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’m a relative newcomer to your blog and consider it one of my best finds. You share your joy with so many. It’s catchy. Thank you for that and may you and yours have a wonder-filled Christmas. I have many of your books and calendars and I look forward to a New Year of “Susan Branch”.
How precious!!! I was feeling, well how perfect that you found that tea set… it is so you! SO serendipitous. My favorite finds are when something, is just sitting and waiting for me, to come along when I am out vintage roaming. Wonderful of you to share your find. We are hunkered down in Michigan for the winter and I love your homey and inspiring nesting ideas. Blessings and A Merry Christmas!!!
Read your blog…what a wonderful way for me to stay cozy on a cold snowy day! Merry Christmas!
Oh MY GOODNESS! Almost 2500 replies to your blog. Do you know how many clicks that is on ‘Older Comments’ to get to the beginning? You much be singing and jumping up and down every time you check your computer. So many people who love YOU and what you DO. What an affirmation that you have made the right choices. You must feel like my mother, who wiggles her toes at night in her warm bed and feels guilty for being so happy. You deserve this. You make us ALL happy. Merry Christmas, my dear! You have made a difference and we love you. PS You don’t have to share this post. Another hug from far way.
I am just like your mom!! Guilty for being so happy and wishing I could reply to every single one of these wonderful comments!! It’s amazing what we have done here together.
My son’s when they were small, and I would tuck them into bed and kiss them goodnight, would wiggle there feet and laugh and say “I’ve got the happy chills.” It was so sweet.
I would be so honored to get your dishes and candy. Have a very wonderful Merry Christmas.
Such merriment!
Happy Christmas, Susan! I loved seeing Titcombs Bookshop. What clever
people! Also, I love your sheep collection. I have one too. Wool sheep, wooden
sheep, metal sheep, clay sheep and a teasel sheep. I have been inspired to
get them out and display them – perhaps in January. Thanks for all you do
for all of us.
This Basque girl says two thumbs up for sheep!!!
It’s snowing here in Montana, I have a hot fire blazing, all getting me in the holiday spirit! Your blog completed the process! Thanks for sharing.
Love your beautiful little tea set! Would love to enjoy it!
I love the china and the BP figures. As we were just in England in September, these items do remind me of that beautiful country. I just ordered the new Peter Rabbit Christmas book for my grandchild. Can’t wait to read it. Hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I have decided to start my own lamb collection – I love your sweet little lambs. I have a very few I pull out for Christmas but I think I’ll start saving more to keep out year round.
Please enter me in your drawing & I do hope Vanna picks me! I’m a huge dishaholic as well & would love to win this set.
Oh, Susan, you speak to our hearts with your wonderful spirit and love of simplicity. We wish you the most joyous of Christmas seasons…slow and thoughtful, just the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Thank you for your lovely sentiments and reminders of taking time to enjoy every minute. Love to you, Joe, Jack & Girl Kitty.
SUSAN , JOE, VANNA,
WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.
MY WIFE DOES NOT KNOW THAT I AM ENTERING HER TO WIN THIS BEAUTIFUL TEA SET. SHE LOVES TEA PARTIES AND TOLD ME THAT SHE NEEDS THIS SET VERY BADLY. 🙂
I totally agree with your comments about slowing things down. Thank you for the lovely Christmas post. It made me feel all cozy! The tea set is beautiful and thanks so much for sharing the gingerbread house at the bookstore. I may try that next year on my daughter’s playhouse. That was genius! I wish you, Joe, the kitties and all your family and friends a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. Thanks for letting all us girlfriend be a part of it.
I’m 2401 comment !!!! But I’m still going to see if I could get those cute dishes. It’s because of you that I drink tea now!! From your blog site… Thank you Susan from Riverside…
I love lambs! The initials of our first daughter name spell out LAMB, we didn’t even realize it until our delivery nurse told us! During her childhood it was books, stuffed toys, clothes and figurines with lambs. Surprisingly she still hangs her “lambies” on her Christmas tree. This year her 2 year-old keeps taking the lambies off and snuggling them. He loves them too! Merry Christmas and thanks for all the love and joy you spread throughout the year!
Your almond bark looks sooo delicious!! And how easy! Alas… I have no candy thermometer. 🙁 I must begin a search!
What a beautiful tea set!
Susan,
What an enjoyable, festive post! Thank you for inspiring me to dream about a winter tea party (complete with homemade candy) with my granddaughters. Pinkies up, little ones!
Well who needs a multi-million dollar lottery when you have a chance to win your beautiful tea set! and I do mean that sincerely!
Susan, I love your blog. I’ts a blessing to take a break from the usual tasks of the day, get quiet and envelope myself in your world and remember the blessings in mine. That’s what you do….help us all remember the simple, wonderful things that life offers us everyday.
Bless you, Joe and your kitties this holiday season.
Love, love, live the antique dishes…Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas Susan!!
Nice. Merry Christmas 🙂
Welcome Home and Merry Christmas to you from the other side of Vineyard Sound ( Falmouth !) — You’ve already given us all a wonderful gift this year with
“A Fine Romance” !!! — may you have a wonderful holiday season !
Love the beautiful green tea set! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Everytime I read a post, it so happily transports me.
So, in actuality, I win everytime.
Should my name be chosen? icing on the already
wonderful cake.
Happy Christmas my friend!
I’d love those dishes and would love to win them !! Yes … looking forward to Downton Abbey soon … but first, Christmas. Merry Christmas to you!
Such beautiful dishes! <3 <3 <3!
I just love all the little touches you apply to everyday items and situations to make everything so special. Thank you
You just make thing sew yummy! Those dishes are a delight. At thanksgiving this year my youngest daughter asked me. mom I get these dishes right. I said yes my Mama gave them to me and I will give them to you. Thank you Mama.
Merry Christmas Susan!
Janice Pipes
A happiest of holidays to you, your Joe and the kitties from my Bill and I in southeastern PA. Such a wonderful bit of luck to have a cardinal in your garden. Thank you so much for all the coziness you encourage through your books and blogs.
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year! ( I am a “dish” person also!)
I have been a very long time follower of you. In fact, my daughter and I were just looking through her Christmas Book you wrote that I had given her for her hope chest nearly 16 to 18 years ago. I love your blog.
Merry Christmas, La Donna
Merry Christmas! I love all of the treasures you discovered…..especially that gorgeous tea set!
That is a lovely tea set! I really enjoy reading your nice cozy and homey posts. Hope you never stop.
Oh how I love dishes and that green tea set is beautiful!
Love your collection of lambs too and how the flock is displayed on the hutch.
Susan I have loved your work for years. Have several books and stickers and other things. What a lovely gift this would make…to share and enjoy with a girlfriend.
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season…
LouAnn
The perfect tea set for an afternoon tea at home!! 🙂
I’ve been busy all day making sugar cookies all by myself. My granddaughter is sick as well as my daughter so this little baker is lonely !! I would soooo love to receive your special gift. Thank you for thinking of us ! Wishing you the coziest Christmas ever
I’ve been busy all day making sugar cookies all by myself. My granddaughter is sick as well as my daughter so this little baker is lonely !! I would soooo love to receive your special gift. Thank you for thinking of us ! Wishing you the coziest Christmas ever
Lovely blog. I’ve enjoyed your work since I was given “Heart of the Home” as a wedding gift in 1989. All the best and Happy Holidays.
Winning a gift (or even a card) from you would be like hearing from a dear friend.
I mix and match dishes too! This one would be pretty for a Christmas tea.
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season!
Taylor
The tea set you are offering is absolutely beautiful!! I have been a fan for many years. I own every one of your books, big and small!!! Love, love, love your style!!!!!
Hope my previous post was included in the comments!!
I love reading your blogs and seeing all your wonderful finds. It makes me want to step into your world. So cozy! Have a wonderful Christmas and thank-you for giving me a chance to win those beautiful dishes! I love dishes and tea parties too!!
the green in the dishes is all me:) that is my color! Thank you for a wonderful gift for someone:) Merry christmas
Comment 2503!!! Oh my! This tea set would be perfect for my Valentine tea with the ladies in my neighborhood! (But I’m not sharing the candy!)
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and Kitties!
I’m off today getting the house ready for a dinner party with dear friends tomorrow.
As I straighten, dust and fluff my Gracie girl acts as my design assistant checking each pillow out to make sure it’s right. As she was watching out of the front window she started barking and the door bell rang. It was the UPS man bringing a box of goodies I ordered from SB as gifts for tomorrow! Yay, that’s perfect timing, huh?
I love your tea set you found and also enjoy mixing patterns.
Thanks for all the lovely things you’ve shared with us. The world would be a better place if we had more Susans.
Hugs!
Absolutely, love this tea set pattern. That green is amazing. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing good tidings and joy!
Lovely set. fun post..Wow..lots of comments here. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Susan! I’ve been a fan of yours since my sister first introduced me to your books. You truly represent the simple wonder that Christmas and life is all about. I’m thrilled that I am now able to introduce my own daughter to you, your books, your blogs and your wonderful adventures. God Bless you!
Merry Christmas! These would look lovely in my China cabinet with my Susan Branch Lenox and Marjolien Bastin dishes!
What a beautiful tea set, and from Oklahoma (my home) 🙂 I am a collector of your beautiful books, looking at them just makes me feel warm and cozy, as does reading your blog.
Thanks so much for bringing joy to so many…
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Susan, Love your blog, love your soul, such such beauty extended for all of us to enjoy! Thank you and Bless you ! Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!
What a lovely, lovely post! I also collect lambs, as we have a little cottage on a lake in the Laurentians (Quebec) we named Lamb Cottage, after the original family named….Lamb! He was a doctor, and went on call all over the countryside with his horse and sleigh. He’d hang a blue lantern on the front of the sleigh, as was tradition, because it signaled that he was a doctor on call, and people would offer him shelter for the night. His grand-daughters, two lovely single women now in their sixties, still have that lantern. Which is why I look for lambs too! (Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that I win!) Cheers, Pam in a very snowy Montreal
ps Have you ever made sponge toffee? I made two batches already and it’s been disappearing. I use a new candy thermometer with a square bottom that keeps the glass part about 1/4″ above the bottom of the pot. Magic!
Sounds like I recipe I’d love to have! Sweet story of Dr. Lamb too!
Susan, thank you for sharing your home and travels with us, you have a beautiful gift for drawing and a beautiful home. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
What a beautiful tea set.
You are so generous with your gifts.
Love Jack. Question..does he ever get into stuff and destroy it?
My 3 boys together could wreck a place. Whats your secret?
I tell him NO. 🙂 But he’s pretty good. He was on the mantle this morning, pussy-footing between the greens and the bottle brush trees, not knocking over anything, but completely in the wrong place. He’s never hurt anything though. Not yet.
Just sat down for a spot of tea & check FB & 162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ & what to my wondering eyes doth appear? A wonderful give away from my girlfriend so dear! Just love, Love, LOVE the “homeyness” of your blog! Have a Merry Christmas!
What a sweet post…I love the life you have purposely created! Merry Christmas from Donna & Miss Spenser…your Iowa friends!
I keep wondering how to find pictures and/or lists of the Beatrix Potrer books and figures before I begin to slowly start my own collection. Are they still being made? I enjoy your love of the ones you have.
They aren’t being made anymore, which is why they’re fun to look for and find. When I find ones that I already have, I put them in the Vintage part of the store, so we often have at least a few at a time. Her old books are fun to look for, easier to find too … but first printings are harder. Read more about her (if you haven’t already) and her life with lots of links to peruse right HERE …
Of course I would love to be the recipient of that beautiful tea set, but that is not the only reason I am leaving this comment. I also realize that the chances of you reading this are slim, considering how many comments are left for you. I just hope by some chance you do see it.
For the last few years my life has been filled with pain and grief and an incredible amount of loss. I couldn’t see anything past my pain and for the first time of my life I found myself completely alone, and totally lost. Then one day I saw a link to your blog. I own a few of your books and love them so I started reading it from the beginning. Reading your blog, learning how you live your life has opened my eyes to the fact that there is beauty and love all around us if we would only open our eyes, and that happiness is a choice. It’s a lot harder to miserable and sad then it is to be happy. You just have to realize its there waiting for you. For that I thank you Susan. I’m sure my kitties thank you also. I want you to know that your joy and love of life has helped me “see”
Dear Janice, that was so beautifully said and thought, thank you. I had to learn it a lot the same way you did, and I also consider it a gift. Life is beautiful. xoxo Love to you and your kitties!
OMGosh… I love your Beatrix Potter figurines!!! Wow, what a wonderful find!!! They are in such great condition too, I never can find cute items like that – that aren’t cracked or broken…Good for YOU!
The China is just beautiful… I love those kinds of things, vintage with a bit of history…I wonder who owned it and what kind of life they had…humm.
Thank you so much for sharing…I love your blogs, they always make me happy..& inspired!
Merry Christmas!
Chris from California
I absolutely love your blog! I grew up in New England, so you bring me back ‘home’ through your blog with all the lovely pictures and your writing. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us, and have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year .
I just love reading your articles. I have never won anything in my life, so it would be wonderful to win the tea set. thank you
What a lovely Christmas gift to us all — a simple recipe and a lot of Christmas cheer from your home! Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you!
This is a beautiful tea set, would be lovely to be the winner to put away to give to my granddaughter Katie to keep in her Hope Chest for the day she gets married and has a family of her own. Right now when she visits me, she will have hot chocolate in one of my treasured tea cups that belonged to her Great-Grandmother and the set was given to me when I married my hubby, her Pa,Pa as all of our grandkids called their Grandpa. He is watching over all of us now from above in Heaven, we lost him to cancer several years ago. I have all of your little books and I just purchased my new Susan Branch pocket calendar with the pretty green cover for my purse, they are the BEST calendars for keeping track of a busy life ! Merry Christmas to you and your family !
Oh my goodness!!! What a lovely gift that will be. So glad you are safe at home with the kitties. My Sunday school class made little lambs for all the members of our Congregation as Christmas presents. I would love to send you one. Where can I send it?
Laura in Illinois
Oh, such lovely dishes and such lovely snow pictures. Wishing you a merry and peaceful Christmas.
Merry Christmas! What a precious set!!
Beautiful tea set! Thanks for the opportunity!
Oh, I am in love with this tea set!! Green is my very favorite color and that set is just gorgeous. So glad that you are home and nesting. I have had a harum scarum holiday season so far – but today has been spent nesting – even took a nap with my kittie. Much love from Missouri – Raquel
Love the little tea set. So pretty and dainty.
I loved reading this article as I do all your articles/blogs. The tea set is lovely. AS a matter of fact I just took down my teapot collection from its shelf and washed them all shiny for Christmas. Each has a memory, especially the two that belonged to my two grandmothers. My English family keeps me supplied with a good tea. Nothing beats a good cup of hot tea on a wintery day. AND some home made ginger snaps.
What a beautiful tea set!! I live just outside of Oklahoma City 🙂
A very nice tea set. I sell donated tea cups at a shop in Winona, MN as the facilitator of an apron group. From the sale of the tea cup sets the proceeds go to a local Telethon in Rochester, MN in January for Cancer to the Mayo Clinic. In October I gave away a pink ribbon apron as this was Breast Cancer Awareness month. I do teacup presentations as well and just this last summer with 250 ladies did a presentation. As a two time cancer survivor your books and emails have so inspired me to continue on. Thank you. Susan Branch. <3
I never wanted china when I was younger, due to my husband being in the military and things get broken but now I’m settled and would love to start a collection. You’ve inspired me to drop in some antique and thrift store during my Christmas break! I love that green china, my favourite shade. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh my gosh Susan! What a wonderful Christmas reading. I just finished your book and you have so inspired me to visit England. But the best part is that one of my New Years resolutions is to have monthly tea parties! I don’t have a tea set and would love to own this one. Thank you for the opportunity! Merry Christmas.
You are one popular lady! Can’t say I blame them…you are also a talented lady! Have been following you since the 80’s….still love what you do! Have the merriest Christmas…or as they say in England…Happy Christmas!
Love, love, love the “Gingerbread” Book Shop ideas! Such clever people!
Since I am an “old movie lover” as opposed to an “OLD” movie lover…and seeing that you always share great movie titles, I just saw “Miss Potter” with Renee Zellweger as Ms. Potter, on Amazon Prime! LOVED IT TOO!
Now I own it and watch it every time I feel like a good cry!
Guten Tag, Meine name ist Marion und ich mag deine blog sehr. Es bringt Mir segregation viel Freude es MIT Meiner Kollegin zu lesen. Ich bin aus Germany aber lebe in Arkansas USA. Habe sehr grosses Heimweh!
Froehe Weignachten!!!!
Here’s what Google Translate says Marion said:
Good day, My name is Marion and I like your blog very much. It brings me much joy. I’m from Germany but living in Arkansas. Have very large homesick!
Froehe Weignachten!!
And I say:
Poor baby, I know what it’s like to be far from home. Sending love xoxo
Armes Baby, ich weiß, wie es ist, zu weit weg von zu Hause sein. Senden Liebe xoxo
Oh the tea parties I could give with that lovely set!
Merry Christmas to all!
I just gifted your Autumn book to my Mother in Law last night! I was able to hear you speak a couple years ago and loved it! You are so talented!
Merry CHRISTmas!
Your posts put me right in the holiday mood. I am sitting here drooling over the candy you made. I love the LARGE brush you used to apply the chocolate. I have to look into getting one. Thanks for the chance to win your precious find. My Jane Austen book club and I hold teas all the time. Have a blessed Christmas!
Oh would LOVE to win this but of course so would a lot of other wonderful ladies. I love your book, so enjoying every word.
Oh my goodness, I love your blog! It’s like a warm, fuzzy blanket I can wrap myself in after a hard week at work. Thank you for sharing your life and loves with us! The tea set is simply beautiful and if I win it, I will for sure make a cuppa and sit and watch Downton Abbey in style! 🙂 ~Sue
Oh! What a wonderful blog! I love the china dishes. They are beautiful! I can’t believe that you are giving them away. They look so pretty in your home. Merry Christmas!
You are amazingly talented and very generous. Love, love, love your blog… I find it very inspirational and uplifting. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours.
Time for tea and shortbread! I love your blog because even if I have a less than lovely day I can always come here and get cheered up! What a beautiful tea set and that toffee looks delicious.
I just started following your blog via Facebook this week, although I have adored your publications forever!
What a delightful and interesting post. What an amazing holiday gift!! I think years ago my mother might have had a cup and saucer matching the treasures from your trip. It might be at my sister’s house, I am not sure.
I look forward to getting even more in a cozy, Christmassy mood over the weekend as I look through past posts that will be new to me.
Merry Christmas!
Bobbi
THANK YOU….for being you
I can spend hours just looking at all the pretty on your blog and store….
Happy Holidays to you !!!
Ohh I would love the green tea set! When my friend and I were in England we did a day trip to Brighton and shopped in “the lanes” Did you get there? My favorite little treasure I brought home was my little figurine of a Cotswold sheep with the black face. I love all your sheep and the BP figurines, too!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Snowing hard here today, your place looks so cozy and warm. I made apple bread this morning and house smells so good. Enjoy the cold weather there as I am here.
what a great birthday gift this would be, today is my big 37th. 😉 love your blog Susan! I can’t get enough! It’s something I look forward to!
Happy Birthday Jessica!
Wonderful Christmas pictures! Christmas is such a nostalgic time of year!!!
Dearest Susan…So glad that you are home and willing to share your treasures with us, your Girlfriends! I hope you read all of these comments because I have a little story to tell…
I bought tickets to the Remnants of the Past show in San Luis Obispo this past November; I SO wanted to meet you. Circumstances prevented my attendance (should I wear my wristband, read your blog, and pretend?) and I was so sad about it.
The reason I was wanting to meet you (I had already purchased the book and Peg was helpful with a little “oops”)…well, this is the real story…
A waaaaay long time ago, I was living in SLO and you came to look at the property we had behind our home (on Johnson Avenue). You thought and thought…and then purchased elsewhere (I was sad). But, you left the most wonderful thing! You had someone deep-seed the property with wildflowers and even though you weren’t there, I could enjoy them and think of you and how nice that was! I so wanted to tell you this story in person, but alas, it was not to be. You’re back home and I’m home in Sacramento, but wanted you to know just the same. I look forward to your blogs and your calendars, and really, everything Susan! Thank you for listening and letting me tell my little Susan story…I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that you and Joe have the merriest of seasons! <3 -Sherry
I almost think I remember that Sherry! I remember looking at property on Johnson and I remember the wildflowers, I was always sprinkling seeds around back in those days. It’s been a long time ~ thank you for the little reminder. Nice to meet you here!!
Welcome home. Love the tea set. It is beautiful, as is everything you select. It would be such fun to go shopping with you.
O my, the tea set is lovely. I am sure you are happy to be home, there is no place like home. A merry Christmas to you.
I love that tea set. It reminds me so much of my Grandma, who was my tea loving Grandma and started me on my love for china, tea,etc. Thankyou for sharing all the pictures of your Christmas preparations, etc. Always so fun to see! Have a Merry Christmas! Thankyou for all the beauty and fun you bring into all of our lives!
Welcome Home, Susan and Joe!! Oh, how I love to read your posts, Susan. I would love to sit down and have tea with you! You have awakened a new world for me with your book “A Fine Romance”, Beatrix Potter and all of the wonderful places you visited in England. Warm Winter Greetings from snowy, cold northern Minnesota!
I would love to have a tea party with some of my favorite friends using this beautiful tea set! The candy looks delicious and it looks easy to make. I’ll have to try your recipe.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and the very best of health and happiness for the new year!
Susan, this is not about the give away and you don’t have to moderate it. I found the cutest thing while on Oriental Trading’s web site. I typed in lambs and they have a set of tiny white lambs (about eight or ten) no bigger than the tip of our fingers frolicking in all types of positions. I thought you might like to see them. Only $5.95 at set. I’m getting some. I didn’t know how else to reach you. Cute cute cute. Merry Christmas. I’ve made c cookies all day for church. Exhausted.