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! ♥
Love absolutely everything you do. I have been following you for many years since I discovered your first cookbook in a gift shop & have been collecting your work ever since. Thank you for making my heart smile!! Bless you, Joe & kitties. Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2014 (Looking forward to hanging your new calendars)! Made your brownies from this years mini calendar. My new favorite brownie. So decadent!
Thank you for keeping books, home cooking and friendship alive all year long! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I love these dishes! Just found your blog through a friend that entered the give-a-way and it showed up on my Facebook page. My mother used to give me all of your books, but she is in heaven now. I miss her so much and she would love this blog and Facebook page. Well, I hope I win, but feel like I have already won something just by finding you here. Have a very Merry Christmas and will definitely be a regular now! Thank you!
How beautiful! I just love the colors in the tea set. Merry Christmas from Florida!
Susan, I just love the way you write! In your book I feel like I am on the most wonderful journey with you! Then reading your blog just now made me feel as if I was in your kitchen, sitting at the table with a cuppa tea, catching up with you after your long time away! Thanks for being such a friendly presence and a breath of yummy smelling air:)
I love everything you do. Just reading all your posts, seeing the pictures, and viewing the beautiful china pieces and Beatrix Potter figurines is enough for me.
Keep up the great work. Love everything Susan Branch!!!
China and a homemade chocolate treat…..what a delicious combo! You’re going to make someone very happy and yes, I secretly hope that person is ME! I’m a dish girl; it’s a weakness of mine and any of my friends can confirm this. And my dear husband loves chocolate. So I may be swayed because of my fondness for china (and my love for my husband) but I think your kind and generous gift is simply loverly!
This Cape Cod girlfriend sends her best wishes to you for a cozy Christmas that is wrapped up with all the things that make you happy and joyful. Merry Christmas…..enjoy the moments!
Merry Christmas! Such a gorgeous tea set! I love how you decorate with the little “whimsies” and trinkets. Such an inspiration!!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
I love that china and you….. hope I win, would be a great Christmas surprise.
Hello fellow nester! Perfect time of the year for it. Glad you are enjoying yourself. Your post made me smile and made me feel so good. I am so happy for you for finding some treasures along your way. Best part of traveling if you ask me. 🙂 I wish for you, a very Merry Christmas. Thanks for being out there in the world for all of us. You make such a difference. Kit
Merry Christmas to you and that wonderful man in your life.
Peace and joy be God’s blessings to both of you.
Thank you for your special blog,
from a girl friend in the making…..Cynthia
So many wonderful things! I wish magazine covers still looked like that. My daughter adores the china, so please add my name to the drawing.
Susan, Thank you for the chance to win the tea set/dishes. I will be watching Downton Abby with a cup of tea when it starts in January. Love the show…just started watching it in November. A public broadcasting station has been showing all the past seasons in repeat. I am hooked! By the way I am hooked on your blog too! 🙂 I have been following your blog since you started it. Thank you again for sharing your life experiences with us! Merry, Merry Christmas to you and Joe and your loved ones! Julie
Merry Christmas and Welcome home! It is so nice to have you back and your wonderful, cheerful posts …. and Jack! I’ve missed Jack and his adventures. The dishes are gorgeous. I love all things tea. Wonderful find. I’d be delighted to give them a good home (and eat the bark)! Happy Happy and a Merry Merry to all.
Oh, Susan. How can you part with that lovely tea set; and to just give it away! You are indeed an angel! We all owe a thanks to you for taking us with you on your journey. I have read A Fine Romance 3 times already and it gets better and better. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet little home in New England, heaven on earth. I hope Vanna finds my name in her search – I am retiring the end of the month and I can see myself having tea and chomping on the brittle!!! Love to you and Joe.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time on your trip. You have provided me the incentive to get all my sheep and lambs together in one place! Thank you for the opportunity to win these gorgeous dishes.
The high here in SW Florida is going to be 88 degrees today. Needless to say, your pictures of snow, home, and hearth transport me to a winter wonderland that I really miss this time of year. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas !! Beautiful tea set! And wish I could have seen you in Oklahoma City! This is perfect to celebrate with Downton Abbey!
Susan, I enjoyed the visit in your home so much! Those beautiful cardinals looking in the window, and the mementos from you trip! Especially enjoyed the Good Housekeeping magazine from 1938! How much fun it would be to curl up by the fire and read it, while sipping some tea and eating the almond brittle. Maybe you’ll be doing that later! I hope so! Merry Christmas to you! Julie
Dear Susan, here is some information about Tuscan fine bone china. I did some searches online to find it, and it took a while. Love the Charmaine pattern, and if you look at Replacements Inc. (http://www.replacements.com/china/TUS.htm) they have a list of the pattern names, etc. Yours is called Naples. The website with information on the history of Tuscan is http://www.retropottery.net/2010/06/tuscan-china-in-pastel-colours-cups.html and the company started in 1878, Staffordshire, England by R.H. Plant. The family had been potters since 1775. (wow!) They were taken over by Wedgwood in 1967 and the prefix Royal was added at that time. So there you have it! Hope you find this useful information.
Thank you Kim!
Oh what fun it is to read your blog! It’s therapy for the soul.
Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family.
Lovely post. It says, “Merry Christmas”. Thank you for your generous give away. It will make someone very blessed.
Who is more excited? Me or everyone leaving their lovely comments? It’s me, I’m so excited!
Found your items in a little shop in Austin, Texas over twenty years ago. That started my love for your things and your website. Received the Willard news for years. Always takes me to another world. No matter what I smile. We could be twinkies. Ha. Thank you for all the smiles you and your blog put on so many faces. I had a dream trip planned to Martha’s Vineyard in 1989. When we got to Falmouth my husband…at that time, had a stroke in his eye. We had five nights planned on MV but I was only able to spend half a day there, he had to stay in hospital. MV is on my bucket list.
I’d love the dishes. I collect pieces from England and have many my mother collected too. Sadly she passed away May 26. Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year!
Anne Baker
How sweet! I love the tea set! And you! 🙂
Merry Merry Christmas!
Sue, do you remember the brand of Pear Cider that you enjoyed in England?
I would love to get some for the holidays. Thanks
Magners. Yum! It’s the way I wish champagne tasted!
How delightful! Love the Mr. Whiskers so much! Thanks for the chance to win such a fun Christmas surprise. *hugs*
What an gorgeous post and a super wonderful gift from the heart as I know that it must be hard to part with this beautiful set…I am also dish crazy and was giddy when I got to the giveaway part. Thanks for the chance! xo
I love the China! My favorite shade of green. Beautiful!
I started collecting Beatrix Potter figurines quite by accident myself. I’m a sucker for literary figurines and I was lucky to find 6 of them at a garage sale extremely cheap. The tea set is lovely. I love how it uses green which is my favorite colour. Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year!!!
Oh my heart is on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard as I read your blog -though I sit in my kitchen in California, listening to Josh Grobin sing carols. There is a connected joy in reading the adventures from you. And knowing that women like me all around the country – all around the WORLD – are reading it too!
Don’t tell my best friend Nina, but I have a Tea Gift for her this Christmas and it was inspired by you. I love to visit with you and hear about your day. It is one of the simple joys in my life, so thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Suzanne
“All around the world!” Isn’t that amazing, Suzanne!?
Thank you for such beautiful words, recipes and pictures over the years. The other day I made the spinach salad w/pomegranate, bacon, toasted walnuts and avocado (from Christmas) for the first time. It was fantastic!! Now I’m sorry I never made it before – we’re having it again tonight.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Hi Susan!
I am so happy for a chance at your give-away!! The tea set is beautiful! You have been an inspiration to me for years and I am so happy to be able to follow along in your life with your blog! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love, Beth : )
Why, of course I would love to win this lovely set, but whoever wins it will be blessed. Thank you for thinking of such a delightful giveaway at Christmastime. Enjoy your holiday season! <3
Merry Christmas Susan . The tea set ti absolutely lovely ! Your Almond Brittle sounds easy & delicious . I will try it ! Thanks . Love your Blog , as always !
Merry Christmas Susan . Your recipe for Almond Brittle sounds easy & delicious . I will try it ! Love the tea set ~ beautiful ! Love your Blog , as always !
Hello Dear Susan,
Visiting your blog, enjoying your stories and pictures that you share and the love you give is the perfect gift. But, I wouldn’t mind having such a beautiful tea set! 🙂 I’ll cross my fingers but….all of us have already been blessed by your friendship.
Merry Christmas Susan,
Love
Lynn
Susan, the best to you and your family. Feliz Navidad!
Feliz Navidad Rosario!
I love this tea set…and I’m from Oklahoma where you found it. It is destiny!
I hope you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and keep up the beautiful work in the New Year!
What delight Christmas magic this blog is! Thank you for giving to each of us a bit of this Holy Season from you to enjoy! Celebrating the Savior’s arrival and so thankful for Him! ….and along the way, your sharing with us your magic! Sweet, sweet joy!
Linda Doepker
Merry Christmas! So glad you’re home safe and sound, there is No Place Like Home! I’d like you to know that I got one of your signed copies of your book, and I even sent one to my dear quilt friend in North Wales!!!! Isn’t that like ‘taking coals to Newcastle?’ She’s received my parcel but hasn’t open it yet – know she will be thrilled. She may even be tempted to take the route you and Joe took through England.
Love and blessings of the seasons to you, your family and all the girlfriends.
Merry Christmas to you and your love ones..
from my home to yours..May your Christmas be
merry and peaceful..
with loads of kitty kisses and wet puppy dog kisses
xxoo
Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you so much for sharing your art, your words and gifts. May you be blessed this New Year!
Merry Cozy Christmas!!!
Dear Susan… Your notes are so therapeutic…They take me away from this fast and furious time in my life… Thank you! HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you Joe, and your beautiful little four legged friends. Anne
I love reading your blog; always find something new and interesting. I especially enjoyed reading about how you are easing into Christmas this year. It reminds me to slow down and savor the season. Merry Christmas
Thanks for personifying the Christmas spirit. It’s been very hectic in our household and having a thanksgiving come so late did not help! I read your December wall calendar again today and I am going to be an ELF for the next week!
I read your blog (it’s needs a better name than that because it’s so much more than that), use your cookbooks and your enthusiasm is just the shot in the arm I need to get me feeling much more festive.
Thanks girlfriend!
You made my Christmas a little merrier!
I started an afternoon tea tradition with my Daughter last year – inspired by Downton Abbey of course. I have been on the lookout for the perfect tea set and you’ve found it for me! Merry Christmas and thank you for all of your beautiful work.
I hope I’m not too late for the drawing…love the tea set and yum to the brittle. I discovered your website several months ago and have found inspiration ever since. And I have a copy of A Perfect Romance and am reading it slowly so I can savor your art and musings. Thanks for giving me some joy.
So enjoyed your lovely blog entry today. Thanks for warming my mood. Love the tea set. Judy
Welcome home and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Susan,
MERRY CHRISTMAS….
Thank you for being you and for all your generosity.
I always enjoy your Blog, it is the first thing I read after my mail.
I would love the beautiful tea set and your brittle.
Christa
Happy homecoming and just in time for Christmas. Love, love,love your new book and reading it while sipping tea in the gorgeous tea set would be the most luxurious experience I could ever Christmas wish for . Peace and Health to you and yours now and forever. Love from Joyce
Welcome home! Mmmmm…that almond brittle sure looks yummy! Wishing you, Joe, and the kitties a very Merry Christmas, Susan.
Susan, How do you find such beautiful things? I know, you are on the road a lot! The tea set is so lovely and so complete! I would never miss that one little cup! Eight is quite a few for tea, anyway. How could you ever keep up with the conversation. I love your pictures- I could smell lavender dish soap, I’m sure. I buy mine from labouquetiere.com. It is so fraagrant. Thank you for the beautiful columns, they keep me centered. Sue in the U.P. of MI
So sweet of you to think of all your girlfriends so often!! You always make me remember to slow down and enjoy the little sweet things in life!! Thank you and Merry Christmas!!
What a lovely surprise! Green is my favorite color. How ever did you guess? LOL. So glad you returned safe & sound. Have a lovely holiday and say Hello to Petey for me.
Susan, I’m enjoying your blogs so much. I’ve been collecting your books for years. They always make me feel happy and contented (not a word you hear much any more). I lent “A Fine Romance” to a friend, and am missing it so much. My husband and I went to England about 15 years ago, and your book brought back so many happy memories.
I love the green tea set. How generous you are! I wouldn’t be able to part with it if I were you!
Best wishes for your happiest Christmas ever and may 2014 bring you only the best of everything.
Love your site and this lovely tea set! Merry Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas Susan from Montana snow-filled skies! …… one foot of snow so far today, with four more days of it on the way…. I love snow at Christmas time!
So glad you are home!!! I love all the snowy scenes. Living in the Deep South we do not see much snow–it is so pretty! Love the tea set! I share your love of dishes- knowing someone has loved it makes it special! Merry Christmas!!!!!
Ooh, I love the tea set. I hope I win it, I’d just treasure it being from you..and my birthday is Christmas Eve! 🙂
I am making Annie Hall’s Christmas cut-out cookies as I write. The oven is full of slowly drying meringue cookies, so I can’t do the cut-outs yet.
I love your work, and love how you share the merry-making and decking of your halls, it inspires me while I’m doing the same.
We were engaged on Martha’s Vineyard in 1987, my sister was living at the daffodil house in West Tisbury at the time, so your work has especial sentimental and nostalgic value to me.
I just love you and your work!
Merry Christmas!
Evelyn Glover
Yes, my first book and your engagement happened in the same year!
I finished reading A Fine Romance just after Thanksgiving and I have already started reading it again! I love it so much. Right away I could tell that it was a book that you want to rush through. I kind of read it as you and Joe toured – a day at a time. This time I am making notes and will comment on those after Christmas. Wishing you, Susan and Joe, plus Girl and Jack Kitty a most relaxing and memorable Christmas together – home at last.
Wow! Can’t wait to try Chocolate Covered Almond Brittle, which will go oh so well with the Peppermint Bark I’m hoping to make for myself this year! And wonderful finds from your trip! However, mainly I came to share something I found on Facebook I think you and the girlfriends would truly enjoy; a wonderful reading of a Winter Solstice poem by the author, short but delightful, titled The Shortest Day! Tracy Chevalier (author of Girl With a Pearl Earring, the book on which the wonderful film starring, ahem, Colin Firth was based – who write so beautifully, reading her books is a treat) shared this today, and I found it so wonderful I have to share! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyx73A8kF6Q A very joyous Winter Solstice to all!
Hi dear Susan, do you read each comment? I’m so glad I re-discovered you! Through Facebook I discovered your blog! I’m so happy! Back in the 90’s I fell in love with your cookbooks, Vineyard Seasons, Heart of the Home, and Summer. I still use them and feel so comforted and homey when I peruse through them and decide upon a familiar loved recipe again 🙂 And now your blog! Wow, I can’t believe I’ve missed out on you all these years! I’ve got a lot of reading to catch up on!! Thank you for the tea set, I love it! And the homemade brittle too! 🙂 Mostly I love reading this post and enjoying your photos <3 God Bless you and your family through this holy season. Merry Christmas!! xoxo, elaine
Oh yes I do! Normally I try to answer most of them, but this time it’s on the far side of impossible! Nice to see you here Elaine.
Dear Susan, family, and friends (furry ones, included):
May your Christmas be filled with the richness of family traditions, and your New Year ripe with promise~
Always a treasure to stop by for a spot of tea; the vineyard is such a cherished haven to me~ a glorious winter wonderland.
Sharon in CA
Welcome Home Susan!
I love your blog. You always put a smile on my face and warm my heart. <3
thank you for your wonderful post – happy holidays – Jack looks like a great helper. The tea set is beautiful and your santa mug with poinsettia is a lovely inspiration.
Merry Christmas
Cardinals are so beautiful against a white, snowy background. I had one outside my bedroom window earlier this week. My kitty stood in the window on her hind legs just to get a closer look.
Thank you for bringing Christmas to us throughout the year! You bless us with lovely words and pretty things and a positive outlook. For this we are grateful! Thank you. 🙂
Susan: i just returned from my first visit to England and a friend introduced me to you and your amazing book, A Fine Romance. i bought a copy of your book and have been soaking it all in. wish i could have brought it to one of your book signings. i shattered my shoulder a couple of weeks ago which changed my Christmas plans in a big way. but, one of the big blessings of this accident, is that i have had the time ti sit and read, not only your book, but your website and facebook page. i would love to be entered into the drawing for the gorgeous tea set. i fell in love with tea while in England
Thank you
Bea
Wow. I think my heart would stop if I won that china and candy made by you! 🙂
Finger’s crossed! Thanks for the chance, Susan. xo
Hi! Cozy and warm here, too! about eight inches of snow on the ground and more to come tomorrow (Sunday). Merry Christmas and the very best 2014. When I am gifted with the gorgeous tea set (you think?) contact me at [email protected]. Many thanks for your lovely blog!
Fondly, Jean
Pretty tea set and an adorable cat. Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year to all.
Oh dearest Susan, one of the highlights of this year for me was meeting you and Joe at your book signing at the Toadstool Bookstore in Milford N.H. You are such a delight, your books and blog add so much joy to my life. One of my top 5 favorite books of all time is your Christmas Heart of the Home book. Thank you for being YOU! A very Merry Christmas to you and Joe and those sweet kitties.
Susan, I can’t imagine any holiday without you, especially Christmas. Thank you for all your wonderful, enriching writing, recipes, pictures and sharing from your heart. Now my hubbie wants me to make him your brittle;)
Merry Christmas to you all,
Sallps: the tea set is darling and I have a perfect person to share it with!
O, rapture! Perfect for a cup of Downton Abbey tea I think:) Thanks for the chance and welcome home!
I cannot describe the feeling of calm that comes over me when I read your blog, books, and cookbooks. It was twenty-one years ago this month that I first bought my 1993 Susan Branch calendar in a little store in Vermont. I will never forget it. I fell in love with your handwriting immediately! Now, years later, the one thing I am most envious of is your beautiful antique gas stove. It reminds me of both of my grandmothers’ kitchens and fond memories of meals they made.
I wish you the happiest of holidays. Sit back, enjoy your tea, cardinals and those wonderful kitties 🙂
Everytime I look at that tea set I love it more and more!
I don’t tweet, but I do read your twitter feed…what is on that yummy looking Asian inspired sweet potato!? Hubby’s pretty sure there are chopped peanuts, but anything else?
If you click on it you’ll get the recipe… or click HERE . . . 🙂
Merry Christmas from Connecticut!
I love every post more than the last, Susan! Glad to see you’re back home with that beautiful snow. Continue to take it easy and enjoy the season. Merry Christmas from South Carolina!
Oh, how lovely your home looks this season. So warm and cozy. I could almost smell the candy and the fire. So glad you are home safe and sound. Hope you have a glorious holiday…..and by the way, that tea set would look splendid in my hutch and on my table for an impromptu tea clutch with my girlfriends! Just sayin’. ♥
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for such wonderful posts, they are always so full of beautiful ideas and yummy treats
Merry Christmas!
Oh, my, but that tea set is a beauty. I love to just look at it. I am a soft-touch for china… As soon as I saw it I thought it might be similar to Lady Carlyle by Royal Albert (Lady Carlyle is pink). It is beautiful and reminiscent of Lady Carlyle but not the same but I don’t know the pattern name. I continue to get that warm fuzzy feeling every time I read your blog and now my Mom is a huge fan as well. I hope she is not wading through all the comments because I don’t want to spoil the surprise that she is getting A Fine Romance and a SB Calendar for Christmas…Thank you as always for all you do to make our days wonderful. LMH
The English tea set is so pretty, and Jack is such a handsome kitty.
It would be fun to taste the candy — my mind would think “it sure is dandy.”
So glad you took the time to roam and know you’re happy to be back home.
So light your fire and rest awhile and know that you always bring a smile.
Merry Christmas to all the “FRIENDS” and this is where my rhyming ends.
I can’t wait to make your recipe for Christmas Coffee Cake!! It is one of my
favorites!! xoxo Susan L.
Thank you….what a lovely tea set…Merry Christmas…I hope I win 🙂
Sending you Merry Christmas wishes from Indiana! I’m new to FOSB & am wondering what took me so long? I love all things Susan Branch & have for years 🙂 Am really hoping that Santa will bring me A Fine Romance for Christmas, but if not, I may have to take the matter up with Mrs. Claus!
🙂
Thanks for sharing all your lovely finds, Susan. I collect tea pots and was given a new one for Christmas. It says “Keep Calm and Drink Tea”! I love it. Merry Christmas! (Please kiss that adorable Jack for me.)
Welcome home Susan & Joe! Isn’t it fun to collect something, like your flock of sheep, when you travel to new places? (I’ve collected my own flock over the years too!) Thank you for always brightening my day with your blog posts; each one is like a gift that I continue to unwrap. I so appreciate how much effort you put into communicating with all of us……. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and the kitters! =^..^= from Lisa in Oregon
Oh my stars! What a lovely gift you are giving! I can just see it on my table and of the lovely treats will taste so good! VAANNNNAAAA – PICK ME!!! : ) BTW: that sweet potato looks so yummy! Merry Christmas to you
Suzi King
Yummy…What is your recipe for that big delicious, salted buttered sweet potato all caramelized and ready to go? 🙂
So easy. Wash and dry the potato and turn the oven to 425 degrees. Put little slits in the potato, then rub it all over with softened butter, then salt it and put it in the oven for an hour or maybe a little longer, until it’s very soft. Put a piece of aluminum foil on the shelf below the potato to catch the juices. Mostly I just eat it just like that, no butter, and because I get organic potatoes, I eat a bite of skin with every bite. Delicious. Here’s another healthy sweet potato RECIPE I love.
What a wonderful and cheery post! Thank you so much for sharing. As usual my day is brightened by your creative writings,
Merry Christmas!
Just had to comment and tell you I feel like we are real face-to-face girl friends. I have had your books forever and keep adding to my collection.I love,love,love A Fine Romance. Every blog post is a treat and truly makes my day. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. Merry Christmas and here’s to a fantastic 2014 for everyone and especially you and Joe.
Hello Susan! Happy Holidays to you and Joe! I look so forward to your blogs and I am so in love with this beautiful tea set! I enjoyed so much following along on the trip with you and Joe – wish I could have climbed in the back seat with you! Blessings to you both for a wonderful Christmas holiday!
Hello Susan, As always I check in on the blog on days I need to visit your World the most and I am never disappointed..Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for saving sweet Samuel Whiskers and bringing him home to live happily ever after with you and Joe and kitty kids.
I’m also wondernig if someone can suggest an easy tried and true pork roast recipe for my electric roaster ? Pat Mofjeld helped me 2 years ago with turkey in the roaster..delicious and juicy !….thinking I’ll try pork roast (which I’ve never cooked ) for Christmas..Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions.
Merry Christmas! Your blog, as always, reflects the holiday I strive to provide for my family. Can you guess what is on my wish list for Santa this year? A copy of A Fine Romance, and as usual your newest wall calendar. This give-a-way takes my breath away! Just in time for Downton Abbey indeed! But I will have to bring my hankies to the tea party, because, Matthew! Noooooo. . . *sobbing*. Off to make wonderful things from your Christmas book–Hot Buttered Rum, Christmas Nut Cookies–so many lovely things!