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! ♥
I enjoy your blog and books so much. Have a very Merry Christmas!
love your blog…..nothing like coming home after a long trip………..and you have one of the loveliest homes I’ve ever visited………I can just feel the cottage cozy charm of your home when I visit your blog…………..and Jack is the icing on the cake!! Thanks for inviting us into your home with such warm hospitality.
Just finished reading Excellent Wemen by Barbara Pye. Thank you for introducing me to some of your favorite authors, some have become favorites of mine too. You have also inspired me to get out my water colors. Not very talented but is very fun. Loved loved your new book, giving for Christmas presents. Thank you for sharing yourself with us and for your inspiration. Merry christmas.
I just found your blog after being away for so long. It’s good to be home! I’m just finishing up baking lots of Christmas cookies to give away and love the way the house feels when I’m baking for family and friends. Have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan, what a beautiful tea set and the brittle looks delicious too! I’m glad you are getting to relax at home during this busy most wonderful season. Thank you for knowing exactly what we all love and the generosity to share it.
Hi Susan,
Just watched White Christmas, thoroughly enjoyed it. Glad you are home safe and sound, doing all the things you love.
Merry Christmas!
Oh, how wonderful this post was — I definitely need to make that Almond Brittle recipe — that is, if I don’t win! Thank you.
Oh, Susan, your house looks just adorable… Decorated tree or not! Count me in this drawing; to think of winning a treat actually made by you would be the best Christmas present ever! 🙂
I was just sitting in my brown leather chair, all comfy-cozy, reading Christmas From The Heart Of The Home that a friend gave to me for Christmas in 1991. It was my first book and I have been a huge fan ever since. Love the tea set too, and am also an avid dish fan. I have a contemporary decorated home; but my next house will be very vintage and I have already decorated it in my head. Love, love, love those cardinals at your bird feeder too – are they not a miracle? The red against the snowy white landscape…gives me goose bumps. Gorgeous.
Happiness is reading your blog with a cup of tea & a piece of your delicious candy.
I am so glad you had such a marvelous trip & found so many goodies. I want to go shopping eith you.
I think that is the most beautiful tea set I have ever seen. What a generous heart you have. Sweet of you to share with one of your followers. Have a great Christmas.
Oh yes, please put my name in for the beautiful set of china! I mean, a girl needs more than one set of china, right? Even though I live in California, I truly appreciate your Christmas birds, the cardinals. The only bird that may eclipse the cardinal might be the English robin! Merry Christmas, girlfriends!
Thank you for your wonderful blog! It just makes my day! So warm and cozy! The tea set is just beautiful, and green is my favorite color! May you, Joe and the sweet kitties have a Very Merry Christmas!
Aren’t you so sweet? I was just feeling so cozy reading the blog and reading the recipe and thinking how nice it must be for you to be home doing all your own busy holiday things and there you go… doing something for us again. You are an inspiration for all of us. Thanks so much. Have a great Christmas!
Blessings to you for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I just recently started following your blog and now consider myself one of your faithful blog followers! Each post is a special treat.
What a beautiful tea set. I have a 12-year old boy that has enjoyed tea since he was about 2. We have a “tea drawer”. My work friend brought him a box of tea from England a few months ago when she went home to visit her mom. It would be so wonderful to enjoy some tea together with this tea set Susan.
And the candy looks wonderful too. I must try this recipe.
Dearest Susan, I don’t ever get “warm fuzzies” from anything else, quite like I do from spending time with you. You make the good things in life even better. You just make me want to be as good a person as I possibly can be. Blessings. Have a wonderful Christmas.
What i love best about you, Susan, (and I know there are so many things…just ask Joe) is that you cause me to stop for a minute and enjoy the soap bubbles in my sink. thank you!
-Mary Jo
I have been making lots of fudge to give to neighbors and friends. Your brittle looks wonderful. Love the tea set!
Susan, thank you so much for your delightful blog! I was admiring your homey kitchen & practically drooling over the georgous tea set while imaging I was enjoying some of that delectable-looking brittle, when I saw that you were actually preparing that for one of us! Best of all, it will help children who have not had the kind of love they need.
I had just tried your blog tonight so that I could re-read any earlier posts, & was thrilled to findable new one! Thank you for sharing with us!
P.S., thank you for sharing your love of Gladys Taber & her writings. I am gradually amassing her books from Amazon, & they are just magnificent!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do!
Your blog give me a warm feeling of coziness and love.Than you!
(So sorry!) As I was about to say, I feel like I’ve already won – I was able to meet you and Joe in Pasadena, CA at Vroman’s Bookstore. It was a real thrill for me. Love your book and can’t wait to see what treasure you will create next.
Must confess, I’m relieved you are home. Feels like we are all ‘home’ together again.
Love you, my dear! Keep on creating! – Angie Scott-Chavez
Hi Susan!
you must be so glad to be back on the island for Christmas! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. And such treasures you found along the way! Thank you, Susan, for keeping us so close by no matter where you are!
Happy Christmas!!
Laurie
New to reading your blog, but have heard so much about your books. I just finished reading your latest post and loved the figurines. The salted buttered sweet potatoes looks and sounds sooooo delicious.
Thank you so much for all you bring to your art! I just finished you book and will be reading it again and again! The dishes are lovely. So sweet of you to share with one of your GF”s! The almond brittle is the cherry on top!
What a sweetheart to share such a find! I so enjoy reading your posts – I too love to play house – I always feel like I’m hearing from a sister I never knew I had. Merry Christmas!
Merry Merry Christmas Susan, What a beautiful Tea set and your delicious looking almond brittle. Wish we had known you spent “Black Friday” at Science Hill. We could have come and waved at you or something. Hope you had time for a meal. The food is fantastic. We live in Louisville and Shakertown is one of my favorite places. So peaceful. Just decorated our third and FINAL Christmas tree today. Carole
Susan, it’s so lovely to have you back at home spreading your special joy! Your almond bark looks divine!!! And the tea set is so darling; my grandchildren and I could have a wonderful tea party with that!! I must tell you a little secret: I love your book sooooooooooooo much that I just can’t let myself finish it yet!! I just don’t want our trip to end! 😉 It sits on a little table next to my reading chair just waiting for me, but I know I will not be able to put it down again once I pick it up. I’m waiting to savor it with cups of Meyer Lemon tea (a new found treat!) between Christmas and the New Year while I sit by the fire. I might even have to go back and reread the first part – just to be sure I haven’t forgotten anything!! Thank you so much for writing such a marvelous book!! Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy beyond measure and a blessed New Year!!
Thank you for the
Oh Susan, I would LOVE to win your giveaway! You always have such wonderful items for your giveaway surprises. Thank you for offering the chance (and I hope I win!) 🙂
Merry Christmas and stay warm!
Michelle
What a lovely ‘tea set’. My grandson’s, ages 7&10 love to have evening tea with there Mother, what a wonderful present this would be for them. Wishing you the Merriest of Holidays to you and your family. Stay warm.
I am so glad someone else is at peace with not having their tree up. I too have Christmas in my heart and plan on resting in the joy right on through Epiphany. Thank you for sharing. ♥
There are no rules about Christmas despite what we see on TV! It can be a purely spiritual thing and all about what is in your heart! Love “resting in the joy!”
Welcome to home and hearth. I’m a dish lover, too, and the green set you chose is lovely. I have two of your dish patterns. One is the Rose Chintz, and you gave me the idea of mixing it with my Pink Tower. The two really look pretty together. Susan, I think that we all love and admire your capacity for joy. By the way, my figurine collection is from Brambly Hedge.
What a lovely gift that would be to win. You don’t know what that would mean to me. It is so sweet of you to think of all us girlfriends as you enjoyed exploring the antique/treasure shops along your trip. Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty.
I am throughly enjoying your new book. I feel like I am visiting in England which I have been lucky to do many times! Would love to see you write about your method of keeping a journal. Thanks for sharing your life with your readers.
RRoebuck
What a sweet and gifted lady you are! Your books and artwork are lovely and your cozy home is too! I know you and your husband are thankful to be home after your wonderful trip! Merry Christmas to you and everyone that reads your blog! May God bless us all in the coming year!
I’ve been inspired this holiday season by so many of your recipes and decorating ideas . Merry Christmas!
I WOULD LOVE LOVE THAT TEA SET AND CANDY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL BLOG. YOU LIFT MY SPIRITS
If either one of us wins we can share it transatlantically!!!
Merry Christmas and welcome home! Thanks for being our best girlfriend! The tea set would be a great consolation for not getting to World Market soon enough to snatch up their special Downton Abbey line! Yours is more beautiful and authentic! You are more than generous. Happy Holidays xo
Merry Christmas and welcome home!! The tea set is beautiful and brittle recipe looks delicious, I can’t wait to try the recipe and share it with my girlfriends:).
Susan, you have such a beautiful blog – I look forward to every post. I am enjoying reading your book – it is such a gift. The tea set is beautiful and you are very kind to give it away. Merry Christmas!
What a delight to find your post tonight. It’s always such a lift-like hearing from an old friend. Speaking of “old friends”, I have a friend coming in from Africa (where she and her husband are serving at a missionary school) to attend their son’s wedding. We used to enjoy a hot cup of tea throughout the year-drinking our tea from my petite collection of tea cups. I’m hosting an open house on Monday for her so she can see many friends in a short time. I’m excited to catch up with her. The pictures of your tea set brought back some great memories! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Susan, It just feels like all’s right with the world when you’re back home blogging away! I’m really glad your book tour was such a success, & looks like you and Joe had a grand time, but I’m glad you get to share some of your Christmas at home with us. Merry Christmas!
oh, Susan, what a beautiful tea set! You are so kind to share it. Just one more lovely thing you’ve given us. Wishing the merriest of Christmases to you and yours!
I thought I sent a comment earlier today but the pesky filters on my work computer may have not allowed my email to go through? I thought I better try again. (Vanna will recognize me, but I can not find my comment!)
I am so glad you are home. It was fun to see the sights along the book signing way, but HOME really is best. I worry with all the driving, and I missed you being home for our special, and most favorite time of year… AUTUMN!
Time now to light the fire, snuggle under a quilt, enjoy a cuppa tea and read of our adventure to England.
Two weeks off from school. Time to nest and read, bake cookies and sip tea. Time to savor and enjoy the wonder of this season.
Thank you dear Susan for sharing!
Loved seeing your charming new tea set-what a treasure to find! And will certainly have to try that almond brittle recipe really soon. I have one of my mother’s red and white crocheted doilies that looks just like yours-a popular pattern way back when. I am a recent
follower of your website and blog and as a fellow artist, admire your artistic style and philosophy on life. Blessings of the holidays.
Hi Susan, When I saw the pictures of the tea set, I thought how lucky you were to find such a beautiful set in an antique shop. It is really amazing. Then you said that one of us could win it along with your homemade almond brittle. I couldn’t be more excited. Thank you. Wishing you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Susan – What a wonderful cause you have chosen to donate part of your proceeds from the book. Several dear friends are going to be receiving copies along with some tea & sweets. I so admire your treasure hunting skills while on your trip. The B.P, figurines are most adorable & you certainly did add to your flock – you may need to take sheep herding lessons & get a border collie, but I imagine Jack will put his paw down on that idea. The tea set is so girly with its Lilly Pulitzer green & pink. The person who receives this gift is a lucky girlfriend indeed.
have a lovely Christmas & New Year at your own pace & enjoy being home again.
Welcome home! I have been feeling slightly disconnected because my pc bit the dust a few weeks ago and so I’ve had to borrow time on other’s computers. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you! Especially at Christmas, I think of you….your generosity, first and foremost…of your time, talent and treasures. And then, the creativity…the inspiration…that wafts through my home…it’s kind of like the scent of perfume …it lingers in your wake, Susan. I’ve learned so much and have been so affected by all you’ve shared with us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! One lucky girlfriend will be on the receiving end of your beautiful tea set and your homemade candy but we’re ALL so very lucky to be sharing this moment in time with you!
Wishing you and Joe and all those you love a wonderful, magical Christmas!
xoxoDebbie
Wishing you and Joe and all those you love a wonderful, magical Christmas
I’ve been busy making cookies and candies for friends and family too. I was drooling when I saw the beautiful china tea set you got on your trip to Oklahoma City and then my jaw dropped when I read you were gifting it away!!! OMG!!! Someone is gonna be thrilled!!!! (((me???))) Merry Christmas everyone!!!!
Dear Susan it was wonderful to stumble across your blog! I am new to these but not to you. Your art is like an old friend. Thank you for letting me “join” your GF’s. Merry Christmas.
So enjoy reading your blog and seeing your winter snow photos and your beautiful Christmas decorations. Your green tea set is lovely and would make a delightful Christmas surprise. What a lovely gift to give. Happy Christmas to you, Susan, and Joe and the kitty cats, and may you all have a wonderful New Year.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, AND YOUR STAFF. EVERY NIGHT I LOOK FOWARD TO SIT WITH YOU. MY DAYS AREN’T MY OWN. YOU BRIGHTEN MY NIGHTS WITH WHAT I HOPE MY LIFE COULD BE. ALWAYS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. GOD, HAS RICHLY BLESS YOU & YOURS. HAVE A BLESSED, PROSPEROUS, & HEALTHY SEASON, & NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Christmas Haiku for You:
Home, where love is pure
And wrapped in a box of joy,
Just waiting for you!
Hi Susan,
That last picture made me laugh because at this very moment I have sweet potatoes in the oven. It’s one of my favorite snacks in the winter.
Also, I just purchased your calendar ready for the new year. Hope you have a great holiday.
Regards,
Laurie
Love the china…it is beautiful!!!! I also love your sheep collection!
I dont know about your China , I have seen it before , however there is a similar one in Amazon for 70 -80 dollars homedecorgiftideas.com/gracie-tea-set/
Always inspiring, always a delight to escape to your world for a few minutes. Love everything “Susan Branch”. Thank you!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing all your wonderful talents. I thoroughly enjoy reading about all you do and accomplish. Enjoy the holidays.
That is quite possibly the prettiest tea set I’ve ever seen– at least, if I’d spotted it in an antique shop, there’s NO way I’d let it out of my hands! What a lovely giveaway! 😉
Thank you Susan for all you do. I can’t tell you how many times throughout the year I come to your blog for a distraction from daily life. Your blog always puts a smile on my face and today was no exception. Loved Jack, the gingerbread house, the figurines, the brittle, the dishes, your illustrations. It is just a very fun place to visit. I hope you and your loved ones have a Merry, Merry Christmas! :}
Dear Susan,
I so look forward to your blog, and get so excited when I see you in my e-mail! You truly are a “girl friend” to us all. Thank you for “A Fine Romance”, and all your blogs on your book signing trip. (I, too, now have started a little Beatrix Potter family – darling on my kitchen windowsill)! Welcome home and Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties!
Vicki
OH SUSAN!!!!! THIS IS PERFECT!!!! I LOVE old dishes too!!!!! 🙂 I’m from Oklahoma originally, and I couldn’t help think…”I wish I knew where she got those. I’d like to go to that store!”. The dishes are BEAUTIFUL!!!! 🙂 I collect teapots too, and dishes!! Whenever I find little treasures, it just makes my day!!!! 😉 I mix and match also!! And I don’t exclude ones with small imperfections….I figure those little imperfections are something we can all relate to. We can be beautiful and useful, even if we aren’t perfect!! 😉 BUT, your dishes are just PERFECT!! 🙂 AND I bet that candy is absolutely DELICIOUS!!! 🙂 AND watching DOWNTON ABBEY while having tea and treats off of these dishes would be SOOOO FUN!!!! 🙂 I just LOVE your books!! I just finished “A FINE ROMANCE”, and I’m going to reread it!! I enjoyed it SOOOO MUCH!!!! I would show it to people at work when I was reading on break. It is such a COOL BOOK!!!! 😉 Thank you for giving us the chance to imagine enjoying these goodies…even if we can’t all win!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of creativity and England with all of us too!!!! YOU are a BLESSING and a JOY!!!!!! 😉 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! 🙂
Oh what an amazing gift you are giving away and no hint of that until you read to the bottom of the post. I am just going to say it, I would so love to have that beautiful tea set to use for our annual cousin tea party. It is gorgeous and I love teapots and tea sets and dishes. My belief is that you can’t have too many of any of those. The homemade candy sounds as delicious as the tea set looks. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack.
A beautiful, warm Christmas blog post!
You are amazing finding the time that you do to pay attention to all of your girlfriends. The new lambs look happy with their little buddies. They are so cute, I am a lamb lover too. What a great time you must have had finding all of these treasures!
Good luck everyone on the chance to win such a lovely tea set.
I was sad when I finished your new book because I felt I’d found a new friend I didn’t want to say goodbye to. How fun to find your blog and hear more and more from you. I also do love the photos and art work. Just lovely!
Susan! I can’t BELIEVE all these comments! You’ve got girlfriends coming out of the woodwork! Nice blog, love the lambs.
Oh Susan! I have your wonderful tea and it would be just perfect to serve in this beautiful tea set. What a wonderful thing to think of all us girlfriends in such a giving way…you are always thinking of us. Thank you!
I adore that tea set! What a lovely shade of green and gold.
Hello Susan ~
Absolutely love your blog ~ it just makes me feel warm all over. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the drawing. May your Christmas be filled with much love, peace, and happiness.
Carol
Merry Christmas Susan and ALLLLLLLLLLLL your loved ones!! Please tell Vanna
my name is near the bottom a little to the left. Already have Susan’s tea and just need a tea set for the grand finale!!! so luv the book!
The china is lovely! It would have a nice home with me 🙂 I do love your blog and enjoyed reading about your cross-country book signing. I love traveling by car – there is so much to see!
So delightful, thank you Susan! Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to you!
Thanks for letting me sit with you (and Jack) in your kitchen while your sweet potato was baking. I feel nice and cozy now. 🙂
What a lovely tea service. I collect tea paraphernalia–nothing particularly fancy, just the items that strike my fancy. Even tho I won’t win it, I’ll still enjoy looking at your wonderful pictures.
I also love your lamb collection. My mother also had a huge collection–most of which I’d given to her over the course of about 30 years. When she died, I inherited most of them. I gave some to my sister, but the rest are still in storage while I decide how/if to display them. Decisions!
I hope you and all your many loved ones (human and furry) have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
I love your blog and the tea set. I collect a new teacup from the different countries I visit. I have cups from about 20 countries now. The one thing they must all have is a gold rim around the top. I just wished I had kept track of the countries they belong to. Merry Christmas!!
Hi Susan
Love the candy recipe which I intend to make, love the bookshop’s gingerbread house frontage, it looks superb and love all your new purchases. I just have the tailor of Gloucester given to me from a child I taught many years ago and he acts as a book end on some of my small and tiny book collection. You can find out about the Tuscan China on line they have quite a few sites including the identity marks they use. Finally I love your home and enjoy the festive season in it and I look forward to the new year and what you will do next.
Wow, we are definitely kindred spirits. I love nesting too, really wish it could be my full time job. The dishes are beautiful! I am counting down the days until ‘Downton Abbey’ starts! Got “A Fine romance” for my birthday last week!!! Savoring it and reading it slowly so I can enjoy every detail! Thank you for all you do to make the Holidays merry and bright! Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and kitties too.
Such a beautiful blog, as always. Thank you for that and all the joy you share. I have the cranberries, now need the Crosse and Blackwell marmalade for the jam; have the almonds, must get the chocolate; have the Christmas book out, must check for other goodies. Wishing you a most wonderful Christmas and a very, very, happy new year.
Susan, someone who has the Christmas spirit in her heart all year long.xoxo
This china set reminds me of my mum….she adored sweet little tea cups. In her last years we would sit and sip tea from her favorite delicate little tea cups. Few words were said as she had lost most of her memory but she never forgot her tea cups! She’d smile and she seemed to remember…..
Susan, thanks to you I met a new friend this year (Gladys Tabor) and almost feel like I went to England! Your blog always lifts my spirit and somehow I can see your heart-prints in your art. That paintbrush is definitely tied with ribbons to your soul! Thank you for your generosity. Blessed Christmas.
Love “tied with ribbons to your soul” — so pretty Terri, thank you xoxo
I love your blog posts, Susan! The photos, the recipes, your beautiful artwork… it is a joy and a blessing to read! Happy Christmas to you! xoxo, Rachel
The china set reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, I love it! I’m so happy to have discovered your blog, I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. As a mother to 9, I love it when you share your stories of growing up in a large family.
Mother of Nine! I crown thee Queen of all that is around you. Thank you (I can say that because I know what you’ve done!)
Thank you for the wonderful almond toffee recipe. My mother’s silver is the same as your found teaspoon with your tea cup service. It’s called “Strausburg”. She was a collector of Beatrix Potter figures, too. I think you must be kindred spirits. Happy Christmas!
Oh how great Gail, thank you! I tell you this Blog is better than Google! 🙂
I love the lamb collection. I am collecting deer/reindeer but might have to start collecting lambs too! I would like to be in the drawing. Merry Christmas!
Curling up with a cup of tea and reading your blog is such a wonderful gift! The almond toffee looks so so yummy! I LOVE vintage dishes and am always looking! What a beautiful tea set! What joy it will bring the lucky winner! What a cozy way to cheer the long winter! Tea parties! Merry Christmas! Thank you for all the joy you bring through your books and lovely blog!
Hi Susan. Your blog posts are so comforting and fun to look at, especially in the winter:)
Dear Susan, First off, I love how Titcombs Bookshop decorated and made their store so inviting like a gingerbread house. I love gingerbread houses, boys and girls and all decorations like gingerbread. Like to eat it also.
Your brittle looks delish and easy so can’t wait to try that too.
The set of dishes are amazing and from England no less! How thoughtful of you. I can see how much you love antiquing. We haven’t been home much since we were watching our grandsons in VA Beach and will be visiting them again so I told Joe I want to keep our decorations up longer this year because we really haven’t enjoyed them with coming and going. When we return, I am planning to have friends from our Branches group over for a morning tea with all kinds of cakes and goodies. I haven’t really entertained or anything although I have gone to friends homes in between our travels. Of course, by the time I return I may just be too tired to do it all but for right now that is what is in my thoughts and plans.
Also, seeing your oven again reminds me how I wish I had a gas stove/oven! I had one when we were first married but everytime since then we never had gas and always electric. I have an electric smooth top now and while it looks nice, I have to clean it almost every time I use it except when I just make a cup of tea.
Well, Susan, wishing you and Joe (and Girl Kitty and Jack) again the merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year. With love, Gail & Joe xoxo
Hi Susan,
The hightlight of my day is when I see you have a new post. I fix a cup of coffee or tea, whatever I can get my mittens on, click on the musica button and settle in my my friend and read what you have been up to. It’s like instantly having a warm cozy blanket wrapped around you, and I mentally drift away into Branchland and it’s a wonderful place to be! Kindered spirit just isn’t a good enough description to describe the warm fuzzies I get seeing your post. You are an angel on earth and bring so much happiness to all. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Hugs, Nancy
You don’t know how happy that makes me, it’s what I try to do!
The memories and stories you share help keep of my own favorite memories alive…Thank you for that. 🙂
*some
Oh, that sweet potato looks so pretty and tasty!
Samuel Whiskers? YAY!
I am already over the top and overdone when it comes to sugary treats, but I will make sweet cookies for the grands.
I’m so glad you are home and happily puttering around your lovely house, Susan! It’s so fun for all of us!
Loooove the tea set…….would love to display this in my home! Great book…A Fine Romance. Always enjoy reading your blog and visiting your home!
Dear Susan, what a lovely surprise to find this pretty blog post this morning. I got up extra early to make sure I had everything ready for our Secret Santa breakfast at work. Stayed up late last night making your Spiced Pecans and putting them in the cutest little blue mason jars from World Market. My family loves them and I figure my co-workers will too. I also made English shortbread and added a little fresh orange zest..somehow makes it merrier!
I wanted to mention a book series in case you haven’t seen them, but they are the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs. They are wonderful and all based on the lady “Theodosia” who owns and runs an English tea shop in Charleston. Some of the goodies they mention in the stories have the recipes in the back.I am currently reading The English Breakfast Murder”. I want to wish you and Joe and the kitties a very Merry Christmas and a spectacular 2014!
I just love Samuel Whiskers! My son’s favorite Beatrix Potter story was The Roly Poly Pudding also called the Tale of Samuel Whiskers. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Susan: My husband and I woke up this morning to a Wisconsin ice storm — schools are closed — the highways are iced over — my husband doesn’t have to go to work – and we are now enjoying the first day of our Christmas week with no work. Your blog cheers us up and makes us warm and cozy. I love the dishes you chose for your winner, and I know just one of these times it’ll be me!
May you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas — I so enjoyed meeting the both of you this summer.
Lucky you, a snow day!
You give us gifts with every post. I enjoy your writing so much. Thank you for sharing your blessings. A Merry Christmas to all who dwell in your home and in your heart.
love the almond brittle recipe!! yumm! can’t wait till it’s ready
I wrote on that recipe (in the book) “when you make it be sure it get it boxed up asap get it out of the house.” Fair warning! 🙂
Susan~ we ”girlfriends” are so blessed because of you!! Thanks for sharing your ”thoughts” ~fantastic ideas~!!
Happy Holidays to you and you and you~~~smiles and sparkles !!!!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing with each of us. I enjoy my quiet moments of admiring dishes, drawings, birds, kitties…..a peacefulness in a busy world.
Oh my! So very generous & loving to give such beautiful treasures to us! Thank you so very, very much! Our children & grandchildren are coming to visit us TODAY from California! I’m beside myself with anticipation & happiness! Those sweet little faces are my presents!!! Such happy energy all through the house! I’m so happy you are home too! I love seeing your kitties, kitchen, cardinals, & beautiful home. You’ve lit up my morning. I’m newly inspired. MERRY CHRISTMAS my friend!
We had just about decided that we didn’t need to decorate for Christmas this year. But… grandson Conner came to visit and asked where’s your tree? Um, it’s upstairs. So he races upstairs to see the tree before we could tell him it was in the box still. I know … a fake tree. Oh goodness. He’s coming back today and I have a surprise for him. The tree is up, there’s garland and ornaments surrounding the Hoosier hutch, more garland around the wood stove mantel, and there are stocking hung with care… just hope the scotch tape holds. (smile) Everything is sparkling with white lights. He’s staying for the weekend and there’s cookie baking planned. He’s used to hot cocoa here at Grandma’s but I’m planning to introduce him and his two year old sister to Candy Cane tea (decaf green tea with vanilla and peppermint YUM) this afternoon. I think we’ll also work on an art project or two for their mommy. Take care and have a wonderful wonder filled Christmas season.