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! ♥
Welcome home, Susan! Christmas blessings from our house to yours.
I just had to say Merry Christmas to you and your husband, and thank you for sharing your adventures in A Fine Romance. It is a treasure and I cannot begin to express how much joy I am getting out of reading it. Have a blessed, safe and peaceful holiday!
Wonderful site. First time I have read your blog. Very interesting. My Mom collects Beatrice Potter too. The tea set is gorgeous.
Oh Vanna, Pick Me!!!
…Happy Holidays, Susan!!
PS- Susan, your site is as comforting as coming home after a long day. It’s the light on, the smell of dinner cooking, and really comfy pajamas.
Love, love, love the tea set. Love, love, love your blog. Merry Christmas!
susan e jones, charming art
Happy Christmas!
I have been reading your blog while enjoying the best season of the year! Standing in line for Santa is even MORE thrilling with you at my side!
Blessings from our home to You!
Lovely! Happy Christmas!!
I would love to win the candy and the tea set! Such a generous offering…Thank you for the opportunity to win and Merry Christmas! ~ Donna
I’m speechless…I don’t think I could give away such a beautiful tea set! Thanks for being so generous! Good luck everyone!
Merry Happy Christmas To You Too Dear Susan. The Poinsettia in Santa is perfect and the precious English china is Christmas colors! One day we too shall have a fireplace, meanwhile I’ll enjoy yours. I’ll enjoy your magnificent red cardinals also! Your blogs are like gifts tied with heartstrings! Blessing upon you and your dear hubby and kitties.
Love the tea set! It is gorgeous and so festive! So glad you are snuggling up.at home.
Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties! I have to go find a candy thermometer quickly.
Welcome home and Merry almost Christmas! With a wreath on the door and cardinals at the window you’re decorated for Christmas already. I love seeing your collections– I collect cat figures and pastel Luray dishes. I’ve gifted my daughter and myself with “A Fine Romance” but of course they’re wrapped and under the tree waiting for Christmas morning. Of course I peeked a little as I was wrapping!
Thank you, thank you again for sharing your love of Christmas and your passion for life and writing! I LOVED the article in Yankee Magazine. You are so blessed with an awesome life. We are blessed to have you share it with us!
Anita
New to the blog (Thank you Aunt Glory) but long time follower and collector of SB books. Thank you for warming my soul and putting the happy in everyday.
Thanks for reminding me how lovely and comforting all the small things in our lives are, and that added together they are the substance of something much bigger.
There is nothing more beautiful than the English countryside. I’ve only been to England once in my life and would love to go there again some day. Thank you for so many years of wonderful books and recipes and simple everyday advice that has kept me grounded. I hope our paths cross one day. Merry Christmas.
I recently started following your blog. Love your recent finds, but, I must admit, your find of the vintage tea cups and tea pot is something I would like to find! I collect vintage tea cups. Enjoying a cup with a friend is so much fun!
🙂 I want to be the winning name so badly 🙂 Aside from that I adore you Susan, Merry Christmas~
Carla
What a lovely tea set. I would love to win it! Jack looks so happy to have you home. Your Almond Brittle looks delicious. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties. Merry Christmas to all the Girlfriends too!
This is my first time to visit. Loved it! My favorite place to visit is England, so I love anything that reminds me of my visits there. You have so much joy in your sharing. Thank you for making my day.
What a sweet tea set! I can just see it — having tea with you, the dowager countess Violet, Lady Mary, Mrs Hughes, and Mrs Pattmore. Ooh, and we’d have to find an extra cup for Anna! Haha. What fun!
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe! What a remarkable year you have had! Thank you so much for sharing your journey, its been so fun to be apart of it all! Enjoy your holiday and remember:
“A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near,
A little gift from one held dear,
Best wishes for the coming year.
These make a merry christmas!”
― John Greenleaf Whittier
Oh my! So lovely and yummy all in one! What a wonderful thing is china and candy…both always make me smile!
Merry Christmas to all!
I love your blog and have some of your books. I would love to entered into your give away what a lovely set and yummy candy I would be forced to have my friends over for tea ahhh….
Cathy
How sweet & adorable is this! I am a newcomer and do not knowhow I have missed you! Well I won’t anymore~ Thank you for the contest dear!
Lovely post! Snow, cardinals, lambs, and gorgeous china. Your post put me in the right holiday frame of mind as our family begins winter break. (I especially love the snow–we don’t ever see snow in southeast Georgia!)
I want a Susan Branch getaway at her couch!!! I love the china
Yes please
My family is going through a difficult time this Holiday Season. Reading your blog and enjoying your art is therapy to me. I could spend hours here. Thank you for helping us girls (your girls) see that there is truly beauty in this life.
Susan, that sweet potato looks so good I’m going to have to bake one for my supper. You have the very best ideas, Girlfriend! I would love to win those dishes. Think of the tea parties they have attended in their time! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and the kitties.
Love the musica! Love the storytelling! Love the warmy, comfy, coziness! Love that I gave a page of of stickers that had one of your designs on it many years ago to my then young daughter and she became one of your biggest fans! I appreciate you for inspiring her! And how she got to meet you on this last trip and was so excited! You inspire her and I love it! Love how you have grown this ‘business’ from scratch! Love that your heart is in it so much it hardly seems like a business! It is a miraculous thing to see.
Oh, what a beautiful tea set!
Dear Susan, So happy to see you home and “nesting” . By the way I love that tall copper pot you made the almond brittle in ! I will have to keep my eye open for a used one: perfect for candy ! Have a Merry Christmas you two and the kitties also of course. P.S. I have one Tuscan cup and saucer set of a pale gold color to go with that tea set !
I love the tea set – it is beautiful. And the almond brittle looks delicious. I’ve been following your work for years. I have my new calendar to put up in a couple of weeks and made Christmas cookies from your cook books. Have a very Happy Holiday!!!!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you!
Oh I can’t believe you are giving away that gorgeous English tea set! What a nice thing to do! And the bonus is just the chocolate on top of the brittle! I love your blog posts – I was stressing with my medical transcription work – getting too much of it and not getting to enjoy the season with my teens, feeling worn out like the 53-year-old single mom that I am. Your post just calmed me down like chamomile and made me smile and feel happy again, just as it always does. I hope all of you, including Jack, have a great holiday season!
I too love dishes. For my daughter’s wedding, we did mismatched china, for which I shopped every Goodwill/second hand shop, in a fifty mile radius, to collect 55 piece settings. We gave away the cup & saucer with a tag on it, with their name on it. I used old cochet dollies with ivy for the center pieces. During my search I found a set of three cups from England. Beautiful pieces and got for a great price. After the wedding, I had found two sets of China, one I kept, and the other I mailed to my daughter in AK (Anchorage). She used them recently to do a table at her church for a Ladies Tea. She sent me a sweet note, saying how thankful she was that I found the set for her. I had a great time searching for it all. The last two years I was able to spend Christmas with her in AK, but not this year, and I will miss her terribly. Thanks for sharing all your goodies found while traveling across the USofA. Merry Christmas to you & Joe
Merry Christmas and Welcome Home!!!
Always love to read your blog! You continue to be such an inspiration! Thanks you and Merry Christmas!
Susan, you continue to be such an inspiration to me. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan!
chocolate-covered brittle!! My mom makes peanut brittle every year for Christmas. Now I want to chocolify it. :o) Sounds wonderful!
Sorry. Didn’t know it was coming through so many times.
Oh what a great find you had in spotting the BP figures! They just make you smile, and I am sure that Peter and Ben are thrilled with their new companions, even your kitties! Have a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy a hot cup of hot chocolate by the fire. Thanks Susan
Susan, you are so generous and always a beautiful give-a-away for your girlfriends – you are blessed – we are all blessed! Merry Christmas to all and thank you! Salve
I started my holiday baking today by mixing up a batch of Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies from your Christmas From The Heart Of The Home book. When they were baking my husband said “It is starting to smell like Christmas”-yes, indeed, and what a lovely smell it was. You bring so much joy to so many by just being yourself and embracing the simple things in life. Thank you, Susan, for all the goodness and cheer you share with others.
I know I commented earlier and I’ll only be counted for one …
but just had to come back and tell you what an amazing article/story/adventure you were on and shared with us. I wasn’t able to read through the entire blog before because I was at work … but so glad I took the time to come back and read about your adventure. Love, love, love the whole thing!
Oh what a lucky find the BP figurines were! Such good eyes you have! And the dishes are just beautiful! Sure looks warm and cozy in your neck of the woods, and what a gift the sight of the cardinals are… Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
Ooohh my gosh…love the dishes! Thank you so much for this gift of happiness you send through your blog – fills my heart and makes me smile. Have a lovely Christmas Susan!
My Fiona like your Jack loves to watch the birds out the window – sometimes she barks (yep, she’s a cat) at them – it’s too funny.
Susan Branch, you are pure inspiration! I love your work!
A California girl (was 80 degrees here a few days ago HA!) wishing you a very Merry Christmas!! The tea set is awesome!!
Thanks for inviting us into your home and life. It is such fun to hear of your jaunts and collections, and cooking. Merry Christmas!
Almond English Toffee is also my Christmas giveaway to family and friends. I am planning to make a few batches tomorrow as a matter of fact. Interestingly enough, my recipe doesn’t call for the use of a candy thermometer. I actually use an inverted peanut butter jar. Sounds crazy, right? Peanut butter is NOT used to make it….it is only used as a color guide in which to pull off the mixture off the heat. The sweet, browning butter mixture, I am sure you know, caramelizes very fast at the end and will continue to cook and darken once removed from the heat. The peanut butter jar trick helps to pull it off at the right time so that you don’t scorch your toffee. Works like a charm. I am grateful to a dear friend who shared her popular recipe to me. What are girlfriends for right? Sending warm So. Cali Christmas wishes your way.
Susan,
It’s been a little over a year since my dear friend Charlene introduced me to your blog. I have fallen in love with all your writings and was so excited to meet you and hubby at a book signing in Pasadena, CA. I had just finished reading A Fine Romance while flying to and from Kansas to watch my college son play football. What a wonderful treasure you gave us. I also have fallen in love with Gladys Tabors books and am now searching old book stores to find copies. Having grown up on a farm in Wisconsin in the 50’s & 60’s, I can so identify with the sights, sounds, smells and thoughts she pens. We raised sheep and so I have a collection which I bring out every Easter. Enjoyed seeing your little flock. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us gals!! May you have a Merry Christmas.
I love reading your blogs. You have the neatest things. I too love Beatrix Potter. But I haven’t collected any Potter things – yet. I received a beautiful hardback book as a child and have loved the Potter characters ever since. Stay warm and cozy. Thank you for sharing all of your talents! 🙂
Oh what a beautiful tea set. I would love to receive it. My husband lived in England for 13 years, we spend time searching for proper clotted cream and scones!
The dishes are so pretty. Love your calendar
I love all you do. That tea set would be perfect for a tea party with my Granddaughter.
Your recipe for Almond Toffee is a “must” for me to try. I have a recipe for Microwave Peanut Brittle that is very, very easy to make. It’s a no fail recipe.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
1 C. sugar In 1 1/2 qt. casserole stir together sugar & syrup.
Microwave on High 4 minutes.
1/2 C. white corn syrup
1 C. roasted, salted peanuts Stir in peanuts. Microwave at High 3 to 5 mins.,
until light brown.
1 tsp. butter Add butter & vanilla to syrup, blending well. Microwave at
1 tsp. vanilla High 1 to 2 minutes more. Peanuts will be lightly browned &
syrup very hot.
1 tsp. baking soda Add baking soda & gently stir until light & foamy.
Quickly pour mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Cool 1 hour. Break into pieces, store in air tight container.
Note: If raw peanuts are used add, before microwaving, to the sugar-syrup mixture, along with 1/8 tsp. salt.
When I saw your recipe for the Almond Brittle, I was thinking I might try putting the chocolate on the Peanut Brittle, the next time I make it. Might be
“Dee lish.”
Enjoy! (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Oh it looks yummy Sandy. I wrote the recipe down for my husband whom LOVES this! Thanks for sharing.
Reading you blog brought a huge smile to my face! There was even a guffaw or 2 in there! Thank you! Keep writing!
My mom and I have been talking about how strange a holiday season we’ve been having, so thank you for the reminder that it’s better to take your time and savor Christmas rather than hurry it up and hate it! That’s been a real struggle for me this year, but if the lights don’t get put up outside, maybe it’s not the end of the world (I sure hope it’s not, being so close to Christmas!). Anyway, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and get to enjoy every last bit of it!
Oh goodness….it IS an absolutely fantastic gift. Best part is your home-made goodness to send along with the tea set! It’s precious—and I, too, love mixing and matching. In fact, Cadie’s wedding was that way! Almost all of the china was English, but there were nearly a dozen patterns that we set the tables with. We had vintage silverware, too.
I like to think of all the meals served on the settings….
Thank you for rescuing it and for also ‘giving it away’ ….Santa Susan!
xoxo
Merry Christmas to you, and Joe, and the cats! I love reading what you write. It is so magical and joyful. Thank you for spreading kindness and beauty.
Lovely. Merry Christmas!!
I’ve always loved your wit and wisdom in your cookbooks I’ve read over the years! Thanks for a chance to win the tea set. I brought back a tea pot with a matching sugar bowl (with lid) and creamer from Uruguay 4 years ago. I treasure them from my trip. Unfortunately, no tea cups and saucers were available or I would’ve bought them too!
Susan, I adore the tea set! It has my favorite color of green. Thank you so much for sharing.. Btw, I have a couple of Beatrix Potter pieces myself– 2 little figurines and a child’s cup, bowl, and dish. I always display them at Easter along with her books and big, plush Peter Rabbit.
Merry Christmas!
Maria in NY
( sorry I missed u in Cape Cod this summer, was kicking myself that we had to leave the day before your bookshop visit!)
Dear Susan,
So nice of you!!! Want to wish you a merry and blessed Christmas!
May the gifts of your heart you so freely give, return to you in abundance this New Year!
Thank-you!!!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the chance to win your lovely tea set.
I just love your blog. It makes me feel like I’m home with my grandparents, in days gone by, with the aroma of Grandma’s cinnamon rolls and bread baking in the oven. Thank you.
Love your lambs you have collected! So sweet. The tea set is beautiful.
As always Susan, you speak right to my heart! Absolutely beautiful!
Hi Susan,
I am so glad you rescued Samuel Whiskers and Mrs. Tittlemouse ! I did a rescue recently- two small books from Susan Branch !!! I didn’t know they existed- one is “Chocolate”, the other is “Little Dinners. ” What fun to be in a little shop and find a treasure !!!!
Your Almond Brittle looks wonderful. I think I am going to try it. When I was a little girl, I used to make something that looked very similar, with my Grandmother. She used to give it as gifts for Christmas. No one in the family seems to know where her recipe is. (That was before I came along and want to save everything because it is all special) I think I will just change to your recipe.
During this Christmas season, I am reminding all the girlfriends to do something for someone else. On Christmas Eve I will bring little plates with pretty doilies, red ribbons and a sprig of evergreen filled with my cookies to some of the elderly people I love at the retirement home where I work. It could be anywhere though. Maybe people could think of Jack and Girl and donate at a local shelter. It doesn’t have to be money it could just be cat food or litter !!! I used to volunteer at a cat shelter and they always need help !!!
Merry Christmas to all !!
xo Judy
Wonderful advice in your last paragraph, it truly puts a glow on everything. xoxo
How exciting it would be to be the winner – but everytime I read one of your blog’s I feel like a winner! Have a beautiful, peaceful Christmas, Susan, and joy to you and all you hold dear in 2014.
What a lovely blog, and way to start my day! The tea set is so beautiful- as a dish person, I would love to have it my collection. Merry Christmas!
Just sitting and reading your blog (and books) makes me so darn happy. Welcome home Susan and Merry Christmas!!
Same to you Adrienne! Thank you!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙂
I can already imagine having tea with my friends using the beautiful dishes! Even if I am not selected; I can enjoy looking at them, thanks to you!!! Merry Christmas!
Welcome back to the holly jolly! Your blog is my treat to myself every weekend and feels exactly like a visit with an old friend, discussing all the things I love most — kitties, old dishes, BP — and your choice of “Musica” gives me the warm fuzzies every time! Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
A Blessed and Happy New Year.
A Blessed and Happy New Year.
Peace & Blessings
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I enjoy your blog, illustrations, writing, & so much more! Thank you for this giveaway! If I win it, I’m giving it to my friend, Pat, who has a tea cart “waiting” for a tea set.
Love the tea set. Love your blog. You’re the best!
Francie Link
Beautiful china and yummy looking treat!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love seeing your charming life!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe! I love hearing about your “world”. I love that you enjoy the simple and special things in life such as a cardinal outside your window or a crackling fire in the fireplace. I enjoyed your book so much and look forward to your calendar (that I have already received as a gift from a dear friend) each year for my own cottagey kitchen. 🙂
Susan, I love all of your ideas. I first got hooked when a friend gave me your Christmas book years ago. I felt like I belonged in your family. Merry Christmas to you!
Love this blog!!! Top on my christmas wish list is a beautiful Susan Branch book! Definitely has inspired my homemaking this season:)
MERRY CHRISTMAS! I LOVE THE GREEN OF THE DISHES SO MUCH. THANK YOU!!
Happy Holidays from Michigan!
So happy to see you’re taking it slow Sue…for it is truly in our hearts that Christmas is spent! All the decorations and pretties enhance the experience but Christmas itself really takes places in the hallows of our hearts. May your heart be filled with the Christmas Spirit like that of a child who awakens on Christmas morning and sees that first glimpse of what Santa has brought them.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and of course…Mr. Jack and Miss Girl!
FOSB 4~Ever! ~Doreen ~
So glad you are back. Merry Christmas, Lorie
Merry Christmas, Susan, to you and yours. I just absolutely LOVE everything you do. Thank you for giving me such a nice little escape.
I just love your blog; it makes me feel warm and cozy and like being home. Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Girl and Jack! Also to all you girlfriends! 🙂
Hi Susan. The name of the Tuscan China is Floral Spray I believe. When I was little my Aunt Anna had several pieces and I would always drink afternoon tea out of the cup and saucer when I was little. I so loved that cup and when she passed away I hoped it would be passed down to me. My cousins John and Tom emptied her home since my aunt lived in a different state. I never saw the cup and saucer again. I guess my cousins didn’t see the beauty in it, they didn’t save any of it. Thank you for bringing it home with you. Someone will win this, love it and give it a good home. Merry Christmas to you and all the tea drinking “girls” everywhere!!!
I am half-way though your latest book, but a cup of tea from your new set would make the book even more enjoyable.