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! ♥
What a lovely tea set! The almond brittle looks yummy too! I so enjoy reading your book…. It is next to my bed still:-). I browse through it often and think of my visit to England and the sites I will see next time!
Such a sweet tea set. Would have loved to have the pattern in my tearoom as the theme was pink and green. It was easy to fall in love with it immediately. I love china too!
Susan, I find your posts so warm and inviting, almost as though I’m there visiting with you. I’ve loved you and your books for years…so inspiring! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Your world is so cozy and full of joy, thanks for sharing it with all of us..
The tea set is beautiful, but you dear Susan are the real gift! Your blog is my “deep breath” in this hurried sometimes harried time. You always remind me to slow down and take time to smell the gingerbread!!! xoxoxo
I just finished my baking for my to send. I make biscotti every year and jelly and conserve. It’s all mailed off thank goodness. Now to bake for my family here! I love this time of year anyway but the baking is my thing. I decided to make my presents instead of buying things my family doesn’t need. They look for the goodies. So it’s great for all. Love seeing Jack as he supervises! Hugs to all.
What a wonderful blog full of Christmas Cheer. You are just the best! I am so happy I am one of your girlfriends. One cannot have too many girlfriends!!! You tell the sweetest stories. It almost feels like you just opened your door and invited us in to be a part of your day. The snow looks so inviting. We had beautiful sunshine today in Texas and 70 degrees! Have a wonderful Christmas.
Sweet Susan, you little Christmas elf.. Santa is so blessed to have you on his staff and we as your blog sisters are also blessed to enjoy your positive messages. Merry Christmas dear one and may 2014 be a blessed year for yall, ( you and Joe)
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe! Thank you for bringing such beauty and inspiration through your writing and art! Your blog is joyful and refreshing always, and I love how you encourage your readers to be content and creative in our own homes instead of searching for happiness elsewhere!
What a wonderful surprise!!!! I would so love to keep it but because I love my sister more than anything I would give it to her. I am giving her your book for Christmas too. :). Thank you and Merry Christmas!! ❤️
Lovely tea set. Would love to win. Have devoured your book and bought several as gifts. Everyone I tell is enchanted with it. Now reading new Beatrix Potter garden book. Thank you for the cozy comfy joy you bring many!
The picture out your window is beautiful! But I am still glad I live in California. It was great meeting you at Remnants of the Past. You were so patient to stay so long. My friend Marian & I were towards the end of the line. Hope you are enjoying your bookmark! I would love to win the tea set – it’s beautiful.
Oh how I look forward to your blog! Ever since a friend loaned me your new book “A fine Romance”, I am a big fan and my love of all things British grew even larger! You are so kind to give give the lovely tea set away! I’m reading some of the books on your reading list too! Thank you. For all the ideas and inspiration you give us!
Oh, be still my heart . . . a beautiful tea set! 🙂 (And I love the story behind it.)
Wow. To win such a treasure from a treasure!!!but even if I don’t , thank you so much for your wonderful posts all year long! It was so much fun meeting you in SLO with my husband (the guy who always wears a beret like your Joe) Hope your christmas is all you hope it to be!!!!
Loved the warm fire post! I could almost smell the smoke from that photo. Those lovely dishes remind me of my great-grandmother’s dishes…the ones my mom used for every Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday dinner we ever had. They had a green edge and gold rims with little flowers all around. I love that you found them in my neck of the woods, OKC! Good luck, one and all…tea party and treats….the fun never ends!
Thanks for all your work. You are amazing and I can’t believe I didn’t discover you sooner, but am thrilled I have. I would treasure the tea set if I would be so lucky to win!
Such a sweet tea set – would love to invite a friend for tea and use this set. Thank you for the beauty you share each and every post.
Oh I was admiring your Beatrix Potter figures and lambykins and then you surprise us with a beautiful tea set. It is just gorgeous. The candy looks delicious too. Please enter me in this wonderful drawing. Welcome home, hugs to Jack (that was my first crush in Kindergarten), and Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful tea set!! And to think that some lucky person will actually get to keep it – Susan, you’re a darling. May your holidays be filled with all the things you love most dearly.
Can I please come live with you and Jack? I have two tuxedos, one black and one like your Kitty. Jack would fit right in.
What a sweet thing to do, and such beautiful china! I learned the art of tea from my grandmother, who served tea to me and my “imaginary friend” on her best china every time I visited! Yes, she set a place for my friend, Sue, and I think of her every time I make tea 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe!
I have a very random collection of tea pots and tea cups, many belonged to my grandmother. I would love to have that sweet set join our tea party!!
This is the best time of the year for homebodies like us. Spent a snowy cold day inside wrapping gifts, playing all my favorite Christmas cds and burning holiday scented candles while a pot roast was perking in the crockpot. All the while I was thinking, “Susan’s right, there really is no place like home” and I’m so lucky to have a nice, cozy, warm home to live in. I have much to be thankful for. Also, my kitty Leo just loves playing with all the holiday doodads. He thinks the tree ornaments are his toys! By the way, the tea set is precious and green is my favorite color 😀
The tea set is beautiful! The candy looks wonderful! So happy you are home and nesting amongst all your beautiful things. Home is the best!
Oh my … what a pretty little tea set!!! You are so sweet to give this away to some lucky gal … maybe me??!!! 🙂 Merry Christmas, Susan!
Oh! Thank you for sharing the warm, lovely images…they bring back memories of Christmases long ago – in my Nana’s kitchen, taking in all the wonderful fragrances and aromas that were a part of her tiny home. For her grandchildren, it was a magical place — a place where she made each us feel like the most important person in the world. What a legacy to pass on to one’s loved ones! And in the same way, You-Susan are blessing those you touch with that little bit of magic and a whole lot of love that changes lives.
Susan, I sometimes wonder if we are just kindred spirits that have yet to meet! I too have a bit of a “thing” for dishes, really, dainty little pink roses and that green! Really! Who would have been able to part with it? And yet, being the girlfriend we all desire, you think of us! Always sprinkling little bits of joy in the busy world that surrounds us. There is no place like “home” is there?
I did post a comment earlier today..seems it did not arrive here. Anyways… I said how much I love, love your blog and adore all the details of your home and kitchen.. and the two amazing cats ! I also collect and love all things Vintage – Antique and Retro. Thanks for everything you write and all the pix….your blog and recipes are uplifting and cozy, in everyway.
So glad you are back home! Your posts about “nesting” are my very favorites, as I love nesting, too! What a beautiful tea set! And I love the lambs!
Love your blog , just found it. I’m giving A Fine Romance to my daughter an daughter-in-law for Christmas I know they will love it! Merry Christmas
Beautiful dish set, Beautiful brittle, Beautiful cardinals, Beautiful Jack, Beautiful everything! And I just LOVE the Gingerbread House! How clever! And darling!
Your blog is wonderful — always! Last week I was searching for something and started at the present — went all the way back to your arrival back home after our trip to England. As I was searching, of course I had to stop and read often. 🙂 Then is when I realized that I would love to have a book to carry with me and read at will, of ALL your posts, including pictures! Then is also when I realized there would have to be more than one or two books to hold everything. 🙂 Then is also when I realized that I would need to write to you and make the suggestion. 🙂 Now I also realize that there would be very little work for you to have to do in publishing said books! 🙂 Yes? 🙂
Well, after all those realizations, maybe it is still wishful thinking on my part — but one can always dream, Right? Something like this:
Susan Branch Blog: Book One
Susan Branch Blog: Book Two
Susan Branch Blog: Book Three………………………………and on and on……….
Yes? 🙂
What a wonderful thought!
LOL Sue, I like it!
Oh, I’m so glad you like it, Susan — so I shall continue clinging to my dreams and hopes of it becoming a reality. 😉
You have my vote. I’ll buy at least five copies.
What a treasure, and to find the teaset, on your trip…. Just to have it marked England, on the
bottom, of the teapot! Since, you have written, A Fine Romance, Susan, I am addicted to
England. Reading the books, you have suggested, the Beatrix Potter figurines, and just
bought, The Beatrix Potter’s Journal. Thank you, for getting interested in tea, teasets, and
scones…especially, in the afternoon…. Merry Christmas, to you & Joe! A SB fan, Donna
Merry Christmas Susan!
Thanks so much for offering the beautiful tea set and the almond brittle to us. You are so thoughtful and kind. Suggestion: you might research at Replacements.com about the china set and how old it is and where it originated. They have a research department and you send in photos by email. We took a trip there this Fall and it is a fascinating place in NC and worth the visit. Good luck and many blessings for the New Year!!
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe & of course Jack and Girl Kitty. I love the tea set
so beautiful and such a wonderful gift to someone lucky and I will keep hoping its me. I am off Friday and I am going to make your brittle it looks heavenly and so yummy. Can’t wait to taste and enjoy it. Have a warm and cozy Christmas and thanks for all you do.
Your home is so inviting & warm & cosy & yummy — love it! And, yes please — I’d love to win that beautiful tea set.
Warmest blessings,
G
Such a lovely post! It’s always so much fun to see what you are up to – thanks so much for sharing with us all. Feels like being home again!
Your blog is so much fun to read and to view; I look forward to each one.
Love the dishes, I”m a dish girl too. I collect Shelly, from England. So pretty. I can’t pass up the pretty things either. Love the Willards. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year… Martha Mayes from beautiful Roseville, California
Just started reading your blog and it’s amazing- seems like we must have been friends for a very long time! We like so many of the same things! Love love your cats – I have two of my own. I followed your cross country tour, just wished you could have come to Seattle. Looking forward to every new blog!
I hope you and Joe enjoy a very Merry Christmas. You bring lots of joy year round.
It seems the older I get, the more I want to just nest and drink tea. How lovely it would be to sip my Earl Grey from such an adorable tea set…….and to nibble on a treat from your own cozy kitchen. Simply, what winter dreams are made of!
More deliciousness from you to all of us – thank you! I have a friend in Australia who had planned to come visit for her first northern Christmas (all she’s experienced is mid-summer Australian Christmases) but had to cancel because of work and family problems. I’ve sent her your posts to give her a sense of what a white Christmas is (but I think she’s been too busy and stressed to click the link), so I’ll try again with this one – if this won’t bring a smile to her face, nothing will. Thank you, Susan! xxoo
You’re a good friend thinking of perking up a far-away Christmas.
My grandmother always sent a box of homemade candy at Christmas —the brittle always went fast!
Great post as always…..I must admit that although I loved following you around the country, I do so enjoy when you post from home. One can truly feel the warmth and joy you take in being in your own “nest”. The teaset is so lovely and of course I’d love to have it for tea parties. The BP figurines you discovered are so charming. I have never seen either of those! Susan have a blessed and joyful Christmas….hope it’s filled with many wonderful new memories to cherish!
I love your blog. I only discovered it about a month ago and it always makes me feel so good to visit it. The photos of the cardinals is beautiful – we don’t have them on the west coast.
I especially love reading about how happy you are to be home.
Had to put my beautiful 122 pound black Lab down today so your blog was like a letter from home. I am missing him so much. It helps to read of your cozy Christmas and Teacups and Almond Brittle. Thanks so much. You are such a special person.
Hi Susan-
I’m so glad you are home all safe and sound. The tea set and the brittle look just wonderful- I would love to win them.
On a different note, I would love for you to know how your blog always gives me rest. I am sure most of the “girlfriends” feel this way but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. Thank you so much.
Wow, I never knew a tea set could enchant me but when I saw this set, I thought oh my goodness!!! Can I say that the love you us girlfriends is unique and so endearing. I was telling a friend of mine what makes you so special to me (I am still collecting some of the books) and I went on and relayed all your post, gifts and responses to our emails… Not one author has done so much for the collection of people who have come to love you and Joe! Jack sits and looks at you so patiently while you cook, makes me think he is just enjoying the face to face time. =-) Finally, I really need to say thank you. I am very often home bound and your blog is a real bright spot. Thanks for thinking of all of us!
Oh my, I would absolutely love the tea set for a program we have annually at church called advent by candlelight.. It would definitely add some holiday spirit to our table..
And who wouldn’t LOVE the brittle? Yummy
May your Christmas be filled with magical moments!
Love your blog! Such a joy to read! I have you bookmarked and check it daily. Thanks for the inspiration you share with us. Enjoy your days.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, SUSAN! Your blog post certainly got me ‘in the mood’ to do some baking! 🙂 As I was reading the beginning of your post, I thought to myself, why can’t I ever ‘find’ a cute little tea set at a shop by me??? Then I read you are giving it away! Oh my goodness!! I would have a tea party in your honor for sure and invite all my besties! Glad you are back home for the Holidays! Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
awww ….. your site just makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over! and then you add your brittle recipe! wow. I am 82 and it reminded me of a recipe I used to use years ago …. think I will try yours! Thank you for such warm feelings!
Love you more!
Dee
Christmas time is perfect for making sweet memories. This last weekend I made Lebkucken cookies with my 89 year old mother, (she made many batches for me and my 4 siblings while growing up). : ) Merry Christmas to all.
OMG I was thinking this was a great post what with the lambs and the brittle recipe and the tea set you found then I see you’re gifting one of your gilfriends with the tea set, it just became the best post ever!
Merry Christmas!!!
This is so very lovely! I do have a sweet tooth. This candy looks as if it will fit the bill. I promise to share with my equally sweet tooth hubby!
Susan, what a creative blog! Glad that you are happy to be home. Can’t wait for Christmas because my husband always fills my book Christmas list which includes A Fine Romance! Merry Christmas
Welcome Home Susan! Totally understand the feeling! There IS no place like home!…..AND we live in KS too! 🙂
Always looking forward to your blogs, you make my day!
Our kitty Tabby was looking at your blog and when she saw Jack, she was memorized! I took pics! So cute. She was looking around the back of my computer for him! She thinks he’s cute too!!
Thanks for being so generous! Getting ready to buy almonds to make your candy recipe!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Hello everyone!
What a lovely post for today! It is always good to hear from girlfriends!!!!
Little by little the house is being readied for Christmas. Can’t believe it is less than a week away. It really came quick this year. Your Christmas from the Heart of the Home was my first Sb cookbook…so long ago! Most of my copies of your books, are first editions. I love them all!
Just wanted to say that Tuscan is the company that made the china. I have a beautiful teacup sans saucer from that company…do not know the pattern name for it either.
Christmas is a time for wonderful memories for me…Most of my family has departed this earth…Christmas brings me closer to them!
Please enter me in contest for the china set and candy. Thanks for another lovely chance to win a specially selected gift.
Have a wonderful holiday,
Kathie from Limerick
Lovely tea set and lovely photos today. Jack’s litttle face always makes me smile 🙂 Thank you for sharing. Good luck everyone regarding the tea set!!! 🙂
What a wonderful read (always) and a candy recipe that I actually can make! Thank you for that, and I hope Vanna has a fun time selecting the winner. What a generous monetary donation to Casa Pacificia, I’m sure the organization it truly grateful…Happy Holidays!!
I just love your blog posts I always look forward to them in my mailbox. I think I will have to make a batch of the chocolate almond brittle, so easy and it looks sooooo delicious!! Happy happy Christmas!!!
Hi, missing my mom so much she passed away 2 weeks ago and this tea set reminds me of her she was from england and loved tea sets so much …thank you for being so generous
I’m so sorry Debbie. Heartbreaking. Sending hugs. xoxo
I’m so sorry, Debbie…you don’t know me, we’re just “girlfriends”, but I loved my Mom and miss her, too. You’ll be happy again and that’s how she would want it!! C.
Love your blog! Especially all the pictures of your kitties. Having hosted many a Christmas Teas, your tea set, would be a great addition to my tradition.
Love the book , love the figurines, love the almond brittle! It’s been such a hard day (don’t ask!), and this made me forget my burdens. But UNSWEETENED chocolate poured right over the top? Does it work? I’ll have to give it a try! Have a great evening, and — shhhhh — I hope I win!
Loved your post today. Know that the last months have been both wonderful and also somewhat difficult to be away from home and kitties … Lol. I will be making the candy tomorrow. We are taking things a bit slower this season too as have had an onslaught of things to repair, etc, since arriving home from the summer digs on Bainbridge Island, WA. Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to you, Sue, Joe and all the Girlfriends.
XO Jackie
Your blog and books are wonderful Susan. I have been trying hard to only read “A Fine Romance” in little bits so I can savor the story and pictures. Winning the tea set would be the perfect compliment to reading your book and sipping on your organic Earl Grey tea I just received (and it is wonderful)!!!
Hi Susan,
So fun when you have a new posting on your Blog and today’s was no exception. Loved seeing your antique finds from your trip and to think you are giving away that tea set!! I would love it. 🙂 Your lamb shelf is so beautiful and inspiring and meaningful! Thank you for sharing all you do on your warm and cozy blog.
Merry Christmas!! It is truly a Blessed time to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Blessings and Love,
Irene
I love to read your blog, it feels just like going next door and visiting with a good friend. I am glad you are home again from your latest big adventure and I know Jack and Girl kitty are too. I love the teas set too, it looks similar to the set of china my auntie gave to me, green is a favorite color. Merry Christmas!
WOW! You had my attention when I saw the first photo of that lovely green china! But almond brittle, right. Life doesn’t get much better than almond brittle and tea from a beautiful tea service. Dreaming of this tonight when I go to bed I’m sure!
Dear Susan,
I think that ‘Tuscan’ refers to the name of the company who made fine bone china in England, this style looks 30’s ish to me – love those ‘blue forget-me-nots’ hand painted – and the gleam of those freshly washed dishes really adds to the charm of your heart-felt gift! I’m in – can’t wait to see who the lucky gal will be! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Dixie G
What a beautiful treasure. I have never owned a tea set but I would treasure it. I’m so happy you made it home safe through all the weather – have a wonderful Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas! It would be a perfect set for tea with girlfriends…
You are so lucky to enjoy the whiteness and the cardinals! Today it was 70 degrees here in Southern California. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas there. And guess what? I recently found a BP figure in my stash of ‘college days’ stuff. I had forgotten I had it!
Loving the tea set!
Would be ecstatic to have a tea party and share it with friends.
Thanks for the give away .
Happy Christmas! What a perfect tea set for tea with my girlfriends!
Susan, thank you for sharing your life! It’s been real pleasure and I felt as though I took the trip with you when I read your new book:) have a Merry Christmas!! Xo
I saw “A Fine Romance” in a gift shop and told my daughter to tell Santa that, that was what I wanted. If she forgets to tell him, I will be our shopping the day after Christmas! Your blog helps my Christmas spirit. I took a gift of apple pie squares to my husband’s oncologist’s office today to thank them for their help with my husbands 19 month battle with cancer. My husband was always hugging people and they gave some of his hugs back to me today. There were no Christmas decorations any where, but the Christmas spirit was there!!! Truly, the spirit of Christmas is at your house and in your heart, even if the tree isn’t dressed in all it’s finery yet. Merry Christmas
Susan,
I have been reading your blog a while now, really enjoy it. About that lovely tea set I would just be tickled pink to own. I do not have a tea set and to have that one would be a dream come true.
So happy your home, every day is made better after reading your blog. …. everything on this blog today was superb! What gorgeous dishes …how kind of your to share such a lovely gift. I look forward “every” day to see if you have written anything more. Blessings to you and yours….evangeline
Thank you for a beautiful giveaway-so very, very generous! I would be hard pressed to give away such a wonderful tea set. Thank you again! Someone is going to be so blessed and happy 🙂
Hi to Jack, and Kitty Girl =^..^= I have 7 myself!
Claudette
Throw my name into the hat please. Christmas is coming slowly to my house also. But it will come. And I will welcome it.
Ever since I found “Vinyard Seasons” in 1988, I’ve been sure we were twins separated at birth! Have all your books and each one just strengthens my theory. Like Anne and Diana we are kindred spirits, both of “the race of Joseph”…so of course I love tea and tea sets and candy!! Keeping my fingers crossed that Vanna picks ME XXX
Such a a lovely tea set and you are such a dear to think of us all. No matter who has a tea party with it in the new year we all feel so cherished! My holiday home is starting to come together. I am simplifying a little this year, it feels good.
So happy that you had a nice trip home! Thank you for visiting, signing my books AND my quilt!! It was wonderful to meet you face-to-face! The tea set stole my heart… I, too, love dishes.
What a lovely gift from you…beautiful tea set and yummy brittle! I feel like a “winner” every time I see your name in my day’s e-mail…each blog makes all my senses come alive…love the time I get to spend with you. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
Susan, so happy that you had a nice trip home. Thank you for visiting us, signing my books AND my quilt! It was wonderful to meet you. The tea set stole my heart. I, too, love dishes!
Christmas blessings♥ Thanks for sharing and bringing so much joy to the girlfriends.
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So glad you and hubby are home, safe and sound. I’ll bet Jack and girl kitty are “gladder.” I have been savoring “A Fine Romance…” My favorite part, however, is not the trip but your love story. What a blessing that you and Joe found each other. I never thought I’d enjoy a nonfiction book as much as a fiction story, but your book has been a source of delight – I love how you talk to us as if we were truly your best friends. I love all the lovely delights you bought back from your travels. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. Finally, I’ve always been afraid of making candy using a boiling method, but you make it look so easy, I just might give it a try. I still have my mom’s candy thermometer. Such fond Christmas memories of pulling taffy. Night now. C
We who are the objects of HIS mercy should be the trumpets of HIS praise .
What a wonderful gift you have chosen to give during the Christmas season. Thank you for the thoughtfulness of your HEART.
Oh my,Susan, You take me to a whole different and magical world when I read your blogs, books and of course, Willard. I am lusting over the tea set. It is so beautiful and I’d love to win it but if I don’t I know whoever does it will treasure it also. Have a blessed Chrismas.
What beautiful dishes – love them! And the candy looks yummy, too!
You are such an inspiration. I struggle so this time of year and search for authentic inspiration. I can always find in your art, writing and photographs. Thank you so much for helping all of us to sit back, relax and treasure each moment everyday!
I so look forward to your posts. I love sheep also. We are so baaaaddddd ,)
I am so glad you are home and blogging again! I love reading your blog and looking at the pictures. I feel so inspired to pay more attention to the little
details that feel so cozy when I visit here…. This year, I have set my Christmas table and put away all of my everyday mugs replacing them with Christmas mugs. Makes my cup of tea in the morning taste and feel so much better.
Thank you once again for the inspiration and warm cozy feelings <3
Don’t know how you can part with that beautiful tea set. So generous of you. It’s such a warm, cozy feeling when I read your blog. Merry Christmas, dear.
Dear Susan, I thought I was the only one who loved a big old sweet potato for lunch or just snackin’. My husband has always teased me about it and now that I’ve shown him your lunch, he just shook his head and laughed. I’m so glad to see you’re back home, all snugly and warm just in time for the holidays. Your brittle looked so good, I’m just going to have to add it to my baking projects this weekend when I’ll be baking all the Italian cookies that the women in my family have been making for years. My husband surprised me with a new no stick Pizzelle maker ( I’ve been using my Grandma Laurie’s for years which was ready for retirement ) so I’ll be making those, various biscotti and rosettes – delicately fried dough covered in snowy white powder sugar. I’ll be crossing fingers and toes, hoping Vanna picks my name! Hope you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas
Love the tea set and the way you ways inspire me to appreciate the
Simple things in life.
Susan, Visited friends in England in Sept and was so pleased to bring your book A Fine Romance to them. I wondered if it would be like bringing coals to Newcastle but they loved it. We poured over all the places we had been together that were in your book . It brought back so many memories. It had been over 10 years since we had seen them so thank you for the perfect hostess gift and for helping us all to remember those precious days together. Sharon