♥ R O Y A L B A B Y ♥
Let’s start with a baby gift to celebrate, because crikey, IT’S A BOY! MUSICA!
Must have something to mark this lovely event happening our own Mother country!
Something for a Royal Baby’s first year, my Baby Love book for new moms and dads to write about their own little royal baby, and two 2014 wall calendars to record his every adorable achievement. If you leave a comment at the bottom of this post, this signed set of goodies could be yours. Even if you aren’t welcoming a baby into your family right now, Baby Love is a jolly good thing for anyone’s “hope” chest.
Getting ready, washing cups . . .
It’s Sunday morning, the party is at 4:30 pm, we have no baby, but I’m happy because finally, the sun is just starting to come out.
I’ve been lining the little shelf over the sink with flowers . . . squeezing them in amongst the Beatrix Potter People.
‘Course Jack is helping me . . . vaguely eyeing Jemima, thinking, “Don’t jump!”
Joe hung up our new Downton Abbey bunting (white), and the flag we brought home from England; I plumped the “God Save the Queen” pillow my girlfriend Elizabeth brought back for me on one of her visits to England . . .
The Twine experts of all time came from California to help ~ that’s Diana on the left, and Elizabeth on the right. They have tea parties for their girlfriends every year, it’s a tradition they make new hats for each event. They are their own kind of royalty and their names (and the sunglasses) prove it. I loved having royalty at our party.
Other people see them as royalty too, here’s Paparazzi Cathy in her posh little ruffled gloves.
Here’s another photo of them and their hats! too cute! Just a tiny idea of how fun and creative a tea party can really be.
Diana and Elizabeth are cousins, their moms were sisters. They’ve known each other all their lives. You can see by the flags in the window that they love England too, and have also done the pilgrimage to Beatrix Potter’s house! I met Elizabeth when she bought my first house from me in 1989. The two of them left yesterday, but I had them here all week!
Making the perfect cucumber sandwiches was a snap for these two . . . along with egg salad sandwiches and smoked salmon with cream cheese on pumpernickel.
I baked an Orange Lavender Polenta cake . . . I’ll show you how to make it in the next post.
. . . I made cold slaw, carrot salad, stuffed eggs, watermelon balls with yogurt and brown sugar. We bought butter cookies from the Scottish Bakehouse, and Chilmark Chocolates too. Sixty guests, friends, neighbors, family, kids, and house guests.
Joe set up a bar, made a giant pitcher of Pimm’s Cup, with orange, lime and lemon slices and cucumber sticks . . .
Proof that it takes a village . . . More bunting drapes the arbor, there’s the cousins surveying the area . . .
It’s all just busy-work, because all we can think about is when is that baby going to be born! Someone runs to the TV every 15 minutes just to make sure nothing is still happening. And it always is.
We brought the Union Jack bunting home from England . . . I’ve been saving it for just this very day.
Of course we needed a talented person to play A Fine Romance and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary during the party … John Alaimo brought his piano.
Getting it all together, teaspoons, sugar bowls, teapots and tea cozies . . .
We had little cloth covers for the creamers that keep any critters out of the cream!
I love the little details of tea . . .
Diana brought a cake topper she made for the Orange Lavender Polenta Cake ~ it looked darling. You could get one too, and see some of the other wonderful things in Diana’s Etsy store. While you’re at it, if you’d like to see what goes on in Elizabeth’s designing life, you can go to her website at Renovation-Design.com.
I forgot to take pictures of the food and tea table! This is the closest I got to the table with the camera. (Fear not, I got a lot closer without the camera!) The book about Diana (on the table) was a gift from our friend Linda . . . I’m sure Diana felt at home with all the other royalty ~ we loved having her here.♥ Just a little bittersweet without her. How she would have loved this moment.
We know this baby is coming, it’s the talk of the town, but when, when, when?
The Lady Olympia is going from person to person to ask “Will it be a boy or a girl?” What do you think the name will be?” Turns out the consensus is, it’s a GIRL, and her name will be Elizabeth! A few got a bit closer, saying it would be a boy, and they thought perhaps “Charles” or “William”. I like James for a boy because isn’t Jimmy just the cutest for a little Prince? King James would be nice for a king too. We’ll know pretty soon.
Lady Olympia takes a time out for hugs with her dapper white-linen and boater-clad Dad, the Duke of Earl, and her big sister, Crown Princess Astoria.
The Duke’s braces were brilliant!
Princess Marjorie, Grand Duchess Robin, Lady Diana, Countess Jill, and Queen Elizabeth. ♥
Queen Elizabeth tells a funny story!
Princess Irenie lives in London and came to visit Princess Samantha who just graduated from St. Andrews in Scotland. I’ve known Princess Samantha since she was a little baby. When she was two and in her mother’s arms, she leaned toward me touching my earlobes, and said in pure baby talk, “I lob youa eahwings.” Cutest little thing in the world!
Because they are five hours ahead of us here on the East Coast, by this time it was dark in England and looked like this, and the brightest light was London. I think Princess Catherine was probably feeling a little bit queasy by now, probably walking around the living room, or cleaning out the kitchen cupboards. But we didn’t know that for sure. We thought she might need some help to get this baby going.
So just before the party was over, as twilight set in, we made a big circle and held hands. We said a prayer for Catherine, for 
William, and for the baby. We prayed that the birth would be easy for everyone, the baby would be healthy and most of all, that it would come soon. Then we raised our eyes to heaven, lifted our hands into the air, and all together, we dropped our hands and said, Pushhhhhhh, and again, still holding hands, arms up and then down (like we were the white flag at a Nascar race), Pusssshhhhhh, and one more time: up, down, pushhhhhh. Like a mantra and a prayer. And guess what? Must have been moments later, the royal couple checked into the hospital! Well, I guess SO! And THAT is how we got the baby born.
Oh, just now as I’m writing, the new parents with the new Prince just came out the hospital doors. So exciting! It seems to have gone swimmingly and all our prayers were 
answered. Everyone looked beautiful, I saw tiny fingers in their first royal wave. Now, for the name . . . what do you think???? Be sure to leave a comment, and soon Vanna will choose the name of the lucky winner of the Royal Baby Gift! Did you hear that the royal mint will be giving a lucky 2013 silver coin to every British baby sharing a birthday with the new royal baby? The coin comes in either a pink or a blue pouch as a gift to new mommies and daddies. Just one of the cute things they do over there.♥
Oh what a lovely gift. I have a baby shower in August. I would love to give it to the expecting mom!
I guess Philip Arthur James, maybe not in that order!
I am a huge fan of yours, and have been since my mom introduced us to your work back when I was a lil girl! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a copy of your new baby book, as my first child, and a little prince, is due in 8 weeks! We are doing a Peter Rabbit themed nursery, and I would love to add your books to our collection of beautiful works. Looks like such a fun party!
Always,
Olivia (olivia dot lovelyatyourside gmail)
Eight weeks, how wonderful Olivia! I hope you win!
Susan,
Thanks for sharing your Twine with us, it looks absolutely, divinely, smashingly spectacular! (as I knew it would be). I followed along on twitter, knowing you changed the date until Sunday, weather was gorgeous from the photos.
I declared I wanted to go to a Twine too! Something to add to my Bouquet (bucket) list!
What an exciting week!!!
Pip, Pip to everyone. Cheer-io, Good Cheer and Blessings.
XooX,
Jeanette
Have a little Twine yourself! It helps you get your house clean! 🙂
That’s my Problem! ~ I don’t Twine before I clean!!~ Thanks for the tip!!
Great thinking!!! Just another reason why you are loved! 🙂 🙂 🙂
xoxo Jeanette.
Hip, Hip Hooray. So happy for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their new baby boy. I never thought that staring at two hospital doors would be this exciting but it was so worth the wait to see the new family.
Your tea party looks like it was so much fun!! Thanks for sharing it with us.
I am sooooo glad that you and all your party goers finally got that dear little miracle born! I’m sure the final PUSHHHHH did it! How wonderfully festive your doings looked! Diana and Elizabeth are obviously the best kinds of friends to have! How wonderful that you had all those other “Royal family members ” at your tea party! We have a very elderly Aunt in Birmingham, England. When I write or send something to her, I always address it to “Lady Joyce E…..”. her Postman always teases her about the “Lady” part and she gets the giggles and just loves it!
Cute!
What a great tea party! I love the British bunting and your table and guests look so festive.
I think his name will be Francis Michael Charles.
Yay!! Kate and William! We are also expecting a baby boy–our first grandchild–in November!
Congratulations Amy!
What a wonderful welcome party foy a lovely little baby prince! I think he will be prince Henry!!
Pretty!
What fun! I love your arbor and your friends. I’m doing
supper club in Sept. and I’m already planning and have
my decorating in mind. I just love a party. What a sweet
baby and sweet little baby fingers! I guess I should keep
my iron skillet – I was giving away all of my iron because it
is so heavy. Did you turn the cake out? It doesn’t stick?
Baby should be George for his Great great grandfather.
Henry George William Charles.
I buttered it and floured it (with almond flour) — after it cools a bit, I run a knife around the edge and it popped right out. So far there hasn’t been a problem with that at all. Ooo I like Henry George William Charles!
I was hoping they would have the name Spencer in it somewhere (in honor of Diana’s maiden name).
What a lovely gift to help celebrate the royal baby!!
Ooh! Lovely idea, Karen! I second the vote for Spencer. Spencer James Phillip? This has been fun, and they are such a lovely couple. Thank you for helping us celebrate it, Susan!
Oh, Susan–such a delightful party and you got the Royal Baby Boy born too. Well done! Love the menu and decorations, and the name “James” too.
I’ve been glued to the television for days and cried today as William, Kate and “Baby Cambridge” emerged from those doors. God bless them all. I still remember that summer day 31 years ago when the then new Prince was brought out from St. Mary’s by Charles and Diana. (I was pregnant with my own son at the time.) Today’s introduction was even more touching and one can see what great parents they already are.
We had fabulous baby news in our family this week too. My daughter learned that she will be having a baby GIRL this December, and I am over the moon… getting ready to buy lots of pink and flowers and polka dots for this little one. After already having two adorable rough-and-tumble grandsons, I can now look forward to tea parties and tiaras in a few years! Yayyyy!
Happy week everyone. Champagne all around! xoxox
Congratulations Maria! And a girl. I do love babies of all stripes, but girls clothes are just too fun for words!
congratulations Maria, pink champagne all around since it will be a girl, best wishes to the mommy for an easy, and safe delivery.
Thank you so much, Pat! Cheers! xoxo
Thank you! No first name chosen, but her middle name will be “Elizabeth” in honor of my late Mom. Can’t wait!
you’re very welcome Maria, I like the name Elizabeth, very regal sounding.
Maria, isn’t it great when they have carry on an ancestor’s name? Our son just had twin boys a couple months ago and one of the boy’s middle name is “Converse”… my maddin (sp)name. I was so suprised and happy!
Very sweet.
Congrats on the girl!
What a lovely tea party! A few weeks ago a local store, British Emporium, had a “baby shower” tea party and soon they will hold a celebration for the new royal. I can’t wait! I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I was on royal baby watch but I know all of you will understand! I would love the calendars and baby book. I’m not expecting a baby anytime soon but it’s the only book of yours I don’t have and I would save it for a future grandchild. Thank you for the chance!
Yes Lisa, you are among friends!
my granddaughter amanda had a baby girl on february 25th of this year. we were so excited for her birth. how wonderful that so many people from around the world are so excited to welcome this future king. may god bless all the new babies around the world.
I second that, may they find it a good, peaceful, loving place to be.
I think Charles Phillip. I loved your tea party! Thanks for sharing! I had a big smile on my face while enjoying all the pictures. Put my “party” to shame! I had my little Prince Jack and Princess Charlotte aka…my grandkids over. We made blue cupcakes and frosted them blue. We wrapped them in British flag design cupcake wrappers and put a British flag and a rubber baby on top of each. We had a little party, and the kids wore crowns. Then we took the extra cupcakes around to the neighbors! And that was our celebration!
Sounds like a perfect party to me! I’m sure your neighbors would agree! Darling!
I was thinking the same thing, Karen….Spencer! Great “Karen” minds think alike! 😉
Ooops! Messed this one up! Was supposed to be a reply to Karen K’s comment above!
Francine! I saw your darling pics of your tea party with your grandchildren! Very sweet and special! Great memories for them, for sure! xoxo
Dear Susan,
It is such a relief to know I’m not the only one who is just over the moon about the new royal baby! Thank you so, so much for this post! What pure FUN! Now I’m going to plan a little party too! Thank you all the great ideas and menu! For a name, maybe James Phillip William George? We’ll see soon!
XO, Lucy
Such a beautiful party to welcome the new royal baby! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the buntings! The cake bunting is adorable. Your friends are beautiful and look like quite a fun bunch! Soon our royal baby boy will be named. I love how tender William was with Kate and the baby and how he carried the car seat to the car and actually drove home himself. Reminded me of the day very recently when I watched my own son drive his twin daughters home and brought a tear to my eye to see how much that baby will be loved and cherished! It’s a wonderful day (oh! my birthday, too!)! xoxo…..Karen P.
I was so surprised when I unwrapped the cake bunting … Perfect for a tea party! I needed one of those but never knew it! Happy Birthday dear Karen! Go to Diana’s site and get yourself one of those cake buntings! xoxo
Hi Karen !!…’hope you had a happy birthday !!…my birthday is also July 23rd…I had a good day as well… ( I was hoping that little Prince George would be sharing our birthday…so close !! )…take care and with love…
Mary Spring! My favorite name and now my favorite shared birthday Susan Branch friend! xoxo!!! I was hoping to have the royal baby Prince George to share a birthday, too. Oh well….it’s close enough. We were able to share in all the excitment! xoxo
…hah !… I like that, Karen…”favorite shared birthday Susan Branch friend”…thanks so much for writing back !!!…take care and with love…as always………
Must check into Diana’s site for birthday cake buntings! xo
What a lovely, lovely party! Especially love how you ended it…with a prayer and a pushhhhh :). Perfect! My vote for a name for the little prince….James Charles Spencer. Spencer because it would honor his grandmother, Diana.
I think everyone would like that ♥
Hi Susan, I would love to win this prize! Please enter me in the giveaway! P.S. My new kitty is settling in. Her name is Pennywink.
Great name!
Hi Susan…what a cute momma’s PUSHING party you had…and the prayers I’m sure worked too. Heard something about her using hypno-therapy for HER “party” at the hospital. Looks like it all came out as God planned:-)))
God bless and keep us…one and all:-)
We knew she had it in her 🙂
A lovely tea party. Last night I received a wonderful message on my I Phone. It was the sonogram of a tiny baby who will be here in January. My second great grandbaby. Too little to know whether it’s a prince or princess. Love all you do Susan.
Ohhh, love this. Babies, such a happy time. xoxo
What a lovely baby gift. No baby due here as far as we know. Three grands so far. We’ll see what the future holds. I always use your calendars. They make me smile and we can all use a smile as we travel along from day to day and month to month.
Sounds like a good time was had by all who attended the tea. Such fun, wonderful weather, beautiful setting, delicious food, and friends old and new. All that can only mean success. And now we have a sweet baby. I too noticed as he waved to all who came to welcome him. I didn’t hear a single newscaster mention that but he was waving. We saw it.
Thank you for sharing your Twine, Susan! It was spectacular! (of course!) I’m kindv hoping they surprise everyone with an unexpected name…but then that wouldn’t be the traditional way to go…we’ll see soon! Thank you for a chance to win your adorable baby book…I’ve given a few of your baby books as shower gifts over the years, always ooohed and aaahed over (and better still, used! 😉 ) With 5 adult childen, our fingers are crossed for our first grandbaby(ies)-to-come to be announced soon!
Hello again Susan,
I have a very good friend who is pregnant with her first child and I would LOVE to give her your wonderful baby books. I love the name Alexander for a boy, I named my daughter Alexandra and I know it was on the list for baby girl names if Kate had delivered a girl. How about Alexander William Charles George?
Kathy from New Albany, Ohio
I’m sure all those people yelling “Push!” did the trick. (I opted for vacuuming stairs myself.) And James sounds good to me, at least for starters.
Philip Charles Louis…but my friend, Barb, thinks William will smuggle a “Spencer” in there!
Must do something!
What a fabulous tea party! Love the decor, the food and well….everything.
I loved the pics of the new family leaving the hospital! You could almost feel their joy and happiness.
I am guessing that his name will be James William Charles Phillip. 🙂
Marilyn (in Dallas)
What was Diana’s father’s name… maybe that will get in there too.
I think it was John.
I think Earl Spencer’s name was Johnnie.
John, I believe.
Visiting with you fills my soul. I particularly LOVE how you make sure ALL the ambiance is taken care of with musica. I grew up extremely near-sighted and (I suppose to compensate) all my other senses are particularly keen. 🙂 Thank you for being you–my never disappointing online friend.
xoxo thank you right back Angela. I’m glad you’re here.
Our oldest granddaughter just gave birth to a baby girl. When we heard her due date
I was thinking I bet it will be close to the Royals baby. Our granddaughter’s due date was July 22—- she had her baby girl on the 17 th. Our daughter is overjoyed,she’s been waiting seven
years to become a grandmother. We are all thrilled with the new member of our family.
Congratulations Pat, and to your daughter!
I agree with you that he will be a James-adorable! My baby girl is 4 months old and I really should get started on her baby book! Thanks for the reminder!
I have mine ~ what I love most about it is that my mom took the time to make it for me!
For some reason, I have 2 baby books. I’m thinking they got one themselves and another as a gift. Both are filled out. I’m just giving my kids their baby books. I always hate to give things that are rightfully theirs up, but they are adults for heavens sake and can take care of them. A couple weeks ago, when we were up in WA, I finally brought the things that belongs to my son. Like a Christmas ornament made from an egg that a neighbor made when the kids were just little. His sisters got broken year ago. I put it up every year, but think they can carry on that tradition now. I still have a couple things that they made for me that I will keep.
We have been celebrating our own new Princess here in the Ozarks. She was born last Monday in Colorado. We had a few moments of tension when she underwent open heart surgery at THREE Days old. She is fine now, pudgy, pink and healthy. Her parents didn’t know if it was a boy or girl as they waited, but they called the baby poppy, because it was the size of a poppy seed when they found out there was a baby coming. Her aunts have decided it is fate that she and the Prince are so close in age and that Nana (me) plans to spend some quality time in England, so she has been dubbed Princess Poppy. Has a ring to it! Back to packing, headed to Colorado of course 🙂 Loved your party!
Congratulations Esther, love your happy
endingbeginning!good afternoon Ladies, what a lovely Royal tea party!! and of course now that little prince is here, and we have seen him make his first royal appearance ( tiny chubby lil fingers and all) time to breathe easier and to let mum and dad have some private time with their lil prince. I love the tea party and while I was betting it was a girl, boys are just as nice. now I have to think James would be a marvelous name for the new prince, but I also like John, and maybe Michael. well those are my choices for the name. well off to go fill up the water tubs and turn on the sprinklers in the chicken yard to keep them cool and comfy, have the fans going in the barn to keep them cool. also time for tea…not hot tea, iced tea is the drink of choice. of course I like my watermelon fizzy, cool and refreshing. its really simple, run some watermelon through the juicer or through the processor, strain it to get just the juice, and add half watermelon juice, half sparkling water, mineral water or 7up and garnish with some watermelon balls and a sprig of mint. it can also be turned into a yummy cocktail, just add an ounce of vodka. enjoy!!!! hugs everyone. 🙂
hmm maybe James Paul William Spencer for a royal name for the new prince.
Oh Pat –
I like that combo! Also James Arthur William Spencer!!
ohhh I like that name.
I like that one Kerry.
I don’t think James Arthur William Spencer will fly. That would make him J.A.W.S. Cambridge. Not a good school name.
his initials would spell JAWS!!! 🙂
Yum Pat! Thank you!
you’re welcome. how about Richard for a name??? Richard Paul William Spencer I like it!!! 🙂
Pat, that drink sounds heavenly!!
Oh, Susan….LOVED seeing and hearing all about your tea party…it looks fabulous ! So moved that you put the Diana book on the table…that has been my feeling through all this – happy, but a little tear know how she would have cherished this moment. Ah well, the little prince has an angel to watch over him. And yes, I was watching the new family leaving the hospital and saw his little fingers moving….so perfect. A miracle ! Each new life is a miracle and it is so nice to see the entire world celebrating and focusing on something happy. My guess for a name is Edward…and I think there will be a Spencer in the middle somewhere….for his angel grandmother.
She makes me cry too. Only twenty when she had William, and going through all of that with no one really on her side she could trust. I think she’s a hero.
I know! I feel the same way… she looked so young and I never felt like Charles was protecting her – he seemed to leave her alone to figure it out. I love that William seems protective of Kate, respectful of her and her parents and very willing to do “what it takes” to keep things sane.
It touched my heart when the camera pulled in close on Baby Cambridge in his white blanket – and there was a close picture of Diana’s ring… we’ve seen that ring for years – but it had a new meaning today – right in the middle of things…
I felt that way too about Charles, but looking back, although he should have known better, I don’t think he did. I think he got mixed up about love and duty and everything. He was a fairly lost child himself. He’s doing much better now, thanks very much for the lessons provided by his own guardian angel, Diana.
Oh I don’t imagine Spencer will be the baby’s first name, but I truly hope that it is one of his names, to honor his grandmother Princess Diana. I cried today thinking that this was her grandson, and perhaps she had a hand in creating just the right spirit for this precious child. Blessings to all who will know him and love him.
Joan B.
Loved every picture of the party and am sure it was the collective “Push” that encouraged the wee one to make his appearance. I can’t help but wonder if, within his multiple names, the name Spencer might appear. Would love an opportunity to win the books. I’m a grandmother of 11 and counting.
~ Good Afternoon~
We are expecting our 6th grandchild mid August~ a boy!~ It’s so exciting any time a new little one enters the world~ each one a gift and a miracle! ~ Thank you for the happy post~
I love babies! I was fortunate enough to witness the birth of my two grandsons, Henry and Arthur! Good royal names! Name for the new baby prince? How about Prince Ian Alexander? Ian being part of Granma’s Diana’s name, as a tribute. Don’t ya just love babies? And yes, I caught his first royal wave today. So precious!
Thank you for such a lovely post. I just knew you would have a wonderful tribute about the Royals and all things english!
Happy you enjoyed it Mrs. Prim!
Love the new post. The name will have both Michael and Charles and maybe Edward. They look so happy with their sweet boy. His mother would have been so happy just like his father and her parents are. On a side note I am thrilled you are coming to Meredith NH and I just hope my book will come in time to be signed
but I do have many you have written. Can not wait to meet you!!
The books you preordered will come with a signed bookplate (I’ve been busy!)– just in case!
What a joy it was to read about the special welcome you and your dear friends gave to the new royal baby. It seems every detail was attended to, the weather cooperated and a great time was had by all. I had to laugh at how you all helped things along with the PUSH chant and the prayer was such a sweet idea. Oh, and I must say I am most impressed by the huge stack of teacups you were balancing. 🙂
As for the new baby’s name, I’m not sure, but I think Charles may be in there somewhere.
I didn’t realize you had written a baby book, but I smiled as I read about adding a book called “Baby Love” to the hope chest. Last month we welcomed our first grandchild into the family and I did a blog post about the things I’d been collecting in my Grandma’s Hope Chest. The reason for the smile, I titled the post “Baby Love.” I’m keeping my fingers crossed to be chosen as the lucky winner. Can’t think of a sweeter gift for the new parents.
I’m leaning toward Arthur Michael Phillip. What a lovely tea party!! I know Kate is thrilled you didn’t wait any longer because you all had to be the final element along with the full moon to usher in the new Little Prince.
If we’d known we’d probably have tried it a little sooner! 🙂
What a beautiful party you had! I love all of the royal details! What a special birth to celebrate! He, like my sweet baby boy is certainly Heaven sent! I’m guessing George will be his name 🙂
King George. Very nice!
~ George Alexander Louis~ to be exact!
I was wishing so for a girl, but now I know it was “meant to be” and I just got teary when they walked out of the hospital. They are glowing and must be so excited to go home for time all by themselves with their little fellow. Ain’t love grand! They are the cutest couple EVER. What a lucky little boy. I think his name with be Andrew with three additional middle names. I do love the Jimmy idea!
I’ve been waiting to see how you welcomed this future King – what a lovely party you had! It’s so exciting, and how great to have good news for a while. I hope like so many here that Diana is honored, but maybe they will choose to save the honor for a future child – in the pink category! 🙂 I vote for James Henry William, one or all, in any order.
And if Vanna should choose me, I would prefer to pass the gift on to any of the expectant mom’s here. My daughter’s both say they are out of the baby making business, and I don’t know a soul that is expecting! ( my mother in law is shouting at me from heaven..NOOOOOO!!! ) She loved your work more than anything – except Beatrice Potter!
What a great party for your friends – perfect late summer activity! A great send-off for Diana & Elizabeth and a perfect welcome for the new prince!!
One thing about you, Susan, no one knows how to show a group of friends a better time than you do! 😉
And vice versa I would have to say!
You are just plain fabulous!!!! I love it! My mom has English roots and her name is Elizabeth Ann Middleton and looked just like Kate when she was her age! So we have adopted the royal family as our own (how I wish!). I love your whole tea party idea and wish I could’ve celebrated with you. Thanks for moving that baby along!
My pleasure 🙂 thank you Bethany — Hello to your royal mom for me!
How wonderful for the world to have such happy news!
Celebrations all over the world, something nice to think about.
…wouldn’t SPENCER as part of his name be a nice touch?! Love the red transferware, and thank you for sharing your lovely tea party with us!
The tea party looked great fun. I’ve been glued to the tv for the past two days. Now that they’ve taken the baby home I might get some work done 🙂 . I think the name might include Charles, Phillip, William, Michael and perhaps one of Princess Diana’s father’s names – Edward or John. My favourite would be James though. The main thing is mum and baby are doing well, and they’re all very happy.
Me too, glued to TV, took forever for me to post today, kept getting distracted! Wonderful day — congratulations Pam!
I heard today that there is a glitch with the name James.
Scotland is considering leaving the commonwealth and James
is in charge now in Scotland.
I think I misunderstood about the leader of Scotland
being James but they did say on the news that there
was a glitch with the name James having to do with
something coming up later this year about leaving
the commonwealth.
..ooo, just noticed someone else had the same inspired thought~ fingers crossed for Spencer, girls!!
What a beautiful gala you had. It was so pretty with all the decor and glorious royalty. :):) I’d love to be your neighbor, just to watch it all. Enjoy your wonderful summer Susan. xoxo,Susie
We are a bit partial to Charles (our youngest) and Philip (our middle)…and I imagine with the 4-5 names he will be given, that the future king will carry one of our son’s namesake!! lol Lovely party…every last detail..xoxo
What a grand party! You do the most fun, creative things! Wish I lived on Martha’s Vineyard for a summer! Port Jefferson, where I live is a great town too, but I will never forget our visit to M.V. We had a terrific time when we went with friends of ours.
We had our first grandbabies, Emma Ann and Alexander Nicholas last November, so I hope I win your book and calendars! I am keeping pictures and important info in an album for them, and I just love gathering family mementoes, stories, and buying little clothes for them! Babies are such a joy, and their promise is what gets us through hard times.
Your blog always brings us all such pleasure!
Happy summer!
Gail G.
It sounds like you got twin grandbabies?
Yes, our twin grandbabies were born on Nov. 28, 2012, so this year their first birthday will fall on Thanksgiving, something to be truly thankful for!
How lucky! They must be adorable!
My vote would have to be James William Spencer….Lovely tea party. Looks like so much fun. I’m sure your pushhhhh…helped.
Just ordered your book…can’t wait to read it.
Balisha
I’m going with Arthur Albert Michael Charles!
I think the name will be William… or James. LOL! The tea party looks amazing!
What a beautiful party! I think the baby’s name will be George Phillip Arthur Charles. Keeping my fingers crossed!
✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥ Sweet Sue….Your Twine~Party Was Pure Royalty! Enchanting So British So Magical I L♥ve The Photo of You! You are Filled With Joy & Excitement! & All Your Friends are Wonderful! 🙂 The Entire Time Awaiting The Birth of This Royal Baby The New Prince The Future King of England I have thought of Princess Diana How She Would Be So Proud of Her Wills How She would Be a Young Granny (She is in Heaven I Know) I was 23 it was The Summer of 1982 I was 8 months Pregnant as I watched Princess Diana & Prince Charles walk Out of Saint Mary’s with Their Newborn Bundle of Joy I was Weeping Quietly as I Watched All The Magic of The Royals…Then on August 7th 1982 My Little Prince was Born Jonathan Robert 7 pounds 11 Ounces & I thought to Myself A Boy? 🙂 Oh No what am I going to do with a Boy? 😉 Then after They Cleaned Him all Up & Put Him in My Arms…I Knew….I was “In~Love” Forever…..Baby~Love….& Now Beautiful Kate Handsome Prince Wills & This Beautiful New Royal Baby Boy…I Can’t wait to Hear His Name! Thank You Sweet Sue…Let’s Twirl into a Midsummer’s Night Dream Under The Summer Stars! Love & Hugzzz & Newborn Baby Pixie~Dust 🙂 xoxo Poof!✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥ 😉
Yes, suddenly you knew what you would do with a boy! Love him! 🙂 Isn’t it great how that works!
!✫*¨♥* ✫ 🙂 Yes! !✫*¨♥* ✫
I felt like I was in attendance ….Susan your parties are wonderful….welcome to the new little prince ….goodnessit was like yesterday when William was born….and now he’s a dad..
My goodness, you really know how to do it up right! Lovely, just lovely. And befitting a royal birth. Once again, thank you for all you do :o)
Like you, I think they are going to choose James. But I like George, I love how King George sounds, so regal. I am also partial to Louis, there hasn’t been a Louis in a while.
I have enjoyed every minute of anticipation and celebration surrounding the birth of Baby Cambridge. When I saw those tiny fingers wiggle from beneath the blanket, the reality and enormity of what this little child’s life will be almost took my breath away. Prayers for this child, whatever his name may be.
What a lovely party! My daughter flew to England last week and got engaged in the garden at the Ely Cathedral. 🙂 They flew to Ireland on Saturday and are spending the week on the coast there before returning to England for another week. What a special time to be there!
I love your blog and your posts! I’m going to have to get my daughter a copy of your new book as a remembrance of HER special trip to England!
I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Your books and calendars are among my “favorite things”. 🙂
What a memory they just built for themselves! Magic!
I have loved following the birth of the new prince. My husband does not get it since America gave up royalty back in the Revolution. I personally think we still have at least a little royal love left, especially for such beautiful couple and a wee little prince. 🙂
I’m hoping his first name is Phillip, in honor of his great grandfather.
If for nothing else, the history of the world is tied up in that family!
Loved hearing about your tea party. What fun! When Catherine and William and the baby came out today I noticed that Catherine was wearing a polka dot dress and I remembered Diana wearing a polka dot dress as well when we all met William. You know how to celebrate life Susan!
What a great party! We, too, celebrated with champagne and tea cakes! I think James Phillip Arthur Spencer would be a lovely name for our little prince. I know whatever they name him has to be approved from a short list of names that have been vetted for any bad vibes in the king department. We got our own little princess in December of 2012, so we’re still in the baby oohs and aahs at our house. Would love the baby book and calendars!
Thank you for sharing your lovely Twine with us! It looked like so much fun! I guess James Phillip George! Thanks, Susan!
When I lived in California, I had a lovely friend named Jean who was born in Scotland – we talked everything royal. I got up in the middle of the night to watch Prince Charles and Lady Diana get married. I think that regardless of the differences between Diana and Charles, both loved their boys and both did a great job of raising them. Did you see how great William was with Catherine and his son – I think the name should be Philip Charles William Spencer George. That way Philip can be King! If it had been a girl, and I had hoped for a girl, it would have been Elizabeth Diana Victoria Catherine. Such beautiful names to choose from. At any rate, this baby was blessed for Susan Branch to have a Twine party in his honor. I hope I win the beautiful baby items – we have a new niece about to be born and it would be wonderful for her.
James William Charles George Harry Spencer Windsor. Love the name Spencer; love it so much my son’s name is Spencer.
What a fun party!! I am waiting for the arrival of my first grandson in 4 weeks. The baby book would be a great gift for my daughter. It’s so exciting preparing for a new baby. We got the nursery all ready and now all it is missing is our little Nathan.
I think the name Spencer in the royal baby name would be perfect:). Have a blessed day! Kellid
Happy new baby Kelli!
What a fun party! I will have to get out my British cupcake set I bought from SB and decorate some cupcakes for a small gathering I am going to this weekend with friends from high school — we haven’t seen each other in years. Would love to win your baby book and calendars. Have enjoyed your calendars (all types) for several years now. I don’t have children so will have no grandchildren of my own. However, would love to give your baby book to one of my special “adopted” daughters (my friends’ children) when one of them has a baby shower. It would be such a special gift. Loved (and laughed) about the group holding hands and saying “PUSH” together — your parties are the best.
What a lovely tea party. Yesterday (Monday) on the Today show, they interviewed the owner of a nursery shop in London. While she couldn’t say what the Royal Baby’s nursery would look like, she showed a small dresser. It had Beatrix Potter decals on it of Peter Rabbit and friends. I immediately thought of you and your collection. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for this wonderful set of books.
How much FUN are you, Susan Branch???…I cooed and giggled and had tears in my eyes while reading this post…I have some dishes like your tea pot on the right in your picture of the three tea pots…I have no clue about what the future king’s name will be…it would be nice if somehow they could get Spencer or Francis in the name…if James is somewhere in the name I will be tickled “blue”…my grand grandson James Henry was born five years ago…our only grandson among four grand granddaughters, he is special for sure…I absolutely LOVELOVELOVED your PUSH chant…how fun…I hope you send a copy of this blog post to Kensington Palace for Kate and William to read…they would smile and LOVE it…xoxo…
They would definitely know where were pulling (pushing?) for them!
:-)…
The royal prince was born on my birthday! It was so exciting! Way back when the expected time of delivery was announced, I hoped it would be born on my birthday. I think his name will be Thomas James Michael Spencer.
And look! How great! Happy Birthday Elizabeth!
Hi Susan and all the girlfriends~~~ IT’S A BOY! How fun its been watching the TV and all the goings on across the pond! I’m for the baby’s name to be Alexander. I’ve always liked that name. Some are speaking that it will be George. That was my father’s name.
I loved all the pictures of the party and of the guests. Such a great tea it was by the looks of it. How many people came? Looks to be quite a few. Loved how their were royals as well 🙂
How fun it would be to be the winner of this contest with the baby stuff!
It’s funny to say this, but our furnace is on the blink and not working. Only 60 degrees in the house. For those of you that are in the thick of the heat, that’s cold. We are only getting up to the high 50s with fog. Love the Victorian house, but any heat is always at the ceiling line 12 feet up. My poor hands are sooo cold. Someone is to come tomorrow to have a look. Had someone out yesterday and did that appears now to be a temporary fix. Lasted a bit, then went out again.
Looking forward to the news tonight so that I can see the proud parents and the future king step outdoors.
xoxoxo
My jaw is dropped, I can’t believe how cold it sounds where you are. 60 in the house is freezing! It is quite the opposite here. But thank goodness the air conditioner is working! Hope your furnace gets fixed soon!
okay I have a question, what is in a Pimms cup??? is it alcoholic??? sounds curious but yummy!!!
There is a recipe for it in the new book Pat — Pimms is a traditional British concoction from the 19th century that you mix with fruit and sometimes a little gin … You can buy Pimms at most liquor stores, at least around here … it’s very afternoonish and refreshing.
hmm wonder if I could find it here, sounds delicious for a summer afternoon. thanks!!!
I loved your party, so fun! I think his name might be James William Phillip Charles.
What a fun party! I hope you send her your baby books ~ I know Catherine would just love your books, calendars and blog! I absolutely loved seeing the pictures of your party too . We just discovered, The Scottish Bakehouse, the last time we were on the Vineyard , and we ate at the picnic tables, or got to go food, almost every day ~ ( traveling with the pups). Thank you for the inspiration!
Nice there at the picnic tables!
Such happy news! Baby’s bring their love with them and this little one has enough love for all of us. Every child deserves to be loved. I think you should send a copy of “Baby Love” to the palace. Kate would be thrilled. Royal babies have to be christened within the first four weeks of birth, so another celebration. Hope they televise it. Your tea party was super!
I will have a great grandson in November. His name is to be Henry. Maybe the royal couple will include that as one of the baby’s many names.
Very Possible! Congratulations on Henry!
Wowie!! What a nice tea/baby/push party! Successful all around! I love the name James Charles Spencer too. I’m sure we’ll know soon enough – can’t wait to hear the name! I’m on vacation in South Dakota on a road trip to Mount Rushmore so didn’t see them leave the hospital – hopefully it will be on the news this evening. 🙂
I’m sure it will be, and Mount Rushmore is something wonderful to see too! Have fun Candi!
You should really send that little packet of Susan Branch fun to the Duke and Duchess! Even royalty need something to record all of these events, and why shouldn’t they have the best?!
I thought about that Jake, but then I thought it would go to the giant warehouse where all the gazillions of presents they must get from everywhere go, and I thought, I know, I’ll give it to the girlfriends who will love it! xo Thank you for the compliment.
Congratulations to William and Catherine…and the new baby Prince. And, what a great Tea Party to welcome the royal little one–Henry Winston Spencer George …what a great suggestion from so many to add the Spencer in honor of Princess Diana. Welcome to the world, little Prince.
Susan, what a wonderful way to share the joy of the birth of the little prince. Your tea party was exquisite, from the food to the flowers and wonderful little surprises, such as the darling bunting and everyone’s beautiful outfits. I’m as excited about this baby as I was about William’s birth and maybe a little more so as Kate and William are such a darling couple and so obviously enamored with one another. Again, thanks for making a special occasion even more enjoyable and giving me a feel for what it means to be a “little British” for a little while!
Celebrating the good things in life Linda!
William Charles Spencer!
Pretty, Laura!
That is the best suggestion yet , powerfully simple and covers all the bases …..!
Love the post and the Tea Party baby shower…..
We were talking, today, about how traditional all the royal names are. I hopped that the new Prince’s name would be something”fun” and I love the suggestion in some of the other comments of SPENCER.
What a BEAUTIFUL party! You have truly outdone yourself this time! WOW.
I think the baby’s name will either be William or Charles… obvious choices, but I’ll probably be wrong anyway!
Guess what? I do share a birthday with the baby prince! It’s too bad I wasn’t born in Britain, or else I’d be getting one of those lucky coins too! 🙂
Happy Birthday Erin!!
Oh yes, the name. James Michael Arthur Phillip. There. Almost forgot.
Your party looked like so much fun! My contribution to the name game is Edward or perhaps Edwin. I’m happy the little prince has safely arrived.
The prince is here now, and I think he looks like an Alexander James Michael Charles (at least the top of his head does!). What a wonderful time you had at your tea party! ::Jill
What a splendid party Susan! My sister-in-law and her family live in St. Andrews. It’s beautiful there…right next to the sea. I like the name
James for the new prince…he’s darling. Enjoy your week…Maureen
Would love to go to St. Andrews one day.
We were there when Kate and William came back to visit their alma mater. The whole town was decorated with William and Kate banners, cakes, cupcakes…etc…so much fun. Signs in windows that said William and Kate met here. . . hearts everywhere. You would love it there!
I would!
What a lovely blog,lovely party!! thank you for sharing it! name William Charles Philip Spencer Wales. called Prince Spencer.
Oh what a lovely party! I’m sure that your “push” chant certainly helped the event along. I too thought of Diana quite a bit these last few days. Her legacy will live on through this precious little boy. Dianas’s father’s name was Edward John Spencer. Also love the idea of Spencer being part of the name and boy wouldn’t that irk some people! Doubt they would actually do it but who knows? Does the Queen have to approve the name, I wonder? We’ll know soon enough. Would love to win the baby package as we have a wee one ourselves with our first grandson, Lucas.
Hi Susan, Oh how I loved seeing your party and all the preparations. Delightful. I went to a “Tea Party” on Sunday as well but it wasn’t for the new baby………..but we sure had fun. We all had to decorate a hat as well which was great fun. We had scones first, and actually almost the same sandwhiches as you but also a chicken salad one and tasty little cakes for the last. She served 3 kinds of tea. I even wore a dress which I haven’t worn since I moved to Florida. I loved all your decorations too. The best part was when you all joined hands to pray for their family and then the “pussssshhhhhh” part. Actually, believe it or not, it brought a tear to my eyes. I found that very moving. So glad you had help with it all. My friend’s husband served our tea to all of us which was really special.
Well, I love the name James (my dad’s name) and I think Charles has to be in there someplace so I will say James Charles George! Thank you for this uplifting blog. Hugs, Gail Buss xoxo
Sounds like a wonderful party Gail!
So happy to always be able to count on you Susan…..sister in all things British! My father’s name was James…..my grandson is Hayden James……James Phillip Michael Spencer would be simply lovely for this precious little one! Watching them come out the hospital doors today, brought the memory back of watching Diana and Charles introduce their sweet William to the world….what a cycle of life:)
name in …. name out …. thanks Vanna!
Hi!
It’s is so exciting…was watching BBC news that day and heard about the royal birth!
I was surprised though, really thought it was a girl! So glad everyone is happy and doing fine.
It is such a shame that Diana could not be here to enjoy the event. We all know she is watching the whole thing from afar!
Your baby love was not out yet when my son was born….but it would be nice to have it in a hope chest for a grandchild of my own.
Your party looked amazing…all your parties look like so much fun!
TaTa!
Kathie from Limerick
Susan! You did it! You got the baby born! Buntings Blessings British Baby Boy Future King! From a wonderful summer twine party on Martha’s Vineyard, all the way across the Atlantic ocean you, Joe, the kitties and your guests reached out to Kate and William and that dear baby 🙂
What a simply wonderful party oozing with friends, sprinkled with laughter and dotted with mounds of cucumber sandwiches! (WOW! that was some assembly line). I’m so glad you had your sunshine and sea breezes for your special party. My fingers and toes were crossed. Nothing less would do for such an event.
Baby names? I’m partial to George 🙂 While I really REALLY thought the baby would be a girl, I am hoping there will be a nod to Diana with Spencer selected somewhere. Isn’t it FUN. This dear little life has just been born and here we are selecting names that go on and on and on…
Now that the Royal Baby has been born, we are counting down to your milestone of A Fine Romance! Soon Susan, soon!
XOXO Georgie, NJ
Any day now Georgie … yes I was hoping for Victoria Diana for at least two of the names. I just love Queen Victoria. And Diana, just should be there.
Ah yes, Victoria! I just loved her too. She had… spunk, good old get down Royal Spunk. And it seemed she really loved life, having common sense at the same time. Victoria Diana would have been just lovely. Much Too soon to think about now, but maybe with baby #2…
Georgie
I love that you had a tea party for the new Prince. How very special!
Gee it would be nice if I spelled my words right tonight…it has been a long day at work and the air conditioning was broken!…..even worse
Kathie from Limerick