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! ♥
Susan, your blog is like coming home–so warm and inviting. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
Susan,
I’m so glad you are back writing your wonderful blog! I loved seeing your adventures ‘on the road’, but it is grand that you are back home!! What a charming tea set!! and the brittle and sweet potato look awesome. I haven’t had breakfast yet and I am thinking a sweet potato for breakfast, hmmm.. might just try that! Lambs are hard to find here in Wisconsin, I love the display on your cupboard. Thanks again for sharing your home with us! Wishing everyone joy and peace and light! Kathy
Your almond brittle recipe is a great idea for gift-giving. Every year I enjoy making homemade gifts. It is good to have you home. I missed seeing Jack on a regular basis!
I love the lambs! I collect them, too. My grandparents were sheep ranchers and farmers in Texas, so sheep make me think of them, Very pretty dishes, as always.
Oh I just love your blog! My Aunt Jan recommended I check it out, and I’m happy I did. I love the joy and happiness in your voice. Merry almost-Christmas!
Happy to have you here Kelly, and a big hello to Aunt Jan!
Your wonderful blog is my Advent Calendar. We have one on the wall, but reading your blog each time you post is such a treat – sweet, soothing, and is filled with Christmas spirit. Thank you to you and Joe and may your Christmas and New Year be brimming.
WELCOME HOME! While I thoroughly enjoyed your travel tales and pictures, I missed seeing your home and was a little heartsick for you having to be gone for so long! I am behind decorating too, but not cooking! Treats, treats, treats . . . fun to make and fun to eat! Thank you for a great recipe, pictures of RED birds, and your fun sentiments! The tea set reminds me of my granddmother who taught my sister and I how to sip our tea ever so properly, but then . . . when we were alone with her and could be silly . . . how to sip and slurp! Great memories! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Girlfriends! Susan, Your blog posts are always delightful! It was wonderful to see and hear you in person here in Kansas City! I have mailed your book as a Christmas gift to all my sisters and several friends, so we can all enjoy a wintertime trip to England! The tea set is a “find” and it appears you did an excellent job on shopping during the trip. Can’t wait to see as other treasures are unveiled on your site. Enjoy the holidays!
Not sure if my other comment went through… but I’m new to your blog thanks to my Aunt Jan’s recommendation and I’m happy to have found you!
As I was reading your post I was thinking how you always find the loveliest of treasures…but I found a treasure the other day in an antique store – your little Christmas Joy book! 🙂 I snatched it up, of course.
Hoping your Christmas season is blissful and cozy.
I’m so glad I discovered your web site and blog. I have several of your books from years ago and use them all the time. Have a wonderful Christmas!
I just found your wonderful blog/site and now will spend the few quiet hours I have before the holidays are in full swing “back-tracking” and catching up. I have several of your books and love your work! May you have the Merriest of Christmases!!!
oh my the sweetest of posts! and your pics, just put me i the jingle, jolly mood 🙂 thank you for sharing your heart, your home. Would love to have the chance to win the tea set and candy. THANK YOU and Merry Christmas!! ~Evelyn
I really enjoyed this blog post. I have been trying to slow down for this holiday season and really enjoy myself, my family, and my friends. Trying to keep things “simple.” I have found that I have so much more peace and calm in my life. Thank you for reminding us that we don’t have to throw ourselves into the frenzy of the season and it is okay to go slow. I don’t have my tree decorated either and it will get done, but if I don’t finish that’s okay too.
Merry Christmas to you & Joe, and kitties too!
-Donna
Susan, you are sweeter than that potato for sharing so much with your girlfriends! Merry Christmas! Can’t wait to start filling my 2014 SB calendar!
Dear Susan,
I took a little break from working on picture books for my adult children to read your blog. You always put me in the spirit of the season whatever it is. Thank you for being you and always the home body that I am, too. Much love and Merry Christmas to you and your family. Judy
I am not sure where I would put another tea set as I already have three left to me by my grandmother and mother. Oh, I’m sure I can find a place to display just one more! Pick me please!
I was just getting ready to make fudge and because I’m away from home this Christmas season I don’t have my cooking pots. I was delighted by the pot you cooked the toffee in. It is much used and much loved. Wish I could borrow it~
You are SO sweet. That almond brittle looks divine. I went to Replacements.com to see if there was maybe an extra cup for your little tea set, but without a pattern name, it was hard to narrow down the search. Merry Christmas Susan — thanks for taking the time to publish blog posts!
My first day on my calendar when I don’t have any pressing “To do” written in the box!! What a nice surprise to find a new blog and sit and read while sipping my coffee on this cold Rhode Island morning. The lambs are sweet, the brittle looks wonderful and the tea set…well….just charming. If I win will you come and visit and have a cup of tea and walk around Wickford with me Susan?? Got my fingers and toes crossed. Merry Christmas!!!!
Every morning, after getting my tea & cinnamon-splenda toast, when I sit down at my computer, I allow myself the treat of looking at your website first. I like having the little cheerful bird fly across my screen while tweeting. It’s a happy way to start the morning. I’ve been thinking that the archives you’ve put up for us has been a wonderful Christmas gift. I would get quite pouty if there wasn’t a new post (and we know Santa doesn’t like that). Now I know that whether you have a new post or not, I’ll have something new to read! And now you’re having a drawing for a beautiful set of china! I know it would look lovely on my table. And it would get used! Soon!! I’m planning a January tea for my girlfriends. I wanted something to look forward to after the whirlwind of Christmas is over. And January is at LEAST 57 days long. It’s true. January begs for a mid-month party. Now wouldn’t your china look lovely on my starched white tablecloth surrounded by lacy napkins and holding scones, crustless sandwiches, and tiny frosted cookies. My theme is snowflakes. In fact, why don’t you bring the china down yourself? We have a lovely guest room for you to stay in. And so many of MY girlfriends are YOUR girlfriends. We would have So Much Fun. Please think about it. PS: You don’t even have to bring china to come. Just come.
Merry Christmas! Darling,darling tea set, would love to have tea with you!
Susan, You are the best at making sunshine every single day. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you. From one of your girls, Marianne.
Hi Susan, thank you so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us. I have always wanted to try making brittle & you make it look so easy, I may have to try it today. All the best to you & yours & all the girlfriends too!
The minute I saw that tea service I knew I would love to be drinking tea from it! Yes a tea party is in my future!
Dearest Susan,
I am ‘this’ close to closing on my very first home as a single woman. I just wanted to tell you that your blog and your generosity with a zillion photographs keeps me inspired and fills my head (and heart) with delightful ideas for my own home.
Just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your warmth, your compassion, and your kindness and for keeping me (us) connected to the things that matter in this life: love, family, tradition, faith. I wish you and yours a very warm and magical Christmas. There truly is no place like home.
Christy in SoTex
Good for you Christy! And you can decorate it any way you want!
Susan, Your entry was so warm & cozy 🙂 You know your girlfriends well – the tea set is gorgeous! You share so much with us …here is something for you and all of the girls. I have made a lot of food gifts too and here is a super simple one, only 3 ingredients and takes only a few minutes.
Stonewall Kitchen’s website: “Maple Syrup Glazed Nuts”. I tried this out for Thanksgiving and they were a huge hit, but do use harder nuts like almonds which work great.
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Oh, Vanna, PLEASE pick me!!! I’d surely love to win this gorgeous tea set AND the precious box (I love mince pie) and your yummy almond brittle! Whoever wins it will be one lucky lady – or guy, should it happen to be a male. But I REALLY hope it is my number which is picked. Merry Christmas! Blessings to you and yours.
The BEST part about Christmas is giving to others! Even if we don’t know who the recipient is, and won’t ever meet. Whether it’s a special gift, or a gift of time, I am reminded of my mother, and how she taught me and my siblings, that “giving of oneself, is its own reward”. I am sure you feel it, as you so selflessly share your self with all of us! Happy Holidays dear Susan (& Joe) <3
You and I are kindred spirits. First, because you are as much a reader of Gladys Taber as I am. Can’t get enough of her books. Second, you do things and go places I fear to tread! I love reading your blog and I feel about you like I do Gladys Taber,and, that says alot. Can’t wait to try your recipes. Keep on doing what you do,and, God bless!
Such a wonderful compliment you gave me Margo!
I cannot believe I am (a young) 72 yrs.old and just now discovering you! I feel like you are a good friend already. I love your blog. Just happened to see an older book of yours and fell in love and have come to your site just to swoon over the tea set. I have a collection of tea cups but nothing compares to this! Will definitely be ordering your newest book and would be ecstatic to be able to read it while sipping from the set!!! Oh well, I can dream. Your site is on my list of favorites. Am looking forward to your blogs from here in Oklahoma.
Nice to meet you Sammye!
Hey There, Susan! I’m happy you are home for Christmas. It was sure nice meeting you in Goshen, IN in the fall. That seems so long ago. Thanks for the last of the special ink blot bookmarks you gave me and my girls, too. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties! <3 Tammy B.
What a beautiful vintage tea set! Gives me that homey, cozy feeling… Your homemade candy looks delicious, too. Thanks for your sweet blog.
By the way, that bookstore is ADORABLE and your lamb collection is wondrous. But the BP figurines are the tops! I got carried away thinking about winning that tea set and completely forgot to mention all those other darling things. Christmas blessings…
Susan, Love you. Enjoyed your book. Have always wanted to see England.
Lovely give-away.
Oh, these could be my husband’s Aunt Daisy’s teaset! She lived in Okla., was from England, where she visited often. She passed away last year, and we were unable to be there when her house was cleared out. She had many tea sets, would bring at least one home each trip. I had requested a particular set, but there was a communication breakdown somewhere along the way, and alas, I didn’t receive it. I wish I had been able to be there, but it was held during an ice storm here at home, and we just could not get there. All I have now are memories and pictures of that wonderful lady who welcomed me into the family so warmly, and took to my children better than her nieces and nephews – they will tell you themselves!
Thanks for making a difference in my life! You are an inspiration.
Home Sweet Home!!! Thanks for always thinking of us sweet Sue. And thank you for always filling all of our hearts with hope and happiness. Merry Christmas to you and Joe.
P.S. Did you know that Cost Plus World Markets is now selling the Downton Abbey wines? Cheers girlfriends
Wow… I do enjoy your blog. I am going to try to make the brittle and I need to make some home made dog treats for all my neighbors. Thanks for Red Mud Hill.
Hi Susan and all of you other lovely people! I was just thinking as I was reading your blog that I wish I could find such fun China as you seem to have luck finding! And then I kept reading and heard that some lucky person can win that! Plus the homemade candy! That is great! You are such a generous, sweet soul:)
Someone will be very happy:) What a nice little gift!
Hoping that I can start finding nice China like that while I am out- any tips on how to sort through all the “normal” stuff?
What a lovely and generous gesture Susan. I would love to win that charming tea set. Thanks too for all your great blog postings. We all enjoy following your adventures.
Hi Susan! So glad you are back home safe and sound from your adventure! It was fun to “go along” with you again on your travels. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy 2014! Thanks again for your blog and all the ideas and joy you share with all of us:)
You are such a tease and I love it. Merry Christmas.
I come from a long line of such people. My people tease!
I discovered your blog a little while ago and am having such a wonderful time reading through your adventures (in the US and beyond!).
Thanks so much for the photographs of the cardinals – they are lovely and we don’t see them here in the UK.
Will be heading home for Christmas soon (tomorrow!) and can’t wait to try making the almond brittle. Merry Christmas from London!
Merry Christmas to London…so nice to meet you Toto!
Susan, you are such a delight! Love your little lamb collection, I’ve started one of my own too (they are so darn cute!). How sweet of you to offer the tea set & your homemade goodies as a giveaway – thank you! We need to clone you & Joe & the world would be a better place!
Oh, my!!! Vanna has her job cut out for her…perhaps she should get out of her PJ’s for this job.
You are so generous in every way. This is a lovely set and the candy looks delicious.
A Very Happy Christmas to you and to your family.
Awwwww! Jack looks adorable in this photo…he rocks as my once teenage…now forty year old son used to say.
ooh so sweet and so beautiul, thank you so much for even just showing it to me as the quaintness and loveliness just took over my day with such lovely thoughts!!
i plan to go home from work and cozy up my house even more!
Loving your idea of taking Christmas decorating at a slow pace…I so enjoy your Blog and the world you live. Thank you for always making me feel wonderfully warm inside.
Oh, Susan, your blog makes me happy and sometimes wish I lived on the East coast again. That’s just for a moment when I look out the window and see our beautiful Morro Bay and know I’m meant to live in Los Osos. Thank you for your beautiful artistic work, your blog and your books especially your last one which I dearly love-you are an inspiration to us all.
I would love the tea set and candy. I live edge of Oklahoma City and it would be like the tea set is coming home. I love your books – have them all. Thanks, Peggy
Oh, my. Over 1600 comments already!!! Better odds than the mega millions though. The tea set is lovely. Some lucky someone will give it a nice home, indeed, and will feel just as lucky! Welcome home, Merry Christmas, and thanks for being you!
The tea set is lovely and your blog is so inspiring. Thank you for all the wonderful idea’s and kind thoughts you share.
Merry Christmas
I just told my BFF (and she really is!!!) that I wish we lived next door to you. It is so wonderful to have you home again and see your beautiful home and hear about baking a sweet potato for lunch. Really, I don’t have proper words to tell you how content and happy it makes me to visit your blog. God has gifted you with the wonderful ability to make us ALL feel like we live next door to you and are YOUR BFFs .<3………
The tea set is precious and beautiful. Many years ago, when my daughter was young, my sister found 3 GORGEOUS tea cups and saucers in an antique store. They are Royal Kingston Bone China (made in England of course), gold edged and with ivy all around. She made a special tablecloth covered with teapots and as often as we were able, we had tea and treats, just the three of us. When my sister moved to Florida, this happened much less often. One of my sweetest memories though, is when she was home to visit and she and my daughter came to the Mall where I work and set up the tablecloth, a teapot and our special teacups in the Food Court. It created quite a stir and made me cry (happy tears of course!!!).
When my son married my PERFECTLY wonderful daughter-in-law, I started looking for a fourth cup. I have looked and looked and searched and searched and have never been able to find one. 🙁 She is from Morocco and tea is a daily afternoon occurrence there, much as it is in England. However, we do have a beautiful silver tea service and Moroccan tea glasses. But I am going to continue to hunt for one of our ivy cups so that we can all match.
God bless you Susan. You bless my everyday. It is a wonder to see you doing the very work that God intended for you.
Blessings,
Michaelene
Michaelene Hanrahan. What a name you are blessed with. I LOVE it. It’s poetry.
Oh Susan!!!! You made my day. *blush* Actually, I love my name. My mother named me Michaelene because she always liked the name. And Hanrahan is from my husband. I am so much Irish that to have a married name like Hanrahan feels like a gift to me. I tell him that I married him just so I could get the name. And my name has always been a bit of a conversation piece because no one can pronounce it. It’s a whole lot of letters and I laugh every time, telling people that I will answer to anything staring with an “M”. Thank you so much Susan. I am smiling even now.
I think that’s the name that should have been given to Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man! It’s got star quality!
Merry Christmas Susan! I really enjoy your blog- it makes my day. Glad to hear you and Joe made it home safe and sound. That’s a lovely tea set and the homemade brittle makes the gift all the more special. Happy 2014!
What a beautiful gift! Would love to win it!
What a lovely gift idea this time of year! I would love to receive this tea set and brittle. Thanks for being an upbeat person during the entire year!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
May you enjoy love, health and happiness this Christmas season and in the new year!
Susan…how I look forward to your uplifting and joyful blog! The quote from Alice May Brock in your last message reminded me of a story my dear Grandma told me about being invited to a meal hosted by family friends in the depression. My grandparents had 8 children and the hosts also had a sizable number of children. After part of them ate, they washed the dishes and silverware and fed the rest of them..they had the true spirit of hospitality I would say. That little story reminds me to be thankful for small things like dishes and silverware. Christmas blessings to you from the heart of America!
Where there’s a will, as my mom always says, there’s a way.
What a lovely blog post. I so enjoyed reading it. There truly is no place like home and I am glad you are back safe and sound in yours. I will make your brittle today for my neighbours. Thanks for the recipe and the beautiful pictures of you making yours. I love the tea set and I have the perfect spot for it. My Grandmother was born and raised in England and I have some lovely tea cups and sets that would keep this new one company also. I love the BP figurines you found and rescued. Enjoy your fire and snow and quiet. Merry Christmas and thanks again for your inspiration and happiness that you share with all of us girlfriends.
Hi Susan!!
So glad to hear you made it safely home! I so enjoyed meeting you in Pasadena at Vorhmans. My girlfriend was new to your work and now is a big fan after attending with me. What a fun time! Love the china and brittle and would love to host my own tea with your beautiful find!
I just love reading your blogs. Here in Minnesota we have plenty of snow and cold to keep us by the fireside and reading your special words really hits home. Warm wishes and candy dishes to you! Merry Christmas.
Good Morning! What a beautiful post! I love, your flock of lambs, your two new Beatrix Potter figurines… actually, every single thing you’ve shared in this post. You always fill me with such happiness. Wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty, and of course Jack a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014. With love and joy. 🙂
I thought you said before that Vanna knew the difference between posters, and wouldn’t allow multiple entries. If this is not the case please don’t approve this comment, because I already commented yesterday. And, I don’t mean to give you more work with an extra, but I forgot to mention yesterday……Today is my MOM’S BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Mom! She loves Downton Abbey too! She reads your blog but doesn’t usually comment, I’m trying to convince her to change that. Happy Birthday also to other December Girlfriends here too!
Merry Christmas, Susan! This is the first time I have written anything to you, but just wanted to tell you I keep up with your blog & always enjoy the “news”. It’s like getting a letter from home! Just looked up the toffee recipe in the Vineyards Seasons book & found several of your artlcles from back when you wrote for Country Living! We have a lot of the same interests! Thanks for writing about your collections, cooking, quilts!! & traveling. It is all so fun to be a small part of. Happy New Year to you & Joe, & the kittys, of course. Suzanne
Merry Christmas!! Your home looks so cozy and comfortable. Thanks for passing on your positive, love-of-life spirit to all the rest of us!
Merry, Merry Susan thanks for sharing your special talent and treasures! your kind cozyness warms all our hearts.
Hi Susan,
It is such a pleasure to sit with my first cup of coffee (the best cup) and one of your books during quiet time in the morning, my kitty curled up in my lap, enjoying the fact that I am sitting. Of course, as a cat person, you know exactly where she wants to lay, right across the pages of the book! Thank you for sharing yourself and your gifts with the world. Many hours of pleasure have been derived from your work, and never does a year go by without your calendar up to inspire.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Linda
Oh Susan!!
What a generous gift!!! It’s a beautiful set and I would love to enjoy it here in our home. Thank you for the chance…..Merry Christmas!!
Jane
I know you’re going to have thousands of comments to read over the next few days, so I hope you don’t mind that I just use words to express the feelings that I had as I read through this post.
Excitement ~ amazed ~ BAA… that’s a lot of sheep ~ adorable ~ beautiful memories~ cherish ~ oh,comfort of home ~ Awwww… “Jack!” ~ heartfelt~ yum~ nature’s beauty ~ delicious~ tears.happy.tears~ kindness~ Yum …(sweet potato )~ grateful ~ blessed~ filled with wonderment~ tears!
Then I went in and read the whole blog post to Mom, and everything above… Repeated!
Susan, thank you for the joy!!!
Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas Deb!
Chris
Susan, you always make me feel warm and cozy, like you are right there in the room chatting with me. I too am a “dishes and china” person. Aren’t they just the most beautiful things? I only collect the ones I will use. I don’t like the idea of having them just sit and collect dust. My dishes all get loved and included in our daily lives. I do love the tea set you found. Is that Scharffenberger chocolate you are melting for your brittle? I visited that wonderful small chocolate company while in Berkley, CA but sadly they were bought out by Hershey and closed. They made candy the old fashioned way, one small, yummy batch at a time. I also like the pic. of the little boy w/sled watching the rain then later with wheels being pulled by his dog. Darling!
We are flying to Baltimore to be with our son & daughter-in-law for Christmas, can’t wait to see them again!!! Thank you for all the cheerful things you do for all of us!!!!!!!
I look forward to your blog and always check to see if I missed one! Brightens my day! Love the tea set!!
I just love the cardinals against the white snow. They are such great birds – one of my favorites. They are very timid in my neighborhood here in Florida. I think they are scared of the hawks – I would be too! Enjoyed the blog today. It is going to be in the 70s today and the 80s tomorrow so the only place I am going to see snow and a cozy fire is on your lovely blog. Oh, and I would love to have the tea set and brittle.
My Mother bought me my first Susan Branch cookbook years ago, (she knew you had a sister Shelly), tho’ my Mom has passed on now whenever I open your cookbooks I think of her. Over the years I have become a ardent fan of yours, enjoy the website, loved the book, and always print the blog out so I can enjoy them over and over again. (I also have a huge penchant for dishes!). I already subscribe to Yankee, and loved the spread on your house! Since you outdid yourself last year decorating I think you could scale back this year, but irregardless enjoy the holiday! love Shelley
Hi Susan. I would love to win that charming tea set.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, what a sweet surprise! and so lovely too! Everything looks so warm and cozy, coming to your blog is always like visiting a good friend. Have a very Merry Christmas Susan!
I went straight to the comment section to enter!!!!!
Heading back to finish reading and planing on making your brittle. What a great Hostess Gift for tomorrows party!
Thank YOU for the surprise.
Hello Susan… wow… I just read all 1600 and something comments… I left you a big one early yesterday, and it is just not there… waaahhh…. really, I am not trying to get an extra chance to win your giveaway, tee hee hee, but I do want one chance!… so I will leave another comment and hope it comes through… I forgot what all I wrote, so I will just say as always I love all that you post… such a busy time of year yet you still make time for us girlfriends!… we are in the midst of another blizzard right now and it is truly a winter wonderland outside… my Tessy girl (English Pointer) got her new PINK Christmas doggie boots early so her little paw paws will stay nice and warm… love the smell of your fire… your almond brittle… and Christmas trees coming out of my computer all of the way from your home on Martha’s Vineyard… sending much love, xoxo Julie Marie
I haven’t gotten through them yet Julie, they don’t come in to me in order, so I’ve got 133 to go (as long as no more come in, which something tells me is not going to be the way it is!) But I’m sure yours is still here somewhere. Off I go to find it! 🙂
How special – homemade by YOU almond brittle and a gorgeous English tea set! ♥♥♥ This has been a very difficult year for me with my mom now in assisted living and our childhood home sold, and me out of work, but you are so correct that we each have so much to give and share that we are still so blessed, so blessed. I’ll be baking traditional shortbread and also pumpkin cranberry breads for gifts and take alongs. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and creativity with us! I just love how this community of girlfriends has grown and grown – and appreciates the warmth and beauty of home and homemaking. Merry, Merry, Blessed Christmas!!!
Absolutely love the little picture of the dog pulling the sled with wheels – reminder of a childhood long long ago. Wish I still had my little sled with holly painted on it (much faded) – before I graduated to a Flexible Flyer and zoomed down the hills with the big kids.
I love getting lost in all your cute stuff! Just 5 minutes turns into 1 hour every time I click over to you. Thanks for sharing.
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe. Glad that you can spend it at home. I really think you should add a Corgi, Welsh Pembroke would be my choice. Female, Molly would be a good name. :)Jean
Oh, Susan, as I was reading your blog and admiring your dishes and drooling over your candy, I came to the part where you said you were giving them away and my heart just about stopped. Thank you for the opportunity for me to throw my hat in the ring with all the other girlfriends. I wish we had a “real” fireplace. We have a gas one but it just isn’t the same. I love the smell and the snap, crackle of the real deal. I pray that you and your wonderful hubby have the best Christmas ever! Your adoring reader from way out in Idaho, Cori.
Oh, the cardinals! I miss them more than anything – being a bird-loving Massachusetts transplant living in the Pacific Northwest can be tough on cardinal lovers! But the first thing I thought when I saw the tea set was how much my daughter would love it – she is 25 and I’ve been buying her a tea pot for either her birthday or Christmas or Hanukkah for the past several years, but have yet to find one this year that “speaks” to me like this set did! I’d love to win and re-gift it to her! Merry Christmas!
Susan as usual your generosity and kindness is such a blessing now at this holiday time and throughout the year…you are always so nice to all of us! Really you give us a gift everyday through your blog, I look forward to it as much as a package at the front door from UPS!
That tea set is just beautiful what an amazing find and the candy looks soooo good! Your house looks so warm and inviting, I can almost smell the candy and the baked potato baking and hear the fire crackling. It must be so hard to leave your warm home even for a couple days! Jack and Girl must be so very happy to have you home.
Can’t wait for Downton Abbey too! ~East Longmeadow, MA ~
Way to go, Joan, for finding the pattern name of the tea set. The SB Blog is better than Wikipedia for finding answers.
Now, does anyone know where to get a map of walking trails in England for my friends who are going next year?
Have you been to my Appendix for A FINE ROMANCE? You can find help there, scroll down to F for Footpaths …
My friend has my book. I’ve ordered hers and it should arrive by Monday or Tuesday. I’ll call her and tell her to look there.
I just found out they’re starting at Arnside and ending at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. And they’re doing this on their own; no guide, no hotel reservations, no decent maps, no sense.
I don’t know much about the geography, but it seems to me that they’ll be missing a lot of the highlights and cute little villages.
I think it sounds like a true adventure! Total serendipity. They’ll be fine and imagine all the surprises they will come upon. Good and bad, but that’s where the memories are. Brave souls.
Merry Christmas!!
Glad to have you back where you belong, with Jack and Girl Kitty. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Susan for the gentle reminder to take it SLOW and enjoy this magical time of year. Merry Christmas!
so glad you are home again to nest. I am a nester too and love to surround our home with the Christmas “musica”, treats, bayberry candles, all to welcome anyone who knocks. I would love to “inherit” a piece of your wonderful cross country adventure that I followed with the joy you wrote down for all of us girlfriends.
have
yourselves
a
merry
little
christmas~
let
your
hearts
be
light …!
xxooxx
I loved your book, A Fine Romance. A neighbor recommended it when she found out I was traveling to England for the first time (September)….then I signed up to get your e-mails. I love and “re-read” every one of them because they are so “feel good!” I spent the last 45 minutes trying to figure out the name of the English tea-set china pattern. I went to Replacements.com and also looked for it on eBay, but no luck there. It’s lovely, and I hope I win it! Merry Christmas to you, Susan, and to everyone who happens to read my “comment.”
The teapot is lovely and no matter who the lucky winner is, we all got to enjoy it for a while. Which reminds me, I have a favorite vase, it’s very small and only holds one small bloom. I picked it up 12 years ago when I took my young daughters on an outing. I have always loved that vase and never thought to look at where it came from until last month as I was accessorizing my guest room for my daughter’s visit home over Christmas. Guess who made the vase? Our own Susan Branch! Which made me chuckle, as I loved the vase long before I “knew” you, Susan. Even without the tea set, which anyone would treasure, I still have a little something from you that makes me happy. Thank you for bringing joy to those around you.
Good Morning Susan,
It’s a gloomy, day here and probably the same for you – weatherwise. Just loved your new lambs and Beatrix Potter figurines that you found on your trip! How adorable they all are and isn’t it exciting to uncover some wonderful hidden treasure in a thrift/flea shop? I, too, am drawn to those kinds of shops in anticipation of finding something special.
Your dishes are from the 30-60’s era and quite beautiful. Dishes are a passion of mine, too and it is difficult to ever turn down that perfect this dish or teapot. It’s great fun to mix and match pieces for whatever the occasion.
Time to start some bread and perhaps I’ll your almond brittle a try tomorrow!
Stay warm and cozy today.
Michele 🙂
Oh please enter me! I love that tea set. I have always wanted one!
Merry Christmas
Susan, You have been a great inspiration to me since I discovered you and your blog
only about a year ago! What a blissful feeling it is to read your blogs while sipping on a warm soothing cup of tea!! You are just so cute!!!! I love your always happy and
cheerful outlook on life and it’s so contagious! – in a very good kind of a way!!! Thank you for sharing your joy and your life experiences and all those great recipes for how to lead a fun and happy life – and all the food- kind of recipes as well!! So many yummy ones – I love the brittle you made for christmas!!
Anyway, thanks for helping me to realize that our lives should be treasured and
that everyone deserves to have fun and be happy!!! <3 <3 <3
xoxo Terese, thank you.
This blog entry was a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle. Thanks for the good ideas and lovely suggestions.
It’s wonderful to visit your home again! Thank you for sharing!
Love the recipe for almond brittle – I may have to give it a try! Your lambs are adorable – I have a small collection myself. Back in the 1970’s, my boyfriend gave me a live lamb for easter. I named her Muffin and she got into all sorts of trouble. Finally she went to live with a farmer but I’ll never forget her.
Lucky!
Love, love, love your blog. Whenever you have a new post, I get a cup of tea and I sit back to relax and read it. Thanks so much for taking the time to write it and thanks for the chance to win that beautiful set of china.
What a dreamy, cozy, Christmasy, post — Merry Christmas!
Beautiful dishes!!!