious! I can hardly wait to see your new breakfast book! Since I’m not exactly a breakfast person, or a morning person either for that matter, breakfast is a meal that I could really use some help with. My hubby, who often asks for a “yummy breakfast” (as opposed to cold cereal) would appreciate it too, I’m sure. And the Rose Chintz teacups would be just the thing for our yummy breakfasts together! ♥ BTW, if you ever decide to turn your home into a Bed & Breakfast Inn, I’m on my way! 🙂 I just love the idea of a book to write about special parties. I’m going to start one myself! I was just trying to figure out a good way to keep track of and remember my first annual Valentine’s Day tea and you have given me just the inspiration I needed. Thank you! ♥ And Happy Anniversary! ♥
Ooooo, how darling, your book could be all Valentine’s Parties!
♥ 🙂 ♥
I love your visual and musical inspirations! Thank you for sprinkling your creativity and joy on all of us.
Oh nh goodness are the teacups cute!! I’d LOVE. To own them!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your heart with us all these years. God love you, lady!
Your kindness and joy comes out in every tender morsel and pretty shade of pink on your table. Happy 25th Anniversary to you and Joe who cook together! ~ Kari
What a beautiful party! Thanks for sharing the pics and the details with all of us! And I would LOVE to win the cups and saucers…Rose Chintz has always been a favorite pattern of mine but I don’t own any. *fingers crossed*
Susan! You are so inspiring, what a lovely feast for the eyes and the tummy. Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. My hubby and I celebrated our 25th this year too. 1987 had some good Karma wouldn’t you say 🙂
It sure did!
Absolutely lovely Susan~ Your dinner party journal is very sweet too! Your penmanship is so unique and beautiful; one of the things I love about all your books!
I have good handwriting and bad — the good stuff I save for the books because it takes so long, but the bad is just fine for my diaries!
Oh! I love the tablecloth you put on the table. Can you please tell us about it?
It’s just an old vintage bedspread — they call the style Matelasse, it’s like embossed cotton, and there are all kinds of patterns. They still make new ones, and in all colors, you can see some of it HERE.
Susan, thank you for the link. I was having fun browsing the shopping site and did find the Matelasse! I love to set a pretty table, and yours looks lovely with the bedspread.
You’re welcome Marge!
Oh! Everything looks so lovely. Happy anniversary!
Your Valentine table was beautiful! The food looked amazing and I love your Party Book idea!
I am drooling over the food you had at your party! I want the recipe for the applesauce!!!!! YUM!
Oh wow. I would love to win these cups. You know, sitting down to tea with these cups would be like sitting down to tea with you. Well, almost ….. maybe. You could be having tea at your house and I could be having tea at my house and we could be drinking from sister cups!
Sister cups!! 🙂
I absolutely LOVE your blog and reading all about you – how wonderful of you to share so much with us – I can almost smell your food! LOL Your table settings are absolutely beautiful. I especially enjoy the exploits of your kitties…our kitty isn’t around anymore and I do so miss him. Congratulations on your anniversary.
I lived in a kitty-free zone for maybe two years (after my last kitty died) before I realized I can’t DO that. 🙂 Thank you Cindy!
Susan, your table looks just beautiful and the food is making me very hungry to look at. Im in love with blintz’s of any kind so I will be looking out for your new cook book. When will it be coming out? Never tired lemon and basil blintzs but they do sound devine! I love the idea of keeping a record of parties what a great way to remember fun times with friends and family. I took your suggestion on having a Valentines brunch with the girlfriends and we had a wonderful time too. I used a red and white toile on the diagonal over an antique white linen table cloth. Polished all the silver and took out the good china and crystal. Found the most beautiful perfumed flowers of red and white striped carnations and deep red ones for my table with a big red polka dot ribbon around the vase. Food was yummy and everyone had a decorated paper cone made out of pages of an old music book with red ribbon at the top to hang on each chair, filled with Dove chocolates and a quote about friendship. Made heart napkin rings with their names too. Even our cupcakes had hearts that really were giant heart rings… got to have some fun! To keep our conversation on the light side (no politics on St. Valentines day) I made a list of things to recall from our growing up years, like who was the first boy to have kissed you, your favorite love song, etc., had a lot of giggles over the answers!!! I think I had the most enjoyment preparing everything and I thank you for the inspiration and for making me see that I need to use my good things more often because it makes everyone feel special. Even my husband got into the act and painted the entire downstairs even the kitchen cupboards got a new coat of white paint! That was a pleasant surprise! It looks as if I have a new house to entertain in and since everything looked so great, I had two parties that day one with the girlfriends then one with my family for dinner. Did not have time for a nap, but did reward myself sleeping in the next day. See what a good suggestion can inspire us to do? Who knew that all that could come from your blog? Again, thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas and your life, it makes my day.
Fondly-Jamie
Jamie
That was amazing Jamie! I love that your husband painted!! And two parties! So good of you to do that for everyone!!
I am brand new to your blog. It is LOVELY. Thank you for sharing and thank you for sharing your tea cups.
LOVED your Valentine’s table; I also enjoy setting a pretty table and good food as an expression of love to my guests. What’s the point of having lovely dishes if not to let others feel that they are special when they come over? Thanks for sharing such charming hospitality ideas. I just got one of your books as a Valentine’s gift. You are a favorite artist of mine.
Entertaining really is a gift you give of yourself . . . imagine how brown and boring the world would be without it!
Congrats on your 25th, wishing you many more years of fun and happiness.
The rose cups and saucers are gorgeous would be so honored to add them to
my home.
Looks like a really wonderful party. I think I may just have to do a brunch again soon.
Just had to be the 801st comment! Loved the pictures of your Anniversary breakfast. I’ve been ill and without a decent meal in a couple of days so those pictures made me hungry for pancakes! If I’m feeling better in the morning, that is what I’m having! ….With hot tea in my sweetheart mug done by you but given to me by a great sweet friend also named Sue. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hope you are feeling better this morning!
What a fabulous day you had Susan! I loved reading about it all, loved the music, loved seeing what all you got up to, all that you cooked and enjoyed eating . . . the decor, every single bit of it. Thanks for so generously sharing it with us!! I love visiting you. It always puts a smile on my face and a song in my heart. xxoo
xoxo thanks Marie!
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Happy Anniversary to both of you!
-Sherry
As you can see by the time, my cup of tea & your wonderful post is during the wee hours. Wish to send Anniversary Happies to you and Joe for all you have shared, not only with those there close to you, but all of us, to make us a part of this special celebration. Just think I might be the fortuniate one to receive a piece of that “magic” with your GIFT of those two lovely tea cups. I would be happy to keep them filled with shared luv. Many continued Blessings
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your charming and romantic brunch with all of us! You paint pictures in my mind, so beautifully, I feel as though I was one of your special guests. I’ll just have to take it all in while I hold Jack.
How beautiful, your flowers, your linins and your pink china and gold rimmed glasses sparkle in the sun light,
Ummm! I can smell the bacon and baked apples in the fresh air. There’s music and laughter and wonderful conversation. The iced tangerine juice goes down so easy!
It’s all so delicious and feel so full, so contented, so happy and loved!
That’s how you always make me feel!
Thank you Susan!
Love,
Victoria
My favorite is that you were holding Jack while you told me all this!
Pretty! I want to have a party like that – what fun that would be 🙂
Easy to make!
Congratulations on your 25th anniversary! What a delightful way to celebrate with good friends, fantastic food and gorgeous table settings. I loved the china instantly and then when I saw you were doing a giveaway, I could hardly believe it!
Thank your for including us in your celebrations and letting us peek in at the window at all the lovely things you prepared.
Amazingly beautiful….love, love, love your style! The food, flowers, tableware, couldn’t be more perfect…..Thanks for sharing so much with all of us. Have to mention that I saw The Artist on Sunday and loved it (Uggie was a doll, I agree)!
So lovely, thank you for sharing your special day with us!
Divine party! Love those cups!
Hi Susan,
What a milestone anniversary! Congratulations to both of you. My husband and I hit a pretty big one this year too and we’re celebrating by going to England and his homeland of Nthn Ireland. He hasn’t been there since he was 12. The same year we were married!!! 🙂 We surely must have been 12. Surely we’re really not as old as the years of marriage suggest !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We still find it hard to believe that it’s 40. Yikes…. it can’t be true…..OLD people are married that long and we feel like we’re still in our 20s or 30s!
Your table for your dinner party was wonderful.
I love pretty cups and saucers and am trying to build up a few so that my friends can enjoy the pleasure of drinking out of beautiful china when I have them over for afternoon tea.
Thankyou so much for sharing your life with us all.
Congratulations to you on 40 years! You are so right, it’s hard to believe sometimes – how did I get to be this old? surely it can’t be me, I remember everything as if it were just yesterday! 🙂
Thankyou Barbara
How absolutely lovely and delicious it all looks. The cups would be a divine little gift. Thank you for your blog. It makes my heart smile. Madelyn
Love, love the special table setting and food presentation! I have my grandmother’s Rosenthal pink rosebud china……so pretty on the table. Thank you for sharing so many views of your special celebration.
I did so love reading about your lovely party and yummy food.
I have never gone to a morning party but I sure like that idea.
I can’t wait for your new cookbook to come out. I may just be inspired to have my own
morning party. My 21st anniversary is coming up in May.
Happy Anniversary and best wishes for many more to come!
Blessings,
Cindy
A breakfast in May would be wonderful, anniversary and spring all at the same time!
Wow! Susan, what a wonderful party! I think it’s just great when the kitties help out in their own special way…(mine do that too!) Happy Anniversary, to you and Joe! And here’s to many more! 🙂
Laura
Thank you for sharing your wonderful party with us, Susan! A taste of love and Spring all rolled into one – ah, the daffodils ♥ a sure sign of Spring. Love your party journal, too ~ I use your stickers to do something similar, but my handwriting isn’t as pretty 🙂
I would love to win those beautiful teacups! Have a great day today ~ been so busy that I haven’t had time to read the new Willard ~ been saving it for a little quiet and a cup of tea. I know it will be wonderful!
Your handwriting will be fine, because it’s yours!
It is hard to express how joyful I feel after reading and seeing this wonderful site. Thank you for all of your hard work. I feel as if I have found a kindred spirit. The tea cups are so beautiful that I can hardly bear to hope.
A very Happy Anniversary and many mooore!!!!
Mary
Thank you, Susan & Joe, for sharing your Love Story with all the trimmings. I especially loved the picture of Girl Kitty all wrapped up in the tablecloth…contentment at its finest! Cheers to you for the 1st 25 and hope you’re blessed to share another wonderful 25…and more!
Thank you, me too! 🙂
Happy Anniversary! Your table setting is beautiful and a real inspiration. All the lovely flowers point to the wonderful Spring that hopefully will arrive soon. Thank you for sharing your day with us!
Everything looks so beautiful….and tasty!
I loved your tablescape Sue and I’m glad you went with the dishes & tablecloth I would have decided on. Sounds like you all had fun. It gives you such a good feeling when you know you’ve given someone an enjoyable time. I’m sure lots of memories were made and it was a wonderful time for all invited. Thanks for sharing your pictures with the “girlfriends”. BTW…..when do you think the ” Breakfast Book” will be out? I’m looking forward to it. I might even start my Christmas shopping early this year a get a few copies for the women on my list.
FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
What a feast for the heart! eyes! and soul! Thank you for sharing it all so beautifully. Jimmy Durante singing, That’s the Glory of Love always reminds me of my grandparents. Another special tune he recorded…A Kiss To Build a Dream On, that was my mom and dad’s song. Thanks for the loving memories and eye candy.
Susan, THANK YOU for sharing the photos of the table setting, the photos of the delicious food and most of all for your random giveaways! My mother had Johnson Brothers “everyday” dishes (Friendly Village) and I see them quite often in darling resale shops, especially with Christmas decor. For us though, they were every day 🙂 LOVE the pink and white Johnson Bros teacups and saucers. Each time you have a giveaway I think, I’m glad I didn’t win the last one because I like THIS one better! you just keep giving better and better things away!!
(FYI to those of you who remember: the Maurice Salad was a HUGE hit at Yahtzee and there was NONE left! I served it in the biggest serving bowl I had – just piling everything on top, doubled the salad dressing, which I served in a pretty pitcher. Then thought, well, I’ll be eating the leftovers for days! but NO – none left except for a few olives in the bottom of the bowl, which I polished off as I was cleaning up 🙂 My daughter was skeptical of the unusual mix of ingredients – but it amazing that it just works together to be scrumptious 🙂
Pick me, pick me I say to Susan! Congratulations on 25 years! (we celebrated 32 in October)
Thanks for the Maurice update!! Sounds wonderful!
You always remind me to put some LOVE in my day, thank you Susan!
It is 6:44 a.m. here and my stomach is growling after looking at your delicious photos (and I’ve been up since 5:30 a.m. with just coffee)!
Congrats on the 25th you ARE blessed with happiness and love. (We just had our 50th last year:) EVERYTHING looked luscious and charming…your personal touch is magic. I too am looking forward to your breakfast book as mornings are my perfect time. I find I am smiling all the while reading your blog – what better compliment to you dear friend:) Two sweet tea cups – add me in.
WOWIE!!! That looks like my kind of party!!!! We have company coming up in March – I am planning a similar spring breakfast-brunch. Would love, love, love to win these cups – they are darling! Thank you so much for sharing your day with us! Can’t wait for the new book.
Thanks for inviting us to the party! 🙂
Dear Susan!
Your blog is wonderful 🙂 I enjoy reading your site sitting at the other side of this planet, in a little town at the coast in Norway. Thank you for sharing photos and stories! Your blog is an inspiration for me.
Guri
Nice to see you Guri, Happy day to you!
I love EVERYTHING! The food, the table; just gorgeous!
Just as I was about to begin this comment, I heard the melodic tweets of a Carolina Wren just outside my window. I moved the foot closer to the window to try to catch a glimpse of this tiny bird when I caught a glimpse of the bright morning sun rising above the mountain peaks – I will have a wonderful day after this wonderful morning.
I love color and flowers and these tea cups are certainly graced with both – perfect for “Tea for Two.”
And I was just taking pictures of a pair of cardinals at the feeders, it’s just a beautiful day here too!
Oh my, what a lovely day you must have had! It’s wonderful to see so much terrific planning go into a get-together with friends…and you always do it with such creativity! It looks like a day filled with food, friends, and fun…not to mention love! Thanks for always inspiring us!
What a lovely party!
OH Susan what a perfect morning party…Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary…you have inspired me to get out my special china, cook some yummy food and enjoy my beloved hubby and a few friends this next Anniversary…Love is to be Celebrated in style.
many Hugs Dawn x x x
P.S.. excuse my lack of commenting…I just worked out how to comment on here…LOL…
So happy to have you!
Lovely! Would look darling with my Grandma’s china and other assorted tea cups. Do they come with a time machine ticket so the winner can attend your breakfast? Well done. xoxo
Aaah, wouldn’t that be a nice invention…just to pop in wherever and be the proverbial fly on the wall!
Susan, I always look forward to reading your posts! I’ve been a fan for years and used to get Willard the old fashioned way. 🙂 I recently subscribed to the Gladys Taber Fan Club after learning about her from you…I’m originally from CT, too and I can’t wait to get my first “installment”! In fact, you and I met in person once on Block Island, in 1998 where you did a book signing and talk for the island’s book store…My friend Dori and I planned the event for weeks and when the day finally came, I was so excited to meet you that I only gave you the larger books to sign (Heart of the Home, Vineyard Seasons, and Christmas) and completely neglected to have you sign the smaller books (Love, Christmas Joy, and Sweets to the Sweet)! I was so enamored, especially when you looked at me and asked, “Have we met before?” I knew then that we were kindred spirits! Of course, I didn’t discover my forgetfulness until Dori and I were on the ferry going home and comparing notes. 🙁 I did get a picture with you, though, which I treasure! All this to say that I’ve felt a connection to you from the moment I opened your first book! Girlfriends Forever is one of my favorites, and I can’t wait for the next book to come out! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself over the years and now out here in cyberspace… Love, love, love you!
What a wonderful day that was! And I’d never been to Block Island before — so that was fun too. Really nice to hear from you Sheila, I almost feel like I remember asking you that!!
Oh, Susan! How I wish I could PRINT like you! Your journal is lovely. The table was stunning. Thanks for the chance to win those cups. Oh, my! Feed my obsession with dishes, whydontcha! So happy you had a glorious celebration! I will be celebrating 25 years with my David in June! Yaaaaaay!
What beautiful tea cups!! And what a wonderful story about your breakfast party! You are so inspiring, I just love your blog.
Glad to have you here!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! Thank you for sharing your beautiful party with us! You’ve inspired me to plan my own brunch/morning party 😉
Good! I’m already finding it makes a very warm memory!
Oh Susan what a beautiful table scape and the food I am now hungry. I would love to win the beautiful teacups yopu have. Having tea with you or my girlfriends would be great. Happy Anniversary by the way. Please tell Joe I wish him the same. Joe seams like the perfect man, he cooks and helps out where he is needed, my idea of the perfect man. Can’t wait until your new book comes out and just love the new Grandma book. I just found out I am going to be a Grandma again in Sept. right after I turn 63!!! I am waited along time to be a Grandma my oldest grandchild is 6 the youngest is 8 months. I will try to get a book for each one of them so when I am gone the can read about their “Grandma” Have a super weekend and I am looking forward to seeing you again on the Central Coast<3
Wonderful Sandy! Congratulations on a new baby in the family!
Thank you so much can’t wait to get my new book. We all love your books and the art work is awesome Susan. Wish we could get dishes and more stationary, I love to writ notes and letters. Again Susan Thank you and God Bless you and Joe<3
Oh Susan…what a perfect day! Looking at all the food makes me hungry (though I just ate!) and your table looks magnificent! So wonderful it was nice enough to hear the birds singing too! God Bless and thank you for all you do!
My old Matelasse bedspread has been in the family for over 100 years I would guess and it getting pretty shabby in spots. Perhaps I can repurpose some of it as a tablecloth as I cannot part with it. Happy 25th anniversary. We are looking down the path to our 50th in 2015, God willing.
Or pillows! It makes beautiful pillows.
I love reading your blog! Love these cups and saucers too!
My eyes filled with tears and my heart with warmth when I read about the brunch. I even thought I tasted the blintzes. Will I ever have enough energy to prepare and serve such a lovely brunch? Perhaps, if I won the teacups…….
Happy anniversary………and many, many more……..when is the new book coming out?
In the fall!
Thanks for sharing the party…looks like so much fun…Thanks for the chance to win also.
Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe!
What beauty you have around your home! What a wonderful party! I *love* those teacups. I only drink tea, but never out of a teacup. I have a big heavy mug, because I like a lot of tea and it has to be really hot. I microwave it half way through in order to finish it to the last drop. A teacup would mean I would only get a “spot of tea”(said with an accent) and I don’t think I could microwave those gorgeous cups. So anyways, maybe it’s time for me to get some beautiful cups and sit and have a proper cup of tea!
My husband and I will celebrate our 30th on June 26th. My how time flies.
I have big mugs too, but every so often, a little old fashioned cup and saucer does feel really good in my hands!
I love your party journal Susan. And your beautiful breakfast I would have loved to sit right down and enjoyed all those delicious foods, the gorgeous table but especially with you and Joe and all your friends. What a wonderful joyous gathering. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary. We have been married over 48 years and it just seems to get better and better. I appreciate you Susan as I feel I’ve known you forever and that we have always been best friends. You have been such an inspiration to me. I have all of your books and now look forward to your breakfast book. It would be an honor to win your teacup sets. They are beautiful. Thankyou for your blog, Willard and all that you do for all of us. You are the best.
Nancy
Thank you Nancy, very kind of you to say!
Boy am I hungry after reading your post! Breakfast is the best! Thanks for sharing your anniversary/love party – just beautiful. How did you like “The Artist” I love the little doggie – isn’t he wonderful? Have a great day:-)
He was my favorite! What a little heartbeat!
It is all so warm and invitingly beautiful Susan. The kind of breakfast we would all love to share ……just breathless. It makes my flourless pancakes and natural sausage and yogurt kind of lacking ………for now, lol, but oh it was a delight to see these photos. You are a treasure to have as a friend and I am certain those who receive your invitations are blessed in many ways. You and Joe share the love so well. Everything is coming up roses………is the song I heard when I saw your table setting.
The pictures are gorgeous! And it was a beautiful day that day. I live in MA too, and I was out working in the yard in February! I love how you celebrate… please toss my name in the random generator for the teacups.
Thanks for sharing photos of your party – looks like it a wonderful time was had by all (including the cats!)
Thankyou Susan for yet another beautiful Blog post!!! Your table settings are inspirational as is your yummy menu!!! I am hoping for those gorgeous tea cups!!!! Thankyou, Kim DeMichele, Dublin, Ohio
Happy anniversary! You always have such fun!
Now… pick me! Pick me!! I’ve been admiring those dishes every time I see them in a post!
Susan i just love visiting your home, so inspirational, i’m a quilter and your quilts have inspired me, love to collect dishes my favorite is the Jewel T Autumn Leaves pattern but the spring ones are beautiful, You remind me of a saying i have on a seed packet, “Commit random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty”. Thank you so much.
Very inspired to figure out how to make gluten free blintzes now, and love the teacups!!!
Wow! I am now excited for the projects we have planned for the next few months. Yesterday just thinking about the work involved was making me tired! Thank you. The cups and saucers remind me of my mother.
Dearest Susan,
You always put the biggest smile on my face. I am beaming as I chair travel into your most delightful, cozy, warm and delicious world- filled with laughter, love, friendship, hope and joy. You are helping me to savor life again, to be refreshed, renewed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Carol
Congratulations, Susan, on your 25th wedding anniversary. We will be celebrating our 29th in June. Goodness, don’t the years seem to go by quickly? I’m hoping “Vanna” chooses me and I will add your magic teacups to my pink Burleigh collection.
I meant to ask you in my previous comment – what kind of book/ journal do you use for your party diary? I’ve been wondering since I saw it in your Girlfriends book.
I’ll show it maybe in the next post!
I would treasure a post featuring your journal from your epic journey to England and France!!
Soon!
I really enjoyed your celebration of your anniversary and spring. All of your celebrations of the seasons are so fun and uplifting! They always seem to add a so much joy of the season and adding little seasonal decorations around the house seems to help that joy last through the season. Thank you so much! Many blessings to you, Joe and the kittys.
WOW! What a beautifully set table! Thank you for sharing it with us! Happy Anniversary!
Good morning Susan! It is like Spring here today – yay!
The robins were all over the lawns when I took Darling Daisy for her walk… she is getting used to the birds, but not quite… and she was barking because of all the din from their twittering! Too funny!
Congratulations on your wonderful anniversariy breakfast party, and for having all the wonderful friends in your life to share it with.
Words fail me as to how beautiful your table was, I just LOVE those dishes…the flowers and the FOOD, I bet I gained 10 pounds just looking at all of those wonderful pictures.
Thank you so very very much for sharing, I come here everyday to see what you are doing……..do I have a life no, I live mine through you!
Just like the stars in the previous post, we “remote girlfriends” are vast as the far-flung stars in the night sky. You are our anchor for all that is good and right in the world, as on the periphery of our vision it seems to be spinning into madness. The Good Book says it best in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren (girlfriends!), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”. Thanks for sharing your love and life with us! – especially Jack!
Dwell on these things!! Thank you Terri!
I am a scrap book person that loves Romance and these dishes are all about Romance. I enjoyed the music while reading Willard today and now I want to leave work and go home and dust for some strange reason, and open the side door so I can hear the many bird songs from the yard. Thank you so much for making this rainy ole day in Tn a little better for me!
What fun reading about your Anniversary/Spring Celebration. Giving me ideas for my own Spring celebration. Looking forward to your Breakfast Cookbook.
I love having vases of flowers around my home. My son sent me flowers and I had them on the island in the kitchen, said to my husband did you see the flowers? He said I really didn’t notice as you always have flowers on the island, love them. Happy Spring.
Seen one flower, you’ve seen them all 🙂