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! ♥
The kitties are so happy you are home and that lovely tea set! Wow! Someone will really be lucky — maybe even me!
As I sip my Constant Comment tea, your blog is the sweet treat.
Happiest of Holidays!
Betsy Haase
For 13th Christmas in a row I am making the Clam Dip bread and the Oysters Rockefeller for my family gathering Christmas night – I am equally proud every year when everyone says how good it is 🙂
I can just imagine! Two of my favorites!
Hi Susan,
What a wonderful, generous gift! Those dishes are so beautiful, I couldn’t have passed them up either. I am so excited for you that you were able to find BP characters that you had never seen…isn’t that so wonderful the moment you see them!!! I am taking Christmas slow also, I need to feel the season and not react to the all the advertising and rushing about that everyone around me does. I wish you, Joe and the kitties a very Merry Christmas. Blessings to you.
Kathy
What a lovely gesture! Susan, you already give us so much. Merry Christmas!
Whatever the season,
Or just for no reason,
Visit with Susan Branch.
It will take just a while,
To make you smile!
I love those dishes so very, very much! I have been a good girl this year. Hope, hope, hope I win! And thank you! Mona
Taking a break from baking to read this blog for the 3rd time. How you do all that you do with such panache, joy and creativity astounds me. Once again, lovely blog, photos, and a great recipe to boot. I adore your Beatrix Potter finds, and the tea set is a delight to behold. (Please Vanna–don’t pick me. I have been blessed enough this season with a new granddaughter, who is now recovering from a respiratory illness. I’m good. 🙂
Just wanted to wish you, Susan, and all the girlfriends from far and wide a most Blessed and Happy Christmas. Now let me go back to… Being an Elf! xoxo
Maria
Wishing you cozy nights with friends and family.
My wife had mentioned that I can enter as many times as I want. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you!
Hi Susan,
What a WONDERFUL post!
The gingerbread house front on the bookstore, who would have ever thought of that?!
And the wonderful display of your little lambs. No room for Jack to jump up and knock them off!
The two new BP people are adorable. So glad they were found by you. They will have such a loving home.
Gorgeous tea set is right! Most gorgeous ever. And you are giving it away!
Such a generous person you are. Especially giving 7.00 from each A Fine a Romance sold this month to a great charity.
Love that Jack always watches you. You are his world!
Wish we had Cardinals in California. So beautiful.
I want to reach through my iPad for a piece of the chocolate-covered almond brittle!
Wishing you and Joe, Jack and Girl a very happy Christmas.
I feel like Christmas every time I read your blog or Willard! Absolutely love them!
Hugs,
Suzanne (Carmel, CA)
Your blog is like a special treasure found in the mailbox– and A Fine Romance is such a wonderful treasure — I want to follow your footsteps! thanks!!
Susan,
You are the kind of person people want to be around- so joyful and life-loving. Your blog gives me an instant lift and I look forward to reading them every week. Thank you!
Such a heartwarming lovely visit with you today Susan on this Fourth Sunday of Advent. I love your hearth and home posts and viewing the sweet ways you are preparing for the most important day in our lives~The Birth of Jesus! Your trip across our beautiful country sounded wonderful and it is always the nicest way to remember our trips when we can unpack the mementos we picked up along the way and instantly that special trip comes back into our minds and we relive that visit once again. I am so happy to see that you found new animal members for your Beatrice Potter family along with the sweet lambs for your collection. Collecting is so much fun!! The tea set is just lovely…how ever can you part with such a beautiful treasure. You are so giving and generous. May you be Blessed with a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Sincerely,
Debbie
I want to wish you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and a 2014 filled with peace and love. Merry Christmas is special to me in a different way. My son was born on that day and the day couldn’t have been brighter. It has been many years since then, but it is still a very special day.
Merry merry Christmas everywhere!
Cheerily it ringeth through the air;
Christmas bells, Christmas trees, Christmas Odors on the breeze,
Merry merry Christmas everywhere!
Cheerily it ringeth through the air.
-A Little House Christmas
I thought you would enjoy this as much as I did! Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas! My favorite thing to do is have a tea party with my girlfriends.
Please include me in the contest.
Thank You,
Susan
Dear Susan –
Welcome Home! How good to be surrounded by all the coziness, kitties, and people that you love. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and here’s to the Best New Year ever!
Merry Christmas – Toni in Lakeview
Happy Christmas! I love to have tea parties with my girlfriends.
Please include me in the contest.
Thank You,
Susan
I am so enjoying your Christmas music selections and feel I’m with you in your kitchen! I see your flock of sheep are being watched by an angel in your bookshelves. Merry Christmas, dear Susan!
Sadly home sick in bed reading your blog thank you for your uplifting words and pictures. I feel better already.
Oh Stacey, all the best for a speedy get well. I am sure you will feel more cheery if you read more of Susan’s posts! Stay warm and cozy.
Susan,
Since you don’t visit the south much, my sister met you at a book signing in Ohio, and sent me some photos and a signed copy of a book! Yay! (I have all your books (and give them as gifts), and have been following you since before you could be followed, in the 1990’s! In fact, I introduced my sister to you and she is now a fan!) Anyway, I LOVE Downton Abbey and can’t wait for season 4, but I love you more, and your beautiful books, etc. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us — you’ve made the world a better (and funner) place!
It is good to know you are back with the kitties in your lovely house on Martha’s Vineyard. Traveling is sorta like having a cold……it makes you appreciate home all the more upon your return, even as having a cold makes you appreciate feeling well!
I’ve never tried almond brittle, just peanut brittle, but this looks mighty tasty and worthy of a go! Right now, there are black-walnut-oatmeal cookies abakin’ in the oven. And I will confess to having already had two, just to see if they’re any good at all. My findings have been quite positive, but, of course, quality control dictates that a sample must be taken from each cookie sheet as it emerges! I am nothing if not thorough.
Merry Christmas and thank you, Susan Branch! I consider you a gift throughout the year.
Quality control is everything Sheryl! LOL!
I thoroughly enjoy reading what you post at your site. The recipes are scrumptious, Jack is delightful, and your happy descriptions about travels, your house, and your life fill me with joy. At the moment, I am somewhat like Peter Rabbit waiting in Mr. McGregor’s garden, because I asked my loved ones for your book on England and am anxiously waiting to find it under the tree. Thank you and keep up the wonderful work that you do.
One of our Girlfriends said that if Santa didn’t bring her the book, she was going to have a little talk with Mrs. Claus!! 🙂
Merry Christmas Susan,
So happy to read your blog and know that you are home for Christmas. I hope that you are settled in by the fire enjoying you cats and cozy home. Your Blog gives me so much joy that I already feel like a winner just to be able to check in and see what you are up to. It is a true blessing for all of us who feel as if we are kindred spirits. I am so happy to be giving a copy of A Fine Romance to a dear friend for Christmas. It is so much fun to share. My world and in fact the world in general is a much more wonderful place because of the many gifts you share with all of us.
So dear xoxo Thank you Debbie.
Dear Susan, I feel we are kindred spirits because of our devotion to anything by Gladys Taber. You know, you remind me a lot of her. She is no longer with us,but, you make it easier to accept when I read your books and blog. Don’t you wish she had lived to have her own blog? May you continue to have success in all you do,and, always have Joe and your cats beside you. Margo Plyler
I enjoyed reading your posts about your cross-country trip. I know the kitties are happy to have you home. The green tea set would have a very good home with me and my kitty, Bob. Merry Christmas to you from North Dakota!
Merry Christmas…I am so looking forward to Downton Abbey. The tea set is precious.. You had some great finds on your travels home.
When I saw the Gingerbread House I thought you had done that to your house! It is almost a Gingerbread House already. So many creative people in this world.
Have a very merry holiday season.
Love the blog and your work. Merry Christmas! Would have loved to have been shopping along with you – you obviously went to all of the best nooks and crannies. Would love to get your travelogue!
Oh how sweet! Me and two of my bestest girlfriends love to go antiquing! I’m sure we’d love to have you along with us, and we so understand the “submarine sonar”! Wishing you a wonderful Merry Christmas as you resume your nesting, and take it as slow as you like, enjoy the moments!
not sure if you got my first comment or not, but wanted to say how much I love your blog; it is both heartwarming and inspiring and makes one think that there is nothing bad going on in this world at all! keep up all your cheerful blogs; we need more like you in this world! have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
It is always such a treat to check in with My Susan Branch. You always bring me sunshine on any day but especially on this cold and dreary winter day where I live. I’m having tea as I read and would love the tea set you bought in OKC, my home town! Just think, I’ll have a little piece of “home” right where I am if Vanna calls my name. Thank you for your messages and Merry Christmas!
Susan, I’ve been looking all over your blog but can’t find your notes on baking a plain sweet potato. Will you please let me know where to find that? It seems that you posted it recently – November or December? Thank you for your help!
HERE YOU GO — either with or without the stuffing goodies.
Dear Sweet Susan,
Merry Christmas to you Joe and the kitty darlings! I just want you to know that spending time here with you and the girlfriends brings me such joy and inspiration. Thank you for creating such a wonderful place to share our memories, dreams and creativity.
This pattern reminds me so much of the green edged teapot you painted and I have one of the little note cards that is designed to stand up. I think it has the image on both sides…I got a few with different images back in the late 1990’s…Loved those little cards!! (Hint Hint…as the kitties or the little chick with the party hat and oh yes one of your darling little sheep with the Union Jack!) Anyway, I was going to ask if it was the same pattern?
Sending you love and all the of best of the season!
Woohoo…….PBS is running season 3 of downton abbey all day……..what a glorious Sunday this has been
I’m just going to add some sweet potatoes to my shopping list for tomorrow. It sounds delicious & just the thing for a simple supper in the midst of all the Christmas food. I love all the things you found on your travels & that peanut brittle looks wonderful.
Wishing and wishing for tea cups and almond brittle!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe. Thank you for your sharing your home with us in your blog and in the Yankee magazine. I want you to know I have a special Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus in my kitchen that belonged to my Grandmother and each time I see them they remind me of you and the kind of things you enjoy in your home. Now I am a Grandma to four little tykes and we enjoy having tea parties. We would enjoy having a new tea set for our next tea party. I pray that they will have wonderful memories from their Grandma’s house as I have always had. Thank you for sharing your special gifts with us. Wishing you and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I love getting inspiration from reading your blogs. I love New England decorated at Christmas time!! It is the only time I love the cold!
I love, love, love that tea set. I have never seen one in that shade of green before.
I hope you and Joe have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ann Beirne
Hi, Susan! I celebrated a milestone birthday last Friday and my sweet daughter gifted me with your beautiful book, A Fine Romance. Needless to say I am overjoyed, what a precious talent you have! I am on page 223, I would have devoured it all by now, except Christmas preps must be done, also I want to prolong this journey as long as possible. I so enjoy your blog too. We have three kitties in our family, Clementine, Brudder and EO, all are such characters, keeps us so entertained. Wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack, and all others who enter your heartwarming sphere, the merriest Christmas!
Happy Birthday Linda, and thank you!
Oooh, what a beautiful tea set, I hope I’m the lucky winner!
How sweet of you to think of me! I would love a Christmas present of my own. A lovely set of dishes and a little something sweet. Who could resist?
Susan, I have been reading your books and buying your calendars for so many years, I am sure you are one of my best friends. Read A Fine Romance……I couldn’t put that book down, every word was precious.
You have introduced me to Gladys Tabor, now have MANY of her books and am a Fan Club Member, thanks to you. I am sure ALL of the ladies who have already “commented” feel the same way about you. Thank you for sharing your sweet life.
As for the tea set, of course it would be a “treasure” if I were to win.
Also, I have a big luscious White and black cat, she is fabulous…..just like a dog she is.
Have a wonderful Christmas, and again thanks for sharing your life and your experiences.
Merry Christmas! Forever, I always found a a bit of “peace”, curling up, and enjoying your books. It is amazing to me, how much we appreciate the same things…as though we were cut from the same cloth….old souls! I even, have a husband named Joe:) Enjoy the holidays and wishing you the best for the New Year! Donna
Susan,
Susan,
LOVE your blog and books. This is one of the first places I check every day. You are filled with joy and have such a way of bringing your cozy wonderful life to others. I think Santa is bringing me “A Fine Romance” as I left enough hints! I always feel so good after visiting here, I almost feel like I am right there in your beautiful home. I thought I was the only adult obsessed with all things Beatrix Potter(my children had a B.Potter nursery and I enjoyed it even more than they did) I am so glad I discovered you!
I just love the tea set. This is a great site, wish I had found it much sooner.
So glad you are home safe and sound…as I’m sure Girl Kitty and Jack are as well! It was a long trip, but one you’ll never regret or forget. Antiquing is one of my favorite past times too. You just never know what will pop out at you…..like sets of dishes even though a piece is missing, a BP you didn’t already have, or a teddy bear that needs a new home. And I also have a passion for old school desks. We all have something special that excites our hearts. I love the tea set you found that you are graciously giving away along with the yummy almond brittle. I’ve only made peanut brittle so I’ll have to try the chocolate almond brittle! Thanks for being you! You may remember me from the fact that my guest room is my rabbit room and my BP collection room.
Oh goodness! Yes, I’d love to win. That tea set is so beautiful. But over 3000 comments – yikes! Still, you never know 🙂 Blessings to you, Susan. I enjoy your blog so.
So glad that you are finally home! I don’t think I’d ever want to leave your lovely house on your beautiful island! I love your quilts, kitties, dishes, kitchen, garden, oh… I love it all. Have a merry merry Christmas and the best of all possible New Years!
P.S. I’d love to win the almond brittle with or without the dishes! (but the dishes would be loved, too!)
Susan,
As always your blog is charming and cheering! What stood out to me this time, was the curly haired little girl figurine peering thoughtfully out through the glass at the sheep before her. It’s really quite whimsical! Merry Christmas to you!
Amy
She’s reading a book too, but can’t quite look away from the flock!
I actually don’t like it when you have a give-away because then there are just too many comments for me to read and I’m always worrying, “What am I missing?!!” Instead, I scan and am glad I found this comment so I could go back and look for the little curly-haired girl that I missed….and in doing so I noticed the little boy with the newly-received sled looking at the rain washing away the snow, which is exactly what has happened here in Maryland!
But Christmas is still in my heart. xoxoxo to you this Christmastide!
P.S. You might enjoy this Beatrix Potter video on YouTube: youtu.be/JzSi6HFUn50
sweet!
Hi Susan!
I love that you are donating some of your book sales to helping abused kids! That is really amazing of you! Love Jack! He is sooooo cute!!! Don’t know how you can leave that sweet face for so long! I leave to go to work for the day and my two kitties and even my pet rabbit, Peter Foo-Foo, give me such long faces, it melts my heart! 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties…..Love ya girlfriend
I had not been in touch with your work for a while because of some difficulties in our life, but just reconnecting with your pictures, stories, etc., has made me feel as if I have re-found part of me!….as I truly am a kindred spirit.
Happy to have you back Pamela!
Another loverly post Susan. Thank you for sharing so much with us. The figurines and the tea set were just the perfect finds! And the dishes are my favorite color – – green!
Love the beautiful tea set! I also noticed your owl kitchen timer (at least, that’s what it looks like!) because I love owls. My classroom is full of them! :O) Enjoy your blog so much!
Beautiful tea set! I love your almond brittle, and have made it many times. Merry Christmas.
Good evening Susan,
I could almost smell your chocolate almond brittle cooking while reading your wonderful blog. The smells from our kitchens at Christmas time are so good. Thank you for thinking of all your girlfriends while you traveled home, one of them will so enjoy the beautiful tea set. I think all of us should slow down and enjoy each part of the Christmas season. Sometimes we rush around to much. This year you are showing us how you can do less and have a good
time. Peace Joy Love to You and Joe, and Kitties too
I, too, love pretty dishes and have a collection of mismatched and beautiful cups and saucers and plates and teapots….. I am hoping for a copy of “A Fine
Romance” for Christmas!! Thanks for sharing your life and talents with me.
so cute!!
I just wanted you to know I won your book “A Fine Romance” at Sharon Lovejoy’s blog. Words cannot describe how much I am enjoying the read. My husband and I spent 10 days on our dream vacation to Denmark to visit an old friend. The parallels between our trips is amazing. You can see my review at my blog. Thank you for such an amazing book. It seems like people are in such a hurry and always want something big to happen. I love that you slow life down and enjoy every little bit of it. Merry Christmas.
Congratulations Bonnie!
I love the tea set but I love your blog even more!
Gorgeous. Love ur new book. Cannot believe I never discovered you before. My son has to have surgery in the am. Number four. While I read it last week, it transported me. Thanks. I so needed that.
Wishing you all the best this morning, thank goodness it will be over by tonight and he can get ready to be well. xoxo
I’m so glad you and Joe are home safely. I loved seeing Jack again and he sure looks happy to have you home. As usual your post is precious. Thank you for all you give to us, you have a special place in all our hearts! Merry Christmas to you all!!
Reading “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” again on this chilly, sleety day and just wondering – do the Vineyard kids still decorate the “Partridge in a Pear tree?” Thanks!
Joe and I were just talking about that the other night. No more pears in the tree — the people moved away and took their partridge with them. I was saying that I thought they should have left the decorations with the house … I can’t imagine them looking better in any tree but that old wonderfully twisted, heavy trunked tree.
That tree sounds like one of the “Womping Willows” at Hogwarts. Sad – but I betcha the family is decorating another bare-limbed tree somewhere else in the world today. Makes you think, doesn’t it? In your case, Sue – when you finally leave your gorgeous clipper ship of a house, you should tell the new owners that you’re leaving them a ghost in the attic – all ready to be hung in the window for Halloween. And a wonderful fun tradition goes on… :>)
Merry Christmas Susan and thank you for all the happiness you bring throughout the year!
Beautiful dishes, winter scenery, cozy fire, and delicious recipes — what I come to Susan Branch blog for. Love it! Enjoy and savor the “getting ready for Christmas” time.
Susan, that would be so delicious to get a tea set from you! Especially since I just got your wonderful tea for Christmas. Thank you for your new book, your blog and everything you write. I love reading your things, xoxo girlfriend!
Holy Cow! 3,000+ responses! We’re close to becoming the Superlotto!
The tea set you found is just so lovely, I’m not surprised!
I will have to set my sights for lonely Beatrix Potter figurines. I know how you feel, sometimes you buy a tea cup or little item just to rescue it. 🙂 Our Salvation Army store nearby has been getting so many treasures. You just know that an older someone’s home was cleaned out….and those treasures weren’t appreciated in the same way, so they end up there. You just hope that someone new finds those treasures and take them home to love for many more years.
I’m loving many of them…:)
Well, that chocolate almond brittle is going to be on the list of fun things to bake with our family over this holiday. That and cinnamon rolls! Yummm!
Thank you Susan. You bring us so much inspiration! I’m slow getting it all put together this year as well. We were off training firefighters the first two weekends of Dec….so really have had to scramble to catch up. But things are together and we’re excited and ready for the kids to get here!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe, and to your whole family, kitties and all.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
LOL superlotto! Merry Christmas Jan!
Well, I suppose a cuppa tea will taste just as good in our 77 degree weather as your…what is it? 40? So go ahead and choose me if you must, Vanna. I won’t complain!
For three days this week it has been between 50 and yesterday, just over sixty degrees!! We are all in shock. But our walk to the water has been heaven.
I think we are sending you some of our cold weather very soon from Minnesota. Will you have a white Christmas? If not, let me know and I’ll send you some snow with the cold… LOL! 🙂
Love that you are so happy to be home. I know you will have a blessed Christmas.
Merry Christmas Sue!!~
Wow, the week has flown by so fast, and I wanted to be sure to wish you and Joe a very Merry Christmas! We are leaving for San Diego tomorrow, to spend Christmas with my Mom, and my brother and sister, and their families. It is the first time in years, we siblings have all been together with our mom on this Special day.
I hope you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas day, and enjoy snuggling up in your beautiful home, with your adorable kitties too! I think that tea set is absolutely gorgeous, and I need to be sure to go antiquing sometime in Oklahoma! 🙂 Some lucky girl will be so Blessed to win that generous gift!! That is so sweet of you!
So, Merry Christmas to you both, and wishing you a Blessed and Happy New Year!
Love you, xoxo
Bonnie
Have fun Bonnie! Hello to all from me!
Have a very Merry Christmas! Your beautiful world brings so much joy to us!
Merry Christmas Susan And Joe! There is a book-like-size package under the tree and I hope! I hope! I Hope! its “A Fine Romance” from my favorite author!
PS I must be the only woman on the face of the earth who has not seen one episode of Downton Abbey!
Christine, take heart. I’m going to ask her Christmas Eve to for sure, but I’m fairly certain my youngest sister has never seen one either. The child shows NO interest in the past/never has. But an avid purchaser of every new techno-doo-hickey the moment it comes along. First in the family to buy computer, cell phone, iPod, flat-screen TV, Blackberry, iPhone etc. Thoroughly-modern Millie for sure… :>)
Love your antiques finds, Susan! So glad you are back in your cozy home! I think we’ve missed seeing it almost as much as you have! Merry Christmas and enjoy the season!
I sure wish I had known you were going to be in Oklahoma City. I would have come to see you! I just missed out! I’m glad you’re back at your cute happy home and loving every minute of it. Have a Merry little Christmas – it’s not far away now. Love, Anita
It was fun in Oklahoma, sorry to have missed you, but maybe some other day!
Oh…this is so exciting!!!! Those dishes are so pretty!!! And, Susan…..you are so lucky to find the BP figures. How do you choose the antique stores you are going to visit…any criteria??? You seem to know how to pick them by always finding something you can use!. My firstborn is named Benjamin and he had a Benjamin Bunny stuffed animal and I have that figurine, as well as Peter Rabbit and one year we were moving to Australia (husband’s job) and our flight was so long….you cross the international dateline and basically loose a day. Well, the day we lost was our anniversary and during the flight my husband slips me a present and it was a BP figurine of Mrs. Rabbit rocking her baby bunnies. :))) Wasn’t that sweet!! Debbie P.S. was hoping you would swing to the southeast on your tour (Atlanta, specifically)
The only criteria is a great big sign that says “Antiques!” 🙂 We try to stay away from the ones on the main cross-country highways because the prices are higher. And we don’t care for the ones that mix old with new. Other than that, if we can brake in time, and we have time, we stop. Some are good and some aren’t … after a while you can tell by the prices in the first 5 minutes. If they’re higher than I’m used to seeing, I just go. Because some antique stores really want to move things through, and others seem like they’d rather hold on to everything! Once you find a good one, you can stop in every so often, and that’s when you find the treasures.
Your husband! What a darling thing to do.
Hi Susan! I just love the view out your window! I hope to see cardinals someday out of my window. Jess and I spent the day baking and watching White Christmas, we had to do something snowy, the almost 70 degree weather this time of year is depressing!
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year from your California girls~ Lisa & Jessie
Merry merry Lisa, hugs for Jessie! xoxo
I had “tea-set envy” when I saw that beautiful set in the suds. I love that feeling of getting a treasure home, getting it sparkling clean, then finding that perfect spot for it. Then to see that you’re giving it away . . . I have neeeeever wanted to win something as badly as I do that set. And to know you picked it makes it even more of a treasure. Whoever wins is going to be sooo happy! Thanks for sharing your happy gene and making life more beautiful and fun.
Hugs, Tamara
Oh wow how wonderful it would be to win such beautiful china. Your blog is so uplifting and fun to read. I look forward to when you write. Merry Christmas to you and Joe. Plus have a Happy New Year too.
Merry Christmas Eve to you Susan and Joe. In our little Norwegian home on the Island, we will be celebrating the old Scandinavian way with the lighting of the tree, then we have a Norwegian Christmas pudding that everyone gets a little bowl of, upon arriving for the evening…It is called Smorgrut and it is delicious. Our dinner table is set with my Gramma’s best dinner dishes that I inherited, and Norwegian tablecloths, crystal and sterling silver placesettings and serving spoons…..Lots of candles, lots of wine and lots of love and laughter. We have our traditional Eve dinner….Norsk meatballs, ham, boiled potato, pickled beets, raspbery salad, green beans, lingonberries and for dessert all the Scandinavian cookies that I have baked…Krumkakke, Sandbakkels, momsor, fattigman, kringler and of course, LEFSE! Keeping with our tradition and passing it on to the grandchildren…And the tree is decked out with Norwegian flags and all the other decorations…So lovely….Tradition! plus the songs of Norway floating in the air….. Again Susan, Merry Merry and Happy Happy to you and yours ….and keeping with our own traditions…I love hearing about peoples traditions..so heartwarming….God Jul!
Hello. I can appreciate all the Norwegian aspects of your Christmas, as I have been fascinated by all Scandinavian Christmas ideas and food this year. I shall be making my own version of Norwegian decorations for next year’s Christmas. Enjoy this wonderful season!
Loved reading about your joy at coming home. The tea set is a treasure…thank you for thinking of us!
I think you should write a book on on how to keep such a charming house, you do it so well. I love the Samuel Whiskers figurine, very like him too.
Vanna are you ready ? We are getting closer…sooo excited !!!
She’s a very lazy girl, but always seems to come through in the end! In fact she’s peeling apples in the kitchen even as we speak. Making apple crisp. She’s Up!
(Just in case this joke is getting missed, there is no Vanna, but she’s my make believe helper!)
Had that one all figured out Susan…us girls are such multi- taskers and even more so at this time of year. I hope you, Joe and the kitties are having a joyous Christmas. Thankyou for all that you give to us out here in cyberspace !
Plz plz plz GOD!!!!! Let it b me!!!!!!
Love everythin here to bits!!!
What a wonderful Christmas post! Thank you for the give away. Please pick me Vanna! A Very Merry Christmas to you and yours…..God bless.
So glad you are back at home – Safe and Sound! Best wishes for a lovely holiday.
Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you for the wonderful winter post, I loved reading every bit of it 🙂 So happy you and Joe are back to your cozy home and delightful kitties. I would absolutely love and treasure the beautiful tea set from your antiquing trip. Thank you so much for thinking of us to give such a generous and beautiful gift! I look forward to everything you write, and am so happy to finally own your new book:) xoxo Debra from Nashville
Hi Susan!
Just thought I would send this on to you–
I found this lnk with information on the Tuscan China company: http://www.ehow.com/about_6654496_tuscan-china.-plant.html
It was considered one of the fine china factories in Staffordshire and eventurally became part of the Wedgewood group before closing in the mid-2000’s.. A friend of mine who runs an antique shop believes the tea set pattern to be one called “Windsor-Green,” but cannot be sure. It is beautiful what ever pattern it is!
Hope you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you Minette! Good sleuth-job!
You and your blog are such and inspiration to me. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!!
Your blog is a Christmas Treat!
Good golly, you sure know how to draw a crowd, GF! Congrats on all your responses to your blog & of course, we’re all excited waiting for Vanna to draw the lucky winner for your very generous, sweet, beautiful presents! To you, dear sweet Sue & Joe & your families, & to all your GFs & BFs, I wish you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year, with special prayers for all, & a huge group hug! ♥
I am new to your website and may I say I am delighted and enchanted. A cozy and restful place to come back to for a visit with a new old friend. Like we just met but have known each other forever. Thank you for reaching out, thank you for sharing. Now off to make hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows.
Merry Christmas Susan! So glad you’re back home safe wrapped in coziness. My friend met you while you were on your cross-country journey, so I am lucky to have a book only two degrees removed from the writer! I don’t know if she has a post, but please don’t pick her name. I’m hoping to be the first of the season to re-gift!! Wishing you all the best in 2014, I can’t wait to read about what new adventures you will embark on!
Lovely! Looking forward to reading your Christmas Joy book by the fire!
Merry Christmas!!!! What a wonderful blog!!
Susan, thank you for the inspiration today. I feel like I was there watching you make the brittle. I love the new figurines!!! How lucky to find them and how nice they have a new home to be loved in. Tis winter here in Michigan today. I’m going to get back to my Christmas cheer! Merry Christmas!
Penny
Thank you so much Susan….it was just what I wanted!! I will love drinking a spot of tea as I’m watching the new season of Downton Abbey. Oh wait…..you mean it’s not mine? Gulp…..I am one of 3,159 that may win it? LOL…I’m just teasing……I feel lucky!! But seriously I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! I love your blog and just by getting a chance to read about your lovely life is already a wonderful gift. May your days be Merry and Bright!!
It is a rainy and balmy winter day here in North Carolina, I turned on my air conditioner two days ago and as I sit here and gaze upon my beautifully lit Christmas tree I’m dreaming of sipping tea from that lovely tea set and wishing I had some snow to go with it!
Merry Christmas, Susan~ thank you for letting us all share in the “wonders” of your life….I’ve been enjoying your blog and just pulled out my old copy of your Christmas cookbook to get inspired! It’s been a part of my holiday traditions for so many years now….Happy New Year!
Beautiful dishes! Would love to display them in my home!
Susan,
Thank you for the darling Christmas stationery. I printed out the snowman and trees. I give away tamales as gifts and I used that stationery to write out reheating instructions to put with the gifts. So cute!
So happy you enjoyed it Liz!
What a generous gesture. How can you part with such cuteness?
You are such A part of my Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Belen