Oh, I have treats to show you, blazing fire too! Here’s treat #1: Musica
Something delicious is cooking!
Where do we start . . . let’s see, how about here. . .
This is Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich on Cape Cod where I went to sign books last week. But look what they did — with brown plastic tablecloths, they made the front of their shop into a gingerbread house! They cut heavy white paper plates in half and glued them around the doors and windows, and used some as edges to the “house” . . . they made candies out of them too, and lollypops in the window boxes. Isn’t that brilliant!?! I thought so too. I’d love to try this on our house next year.
I’m almost all unpacked from the trip now . . . I thought I’d show you some of the things I got at antique stores as we crossed the country. First off, lambs! You know how much I love lambs! I had a few before we went away, but on this trip whenever I saw one I thought would fit with my little group, I would get it. It was so fun to unwrap them, slowly, after forgetting what I’d gotten. I have a flock!
And look, treasure! I found a Beatrix Potter figurine of Samuel Whiskers! There was no possible way for me to leave him in that dusty old store, alone and unloved. I’d never seen this figurine before . . . did not even know what I was missing. Adorable thing, I saw it from across the room and honed in on it like a submarine sonar system. (Like I know what a submarine sonar system is, I think I made that up, but you know what I mean! Like Jack and his rubber band!) And now Samuel has friends. Never to be alone again.
And later, in another store, I found Mrs. Tittlemouse! Another BP person from 1948 I did not know existed. In her jaunty striped coat with the
bow on the back! She’s now lined up with the others on my kitchen shelf . . .
And look at this gorgeous vintage tea set I found! It was displayed on a starched white lace tablecloth in an antique store in Oklahoma City and practically glowed in the dark it was so pretty. I walked round and round it like a tiger in a cage. It was such a good deal, I couldn’t leave it there, so we wrapped it all in newspaper and brought it home, and now I’ve given it a nice soapy bath.
It’s all hand-painted, gold-edged, and made in England, it even came with an old silver sugar spoon!
The set serves six, it’s only missing one cup. But I mixed-and-matched it with both old and new china cups and mugs, to see what it looks like, and I think it’s even better. I love mismatched! You know what a dish person I am.
Here’s what it says on the bottom. I don’t think it has a pattern name; I’m thinking Tuscan is the name of the China company. Has anyone ever heard of it?
I love nesting . . . I’ve been making up for lost time . . .
We’re taking it slow . . . we haven’t even trimmed the tree yet. That’s OK, it’s in a bucket of water in the dining room, so we’re close. There’s a wreath on the front door, we’re getting there. We have Christmas in our hearts! I’m determined to enjoy this season and in order to do that, I want to go slow and not feel hurried. If something doesn’t get done, it won’t matter. A little poinsettia in the window is just fine for me . . .
I’m just happy to be . . .
I’m spending lots of time in the kitchen with my little buddy . . .
Jack is interested in everything I do, and everything that goes on outside our window ~
It’s been really cold, but beautiful . . . decorative cardinals have been flocking around the feeders. Note, you California/Florida Girlfriends, that there is no color out there in the garden, it is a sepia/white world here in the winter, which is why we were blessed with the Cardinal. What a gift!
And it’s not cold inside, it’s crackling and cozy and smells just wonderful . . .
One thing I’ve been doing is making a few little food-gift items for friends. This morning I made one of my favorite candies for this time of year, chocolate-covered Almond Brittle from page 132 of Vineyard Seasons. SO easy, and perfectly irresistible ~ and very mailable . . I thought I’d show you how, in case you have a last minute someone you’d like to please . . . . But first, more MUSICA for the kitchen dance . . .
So all you do is (don’t blink because this recipe is really fast!) put one pound of butter and two cups of sugar in a large heavy pot on top of your stove.
then pour in one-quarter cup of water . . . hook a candy thermometer to the side of the pan . . . don’t let the tip touch the bottom.
Melt the butter together with the sugar and the water over medium-high heat . . . boil mixture briskly until your candy thermometer reads 300°.
Stir and stir, boil and boil, and while you do you can count your blessings and . . .
watch the birds and stir a little more . . .
The mixture will cook and darken like brittle should. When it reaches the “crack” hard candy stage on your candy thermometer, 300°, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in two cups of sliced almonds.
Then spread the mixture thinly on an ungreased (plenty of butter already in the recipe) cookie sheet (or two) and allow it to cool.
When the brittle is almost cool, melt eight ounces unsweetened chocolate over low heat in a heavy pan, stirring constantly.
Then brush the warm chocolate over the top of the candy. Let it cool completely before you
break it up into pieces (I hit the bottom of the pan with a hammer to put hairline cracks in it all over, then I do the rest with a knife).
. . . and then I fill the tins and boxes I’ve collected to use for Christmas gifts . . . old ones and new ones from the pantry . . .
I had this darling box that I lined in a lace doily, and I knew the perfect person to give it to. . .
It’s the same person I’m giving the dishes to . . . the perfect little gift for . . .
Y O U !
Surprise! Yes, it’s YOU ♥ YOU ♥ YOU, (like bread and fishes, I wish it could be all of you, but for a few days, it will be only YOU, and then, one of you really will walk away with this elegant little English tea set, just in time for Downton Abbey! It’s my present to you. It’s been so long, I wanted it to be something nice. The minute I saw these dishes, I thought, my girls will love these. But then, I couldn’t send them out without a little homemade something! That wouldn’t be right. So I made you some Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle to remember me by. Now all you have to do is leave me a
comment at the bottom of this post and you’ll automatically be entered for the drawing for the Tea Set and box of homemade candy.
(BTW, If this blog comes to your email box, in order to enter you will have to click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and come here to the online version, then scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments,” click on it and leave a word or two and you’ll be entered!)
Then our girl Vanna (Vanna is the same as a “random number generator” only our Vanna has a lot more verve and style) will be pressed back into service. She’s done NOTHING for months, it’s about time she earned her keep. In a few days she will choose one of your names from her giant Santa hat and I’ll announce the winner. Tell your friends too Girlfriends, your sisters and your mom, because even if you don’t win, you could get invited to Tea (possibly even Twine) at their house and have candy to boot. You can leave as many comments as you want, Vanna knows to only count each name once. She is a contest-engineering genius.
So while I’m cleaning up, I’ll tell you about another surprise. Because if any of you bought a signed copy of our new book A FINE ROMANCE from our studio for your friends and family during this month of December, you don’t know it, but you’ve already given a gift to some very 
special people. Oh yes! Seven dollars from each purchase through our studio for the entire month of December will be going to Casa Pacifica, an organization in California that “Builds Foundations of Hope” for abused and neglected children. ♥
So I got lambs and new BP People and I got to go out and meet so many of you, and you got dishes and candy, and lots more I hope, and we all made a little bit of a difference for children and families, because without you there would be no FINE ROMANCE. ♥ High five, Girlfriends. Thank you also for the wonderful reviews on Amazon, I know it’s you. We are still number one in England Travel Guides! Thank you so much! We make a little difference in our own little kindred spirit world. What goes around comes around.♥
And now it’s time . . . I can smell it from here . . .
I put a little something in the oven for lunch . . . and it’s ready!
A big delicious, salted buttered sweet potato all caramelized and ready to go. Oh yes. Perfect for this cold day. Off I go now. Don’t forget to leave your comment Girls. Good luck, I hope you are having just the very best time! ♥
I follow your blog all of the time and love it. You’re a gem. thankyou for all of it. MEF
Glad you both are home safe Have a wonderful Christmas and good health in the New Year
Enjoy your happy cats they must’ve thrilled you are home
Enjoy your blog so very much
Oh my gosh, oh my goodness, I am such a “dish junkie”. I am clearing a shelf for “my” new dishes, just in case, you know, just in case I WIN!!!! I am so making almond brittle for Christmas, look so yummy. Holiday Blessings to you and Joe and yours. Love, Linda. P.S. Didn’t we have a wonderful time in Wilmington, Ohio at the signing and oh that window was OH SO CUTE!!
I don’t really want to win the tea service. I already have two (well, they’re coffee services really) sets, one inherited from my great-grandmother, and one from my husband’s grandmother, AND I have a lovely teapot shaped like a kitten pouring tea (or hot chocolate) from a tiny pitcher. We named her Kato, which sound a bit like kado, Dutch for gift. We live in a small house with four kids, so I don’t want to clutter the place with fragile bibelots. But I’ll take my chances for a tin of almond brittle any day! and I just want to say I love your blog, and so do my kids, for the little tweeting bird that welcomes us when we visit!
What a beautiful post! I check often for a visit from you; it instantly slows the rush and the hurries so that I can enjoy ……. Everything! I hope you, Joe and the kitties have a wonderful and blesses Christmas!
Love the dishes!
Susan, Your wonderful blog and the girl’s sweet comments
are a reminder of what is still good in this ever changing world.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!
Susan,
Good morning from western PA. I hope I am not too late for entering for a chance to win the dishes and chocolate covered almond brittle.
I just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog. I am amazed at how you can take the ordinary, everyday things in life, and make them seem so special. You have been blessed with a gift.
I too, am a collector of china. I enjoy washing the dishes in my sink and wonder about who owned them and treasured them before I purchased them. I talk to the previous owners while washing them (sounds crazy, I know) and tell them that I will take care of their dishes. I hope that the dishes I leave behind will one day be treasured another china collector.
May you and Joe (and Jack and Girl Kitty) have a Merry Christmas. Blessings of the season to you.
Susan,
Thanks for offering such a special treat for the girlfriends! That brittle makes my mouth water. I’m making Christmas candy for the neighbors today. Thanks for the inspiration. I absolutely LOVED reading my copy of A Fine Romance. Read it in one sitting after I finished with my children’s schooling for the day. Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Sara Kelly
You are so thoughtful to think of your fans. What a beautiful tea set-I collect teapots…I feel special you and I have the same dishes from Johnson Brothers. I was given them by my Grandmother who has been gone many years. Have a wonderful holiday and I look forward to more pictures/posts. From one cat lover to another – Merry Christmas.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the lovely post, and for bringing cheer and joy into all our lives throughout the year with your wonderful posts and products. Merry Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the rest of your families, and much joy and happiness in the New Year 2014.
Marianne
Beautiful tea set, great website and yummy looking recipes!
I’m also a lover of old dishes. I do not have any in that beautiful color. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You bring me joy and a positive attitude.
Merry Christmas Susan! Glad you had a successful and safe trip.
Merry Christmas to you Susan!
What a fabulous Christmas gift for a lucky someone! Your almond brittle looks delicious I’ll have to try it sometime.
Sighhhh…reading your posts and emails are like being wrapped in a cozy quilt. So lovely, so positive. Merry Christmas, Susan, to you and every last one of yours!
So glad to have you home, Susan. I love that you share your cozy home, and pictures of the snow with us. I haven’t live where snow is a common thing since I was 20, but I still miss it. The pictures you share do fill a longing in my soul at this time of year. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
So glad you are back home safely! All of your books that I ordered are now sitting beneath Christmas trees waiting patiently to surprise those that I gifted with them. One went early to a dear friend who helped me out so much by driving me and my Pie to the emergency vet one night at 1:00 am for an emergency C-section. We made it back home with Mom and 2 new babies at 7:00 am, all exhausted and glad to have my girl OK. The puppies are now close to 3 months old and have taken over the house. But my girlfriend loves the book (she would have gotten it for Christmas anyway). Merriest of Christmas wishes to you, Joe and the kitties.
Merry Christmas from another Susan. I too love dishes, tea sets, all things British, and Downton Abbey. And I sooo look forward to each new post from you. Thank you for the delightful give-away–someone is going to be very happy! Maybe me!!
I always look for my friend Marsha’s comments. It makes me feel famous to know someone who has met Susan! Ha! This time there are so many comments, I haven’t located Marsha’s yet. Now, I feel compelled to make my own comment, imagine that! Love, love, love the figurines and the dishes! I happen to share your feelings toward pretty dishes. Jack looked happy to have you home. My cat Cookie looks a lot like Jack, except her nose has two dots (like the ones on children’s drawings of pigs) instead of his very dapper mustache. Cookie meows loudly when I return home from a trip, does Jack? I very enjoyed your post!
Love the tea set! I’m so glad you’re home busily doing your Christmasy things. Had to tell you, I now have a cute bird tree on my breakfast nook table and love it! We have full view of our bird feeders from that spot so it’s perfect!
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl Kitty, and Jack!
Merry Christmas Susan…. xoxo
Love,
Joann in Colordo!! New post up but you already know this!!! You got it from the source!!!! xoxo ♥
Warmest wishes to you and Joe for the merriest Christmas ever and a new year filled with many blessings!
I love love love your blog – and I love love love that tea set!
OMGoodness, Susan!
1334 responses so far – Yikes!
You have made so many new girlfriends for us to share!
You are the Siren of your little island – I mean that in a good way 🙂
You can never have too many friends –
Love,
♥Deb♥
Susan, I know Vanna will only count me once…smile… So here is my question (I forgot to ask earlier) do you put the butter on the skin of the sweet potato, then sprinkle it with salt or sea salt? Then bake? It looks so yummy!…
Yes, rub it all over with butter, salt it and bake at 425 for an hour and 15 min. Put a little square of aluminum foil under it because it will drip and make a mess. When you eat it, take a bite of skin with each bite of potato — so much flavor there.
Oh, how exciting! It sounds so yummy! Thank you my dear friend and Merry CHRISTmas! (Love all your posts! Over 3,000….wheeeee! “Girlfriends of Susan!” Yeah! Way to go! smile..)
This is so funny! I decided to try it today too…I didn’t see this follow up post until after it was devoured! I washed mine, then while it was still damp, patted some kosher salt all over them. Thankfully, I had foil on the bottom of my oven because they did ooze out a bit. We split them, sprayed ‘I Cannot Believe It’s Not Butter’ and one teaspoon of brown sugar. It was so yummy, I think I could have eaten two! Thanks for sharing Susan…love,
Your Foodie Friends From Iowa, Donna at Miss Spenser’s Special-Teas.
I’m so happy that you are “safe and sound,” and fully involved in the joys of being at home! I’m still on such a high from having met you (and Joe) in Grand Rapids in September. What an absolute treat! So fun to follow your travels across the country and be allowed to peek through your eyes. I’m thrilled at the response that your book has gotten and hope that you feel returned to you all the warmth that you share so freely. Tonight I’ll wrap the copy of “A Fine Romance,” that you signed for my mother-in-law, and put it under the tree. I’m so eager to “introduce” her to you and share your experiences. She and my father-in-law lived in England for a year (a little over 20 years ago) when he was working for Ford Motor Company. She has beautiful photographs all around her home from that time and enjoys reminiscing. Even though I’ve never been, her accounts allow me a glimpse (as your book has also done), and whet my appetite! Someday it will happen! Thank you for taking both of us along in spirit! Wishing you peaceful and wonderful holidays!
You’re so kind to share your bounty this way! Thank you — the tea set is stunningly gorgeous!
Susan you are such a dear! Wow you totally surprised me!I didn’t even guess it!And thats what makes presents the best!Are family had an early Christmas today sense we are leaving for my grandparents tonight . I was so happy when I saw that I got the latest days journal! I love it so much ! I already had the other one and was sad to start the new year without another journal. Please sign me up on your list for the wonderful set and brittle!Merry Christmas Sue your the best!
I loved the snow pictures. Living in the south, we do not see much snow. My granddaughters insist on a tea party every time they visit. We use fine china and linens. I try to make it a special occasion. Memories I hope they will always keep. Merry Christmas.
I nominated you for the Blog of the Year Award 2013! I know you don’t need it, but I love your blog mykidhaspaws.org/2013/12/23/nominated-me-blog-of-the-year-2013-award/
Of course I need it! 🙂 You are so sweet Rachel! xo
Happy Christmas Susan! Thank you for the joy you bring so many of us all year round!
Yes, I second!
What a wonderful post! I had a chance to sit down after dinner and after reading the brittle recipe I was up and running again. This time I enlisted my husband to help! He was so excited when I told him what we were making. Look delicious we’re waiting for cooling and chocolate melting, thanks for a fun treat. MerryChristmas
Sorry we missed seeing each other when you were in Arizona. Merry Christmas to you both…
Me too Saundra, was such a busy trip and so much of it planned and timed. Merry Christmas to you too!
hi so glad you found those 2 pieces to you BP collection, nothing like finding a treasure, and the recipe looks great, and love those dishes. Keeping my fingers crossed i win !!! But you had so many comments do you really read them all !!
What a lovely tea set. You always have the prettiest things. Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing your creativity and joy!
May you and yours have many God given blessings this coming year.
Merry Christmas to you, Susan and your loved ones (Joe, Girl Kitty and sweet
mustached-face Jack) ! I have been reading your blog for a couple months now.
It has been like reconnecting with an old friend with whom I had lost touch. You see, I had discovered your book, “Vineyard Seasons”, when I was a newly divorced young mom. It brought me much joy at a very sad time. So this is a long overdue big “Thank You” for your books (I have gotten others). Then life
got busy and I had not kept up with your latest books – but I am sure that Santa is bringing me “A Fine Romance”. Love what you do and hope you have a very blessed Christmas!
Nice to meet you Pam!
Susan the china reminds me of the china my mother used for everyday when I was growing up hers had the same color green border. I don’t think it was fine china,but your find certain reminds me if it and brings back sweet memories of growing up in the fifties and seeing that china set on the table every night when my dad would come home from work and we all sat at the table precisely at six o’clock.So thanks for the memories!
Susan,
Thank you. You make me cry happy tears. I give your calendars every year for Christmas. All my girlfriends and their girlfriends love them. There is this whole network of girlfriends somewhere out there spreading love and joy and peace. …you keep us going!
What a beautiful shade of green! If you aren’t about the nicest girlfriend, then I don’t know one!!! Thanks for thinking of us. First you take us on a crossing and then a beautiful tea set. It’s great just to be thought of!!!
I love reading your blog, Susan. Thank you.
Susan,
I could use a little joy like this in my mailbox after the unexpected loss of my cousin (and childhood companion) at the young age of 42 two weeks ago. Then yesterday her father, my uncle, passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack. Thanks for the opportunity to win some much needed joy.
Oh dear, too many losses Nena, I’m so sorry. xoxo
What a joy you are! During a very sad, disheartened evening, I read your blog and now I feel much better. Thank you for being you and Merry Christmas.
Take heart Dotty . . . xo
What a nice surprise for someone!
Hello Susan,
I enjoy my visits with you and delight in your hospitality.
I admiringly and humbly wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.
Liz
Thanks so much for your cheery Christmas fun! Just came back to California after visiting my Texas family and enjoying the flurry of Christmas fun here. Merry Christmas!!
Susan,
Thank you for putting into words my feelings about home, kitties, pretty dishes, good friends, good food and keeping our lives simple. It leaves me
with a warm heart when I drink out of a jelly jar glass that was my grandmas.
I can see her washing her dishes in hot soapy water like you washed the china
set. Thank you for bringing back good memories.
MJ
I love to read your blog, it is so uplifting and encouraging. Enjoy the watercolor work and recipes. Thank you for everything.
Did a little sleuthing to try to find out the pattern name of this beautiful china. The pattern appears to be Blenheim. To see photos do and internet search for “Tuscan China Blenheim”. Replacements has a few pieces of this pattern at:
http://www.replacements.com/webquote/TUSBLE.htm
In comparing the photos online, some of the detailing is slightly different from your photos. I’m guessing that yours may be an earlier version of this pattern.
Good luck, Girlfriends! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan, so happy you and Joe are safely home. I hope I’m the lucky one this time, the china is beautiful.
My book club is presently passing around my copy of “A Fine Romance”. Then we are planning a British tea party at my house to follow up. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to win your tea set to use for our party!
Susan, what a beautiful china tea set! I can’t believe that you purchased it for us. You make us so happy with your generous gifts as well as by inviting us along on all of your journeys. I truly enjoy your blog.
I’m sure you are cherishing your home at Christmastime even more so since you’ve been away so long. Have a very Merry Christmas!
I have enjoyed reading “A Fine Romance”. I am giving my daughter a copy for Christmas. The tea set is lovely. Merry Christmas!
Warm, <3 felt greetings from Idaho. It is the eve of the EVE! Clam chowder and Christmas lights…hooves on the roof! Time to hang the stockings and snuggle down in our beds. Sweet ~brittle~ filled dreams…and a Merry Christmas to all!
Oh, Susan~~You are such a generous, thoughtful person. I am so thankful that you are safely home and able to be snug, toasty, cozy, and domestic once again!
I rejoice with you in your BP animal “finds!” A few months back, I splurged and purchased–from 162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/–Hunca Munca sweeping, and I have enjoyed her very much.
The vintage China set you found is beautiful; the teapot has such an elegant, graceful shape.
I can only imagine how glad Jack is to have you and Joe back!
You brighten many a life, Susan. God bless you!
Blessings to you and Joe this Christmas. Thank you for all of your wonderful inspiration.
Thanks for adding to our holiday memories. You remind us that the root of happiness and joy is within us and right at our back door. We need only to open our hearts and let it in. Thanks for sharing all your happy thoughts with us. Happy Holiday to you and yours. Susan
Christmas Eve! I’m writing in my new Susan Branch calendar all the important dates I want to remember – birthdays, anniversaries, happy events, sad events, everyday events and as I do so I think of family and friends and say a little prayer for their safety and happiness in the year ahead. And bonus – I get to enjoy your calendar as every month unfolds. Happy Christmas Susan and Joe, Girl Kitty, Jack and all those you love and to the many girlfriends out there. God bless us, everyone.
How I would love to have a tea party with my six grandchildren and serve them tea in this most beautiful, vintage China tea set!!! (four girls and two boys!) What fun and also making a beautiful memory!
Susan, what a precious friendship all us girlfriends share!
With a very grateful heart, thank you! You, Joe and yours have a very beautiful and most blessed Christmas!
Hi Susan,
My copy of A Fine Romance finally arrived last month! I have been savoring it so slowly that for the first two weeks I took it in my hands and turned the pages over just skimming over the lovely handwriting and art. Now I’ve begun to read it. My younger one takes it off the desk and looks at the pictures, now he wants take a trip on a ship too! He loves the kitty drawings too…
We wish you and Joe and very Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Year!
See, I secretly do write Children’s books! 🙂
You think it’s cold on Martha’s Vineyard! in northern Minnesota it’s pretty chilly – minus 20!
Thank you, Susan, for following your heart and bringing joy and beauty into my world and the world of so many others,
Susan, thanks for reminding us that it’s about enjoying the little things all season long. We don’t have to stress about all there is to do. Take each day and moment as it comes. Merry Christmas, and God bless us, everyone…
Merry Christmas to you and Joe! May you have a very blessed Christmas and New Year! It was so very nice to meet you during your book signing travels, we are glad that you made it home safely for the holidays. I hope that you can now take time to relax a little bit and enjoy the holidays. Thank you for all that you do to brighten our day!
P.S. My husband is still not finished with our porch;)
Merry Christmas Susan! You have no idea how much fun it is to read your blog! It is a gift in itself…
I did a little bit of web research, Susan, and I found this china pattern. It’s called “Plant”, and it goes back to 1936. Someone had it on Etsy.
Dear Susan , I have so much enjoyed your blog…always inspiring. Thank you and merry Christmas.
What a beautiful tea set! And I love your collection of lambs – reminds me of your trip to England. Merry Christmas!
Thrilled you bought your tea set in OKC where I live and saw you at Full Circle Bk Store signing and gave you honey from our Farm. Lovely gesture to give it away! Merry Christmas to Susan who lights up my days – always. Jo
Oh, Susan!
I’m so glad that you are home and with Jack!
I began my Christmas by having some girl friends over for an appetizer buffet and dessert and coffee the other evening…and used several of your recipes from “Christmas From the Heart of the Home”. What a hit the evening was, and how much fun we all had!
I got so many lovely comments about the food…but also about my home and decorations! I said that it was all because of your inspiration…and that I was addicted to your web site!
Susan, you are the definition of home.
You exude, in every way all the ingredients needed to offer comfort, warmth,
creativity, and a wide-open welcome with bells on!
Thank you for everything!
Glorious Christmas wishes to you and Joe and the kitties! May your New Year be as blessed as you have blessed us!
What a dreamy combination- almond brittle and British china! That calls for a party 🙂 on a side note, I must ask if you are a fan of Tasha Tudor.
P.S. A Fine Romance is my favorite book of all the books I have encountered this year. Both my mom and I treasure it. Thank you for sharing your artistic gifts and radiant spirit with all of us. Merriest Christmas to you and Joe!
You are dear to tell me Gretchen — thank you!
Your blogs are as warm and cozy as the fire in your pictures. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan what a wonderful blog a christmas present indeed!!!!Stay warm and may all your wishes come true!!!!
What a wonderful post and a huge surprise to all of us girlfriends with your gift. I would love to receive the teapot and cups, just saying… Happy Holidays to all of you and a Safe and Healthy New Year.
Merry Christmas to all !! It is snowing here in Pa, the fire in my small but cozy fireplace is such a magic feeling, and just being happy and content.
Susan, your posts brighten my day.
I have been in tears with your last few posts…SO very wonderful for you to be HOME! While I am incredibly grateful for the journey of love you and Joe took for all of us–meeting You and being in your actual presence will be in my heart forever–I am so very happy for you two to be home safe, sound & snug. With the pictures of snow outside your window and your cooper pot on your fabulous stove, all is right in the world.
Merry Christmas and God’s blessings to you & Joe, Jack and Girl.
Melinda (and my 3 beauties)
PS, I agree with your thoughts on Christmas prep: whatever gets done gets done, whatever doesn’t doesn’t…always enjoy and delight.
It was my gift to myself after writing the book, coming out to actually meet so many, I loved every moment of it. Thank you for coming to meet me!
New to the blog, and feel like I’ve found thousands of kindred spirits! I’m full up with tea things but this one is so lovely, and the almond brittle looks delicious. Thank you, Susan, for letting us join you and Jack in your cozy kitchen for a chat – look forward to seeing you again soon. Merry Christmas!
Welcome Kathleen!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for your gift of ccredit creativity!
I meant ” gift of creativity”!
Merry Christmas & blessings to you in the New Year
I’m a lil’ late, but I am entering anyway. When you write about collecting my mind starts thinking about going into little, ole’ antique shops and scouting for one more thing for one of my collections and I get happy. “Anticipation”, right? Bye Carly Simon? I love that song. Anyway, I am wishing you and your loving man, Joe, a very warm, cozy and merry Christmas. It’s Christmas Eve Day and I have to fill the stockings and then make your candy recipe and I’m ready. Can’t wait! When will I ever grow up? Oh, yes, the contest, I’m in. xoxo Sheryl
Dear Susan, thank you for the beautiful growing up story…my children are grown now & I needed this reminder to see the holiday through the wonder-filled eyes of a child…Merry Christmas
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the china and totally stopped when I read you were so generously gifting it. I would so love to win it! I am a lover of china, always have been, always will. I have moved away from my “tea party” friend. However, if I win, it will be so gently wrapped and travel back with me to California for a wonderful tea party! (the candy would go to my Mom who has a sweet tooth the size of California!) Thank you so very much!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Susan!!, Thank you for all your inspirations. It brightens my day everytime I see you have posted. I ate up all your books as soon as I discovered them and they have inspired me so . I would love to enter the giveaway . Thanks, Love, Christina
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year:)
Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty and darling Jack,
Merry Christmas to you all! You bring so much warmth and happiness to so many!
love,
michele salazar
Love your blog! It always puts a smile on my face 🙂 May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!!!
Love your blog, Willard and my new copy of “A Fine Romance”, too! Hope your holidays are spectacular!
Quoting Mr. Whittier, here’s wishing you and yours . . . 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!
My favorite part about leaving a comment is not that I might win something, but that I get to see my words in your font. Just giddy, I tell you.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and to all your lovely girlfriends!
I understand, giddy is a good thing!
Dear Susan
I am writing a comment again and resending it as I am not sure that I sent it properly.
I love your website and my heart always smiles when I read about your adventures with Joe or when I look at the photos you post.
The tea set is beautiful! It would be wonderful to make a pot of tea and drink from the beautiful tea cups.
I live on the West Coast in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. We have a little bit of snow and the temperature is quite cold now.
I wish you and your family a very “Merry Christmas!”
Barbara
Merry Christmas. Your stories & descriptions are awesome. I can hear the giggles, smell the yummies. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for all your inspiration. I so enjoy your posts.
love, hugs & prayers, monica
Love is in the air….thanks for your contribution to it 🙂
Your blog always brings delight to my day. I so enjoy the world you bring to us, makes me slow down a bit and relish the moment. Blessings to you this Christmas, and may the coming year be full of surprises!
Oh my goodness! I just read your Christmas Eve post, wonderful! Thank you for sharing your beautiful childhood and beautiful life with us! Merry Christmas Susan! Blessings to you and yours!!