Oh, I have treats to show you, blazing fire too! Here’s treat #1: Musica
Something delicious is cooking!
Where do we start . . . let’s see, how about here. . .
This is Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich on Cape Cod where I went to sign books last week. But look what they did — with brown plastic tablecloths, they made the front of their shop into a gingerbread house! They cut heavy white paper plates in half and glued them around the doors and windows, and used some as edges to the “house” . . . they made candies out of them too, and lollypops in the window boxes. Isn’t that brilliant!?! I thought so too. I’d love to try this on our house next year.
I’m almost all unpacked from the trip now . . . I thought I’d show you some of the things I got at antique stores as we crossed the country. First off, lambs! You know how much I love lambs! I had a few before we went away, but on this trip whenever I saw one I thought would fit with my little group, I would get it. It was so fun to unwrap them, slowly, after forgetting what I’d gotten. I have a flock!
And look, treasure! I found a Beatrix Potter figurine of Samuel Whiskers! There was no possible way for me to leave him in that dusty old store, alone and unloved. I’d never seen this figurine before . . . did not even know what I was missing. Adorable thing, I saw it from across the room and honed in on it like a submarine sonar system. (Like I know what a submarine sonar system is, I think I made that up, but you know what I mean! Like Jack and his rubber band!) And now Samuel has friends. Never to be alone again.
And later, in another store, I found Mrs. Tittlemouse! Another BP person from 1948 I did not know existed. In her jaunty striped coat with the
bow on the back! She’s now lined up with the others on my kitchen shelf . . .
And look at this gorgeous vintage tea set I found! It was displayed on a starched white lace tablecloth in an antique store in Oklahoma City and practically glowed in the dark it was so pretty. I walked round and round it like a tiger in a cage. It was such a good deal, I couldn’t leave it there, so we wrapped it all in newspaper and brought it home, and now I’ve given it a nice soapy bath.
It’s all hand-painted, gold-edged, and made in England, it even came with an old silver sugar spoon!
The set serves six, it’s only missing one cup. But I mixed-and-matched it with both old and new china cups and mugs, to see what it looks like, and I think it’s even better. I love mismatched! You know what a dish person I am.
Here’s what it says on the bottom. I don’t think it has a pattern name; I’m thinking Tuscan is the name of the China company. Has anyone ever heard of it?
I love nesting . . . I’ve been making up for lost time . . .
We’re taking it slow . . . we haven’t even trimmed the tree yet. That’s OK, it’s in a bucket of water in the dining room, so we’re close. There’s a wreath on the front door, we’re getting there. We have Christmas in our hearts! I’m determined to enjoy this season and in order to do that, I want to go slow and not feel hurried. If something doesn’t get done, it won’t matter. A little poinsettia in the window is just fine for me . . .
I’m just happy to be . . .
I’m spending lots of time in the kitchen with my little buddy . . .
Jack is interested in everything I do, and everything that goes on outside our window ~
It’s been really cold, but beautiful . . . decorative cardinals have been flocking around the feeders. Note, you California/Florida Girlfriends, that there is no color out there in the garden, it is a sepia/white world here in the winter, which is why we were blessed with the Cardinal. What a gift!
And it’s not cold inside, it’s crackling and cozy and smells just wonderful . . .
One thing I’ve been doing is making a few little food-gift items for friends. This morning I made one of my favorite candies for this time of year, chocolate-covered Almond Brittle from page 132 of Vineyard Seasons. SO easy, and perfectly irresistible ~ and very mailable . . I thought I’d show you how, in case you have a last minute someone you’d like to please . . . . But first, more MUSICA for the kitchen dance . . .
So all you do is (don’t blink because this recipe is really fast!) put one pound of butter and two cups of sugar in a large heavy pot on top of your stove.
then pour in one-quarter cup of water . . . hook a candy thermometer to the side of the pan . . . don’t let the tip touch the bottom.
Melt the butter together with the sugar and the water over medium-high heat . . . boil mixture briskly until your candy thermometer reads 300°.
Stir and stir, boil and boil, and while you do you can count your blessings and . . .
watch the birds and stir a little more . . .
The mixture will cook and darken like brittle should. When it reaches the “crack” hard candy stage on your candy thermometer, 300°, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in two cups of sliced almonds.
Then spread the mixture thinly on an ungreased (plenty of butter already in the recipe) cookie sheet (or two) and allow it to cool.
When the brittle is almost cool, melt eight ounces unsweetened chocolate over low heat in a heavy pan, stirring constantly.
Then brush the warm chocolate over the top of the candy. Let it cool completely before you
break it up into pieces (I hit the bottom of the pan with a hammer to put hairline cracks in it all over, then I do the rest with a knife).
. . . and then I fill the tins and boxes I’ve collected to use for Christmas gifts . . . old ones and new ones from the pantry . . .
I had this darling box that I lined in a lace doily, and I knew the perfect person to give it to. . .
It’s the same person I’m giving the dishes to . . . the perfect little gift for . . .
Y O U !
Surprise! Yes, it’s YOU ♥ YOU ♥ YOU, (like bread and fishes, I wish it could be all of you, but for a few days, it will be only YOU, and then, one of you really will walk away with this elegant little English tea set, just in time for Downton Abbey! It’s my present to you. It’s been so long, I wanted it to be something nice. The minute I saw these dishes, I thought, my girls will love these. But then, I couldn’t send them out without a little homemade something! That wouldn’t be right. So I made you some Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle to remember me by. Now all you have to do is leave me a
comment at the bottom of this post and you’ll automatically be entered for the drawing for the Tea Set and box of homemade candy.
(BTW, If this blog comes to your email box, in order to enter you will have to click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and come here to the online version, then scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments,” click on it and leave a word or two and you’ll be entered!)
Then our girl Vanna (Vanna is the same as a “random number generator” only our Vanna has a lot more verve and style) will be pressed back into service. She’s done NOTHING for months, it’s about time she earned her keep. In a few days she will choose one of your names from her giant Santa hat and I’ll announce the winner. Tell your friends too Girlfriends, your sisters and your mom, because even if you don’t win, you could get invited to Tea (possibly even Twine) at their house and have candy to boot. You can leave as many comments as you want, Vanna knows to only count each name once. She is a contest-engineering genius.
So while I’m cleaning up, I’ll tell you about another surprise. Because if any of you bought a signed copy of our new book A FINE ROMANCE from our studio for your friends and family during this month of December, you don’t know it, but you’ve already given a gift to some very 
special people. Oh yes! Seven dollars from each purchase through our studio for the entire month of December will be going to Casa Pacifica, an organization in California that “Builds Foundations of Hope” for abused and neglected children. ♥
So I got lambs and new BP People and I got to go out and meet so many of you, and you got dishes and candy, and lots more I hope, and we all made a little bit of a difference for children and families, because without you there would be no FINE ROMANCE. ♥ High five, Girlfriends. Thank you also for the wonderful reviews on Amazon, I know it’s you. We are still number one in England Travel Guides! Thank you so much! We make a little difference in our own little kindred spirit world. What goes around comes around.♥
And now it’s time . . . I can smell it from here . . .
I put a little something in the oven for lunch . . . and it’s ready!
A big delicious, salted buttered sweet potato all caramelized and ready to go. Oh yes. Perfect for this cold day. Off I go now. Don’t forget to leave your comment Girls. Good luck, I hope you are having just the very best time! ♥
Oh, Susan~~~ How much fun it is to turn on the computer, go to your blog and YES! a new post!! I loved the look of the view of your garden all wrapped in white and those cute little red Cardinals looking all Christmasy. Hmmm, is that a word? I think it could be 🙂
I’ve been spending time today wrapping gifts for the family. Just about done now. Still have a couple more to get for one of my granddaughters. It’s such a treat not to have to rush like years past in buying and wrapping. We will be going up to my daughter’s house to bring gifts to all of them this weekend probably. Will be going to my son’s house on Christmas day and then spending the night. Looking forward to spending more quality time with the twins. Can’t believe that they are 7 months old now. Anxious to see what all they can do now.
I love the tea set that you bought on your travels. I’m a dish person as well. Most all my tea dishes are from England. Did I let all of you know that Frank built me another tea cabinet? Like the one he built for me in California, but a bit smaller.
Dinner is waiting to be started and guess what!? We’re having sweet potatoes as well, but with marshmellows on top. Yummy good!
In case you don’t get a chance to write another post before Christmas, I just want to wish you and all the girlfriends a very Blessed Christmas and don’t eat too many sweets now.
Merry Christmas!
xoxox,
Carol M
Hi Susan, So glad to have you back home from your travels, just in time for the Christmas holiday. I love reading about all your ideas for the holidays and can’t wait to make the Chocolate Almond Britttle. Yum.
Merry Christmas to you! Your almond brittle looks fabulous!
What a beautiful tea set. You have inspired me to make some brittle for my friends.
Merry Christmas
Susan, I must make your Almond Brittle. It sounds and looks so yummy.
I’d love to win that beautiful Tea Set – it is STUNNING.
OH! I’ve been looking for the perfect little tea set ever since I read your book and YOU found it! I can just imagine the English countryside and a cup of tea….with some goodies to go along with it! How Fun!
Susan, Merry Christmas. I absolutely love the beautiful dishes! I am so fond of green and those would be perfect in my home. Thank you for the delightful, cozy and warm fuzzy feeling you share with us. I can almost smell the almond butter candy cooking in your wonderfully vintage oven!
Love love love that you found that beautiful service in OKC! That makes me want to start a Downton Abbey tea party club, taking turns hosting a tea party, watching an episode of DA… As always, you serve as inspiration for adding flavor to our lives!
What a nice giveaway! Love the tea set – beautiful colors. I’m going to have to try that Almond Brittle recipe! And I love your little lamb collection. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Finding your blog waiting when I returned home from work today put a smile on my face. Reading your posts centers me and brightens my day.
Thanks!
Susan…….I loved this blog……..I love them all. The bright red cardinals are so beautiful in the pure white snow. I love the lambs……you are such an inspiration to those of us who are collectors. Thanks for the brittle recipe……I’ll still go to the cookbook for the tactile but really liked seeing the photos. I wish you and Joe and the kitties a very lovely Christmas.
Thank you for your generosity in sharing the profits from the book with a non-profit. Your generous spirit and love that you share with us in your books and giveaways (and I want the tea set and almond brittle–lol) is shown also in your love for the less fortunate. Thank you.
Every post from you is like a Happy Pill.
THANK YOU!
While this blog entry is jam packed with so many wonderful, warm snippits of coziness, the one thing that warmed my heart the most was seeing the little white and red circular crocheted potholder that was getting such loving use. This is EXACTLY what my grandma used to crochet, I mean exactly. And she would give them for birthdays and Christmas. I lost mine when my house burned down in 1991, but seeing an exact replica here on my favorite blog, from the Heart of the Home and You, was the best gift ever. I am going to print that little picture out and put it in a little frame….and put it in MY kitchen…..and I thank you for the wonderful walk down Memory Lane, dear Susan! 🙂 Merry, Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the little furry ones as well!
You sure know how to make a girlfriend’s day!! You are the best and FYI, I printed one of your cardinals from a post last year and have it up right near the door to my patio, so when I look out, I get to see the beautiful red too!
Your sheep people (sheeple?) are adorable – as are the new members of your Beatrix Potter family. The almond brittle looks and sounds delicious – and that tea set is gorgeous! This post is so delightful, even if Vanna hasn’t drawn yet, I feel like I’ve won a prize already, just getting to read this and drink all it’s goodness in. Thank you! So glad you’re home, safe and sound, nesting again in time for the holidays. Merry Christmas!
Sheeple!!! Love it!
What A Fine Romance evening it would be to use the tea set and share the brittle with someone special.
Merry Merry Christmas! Thank you for the beautiful Christmas gift you’ve given us with your blog. I can smell the brittle all the way here in Louisiana, I would love to be the winner of the tea set and brittle. Thanks again for sharing your window.
Oh how sweet it would be to win that fabulous tea set! Then I would invite you to tea! Love your happiness at being home! As Dorothy would say ” there’s no place like home!” Enjoy your kitties, being home and all you treasures. Love, love your sheep collection!
Karen. “We have only just begun”
I was having a hard time getting into Christmas this year but your blog got me going. I have plans to bake this weekend and I will definitely try making the almond brittle. Yum! The tea set is darling and I love the green color. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Oh, Susan! The Titcombs Bookshop is sooooo darling and ingenious!! That would be so fun for you to do next year to your house!
I LOVE your lamb collection! And your new B.P. figures are so cute! I need to add to my collection!
The tea set is absolutely gorgeous!! Wow!
All your photos are so Christmasy and cozy! Jack with his big, round eyes!!!!!
My youngest child is flying in from Colorado today and we are going to Disneyland on Friday – our first visit there at Christmas time, even tho’ we have been a zillion times! I am so excited!
Much Christmas love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Susan, I want to thank you for the chance to win this beautiful tea set. Today is my mom’s 74th birthday. It will go to her should I win. A little belated birthday gift. We enjoy your beautiful books. To go with mom’s tea, I will make the yummy cake made with almond flour from your new book. She loved it when I made it this summer! I was one of the first ones to preorder your book. So, I was baking the cake in the summer. Devine!!! ‘Tis the season to make it again! 🙂
Merry Christmas and thank you for all that YOU do to make our world happier, kinder, and more beautiful with your art! Enjoy your time at home. Ann
Happy Birthday to your Mom from me, Ann!
Thanks Susan! Tonight, we’re going out for ice-cream for a day 2 -birthday treat. I will pass your bday wishes to her from you. Ann
We make the same candy! My mom taught me years ago and called it Almond Roca. She would sprinkle nuts on top of the melted chocolate but I’m going to try it your way. Thanks for the fun give-away, Susan and hope you have a blessed Christmas.
How sweet! You always make holidays seem like they used to be – joyous and wonderful. Thank you for thinking of us girls on your journeys. Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and Jack and Girl and a Happy New Year!
What a beautiful tea set! I do not have a tea set but would dearly love to have one. What a joy to use it while watching Downton Abbey!! I so enjoyed reading your book, A Fine Romance and of course, I always read and enjoy your blog. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas…….take care and so thankful you are home safe and sound.
Lorinda in Indiana
Please, please, please don’t tell me it is too late to be considered for that tea set! I am a “dish” person, too, and I always look on the bottom! Green is my favorite colour, Earl Grey is my favorite tea, and if I am blessedly chosen to receive this unbelievably lovely tea set, I will serve tea it every week when my best friend and I watch Downton Abbey…and Sherlock Holmes!!
Happy Christmas!
Not too late, we’ve just begun!
I am the worst cook ever, but I am really going to try hard to make the Almond Brittle. It sounds so good! Love the blog, the books, the calendars, love everything Susan Branch!!!
Good luck!!! You are brave for trying, and I’m pretty darn sure you will have no trouble at all.
Your posts have helped me slow down and really look around me this season- thank you!! I would be “over the moon” to win the tea set and brittle- thank you for the opportunity!!
Hi Susan
I’m sooo glad you are home and had a safe trip. I missed your homey blogs. The first thing I do every morning is click on your blog. I know you don’t write everyday but I look anyway. I have a few cup & saucers from my grandmother and have started to collect more when I see them. I love the tea set but am not very lucky, but its worth a try. Jean
Better odds than the lottery!
Merry Christmas to you and yours. I once received a tea set for Christmas and it remains one of my favorite gifts ever. I am sure the recipient of yours will feel the same. You and she will have tea together every time she uses it. Lovely.
I love the tea set. I love the recipe. I love the cardinals in the snow. But I LOVE Jack most!
Thank you for sharing all of it with we girlfriends. We have all missed this part of you, I’m sure.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Sue.
Enjoy your home and family.
♥Deb♥
What a lovely tea set! and how generous of you. Thank you for sharing so much of your self, and life with us…God Bless
Happy Christmas girlfriends! I would love the tea set and almond brittle! Maybe I will because today is my birthday! Wish me luck!
Merry Christmas to you and your family and the girlfriends too. I just love the tea set and would be so excited if I won it. I look at your blog everyday to get a warm feeling during these cold days. Your house is so beautiful and your recipes are so yummy looking. Wishing you the happiest of New Years!
Welcome home, Susan! I’m sure the kitties are so happy to have you back. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Hello Susan!
Loved the post and the beautiful pictures of the cardinals outside your window! I think they really shine when the world around them is dusted in white! I would love to have tea parties with my grand daughters if I win the tea set and the brittle would be perfect!
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Shirley
I have Vineyard Seasons so I had to pull it out because I don’t remember this recipe. Maybe I blinked! But now I see it! So you put unsweetened chocolate on it! How interesting! I will have to try it.
I’m sorry I’m overusing the exclamation mark. It is just the way I think!
Have the merriest of Christmases with all the exclamation marks you want!
I think that way too. Sometimes have to delete!
From my home to yours, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for another delightful year of reading enjoyment and fun-filled adventures. Can you feel the anticipation building? One of your 21,000+ girlfriends will soon be doing the happy dance! O the joy …
Sharon in Alabama
The Vineyard with a little snow. I smell Christmas from here on the “other side”. Such a generous gift Susan, and an early Merry Christmas to the fortunate winner!
Lovely tea set but an even more useful recipe for those last minute home-made gifts!
I am a “dish” person also. Tea cups and teapots are my favorite. My grandaughters would love to have tea with their Nana using this beautiful set! I recently discovered your blog and I just love it. I have been a fan of your books forever, so when I discovered your blog I was thrilled!
Thanks, Susan, for the reminder to slow down and savor. You’ve inspired me – think I’ll do some baking tonight.
I love your polka dot pot holder. Polka dot is my favorite color.
It’s a great color! 🙂
I ventured online to order my calendars for the fast-approaching new year… and my heart leapt when I read that the dishes & toffee could be mine. And I am feeling lucky too!
My life would not feel as charming without you in it, Susan Branch.
Love and Hugs to a woman inspires me beyond measure, Karen
Love and kisses right back to you . . . xoxo
Love your blog, books, and you! Merry Christmas! Xoxo
Hi Susan,
I love the china, the lambs, the almond brittle, the view from your window, the cardinals, your house. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful live with us.
It’s beautiful…. can see myself with sweet granddaughter having our first tea party together…. thanks for sharing your blessings with us.
I would love to see a real live cardinal some day! That would truly be a blessing to me! And, oh Vanna, please pick my name for that lovely tea set! Please, pretty please 🙂 Susan, you are the best “finder of vintage lovelies.” I would love to tag along with you some time just to see how that sonar of yours works. Maybe some of it would rub off on me. Have a lovely holiday season!
It was my favorite sight upon returning, and for some reason this year, we seem to have a flock of about eight of them altogether at the feeders every day. Magical!
Thank you for sharing the true spirit of Christmas.
I dont know how I found you but I’m SO glad I did! I love this blog! Hope Vanna picks me!
Xoxo
Joy
Dear Susan,
Love all of your books, recipes and drawings. I wish I could jump into the pages of your books if only for a moment or two.
Your approach to Christmas is spot on…take it slow, enjoy each day, moment and task.
All the best!
Pam
The joy of friendship is priceless. Your blog is a wonderful light in a world so full of problems that it is easy to focus on them, instead of the wonderful gifts that we can give each other that come from the heart. Thank you for sharing with us.
Christmas Joy, Peace, and Love.
The tea set makes me happy. It’s beautiful!
Susan,
You are always such an inspiration, and I so look forward to reading your posts. Can’t wait to try your almond brittle, and what fun it would be to win such a lovely tea set. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
That potato looks so yummy…I am going to have to try your method of baking one.
I am so glad I was able to make it to your book signing in Pasadena, Ca. It was such a treat to have you read for us also.
Thank you!
Fun to read. I’m not sure I ever did that before! Thank you for being there Carein!
Hi Susan, I’ve always loved England, tea parties and good friends. Your book was a delight to read, loved every page. Hope Vanna picks me! 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Girl and of course, Jack!
I love your way of making my day Susan! You are the sweetest person ever and your blog is my treat to myself every time I sit down to read a new post.
The dishes are just beautiful and the almond brittle looks amazing! I loved following you through England and most recently across our beautiful country! Thank you for sharing everything. I hope you and Joe and your two furry loved ones stay warm and enjoy a blessed Christmas in your cozy little home. Your friend, Jennifer P.S. Can’t wait for Downton Abbey
I love your website and would love to win the tea set for my granddaughter! What a beautiful gift for someone who loves anything “princess”! Thank you for all your cheery posts!
A girl can’t have too many plates!
I Love reading your blog, I ordered your book signed copy and enjoyed every second reading it. The tea set is beautiful it would look wonderful in my home.
That is a beautiful tea set. I love, love tea sets and wouldn’t think of making tea in anything other that a tea pot…so I can pour cup after cup. Thanks also for reminding me to slow down and enjoy the process of decorating. Take a break for tea and cookies and watch an old movie.
Cheers! Rita
ABSOLUTELY LOVE READING YOUR BLOG – LOVE “A FINE ROMANCE” – HAVE COPIES FOR FRIENDS FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS – HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
You always find the most wonderful little treasures! I love reading your blog it’s filled with such warmth. 🙂
Wow! I love tea ware, I love tea parties, I love almond brittle (especially if made by Susan). What’s not to love? It would be ever so fun to win but it’s also been fun to read the travelogues. Enjoy your time home!
Susan, Merry Christmas to you and family. Decor in my house went simple, took many of your ideas,thanks. That candy is a killer !!!! That tea set is to die for . Stay warm & safe ENJOY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Hi Susan,
When I saw the tea set you found I gasped and thought how can you be so lucky to find such a charming set in such great shape. And now you say you are giving it away….you are so thoughtful and sweet!
Your holiday baking has inspired me to spend tomorrow in the kitchen too…I do have a few of your cookbooks so I will enjoy selecting some goodies to make from them while I listen to Christmas music. Its’s fun to know you and many of the girlfriends will be doing the same thing. I feel so close to all of you.
I ordered A Fine Romance for my sister and one for myself for Christmas and cannot wait to get my hands on it.
I feel so blessed to know of you and you bring me such joy through all of your books, the blog and the Willard. I hope the joy you bring to others will be given back to you a million times over.
Linda
Merry Christmas, or as they say in England “Happy Christmas”. Counting the days to Christmas AND Downton Abbey……what a perfect way to celebrate both with a pretty tea set and delicious almond brittle. Thank you for always thinking of your girlfriends ! Enjoy this magical time of year with your man, kitties, friends and family.
Cheers !
Oh, what a surprise. I read along, thinking how delighted your friend would be with such a wonderful tea set, and that delicious brittle, and….YOU SURPRISED ME! Yes, I would absolutely love to be the lucky girl to receive it.
I’m reading your new book and relishing every page, along with the info here on your blog. It is all giving me so much JOY! Thank you!
Blessings to you and yours for a happy, restful, easy going holiday.
Yay! I surprised you! 🙂 Hard to do that on a blog, but I worked on it!
Love…love…love the nesting! Makes the winter snow and cold wonderful to look at from inside.
Merry Christmas everyone!
What an absolutely beautiful tea set. I would love to have something that beautiful for my kitchen. Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for being so generous! 🙂
SUSAN…it is always so wonderful to read your blog and live vicariously through your writings. Your beautiful home. ..your collections…your pets.I also have cats…and a collection of sheep. I am recovering from breast cancer surgery I had on November 11th after being diagnosed in October. I was feeling a bit down about not having any decorations up yet when I read your blog and realized that the important thing is to get well. I am alive and will do what I can. Love the tea set…so very English. Whoever wins it will enjoy it. A very Merry Christmas to you…Joe and your kitty babes!
Started your book this summer but am looking forward to slower times around the holidays to snuggle up with a cup of tea and finish it. My husband and I are soooo excited for the return of Downton Abbey! Merry Christmas to ALL!!!
Oh, what a wonderfully generous thing! Such beautiful dishes and how kind you are to think of us. Enjoyed following your trip on your way to the west coast. Glad you had a safe trip and are now reveling in your holiday preparations. The brittle looks soooooo good. I made peanut brittle for a girlfriend who loves it, but may have to make a bit of this for me! Wishing you and Joe the very merriest of Christmases.
Susan, how very wonderful of you to give away that gorgeous tea set! And the brittle looks absolutely yummy. I must add it to my candy recipe. Also loved seeing the picture of Titcombs. One of my very favorite book shops. We haven’t been there in awhile. Must visit the next time we go home to Mass. Can’t believe you found Samuel Fisher in the antique shop. What a find! Samuel was my very first BP figurine so he will always be very special to me. Happy, happy Christmas to you, Joe, Jack and Girl. Blessings, Anne
What an elegant tea set. The green and gold combination is so lovely. Merry Christmas to all and thank you Susan for brightening my day.
Susan Branch…you warm my cockles! Have a Merry Little Christmas!
I love reading your blog. It’s always a gentle reminder to enjoy the simple things in life! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Happy you are home and wishing you a Merry Happy Christmas. Love you, your hubby and your kitties.
Hi Susan,
Believe it or not, I am down here in Florida, but I am really envious of your “snow” pictures. I am from the Northeast and really want to come back. I LOVE this time of year and like the snow, as long as I don’t have to go out in it and can enjoy it like you, with a nice fire going.
I, too, like to give homemade gifts when I can.
Love your cardinals. I feed them also, but the squirrels tend to take all the bird seed.
Happy holidays to you and Joe and a scratch behind the ear for Girl and Jack. (He is STILL such a cutie).
Can’t believe I called Samuel “Fisher” instead of Whiskers. Hope he forgives me. I spent my day making candy for the girls in the office. I must be REALLY tired.
What a delightful blog! Your home and environment are so different from Colorado that I feel like I’m looking at an enchanted land. Thank you for sharing!
I wish you lived next door.
Oh my goodness Susan! You are such a sweetheart! Always thinking of your girlfriends. When I was reading the post I thought you were going to tell us about a party you were going to have for your girlfriends at home. The tea set is such a beautiful giveaway! I’m happy that you are at home and loving it. It’s wonderful to see posts with your home and Jack in it.
Patti
Just finished making some sweet treats to give as gifts and then read your blog 🙂 Love the figurines! It’s so fun to go treasure hunting. Merry Christmas!
My Mom just arrived here in Kansas from California. We were talking about your book that I let her read the last time she was here. I wanted her to see your blog and then we read down to where you announced your giveaway!! We both looked at each other and screamed, “Yay!” But it has been decided that if we should win, I get to be the lucky one to keep them at my home and I shall share the goodness with her!
We do not have snow right now in Kansas, in fact we have been experiencing a Cali style winter so far! But my daughters and I watched White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye the other night, so we know there is still time for it to snow!
Merry Christmas to you!
Maureen
How cute you and your mom are!!! I love it that you have it all figured out!
What a beautiful tea set. I cannot wait for Downton Abby to come back on TV. Looking forward to it. 🙂
Me too, I’m clearing the calendar and planning to get out my knitting again. Nobody talk to me.
Susan, you are too generous with us girlfriends! You’re going to spoil us, you know. Thanks for your encouraging posts, as always…and I would LOVE to win the china tea set!
Love the Christmas update – and the Yankee magazine article – and the beautiful green tea set. Isn’t it great to be all cosy at home this time of the year? We moved the wing chairs next to the fire to make room for the Christmas tree ( mostly decorated) and have been enjoying a fire most nights. Thank you for your blog posts – such a welcome treat on my commute home (by train – reading is allowed). Merry Christmas!
Susan,
You are a bright spot in my evening. While Christmas is my favorite holiday I am finding the spirit a little out of reach due to a grandchildren separation. Thank you for sharing “you” with all of us. Your home is a haven we can all wish for. Your spirit and appreciation of all you and Joe share is reminder for all of to look in our own backyards and see what are blessings are. Merry Christmas and all good wishes for 2014.
oh Susan, how wonderful that you are giving one of “us” the beautiful tea set. oh, and the candy too…you are sweet!
I love love love this tea set and when I saw that you would give it away to a lucky girlfriend I just had to write in, me me me please! I have never owned a tea set and my girlfriends and I would be able to set and share tea, biscuits, and sweet conversation with this set. How lovely! Treats too! Please Vanna pick me! Have a very Merry Christmas and I am happy you are both back safe and sound.
Best wishes to everyone for a Bright and Safe holiday season! Peace & joy >^..^<
Merry Christmas to you SB!! Thank you so much for making our holiday extra special!
Awwww – what a sweetie you are Susan! Thinking about us girlfriends and you haven’t even decorated your tree yet 🙂 Glad you and Joe are home safe from the road reunited with your kitties! Thanks for all the love this year with your book and your blog! xxoo
What’s more fun? Decorating the tree or surprising someone?? 🙂
Susan I read your books and your blog when I need a cozy brake from a busy life. I love your books and your recipes are wonderful! I used your stuffing recipe for the first time this past Thanksgiving and it’s delicious. I will be making it again at Christmas. I would love to win the tea set!
Wishing you a very merry Christmas 🙂
Lovely tea set and lovely website. I was at amazon ordering your address book when I read in the comments that you have a website. What a treat for the eyes!
Have a Blessed Christmas!!One can never have too many tea pots or dishes!!
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Perfect for afternoon tea! The brittle sounds amazing, especially with the really good, dark stuff! 😉 Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Love the teaset— please pick me!!!!!
Susan we are so very proud to see you identifying with the Spirit of Christmas and coming up with a unique way of showing your appreciation of life’s needs by finding ways to
make the world a little better and more fun , truely in the essence of the Season…….I know your thoughtfulness in giving back to that children’s welfare group will find some special way to make some kids life a little better ….but for my personal choice is that particular
warmth that comes through to each of the ladies that find joy and comfort in reading and enjoying the fulfilling content of your blogs . And I truly believe there’s a psychological
overall benefit to the ladies resulting from the simple mechanics of how this blog works!
Now I realize you don’t like to publish my comments like this — but for this once I think you will find that there are many who agree with me ,that simply can’t put this perspective into print . Dad
Sweetest guy in the world. xoxo
Blog Daddy – Yes! I totally agree with you, you sweetest guy in the world! xoxo
Sue, simply put….your dad is wonderful and so are you!
Jack, you nailed it. Once again. Merriest of Christmases to you, Jeanie and your entire family…
Love you Susan!!! Love all your stories especially when it involves kitties. I have all your books and they are amazing. Each year wouldnt be the same without your calendars. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, the kitties, and your entire family.
Hugs, monica