♥ 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.♥
Hello Susan,
What an adorable tea party! It looked like so much fun! Thank you for sharing all the excitement with us. I could hear the crunching of cucumber sandwiches, clanging of teaspoons, and laughter all the way to Florida! I won’t be able to do any outdoor tea parties for awhile, since we seem to be under water with all this rain. Although the moat around the house would be fitting for a medieval party!
P.S. My Mom and I cannot wait to receive your “A Fine Romance” book. We plan to read it together and map out our future trip to England. We have lots of saving to do now! Maybe you could create stickers and scrapbook pages from your England travels for those who want to scrapbook their travels too! That would be lovely! I can just see little lamb stickers and rose covered scrapbook paper! You are the best! We just adore your paintings!
Happy Summer Susan!
Tonya
I’ve been thinking how fun it would be to design a travel journal!
Ooh – Yes! I want a few! Great idea!
Oh please create a travel journal. I’d love to have several! Thanks.
I will try to do that!
Yes, a travel scrapbook/journal sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree it must come with stickers and English style (Susan Branch) paper.
I want you to go along with me on my trips and write/draw my travel journal for me.
You can do it! It’s easy!
What a lovely tea! I learned two weeks prior that one of my nieces will have her own prince or princess in late January or early February. A delightful way to bring in 2014, and next Saturday, the 3rd, the most recent princess in our family, Ella, will turn 1. She was a gifted baby and her parents (neice and husband) had almost given up on ever adopting and then in a matter of hours from their hearts feeling depleated, they were bursting with joy as we ran to the stores to buy all the ammenitites to bringher home! Life is full of delightful surprises!
How little time it takes for wonderful things to happen!
Love, love, LOVE the tea party with all the fun, creativity, whimsy and joy! Such a special day filled with memories.
I can’t help it, I can only think, “Georgie Porgy puddin’ pie – kissed the girls and made them cry”. What a sweet, young family… such a pretty & festive party. FUN!
What a lovely way to celebrate the new WEE babe’s arrival! The party was so fun! So enjoyed seeing all the doings of it! Happy! Happy!
Only a true Party Queen can set the stage for MEmOrIeS to be made! Can feel my smile smile at the circle of “pushhhhh!” “Vital lives are about action. You can’t feel warmth unless you create it, can’t feel delight until you play, can’t know serendipity unless you risk.” (Joan Erickson) Susan, YoU are Queen for the day! Or like Forever!! Baby George! George wasn’t named Peter (Petey) and George wasn’t named Paul (favorite B) but Mary did answer my question as to “where’s my Willard?” youtube.com/watch?v=3t4g_1VoGw4 Well Queenie….Hip Hip Push and Pimm Pimm Kim….Thanks again SUnshine…and continue making such a wonderful summer of days!! 🙂 xoxo Dawn
Thank you Dawn! xoxo
🙂 oh Susan! I may never meet a King at palace but I did see a Hero at the box office the other day! Duncan! Have you seen the film “The Way Way Back?”
No … haven’t seen it … good?
What a sweet and lovely party! I especially love all the little details that sing out Susan and Joe. We are waiting her too, a sweet little girl is one her way in the next several weeks, granddaughter #number 5. We are so excited and can hardly wait. Maybe I need to plan a tea party to hurry her along!
I think it would help! 🙂
Wish I could have been at your party, helping to get that royal baby born….it looks like a lovely (and lively) time.
Enjoyed your tea party. We hung up our british bunting and celebrated with a bottle of champange. Prince George is so cute and he already can do the royal wave! I see Great Expectatons will be on TCM on 7/28 at 8pm. but check your local guide because it will be on here at 5. Its a happy coincidence that you mentioned it and now the movie shows up!
Oh good Laura, I’ll watch for it!
What a glorious party! What a wonderful idea! We are waiting for our 3rd Granddaughter, and will have to wait 2 more months. Just enough time to plan a party! Thank you, Susan for sharing your life, love and art with us.
And thank you for the give~away too.
Nothing better than baby holding days.
What a very lovely tea party! Thank you for including us all. I feel almost as if I was there. *adds cucumbers to shopping list*
🙂 Judy!
Beautiful tea party! Welcome baby George!
Hip, Hip HOORAY, for His Royal Highness, Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge!! Your Welcome to the World Tea was perfectly wonderful! Thank you for sharing the celebration with all of us, Susan!!
What a beautiful tea party!!! Of course, now we know the name of the baby, but I too was hoping for James. Happy summer to you and all the girlfriends and thanks for the chance to win this gift.
When we all get our SB 2014 calendars, let’s mark July 22 as the FIRST BIRTHDAY of Little Prince Prince George (G-Dawg to his mates). July 21 will from hereon be known as “Royal Push Day” and we shall all have tea parties ending in circles of wishes. Cheers, girlfriends! XoXo
G-Dawg? LOL!!
Sweet Tea Party to welcome a sweet baby! Often, new Moms bring their babies to the tea room where I work, and when a little baby smiles at you, it’s like a precious little gift!
Little blessing!
I would love the baby book for my new granddaughter. She is my first grand baby and I can’t even tell you how much I love her. I didn’t know my heart could hold so much love. Her name is Zoë !
Cutest name!
Dear Susan, The little snowy red house on this post (“Little Things”) looks so much like the top of the “Prayer for a Little Home” bookmark. Is there any chance there is still a link available to that bookmark? Such a cozy one to have…thank you!
I couldn’t find it Elizabeth … I probably need to do that again!
Susan, thank you for looking. I kept searching and eventually I did find it!
I’ll try to send it to you if I can. Thank you again!
Good!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your Twine party with all us girlfriends. With the lovely photos and the repartee of the blog, it was almost like being there. For all of us who were eagerly anticipating (and waiting and waiting and waiting for) the royal baby birth, the timing of your “push” prayer couldn’t have been more apropos and truly must have inspired the birthing gods! 😉
Thank you, Priscilla
PS. Yes, let me state for the record, that I would love to be in the drawing. xx
We just got back from a trip to the northeast. I did not make it to Martha’s Vineyard this time, but still loved seeing Connecticut, Mass and Rhode Island. That area is so pretty and historical.
It is, we love it too, driving around — the old houses and barns are beautiful.
Thanks for letting us in on the party! Make Tea Not War :-). Love it. Just came across the happy review from Gail who is enjoying THE BOOK in her very own home! Very fun to read that. Anticipation of my very own perusal was just a bit sidetracked while focusing on the Royal birth. Darling Georgie has arrived in his very special English home and thanks to Gail’s comment I’m back in the groove of looking forward to holding my own little English bundle of joy :-). You send us all lots of great moments Susan. :-). :-). Ta very much. Very much indeed.
Susan,
Your tea party looked just wonderful!! You really know how to have so much fun. You are such the decorator! Everything always looks so perfect. So glad the rain stopped too. My daughter and her husband are coming this weekend with our two little granddaughters. We are going to celebrate a 3rd birthday with the oldest one. The youngest one will be 1yr in a couple of months. Looking forward to a fun-filled weekend! Have a great weekend yourself!
Jan
One and Three — how much fun is that! Lucky you Jan!
Good job ladies and gentlemen, in getting that baby born. Awesome tea party/ baby shower. I too would love a travel journal
Clearly William and Catherine needed you and your friends to intercede on their behalf! Darling idea. If I’m ever overdue again, I’m asking you to throw me a long-distance shower.
We will take care of you Ruth!
Oh what a fun party! Thanks for the giveaway, Susan.
What a wonderful party! Love the decorations—–Looks like fun!
we have a baby on the way …………….i am to be a granny !!!! would love to have the baby book for him/her the due date is 4th dec …………….we are all so thrilled over here with George Alexander Louis :))))
We are thrilled for you Linda! For more reasons than one! 🙂
Oh, what a wonderful tea party! If it’s not too late, please include me in the Royal Baby Gift drawing. I’m going to start doing the gestures to “I love you” with my little royal Princess, who is 14 months old and the light of my life. 🙂 Thanks, and cheers!
So good! 🙂
What fun! I am so happy that you celebrated with a tea party! I love the Royal family! I had a dream the night before Kate started labor that she had a BOY…..and before that I had been certain it would be a girl! ha ha!
I wore my crown all day….it’s very glitzy….and had tea! Then, at the end of the day…a royal cocktail! Such good news to celebrate for a change!
It’s such a happy thing to celebrate, plus crowns! Who could ask for anything more!
Wow, ya’ll know how to throw a party!
What a lovely party! Aren’t the royal couple adorable? I had fun following it as well. I saw pictures of them leaving to go to her mom’s. All I could think was I wonder if she got any sleep at all and if she had time to take a shower LOL! Those first few days with the first born are wonderful but kinda crazy! Take care dear Sue….thank you for sharing your wonderful gathering!
She has her mom.♥
Happy tea party and happy new prince baby boy! I was sooo excited on Wed. morning when my husband told me the newsy news! [Was looking for that info on TV that a.m. with our 4 yr. old grand-daughter…saying “We have to see the princess and her new baby! Danica decided we too should pray for her to have a new baby…a boy or a girl…and already chose names! We have to tell her mommy and daddy about this…but then…God already knows!!] Thanks for sharing Susan! Love your flowers on the window sill!!!!!!!!! Gotta go do that right now, because Danica had to go back home last night and I am having Danica withdrawal because she visited with us 3 nights and 3 days!! [Although it was nice sleeping much better with her in her own home.] Ta ta for now~! x0
Danica withdrawal, 🙂 so cute!
Looks like soooo much fun! What a beautiful party outside under the arbor – and good friends to help set up and clear up – perfect!
What a great party! The new mom looked so good for just having a baby. The little wave from the baby was great! My dads name is George so I think they did a great pick. Have a great day.
Looks like a good time was had by all. Don’t you just love the new Emma Bridgewater mug for Prince George??? Adorable.
Oh yes, it should be arriving to our studio any day now!
You really know how to celebrate!! What fun!!
You do realize you’re an American, right? My ancestors fought for independence from England in order for us not have to worship those people and I would never dishonor their memory by caring one iota about the Doolittles.
I love history. My ancestors fought for Independence too, in fact my g g g (etc) grandfather was the representative to the First and Second Continental Congress from New Hampshire. But I love history. The Doolittles are FABULOUS people 🙂 Here’s a song for you . . . ♥
I’m sure Catherine and William were so glad to have you “helping” them get the baby born! Your tea party looked lovely – dishes, the food, the yard. I’d love to be entered in your contest.
Thanks!
Lori from Maine xoxox
P.S. Hi Dorothy Ann!!
Looks like everyone had a fabulous time — you inspire us all to have a backyard tea. Hooray for your visit with all your dear friends! I saw PuddleDuck on your window sill — was that a pic taken before or after the life-saving splint?
We are enjoying cool temps in northern Indiana –hope it comes your way. Hugs, Ethel
After! Doesn’t she look well?
Hi Cathy, come to Winona and we can have a tea party with Sue U.
Wouldn’t it be fabulous ifSusan had a book signing in Winona? We’d have a royal party!!!!! And we’d all have our name tags on (I’d have to put “AKA Ethel”) and be giddy and silly, for sure! Pleeeeeeeze, Susan!!!!!!!
Is that Winona in Minnesota?
The tea party is over the top adorable—leave it up to you to be a part of something so sweet……and the energy it unraveled in the Universe…….well, it made history. Kate should be told of it……….(I’m sure she’s appreciate it!!)
Beautiful in every way!!
xoxo
Joann
Just loved your royal baby tea. Folks at our local hospital here in Alamosa, CO held a royal baby shower earlier in the spring with lots and lots of items earmarked for future babies born in the hospital. Lo and behold, we had a baby born on the same day as Prince George. Baby Leah began her life as a princess,showered with a basket of lovely things.
Susan
Love the tea party! So pretty! Best wishes to the new royal baby boy and his Mum and Daddy. Diana would be so over the moon……
Welcome baby George!
&
Thank you, Susan, for sharing yourself with us! : )
I, too, love the little details of tea. Thank you for sharing such a special gathering with us!
OH…..love parties!! Felt like I was part of your baby welcome festivities. Have enjoyed every minute of the news coverage on the little prince. Our son got married a couple of months after William and Kate. Their wedding was on the beautiful San Juan Islands. NOW ..they are expecting our first grand child in October. plus this baby is a BOY too. So excited.
Right on schedule Sharon, how wonderful!
I have only been to one real tea party in my life. A friend of mine gave it in honor of his sweet cousin’s birthday. Well, he and his wife gave the party. He was in his 70’s and Phil’s cousin was, too, I think. But it was the sweetest thing!!! She loved it and it was a surprise to her, too!
What a lovely party! and such good weather. Everything looks wonderful and everyone seems to be having such a good time. I enjoyed “being there” too! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh how I wish I could of been at the tea party. What a great idea. I do Pride and Prejudice tea parties, so much fun.
With a name like Willoughby, I might have thought Sense and Sensibility! 🙂
What a fun party!! Thanks for inviting us along 🙂 I got goose bumps watching Kate and William and baby George come out and wave! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful mother as Kate – she positively glowed. I thought it was so touching that she wore polka dots just like Diana did 31 years ago when she and Charles introduced baby William 🙂 Your friends look so fun and wonderful Susan – hope you all had a blast !!
Susan, Loved your tea party! What inspiration! It was so much fun to anticipate with millions of others for the royal baby to arrive! A few months ago I met and became friends with a very dear lady from England. It’s been very interesting and fun to learn more about England and their wonderful traditions first hand, as you already know. :o) My husband and I prayerfully will have our 4th grandchild January, 2014. :o) Our daughter, (this is her first child), has a mild heart condition, so we are praying for good health for mom and baby. She and her husband were in the process of adopting but the Lord had different plans for the time being. They still want to adopt eventually. Please enter me in your lovely giveaway. Beautiful gifts! :o) I pre ordered your new book, “A Fine Romance.”—Can’t wait to receive it and enjoy your beautiful writing and artwork! Yay! :o)
Thank You,
Deborah B. :o)
Blessings on your family, and the new baby to come. What an exciting time for you all! Sending a prayer for your daughter’s strong heart. xoxo
Oh Susan! How could that precious baby not have been born with all that special energy coming all the way across the pond to welcome him!!! PUSHHH~~~!!!~~~**** Did any of you pick the name? You were right in your glory with such a fun party weren’t you??? SO BEAUTIFUL!!! Jack better not have knocked Puddle Duck down again!!!
Chirp chirp
Tweet tweet
Hugs from Jeannie
Awesome party. I hope to win the book and calendar.
Susan,
Your tea party looks like it was absolutely wonderful. 🙂
I just found out this week that I am expecting my own prince or princess in March of next year and I am super excited and a little nervous, but oh how I would love to have your baby book to record everything about my baby in. It would be such a wonderful treasure to have. 🙂
Congratulations, Dorinda … is it your first? So happy for you! I think I know where you could get a whole bunch of aunties in case you need them! Let us know how it goes!
love you and your friends….are you sure we aren’t related??? Soul sisters then! Great job getting that angel born…..what a special day!
Somehow we most likely are!
Love the Royal Baby Blog! Wish I’d though of having a tea party! Well, never too late!
Delightful! You sure know how to help a baby be born!
On the picture of Jack ,looking out the kitchen window, there is a figurine of
Peter rabbit on a rocking horse—I think it’s one of the cutest I’ve ever seen.
I have several Beatrix Potter figurines and your rocking horse is oneI haven’t
Seen before. Hope it’s secure up there!
He’s a cutie alright, and because of that I allow him to be on that shelf even THOUGH he is not a Beatrix Potter figurine! He’s a 1974 Royal Doulton Bunnykins “Tally Ho” bunny on a polka-dot rocking horse. He fits in pretty well! He’s as secure as the rest of them, which is not saying much, but as Jack matures, he takes much less interest in that area of the kitchen! He’s being such a good kitty! (Knock on wood!)
Dear Susan,
As with all your blogs, loved the Royal Baby Tea Party! My first grandbaby, a little prince of our own, was born on the 9th of July, so I can relate to all the excitement!
So happy for you Gina!!! Let the fun begin!
In days of yore…an opened door
yielded friends galore…
Food in the garden…sharing your bounty,
Whilst those who could not attend,
Just wish they were part of your county!
So read we must, the blogs are just…
What we need to attend…
By osmosis we laughed, and ate, and sang…
And looked for Jack, and the rest of your gang.
Pushed out that babe, the wee little lad,
Hurrah, Hurrah we’re ALL so glad!
Thanks to Susan, with family and friends,
Who includes us too, and thus ascends…
To ROYAL status…hark! The Amens!
Cutest! Thank you Anne!
Happy Beatrix Potter’s birthday on Sunday (07/28).
Tea time again?
What a wonderful tea party!! And such great friends! You are so awesome and admirable to have so many people over and to fix such great food!! I admire that soooo much!!
But, of course, your cute comments are always the best part!! You always make me laugh!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
An awesome party! It was wonderful for the group to pray together & you got a wonderful answer! Thanks so much for all your wonderful kindness & creativity!
What a delightful party! Your prayers were answered! Have a wonderful day!
Delightful!
Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.
Kathy
Tea Party perfection!! ♡♡
Just had a great idea! Why not send the prizes to William & Kate for little George!
Hope I’m not too late! I always save your blog posts until I can sit down, take a peaceful break, fix a cuppa, & enjoy! Oh, I would just love to have been at that party, but your description and the pictures are the next best thing. I’m sure if Catherine knew of your helpful efforts, she would be eternally grateful! Didn’t the little family look absolutely radiant leaving the hospital?? And I love the pictures, side by side, of this generation, and the last, both lovely mamas wearing polka dots! I have to wonder if she chose them on purpose to honor her dear mother-in-law. I am not blessed with grandbabies yet-my children are in their twenties and thirties, but still “getting settled”, so whenever they’re ready, I sure am! Shhhhh, don’t tell them, but I already have a “grandchild stash”, and a “Baby Love” book is in there! But of course I have 3 children-and hope to have more than one grandchild, right?? And I’m already looking longingly at the darling baby fabrics on your website… 😉
Radiant! Perfect word! They sure did. Healthy, happy, in love, all the perfect things.
Wow, what a wonderful tea party. I am like many others, want to go to England. Can’t wait for your book.
I guess I am a Susan Branch addict!!! hee hee…always had to check today, every time I went to do an emailing, I had to check on YOU!!! It wasn’t until 5:40 pm Pacific coast time that we finally found you again!!!! Hip Hip! (Web was down)
Absolutely loved you tea party and everything about it..WOW what fun! It is almost 90 degrees here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and very humid…But living on an island, like you, the beaches are not far away and the views are beyond spectacular…. I am sure that you have TONS of stuff to do to get ready for your adventure across this great land….I envy you that trip..I have done it twice by car and it is so exciting and mind-boggling..all the places and all the people…Again, the English Tea Party was a great success, not only for you and your friends, but for us as well…that we got to peek in on your party…Loved every minute……
I see that you can pre=order your new book on Amazon now…I was really surprised! I wouldn’t trade my pre-order with you for all the tea in China!!!! I am a happy camper and eagerly waiting for it to arrive! Loves, hugs and cheers to you, sweet lady……
No, you got the good pre-order, because you’ll get your book way before Amazon, and you’ll get yours with a signature, but they won’t! 🙂 Yes, we have so much to do! I’m starting to try on clothes and figure out what to pack! Joe is making some sort of contraption for the back of the van so I can hang things up. And the design for the van is being mocked up now…pretty soon we will be taking it off island for the application of the art. I hope it looks good! Nice to hear from you Susan!
Oh, how fun to have something on your van to let people know about you when passing by. Will you be advertising our book or what? I’m sure that you are really getting excited as it’s not long now until you start out. I’m looking forward to traveling with you and Joe.
xoxox
Carol M
Oh yes, it will be the Fine Romance Van! Lot’s of room inside! 🙂
How wonderful to have friends that would come to such a lovely party for such a good cause.
What a fun tea party! I’ve been inspired to have my own English tea party! 🙂
I don’t know who has more fun, the person that gives the party or the guests. But really, I do think it’s the one that gives the party!
I loved reading about your tea party, I have done several with my friends. One was a Valentine and another I called a Summer Solstice Day of Light which was a birthday tea for my sister. The tables were draped with white tablecloths and I used my mix and match English china that I’ve collected from estate sales. I do have some Rose chintz plates and I see them in you cupboard too. I think it’s time for another one soon.
We have our own little Princess, granddaughter Elizabeth Opal, who will be celebrating her 1st. birthday on Sunday.
I would love to win the baby books as some day there will be another prince or princess in our family.
Thank you for sharing the pictures and story of your tea party, loved reading it.
Elizabeth Opal shares her birthday with Beatrix Potter, isn’t that nice!
Hi from Brenda of NC,
I love everything English, everything to do with picket fences, arbors, flowers, Beatrix Potter, bunny rabbits, everything whimsy…and everything YOU, Sue! What an imagination, girl! God gave you a double dose, and I must say, you certainly do use it wisely and generously. Stamina must be yours in a double dose, too. How do you do it all?
Now that I have a little more time, I had such hopes of finally being able to get into my studio more often, but I’m even having trouble thinking that it’s okay if I even go in there before everything in the line of house work is all finished…. ergo… no time is usually left to actually get in there enough to finish much artwork at all!! sigh..
But you seem to be able to accomplish it all, and with such flair and lovely style, & with your house in lovely order~~ You are amazing!! You are my inspiration, and whenever I get discouraged, I go to my computer and take another dose of Susan Branch and her world, and you know what? My creative urge gears back up into “high”, and “hope” can’t help but creep back in! (but by then, it’s past bedtime, and my husband is waiting for me to read him another chapter of the current book I read him to sleep with.)ha ha. I love doing that for him, so I wouldn’t consider giving that up, of course. But I do wonder how how people get it all done and with a clean house…
Do you actually do all your own housework in that big beautiful house and then have time left over to do all that lovely studio work that we are all so fond of? Do you have help, or are you part “genie”? or Angel? I wonder about how you have time to clean house, do all the laundry, gardening, decorating, blogging, give lovely parties, write books and produce some of the loveliest watercolors ever! Thank you for your heart-lifting work, and God bless you, lovely friend!
Love, Brenda
P. S. I hope the English citizens and Royal Family really appreciate the help you and your party guests gave them in getting baby George to come and face the world!! Beautiful party and fun collective “PUSH” help!
If they don’t appreciate it that’s OK, because we sure had fun doing it! As for the rest of it. I go in spurts probably, to get things done. I do all the laundry and things like that… every day things, but I do have a housekeeper who comes once a week and does the floors and bathrooms, someone I could not live without anymore! I’ve learned to let things go, my house is NOT always perfect! I try to continually remind myself about the difference between shuffling paper, and actually producing something. It’s hard though, keeping that focus is like herding cats! I want to see that I’ve stepped forward at the end of the day. No matter how small that step is, as long as it is stepping forward, then I force myself to be satisfied! 🙂
So nice that you read to your husband, he must love that. I love it when Joe reads the paper and then tells me everything he learned!
My what a proper way to get little Georgie borne! It looks like it was too much fun.
What a lovely day on Martha’s Vineyard! I imagined myself right there in the circle! I’m filling my Baby Love book right now for Baby Celeste who just arrived in May! Hope to meet you, Susan, near Minneapolis-St. Paul this fall!
Our own princess granddaughter was born on July 13th. I think I will have a tea party for her first birthday.
I’m so glad you helped the Royal Baby to be born on my very own sixtyish birthday! I am thrilled to forevermore be celebrating own arrivals on this lovely planet.
I bought the Book of Stillmeadow from your Favorite Finds and am going to have white coconut creme tea and cucumber sandwiches when I start to read it.
Had I known you when we were children, we could have played with our Terri Lee dolls, ( I had a little Brownie doll and still have the big Terri in her wedding dress) and read Joan Walsh Anglund’s A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You together. You have been a most delightful friend. Thanks for being You!
Happy Birthday Alin!
My first doll, that I remember, was a Tiny Tears. Then when I
was older I remember playing with Miss Revlon and also Ginny with
all of her pink furniture. I must have been living out of the country
when Terri Lee was in. I know what it is but I never saw one
when I was a little girl. What fun. I ran across one of my old
Bobbsey Twins books yesterday. I think I only saved one.
I had the exact same dolls as you. Tiny Tears! Wasn’t that wonderful!? Miss Revlon. I used to wear her shoes on my fingers and dance on my desktop and my girlfriend would almost wet her pants laughing!
I also had a Tiny Tears doll along with Terri Lee. I don’t believe that I know what Miss Revlon was like. I also had another doll that was about 3 feet tall. Her knees bent so that she could sit in a chair. I still have her and another doll that I don’t know the name of. My mother sewed lots of clothes for that them. I had an outfit that she made for both me and my doll ( a cowgirl outfit, including a felt hat). My 3 foot doll’s clothes were my clothes when I was little. Still have them of course. Those were the days.
xoxo
Carol M
Still have my beloved Tiney Tears! Her curly dark hair is still intact..miricalous considering how often I shampood and combed it :). She sits sweetly in my guest bedroom, and she still has her little original anklets and baby shoes. And Miss Revlon…had almost forgotten about her. She had a gold coat with fur trim, if I remember correctly, stockings with seams, and “diamond” earrings and matching ring. So glamorous!
It always seemed to me they just changed the name from Miss Revlon to “Barbie.” It seemed like the same doll.
I still have my Tiny Tears doll, but sadly her arms and legs have come apart so I keep her in a little basket with a blanket over her. She is at least fifty-eight years old.
I love that you keep her warm in a basket!
* Hello Susan *
Your Royal Baby Tea Party was absolutely fit for a King…a Prince…a Duke…a Duchess…and of course, a Queen…and everyone in-between!
Just delightful…so lovely…a Royal Banner Day!
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Oh yes, Please do add my name to your new drawing. Thank you.
* Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Dorothy Ann, where is Cougar Mountain in Washington?
Carol M
* Hi Carol Maurer from Eureka *
It’s Sunday and almost 11 PM Cougar Mountain Time.
I just went onto Susan’s newest post and read your July 27th note to me. That was a very nice surprise.
You asked “where is Cougar Mountain in Washington?”…
Cougar Mountain is in the western area of what is called the Issaquah Alps and part of the highland suburbs of Issaquah and Bellevue, Washington. There, you’ll find many homes, one of which is a townhome, where my husband, Ron and I live, not far from Lake Sammamish.
But…the forested area is the real-true “Heart of the Mountain” and it is beautifully preserved as Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. You’ll find lush pinetrees, crystal lakes, waterfalls and nearby meadows filled with wildflowers throughout.
I think I gave you more info that you really wanted!
Didn’t I?
I know Eureka very well. We lived in Southern California for quite a few years, before moving here and we traveled and vacationed many times north to Santa Barbara, SLO, Carmel, San Francisco and your area. Wow, speaking of spectacular areas…there you are along the magnificent Northern California coastline and close to the the Redwood National Park. Talk about tall trees and talk about scenery!
You’ve got it all too!
So nice to hear from you, Carol. Keep in touch.
Have a wonderful day!
* Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
* Hi Carol Maurer from Eureka *
It’s Sunday night @ 11 PM Cougar Mountain Time.
Hi again. I just posted a reply to your note that you sent to me on Saturday.
And…as I clicked “Post Comment”… the entire page that I wrote to you became a blank. So I’m not sure that it even went through as a reply to you.
I’ll wait to see if you received it and if not, I’ll re-send another reply tomorrow. Don’t you just love computer glitches?
* Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Love them! Just truly do!
What a beautiful sight, to see everyone gathered round, joining hands to lift up Catherine and the new baby to be in prayer. That made my heart swell.
Us too. There’s something about group prayer.
I have an idea! I noticed that several people commented on
the creamer cover. What about sewing a piece of tulle onto
one of the crocheted doilies that we all have so many of.
Good, huh?
Very good, with some little beads! Fun! Nice little gift!
Yay! Your blog’s back up! It was still down here when I went to bed last night. It’s a mystery to me how the magic happens, but I’m glad it’s finally reclaimed its rightful spot in the ether. I didn’t like seeing usurpers when I tried to open your page!
I just wanted to say that I love the way you and your partners-in-crime celebrate 🙂 xoxo
Aha, you recognize them! 🙂
OOO, I would dearly love to win…..we are going to have a GREAT-grandbaby. :))
This would be an awesome gift for her/him…
Thanks for the chance to win.
xo bj
Every one of your posts is a delight, but I really, really loved this one. What a wonderful day and a fun time. Wish I was your friend and lived nearby. I love England and am a royal watcher. My heart filled with joy when Kate and William came out of the hospital with their baby boy.
I am awaiting the birth of my first chicken egg and I have made a little crown for it when it is laid. I am having a name the egg contest on my Facebook page. It’s fun to have fun!!!!!
Happy Birthday Kate!
Hello Susan,
I was re-reading the tea party blog and I love the Union Jack bunting. Do you carry it in your store? If not, do you know where I could purchase a few?
Thank you. Kathy
They had lots of it in England for the Jubilee, that’s where I got it. Here’s a beautiful set on the English Heritage website.
Dear Susan,
I too was waiting to hear the big news of the arrival of the royal baby and of course the gender! We (my husband and I) were on vacation riding motorcyle in the Colorado Rockies and the Black Hills of South Dakota, with limited access to any news, so I had to ask people if they had heard. Finally it was a yes and to my surprise a boy I really thought it was going to be a little pinkie but healthy and blue is good too! Please enter me into the drawing, how fun for us . As always, Denise
It’s always so delightful to read your posts. They always lift me up and lighten my heart. Thank you for sharing your life with us. (And your parties!)
Dearest Susan, As always, I had a fabulous time at your Royal Baby Tea Party. I must admit that even tho the food was divine, the hostess, host, and guests so very entertaining…..the prayer and “PUSH’s”at dusk was the sweetest, most heartfelt part. Thank you for the invitation. Rachel
Always two cups at my table Rachel xoxo
What a lovely post! By now we all know the name of our future King! He is Prince George! How sweet! Susan, your tea party was so very lovely! It really looks like it was a wonderful gathering of fun and frolic…….British style of course! Thank you for sharing all the photos! It was almost like being there!!
leaving a comment n hopes of winning signed set — my friend Susan K and I are faithful followers of yours; love your artistic abilities and joyful posts!!
Hi sweet Susan,
Only wish I could have been at your party in person to help celebrate….. but sure was in spirit. I think everyone was anxious to hear about this new “Prince’s” arrival. What a blessing for the Roayl family and England as well. Precious little ones are always a blessing!
Can you tell me if I can use a gift certificate to buy your new book at one of your book signings coming up? Want to give as a gift but wanted to make sure first before I bought in on line. have a wonderful weekend!
HUGS girlfriend!
Madelyn
If it’s one of the gift certificates from our store, you would have to use it in our store, it wouldn’t work at our local bookstore for example … they buy the books from my publisher. But you can use it to get a book in our web store of course. Am I answering your question exactly?
What a beautiful way to start my Sunday morning! Such a beautiful blog and so incredibly excited to get my book! I promise I’ll be patient! 🙂
I am a little behind, (lots of visitors this past week, been ‘busying’ myself with them), but I loved your post this morning!!!!
Gone on vacation with family. George is a wonderful name for him.
.
I got an email that my (“A Fine Romance”) order has shipped… it was just like Christmas morning!! Came here to jump up and down with excitment… only to be met with this lovely tea party… you have singlehandedly just made my Monday!! 🙂
Yay! 🙂
I waited anxiously too, up in the mountains, on vacation, kept turning on the TV to see if “George” was born yet. God Bless the Royal Family. I heard it only costs each English person $1 a year to keep the tradition alive. Did you know?
I know I’m late for the drawing, but you know the phrase. Hugs.
I did know that. What a deal for all that charm, and reading material! 🙂
A Fine Romance has shipped!!! Yay! It’s coming, it’s coming! Did I tell you my book has shipped? So extremely excited to see it and dig right in! 🙂
Very spectacular indeed. As an American I love the royals…
Oh Susan!
My book has shipped, too! My email proudly pronounced it this evening… And it comes at such an opportune time. I ordered four, one for me, three for girlfriends who have birthdays soon, and it looks like they’ll arrive in time to be given for just that occasion!!!
I clapped for joy when I read the headline ” your order has shipped!”
Hip-hip-hooray! Can’t wait!
Thanks for all your great efforts!
Marsha
While I was writing this book, I felt like it would take FOREVER to come out, and now, forever is here! 🙂