♥ 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.♥
Well I don,t see my other note……..I will check back later…Kathie
I wrote a comment earlier but could not find it after a day. Loved the party…all your parties look like so much fun! Always loved the Baby Love book…came out after the birth of my son. It would be nice to have one for a future grandchild of my own!
I was so excited about the Royal Birth…was so sure it was a girl! Such a shame Diana
Could not be here for the joyous event. I am sure she is watching from beyond!
Kathie from Limerick.
Ps …sorry if my other comment now appears…was posting from my IPad and guess I did not hit the post button hard enough.
You can comment as much as you like — Vanna knows to only choose one of every name, Kathie, and we love hearing from you.
Thank you for sharing the fun!! James William Spencer would be a great name!!
I am thinking James will be the perfect name for this little prince! Your “Royal Baby Tea” was just classic! Love, love, love the pictures!!! Can’t wait to see next year’s calendar! It is always my favorite Christmas gift from my mom every year!!
That’s nice to hear Gina.
I love your royal baby party! Your yard and table looked very fitting for such an event. Can hardly wait to hear the name of the new prince…
What a beautiful collection of books! The baby one would complete my collection, please sign me up to win 🙂
A new baby is such an amazing blessing! What a beautiful and fun celebration you hosted! You are totally inspiring and so generous spirited to share your fun times and lovely ideas with the rest of the world! Thanks! I agree that James Arthur William Spencer is a nice name. Too bad it’s not up to all of us to decide! 😉
Love your party and all that royalty!!! I think the name might be Edward Philip Charles?????
Oh Susan..why a fun party you had!! Who wouldn’t have loved to have been there with all of you…PUSHING….smile. I know you all had a part of that birth, and thank you for your prayers! God truly did answer your prayers! The parents and baby all looked happy and healthy! Now for a name…I was leaning towards a girl, and had heard Grace was a possible name…I was so happy, as that was my mothers name! SO…what do you think? My fathers name was Jack….so maybe..just maybe they might use that name..Prince Jack! smile….
Since we are getting more and more new great grand babies I would absolutely love for Vanna to draw my name! smile…
Me too Gert!
Susan, thanks for sharing your party pictures. You always make everything so festive!
I’m sure your group PUSH was a big help to Kate, but I can’t help but wonder if the full moon helped too! Great post, and loved Willard too, and the Lots of Little Things post too. You have a wonderful way with words..
Ohhh yes, that big moon was out there too!
What a lovely party! Your posts are so inspiring. I was waiting and watching for the royal baby too! I was certain it was going to be a boy…and I was right! I went to England once, when I was in high school, and I’d love to go back. I can’t wait to get your new book (even though it will make me want to go back even more 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful tea party. Wish I was there!
What perfect timing, Susan! Your party was meant to be on Sunday. You should send your pictures to “the royal site” in England. They’d so appreciate you! My guess at a name for the little prince…Phillip George Henry William ( I threw in the Henry William because it was both my grandfather’s name and is my brother’s!) Susan, I’m so looking forward to your book signing tour. I will finally meet you in person, but I already know you so well! Like finding a long lost friend! Have a great week! (I know, too many exclamation points. Sorry!!)
I think they will name the baby in honor of Princess Diana in some way. I like Francis or Spencer.
Lovely post and photos . WOW ! You all really went all out ! Thanks for sharing ! Have a good evening !
I’m thinking Charles Spencer will be in the name somewhere. So glad you didn’t have rain for your party…looked like you all had fun.
I am still laughing as I write this! My 6 year old grandson was standing by me while I was reading this post and I read it to him. After he saw the circle of people saying “push” – “push”, he said “rich people have too much free time”! hahahaha! I, on the other hand, loved it!
Cheery wave from
Bev
Lovely, lovely party!
As for the name… James Charles George
Tricia in CT
you sure do know how to throw a party
my vote was for a girl named Elizabeth also, and she could have been Queen Elizabeth III (but not in my lifetime I fear)
oh well…
blessings
marcia from sewell
What a wonderful tea party. Wished I had been a little butterfly…..it .looked like so much fun! Loved everything about it. The dishes, table settings, linens, everything. Cannot believe you hung on to a dozen old teacups…….some couraqe you have Lady Susan!
I can just picture the PUSHHHHHHH session. It would have cracked me up to no end. Too funny, but evidently it did the trick……….and as far as the name I just hope that somehow they will consider adding WILLIAM SPENCER MIDDLETON as part of the name to honor both Diana and the new mom and dad……..and that is my two cents worth………..for all that it matters in England……….thanks for this lovely post! It was fun reading it. Now I am going to go eat my cucumber sandwich and have my cup of tea !
Could put Middleton in there, that would be nice!
I think your tea party looks wonderful. What a cute way to welcome the Prince!
I love The Baby Love book. I used it for my son, who is 16 now, and I used to give it for a baby gift. Couldn’t find a copy the last time I tried. I gave my best friend the grandmother book when she had her first one and we both cried! As for the baby’s name, I like James William George Spencer.
Perhaps George or James…something very very traditional, I think, for the heir.
They may get more creative with the next one 🙂
This was wonderful to see,,what a Tea Party! Love everything,,would
love to win these things..my oldest girl is having our first grandbaby
at the end of Aug,,I had your Baby Love BOOK for her!…
thankyou for all you do…YOU are the best! sme
Fabulous tea party~ so much fun. Mmm…baby name: George Arthur Philip James or perhaps a combination of these. I thought they would have a girl!
I am a very practical person, please forgive me. Are you going to make a desk calendar for 2014? I got one for 2013 and I love it, it works perfectly for me.
I love little baby Cambridge. Wish we could have seen his face.
I’m sorry to say but the people I designed that calendar for, Lifeguard Press, has decided not to make it anymore. I know, I wasn’t happy either. But the good news is that it looks like we will have one next year — the people who make my 12 x 12 calendar have asked for a blotter. Sorry!
Thank you Susan, I can make do for one year! I love having little things to wait for!
Perfect wonderful attitude Barbara, thank you!!
Ooo! Name guessing! How fun is that!! 🙂
My guess…
Philip Charles Michael Henry James
Susan, your tea party looks like it was an absolute smash!! Thank you for including the recipe for the Orange Polenta Cake in your last Willard. I’m looking forward to trying it out for a special occasion or just to make an afternoon pot of tea more special.
It is an amazing cake, I have to say, you will just love it!
My comment at 6:05 is still waiting moderation.
Too many comments in at the same time, I’m working on it Nancy!
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.
I agree, Prayers for the baby. I am SO glad I was not born into that family as lovely as they all are, the privacy thing would really be hard.
Your party looked like it was a blast! So much fun! The decorations were just perfect, especially the buntings. Your friends are so lucky 🙂 And the timing was perfect. I enjoyed watching the news yesterday while I was ironing -it sure made the ironing more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing another wonderful party 🙂
PS Joe sets up a fine looking bar too 😉
He knows what he’s doing!
So much wish I could have joined in with this lovely tea party 🙂 – you’ve inspired me to add some similar touches to the next one I have here. And so exciting to think that we have a new Prince (I’m in Canada) – how about Michael William Philip George, in any order? Though I hate to leave out Charles’ name – isn’t he such a proud Grandpa! The books look just the ticket to top a great celebration.
Good timing, we never have to stop celebrating!
I watched the telly all day long, just waiting to see his new little Highness! And, then, FINALLY, there he was! With beaming mum and papa! Worth the wait. Then–I turned the computer on and your tea party was the icing on the cake! You are super-girl. I’m going to have a tea party, don’t know when, but I’m gonna have one!
Good girl, one of the funnest parties you can have I think!
Thank you for sharing your lovely tea party!! It looks like it was a lot of fun 🙂
I think the name will be James or George.
P.S. Isn’t it amazing how they had THREE future Kings of England in the hospital room at once?
Oh yes, that’s true, I didn’t think of it! Wow, I wonder if they say, Hi King, hi King, oh, the little king! Probably a little too American.
Thanks for the invite. Loved the tea pary.Such a happy party theme. Susan Branch you are amazing!!!!
xoxo Amy!
Susan, I so enjoyed your blog about the Tea Party. How Fun !!
Thanks so much.
Rosemary
What a wonderful way to celebrate this exciting and precious occasion. I’m happy beyond relief that the little prince has arrived, safe and sound, and mama and papa look so happy. I’m sure there will be much debate with the name. I’m hoping for something with a bit of a twist, maybe not so traditional, but I’m sure our Queen will have the final say, so traditional it will probably be for the future King.
Thank you for sharing your scrumptious party!
You are so talented and I get so excited when I read your blog and feel like I am right there included in all the fun things you do. Thank you for this gift. I am so excited about the new royal baby boy William Brian Charles would be a nice name. excited about watching him grow.
one of these is bound to be right: Charles William Henry Edward Peter Robert Rupert Rutherford. They tend to give a lotta neames to these royal ones. but I’m going for all of them in one. I remember watching Diana and Charles’ wedding (was on my second anniversary) and she got his name wrong. I wondered if their marriage was legal with that goof.
Thank you so much for inviting us to your lovely tea party! Everything looked so scrumptious and how lucky that all your royal friends were able to attend! I would love to be the winner of the wonderful prizes. My son and his fiancé are going to be married on August 10 and I would be willing to save that precious book for the future prince or princess in our family!
Oh happy day, coming soon!
Thanks for sharing the pics of your lovely friends and festive party. It’s been fun reading all the ideas for possible names for that beautiful baby boy. I heard that Frances was one of Diana’s names and the name of Kate’s dad. It would be a fine gesture for one of the baby’s names to be Francis, I think. I admired Diana for all her courage and wonderful heart. By the way, thanks for sharing all your great resources. I bought a lace shower curtain (sea theme w/ real shells!) through the website you where you bought your beautiful ivy lace curtains. I’ve been looking for a new shower curtain for awhile and found just the right one!
Oh good!
What a great party!! I hope they name the baby Oliver or Sam or Max or something THEY want to name him. Diana wanted to name William Oliver, but was over-ruled. Of course!!! I heard that on TV today. What a great little family. The whole world is so happy.
Hi Susan! Love your Royal Baby Tea Party!! Utterly charming!! I’ve been waiting to hear about it!! Yesterday after finding out it was a BOY!! I made a cake with pale blue icing and polka dots (didn’t yet know Catherine’s dress choice!! How’s that for coordination!! 🙂 and we had tea (complete with my Grandmother’s china tea set and Mom’s English china tea cups) and cake to celebrate! I sat glued to the computer all morning — didn’t even get out of my jams waiting for “the” moment when they walked through the doors! What an exciting, thrilling and sweet time. May God bless them all and may the little Prince grow up to be a strong and true King to reign over the UK well!! Here’s a photo of the cake (I cut a piece before it took the photo! Not the best idea, but you can see what I was doing!): facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201077492093392&set=pcb.10201077493733433&type=1&relevant_count=2 And here are the tea things: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201077492173394&set=pcb.10201077493733433&type=1&relevant_count=1. Thank you for another fun visit with so many creative ideas!
Oh that cake made me hungry here at 5 am!
My guess is James William. Wouldn’t it be great if they really surprised everyone with, say, a Nigel or Alfred thrown in there?
How blessed your friends are to have such a wonderful tea party to go to. I can tell that you make everyone feel so special just to be in your beautiful garden to celebrate such a special event.
Pat Holland
Hii Susan,
Yes a King is Born. Sounds like Christmas. What a nice party you had, you are blessed with a lot of good friends. Kate and Will looked so happy and relaxed didn’t they? I do love the name of Kate’s hometown.
Please tell Vanna to pick my name.
Nancy Jo
He looked like a George to me! How about George William Arthur Philip!
Yea!! I got his first name right!! We have GEORGE!!! The other two names in case anyone hasn’t seen the news are Alexander Louis. That has a nice ring to it: George Alexander Louis! HRH Prince George of Cambridge! Exciting days!! 🙂
Loving your party, all the little touches were so exquisite. How exciting when THE appearance of the future king happened today, I just teared up. The parents were simply beaming and I did notice that first little royal wave. Thoughts of Diana, of course, and that summer day when she took William home and now he’s the dad! As history teachers both my husband and I were running through names of English rulers and selecting or discarding as we went. He also picks James; I’m leaning toward George, but wishing that Andrew and Edward weren’t already taken….!
I’m with you…I have been thinking that I hope they choose James as the baby’s name. They say bookmakers are taking bets! I’m betting on James (well, crossing my fingers, anyway) !
Pamela Jo
Love your royal baby tea party. I’m hoping they include both Philip for great-grandpa and Spencer in the baby’s name. No babies coming our way soon, but my long-time British penpal is expecting her first grandchild this year–so if I win your book and calendars will be on their way to England for that young couple.
Well send them best wishes for me too, please, Leslie!
It’s always so much fun to read your blog and this blog was especially cute! I am expecting my first baby, a girl, on October 31 and I really hope that Vanna picks me!!!
A girl, how wonderful for you Sarah!
Will you give us a hint on the name?!?
What a happy time for the Brits! A beautiful baby boy! I think you had a lot to do with Sue, as your party was just smashing! My pick for the name is George but whatever name they pick will be perfect. Thanks for inviting us to your party really it looked lovely. I loved that beautiful teapot with the blue swags and flowers…who makes that, probably one of the prettiest one I’ve ever seen. You must be exhausted…now you can rest! What a celebration! ~East Longmeadow, Ma.
No name on the bottom of that pot! Just completely blank!
I think your tea party was absolutely beautiful, how fun! I am choosing Anthony or Victor for the new little prince. Why not? My brother and Dad enjoy having those names and I like the way they sound! (smile)
I am not known for my patience but I watched that door for hours! I figured that since I watched Diana get married years ago, I owed it to her to see those doors open and her grandbaby come out. Wow!
You jolly well put together a smashing blog in honor of our new royalty to be. I know you and joe would love to be in England to be a part of all the festivities – love the traditions England has for special occasions. Thank you for putting together such wonderful blogs for us – altogether girls, pushhhhhhhhhhhhh.
I really don’t think the name will be James only because Edward and Sophie have a son named James (he is the Viscount Severn). I do think we might see Michael for Kate’s father and perhaps Francis for Diana Frances. So my guess is George William Michael Francis.
This does make sense.
What a wonderful blog post!! I love your tea party for the baby. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for sharing about the tea party! I have been watching the events on tv the past two days. Love the coverage-it is so nice to have joyous news to focus on. I have my little British flag out. My choice for a name is James Phillip Albert George. Your blog today has just increased my excitement for your book to arrive!
Won’t be long!
What a lovely tea party. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. My choice for baby’s name would be Michael Charles Spencer.
Can’t wait to find out the name of the new little prince! What a fun looking party!
Well as usual I love your blog….and that tea party …I must have me one of those for my very dear sweet girlfriends…you are an inspiration. And who doesn’t love a baby???? I know I do and I certainly would love your book too.
What a fun party! Loved the joined hands prayer for baby and family – – it has been fun to see so many people interested and watching for this little one on both sides of the Pond. Cheerful decorations are not just a small thing, they really make memories and I am glad to see all the attention to detail you were able to add – – I am sure it was appreciated! Oh, about the baby name – – just hope they don’t choose George – – it just does not seem easy to call such a sweet little thing “George” 🙂
George Arthur Charles Windsor
I loved your tea baby shower party, my tea group had a royal bridal shower, what fun. Thanks for sharing!
Your parties always look like so much fun! My daughters both have your Baby Love books for their baby books. My oldest is soon to be 18 years old! I remember writing each of her little milestones in it. Babies are the most wonderful creatures, aren’t they?
Thanks, as always, for your giveaways. They are very kind and appreciated by all of your fans. 🙂
Hugs,
Shann
One of my favorite things about booksignings is when people bring their filled-in Baby Love books! So fun!
I got a kick out of the men in line yelling pushhhhhh….You have way to much fun. 🙂 Love the pix of you holding all the cups. So glad you didn’t drop any. lol I hope Kate and William break with tradition and name it a modern name, but I like George, James and William so any of those will do. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your party with us. 🙂 Add me for the calendars. I cant live without my Susan Branch Calendar on my wall every year. 🙂
I felt like a fool staring at two doors to a hospital until I realized 1/2 the world was doing the same thing. Wasn’t it adorable when the baby’s fingers came up and did his version of the Royal wave? And his beautiful parents–so friendly and down to earth. It was SPECIAL! Can’t wait to watch the little one as he grows. I’m thinking Albert Charles Michael George!
Beautiful party, Susan. I could have attended as The Dutchess Kathryn Elizabeth. (My real name! Minus the title!) PS I wanted a girl also.
Almost everyone at the party thought girl. Only three said boy! So many, so wrong!
Your tea party looked lovely!! I have only had a party for about a dozen people, but it was indoors in December! Yours looks so much better!! Was it hot? It has been unbearably warm in Maryland. Did you serve both hot and iced tea?
I was excited that the baby was born, although I convinced myself that there would be a princess, and not a prince! I love how Kate and William seem so normal…how he just rolls up his shirtsleeves instead of wearing a stuffy suit like his dad did when he was born. And Kate…she is so pretty!
Can’t wait to hear about a name! I like the name James, too, since it happens to be my husband and son’s name! But Now I like more non traditional names, although I know the future king of England will not have a non traditional name!
Ann Beirne
We had a thunderstorm about 7 am the morning of the party … before that it was sweltering. When it all blew through around 11, there was cooler dryer air, maybe the first this summer, right behind it. A small break, because the heat and humidity is back now!
Wait til tomorrow… maybe even later today. Here is upstate NY it was 64 at 9 am. Like a morning in mid-September – wonderful!
Like that now here! If this is “Canadian Air,” I might move to Canada — it’s delightful!!!
William Charles Spencer…whatever his name, the world already adores him! Congrats, William and Kate! More tea and scones, please.
Oh! Precious! So very precious! and fun! Bless you!
What a great party! I have a tea party with my Rebekah lodge and love to have the people come enjoy themselves. I never considered I could just do one at home for friends and family. 🙂 !! Thank you so much for sharing …
I will be interested to know about the polenta bread and how to make it…Haven’t gone wrong yet trying out your recipies!
.
.
I think prince James Edward 🙂
I’ll put the recipe up soon Daralyn.
I have 2 more grandbabies due in October :o) I think Philip Albert Michael James would be a lovely name!
It takes a village to birth a royal baby. What a lovely tea you hosted. My guess is Edward Henry William for starters. Oh happy day!!!!!
What an absolutely d e l i g h t f u l celebration tea ..definitely fit for a Future King !! I would love to be helping myself to a generous sampling of those yummy tea sandwiches. Thank goodness Jemima seems to have made a full and complete recovery !!
Thanks for sharing your Twine Party…looks like it was “twons” of fun!!! So excited about the new little Prince! He’s such a cutie! I am a little partial though, he’s my new cousin!!!! =)
You will need to explain that Donna!
LOL!!! To make a long family tree story short, my paternal great grandmother and King George VI {Queen Elizabeth II’s father} were cousins. =)
Aha! You would have fit into our party perfectly! 🙂
Would love to have been there! Looked like everyone was having a lovely time! =)
Well, I must have been nesting, because I was cleaning the house and rearranging furniture when my husband called from the ship to tell me the news. I did see the rerun of the crier though.
I was glad to see the blog tonight. I was so sad this evening, as I just found out through my reunion blog that a dear friend that I lost touch with passed away in 2006. How could it be???
Oh that’s a sad thing, so sorry Margot. I always heard life is short, and now I know how true it is!
Cheers to new life. The world goes on and our job while we are here is to make the world a better place. We girlfriends are trying our best to do that!
I hear the royals usually give their children 4 names so I’m going with James Charles Michael Henry. But, maybe they will simplify and give him a name like Bob.
Bob Spencer. Little Bobby Spencer.
Your Tea Party was so wonderful!
I vote for James for the royal baby.
I am a labor and delivery nurse and wen had 2 princesses and 1 darling prince born on the same day! Lots of Pushing!!!
Blessings!
My dearest friend in CA is a delivery nurse too, many many years of pushing! 🙂
Push did it….ppppppuuuuusssssh was the mantra and now the baby is here and your tea looked like such fun and adorable in it’s conception. Thanks Susan!
Wonderful party! I am sure the royal mum felt your vibrations and that shook something loose! My 95-year-old Mom insisted on sending a congratulations card. Doing a little research, it appears the new parents have left Cambridge House and have not moved into Kensington Palace yet because the rooms aren’t ready. Can you imagine? The royals have problems with contractors too. So we sent off our card with $3.00 postage to HRH William and Catherine care of the Palace and will see if it comes back or not. Probably will end up in that big warehouse you mentioned, but it was so much fun to do with her. I’m hoping for George, too. My Dad was George and he was a prince.
Did you send them a baby congratulations card?
Oh, I bet they will get it and it will be read! What a lovely thing to do! =)
Yes we sent the cutest card! We actually found a baby boy card that said “Congratulations on your new little prince” with a little baby with a crown on the front. Made us laugh like crazy in the card store.
How perfect! 🙂
You had 60 people for tea! I don’t think the Empress Hotel in Vancouver has 60 people for tea all at one time. My goodness you are brave!
As for a name, Richard gets my vote (that’s my husband and my brother).
Brave or crazy!
What a wonderful setting for such a fabulously fun Tea Party! Susan, you are simply theBest Friend, Evah! ,….and how all your friends love you ,shows in all their happy faces in your photos. it was brilliant, having the Royal Heir arrive through all your efforts with the “Pushing”! the baby’s name might be George or Edward…we will see. Soon, I hope. I am so looking forward to seeing you here in N.H. Next month.
It’s coming fast! SO excited!
Hi Judy: My cousin lives in Rye, NH!! Her name is Bev. Haven’t been there in ages. I grew up on Northshore in MA. Living in midwest now. Have some fried clams for me!! 🙂
What a lovely party! I watched all the baby happenings on TV. Everyone was so excited including me! Maybe Baby George?
Thank you for sharing your fun Twine, Susan! Soooo special…special friends, special food, special music, special decorations!!! I, too, hope that Spencer is part of the Royal Baby’s name in honor of his beloved paternal grandmother. p/s love meeting your friends!
Well I am guessing Prince George. I just know it will be that.
That was big tea party. I do tea parties, but would never do more than 20.
Smaller parties are good because then you can have more things like chocolate eclairs and lemon bars, more kinds of things. But we had been MIA for so long while writing the book, we wanted to have a big party!
The party looks wonderful & such fun! I’ve been glued to the Tv too. Couldn’t help but sniffle when William, Kate & Baby finally came out to greet the world. The tradition & ceremony of the Royal Family just feels so special! My name picks are George Philip Charles William. I love America but I love jolly old England too:0) Princess Diana~~~we miss you.
XO, Linda
Oh thank you for the brilliant photographs of your party (that should be said in the most proper British accent). Loved seeing everything. I made your cole slaw just 2 days ago, yup, looked like yours did. Sometimes I use golden raisins, sometimes I use dried cranberries, sometimes a Granny Smith, and sometimes a red Honey Crisp (however I feel inclined that day). Plus, I add poppy seeds 🙂 Well, my choice for a baby name is Edward (but I’m thinking it won’t be that) they will use something like George or Henry or Richard or Bernard. Hard telling with those Brits. I hope whoever wins the drawing will adore it! What a treat to win, but by the time you do the drawing you’ll probably have 1500 names to pick from.
Still way better than the odds for the lottery! 🙂
I’m crying for some reason – you just touch my heart. This party is delightful – I love that everyone had titles! So much fun!! Loved it all.
Please thank all the Ladies, Queens, Duchesses, Vicounts, Dukes, Princesses etc. for getting that little baby born. “Well done” and “brilliant” job (as they say across the pond!) to all the guests! I’m curtseying to all of you! 🙂
One name I thought of for the boy was … Spencer (in honor of Diana Spencer) but “King Spencer” just sounds odd – so no-go on that one. I’m with Susan – I love James as the name.
Middle names? Phillip Charles and Michael after GreatGrandpa and 2 Grandpa’s. Done.
I was so hoping for a girl… 1) Because after Elizabeth we’ll have 2 kings in a row and 70 years from now – we’ll need a girl to take over and straighten things up, 2) Queen Elizabeth has ROCKED the monarchy for 61 years so far … so for just plain old “girl power” it would’ve been nice, and 3) We need Diana as a middle name…
Finally – I saw little Baby Cambridge today and he is a doll – but he looks like the reincarnation of Winston Churchill with his little square face!
Hip – Hip – Hooray!!
I can’t imagine how scrunched up that 8 lb 6 oz baby must have been inside that 23 inch ribcage! I’m sure this has been a huge relief for both of them … and the baby will smooth out soon! I think more women in charge would be a good thing too.
Oh how fun!! Your party sounds like it was amazing! I know we are all happy for Kate and William. There is nothing like a new baby to make people happy, unless it’s a royal baby! I’d love to add your book to my Granny’s hope chest.
Gosh, I hope there is a Spencer in there. James Spencer, Spencer William, Charles Spencer??
(Full disclosure: my son’s name is Spencer)
Full disclosure — 🙂
Susan – I know you went to “Tea and Sympathy” in NY on your way to England last year… well my office is a few blocks away from there and I just wanted to tell you they had all sorts of Royal Flag bunting in the windows (more than usual) and a big “it’s a boy” flag and so on. It was so much fun!
Cute! Must have made the street very festive!
So happy to have the newest addition to the royal family, born on my dad’s birthday. He was the only one in his family of seven siblings to be born outside of England (Canada). I think the name might be Philip, after the babe’s great grandfather. Whatever it is, I know we’ll all love it. Looks like your party was a roaring success, and thanks for getting that baby on its way.
What a happy moment in English history, it will be lots of fun watching the little prince grow up. Hope his life is richly blessed and that he will be a great blessing to jolly old England. My mother was from England and I just know that she, my granny and her sister Celia all had a spot of tea to mark this occasion, surely there is tea in heaven and a great rejoicing. Love, love, love your lovely tea. – I love all things English also and so enjoy all your posts in that regard. Long live the little prince.
Prayers do work and your Royal Baby Tea Party guests helped to birth a beautiful new baby for William and Kate. It sadens my heart that Diana can’t share in this wonderful event. She would have been such a loving and proud grandmother. I, too, think she was a hero with all she had to endure alone.
I’m with you Susan on the name of James. That was my father’s name and one of his nicknames was Jimmy. He told me a story before he passed away last year about King James (#?). I haven’t checked out the details to know whether this story is true, and I don’t remember all the details either. But to make a long story short, due to a certain circumstance, King James wanted either all first born sons or all boys born to be called James. If my memory serves me correctly, it may have had something to do with bonnie Prince Charlie. My father was one of five cousins born in Scotland, and you know, every one of them was named James. Interesting…I love history…I’ll have to check out this story.
Thank you for sharing your royal tea party with us. It takes me back to an era in my life that I don’t get to enjoy very often any more, since my scottish relatives that lived near me have now passed away. Btw, I loved the teaspoon with “tea quote”…the perfect description for tea.
The boxer George Foreman named all five of his sons George!
What a great party! Those cousins must be a total hoot! I think Spencer will be part of his name and either Henry, James or Philip for his first name. We shall see! I loved your post.
Jolly good show, Susan! Splendid fun!
I think that it is time for another Edward, don’t you?
Edward William Charles Phillip… that is royal enough, no?
Whatever name they select, no matter how long, I think he should be called Spencer…that is a proper good name for a prince…and it would be such a lovely acknowledgement of his grandmother. Fingers crossed. P.S. – you sure know how to throw a good party, Miz Susan!
Oh, dear Susan. What a lovely way to celebrate this child….with a tea party in his honor. I sat alone in tears watching them come out to introduce him to the world feeling Diana should be here to enjoy this….although her spirit I am definitely sure was with them today and always. My pick for a name…… any combo that includes Spencer in it.
Can’t WAIT to see how/if they include Spencer!
My romantic side would love for the baby to be named Arthur, King Arthur!! Arthur Philip Michael George perhaps??
You are all just too cute. Loved the Union Jack and bunting. I predict George…Edward…oh, I don’t know! They were just precious, both wearing blue. Kate is so beautiful and William, gazing at the baby, was so sweet. Bless them all.
Looks like a fun party! Cheerio?
Looks like a fun party!! Cheerio!!