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! ♥
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Your post will be “playing” as I wrap presents, make a few spiced nuts in our kitchen, have a cup of tea with hubby and start our evening meal.
So happy to be able to share in your holiday preparations.
Happy Holidays from wintry West Michigan
The candy looks yummy! I love the sweet tea set too. I love living vicariously through your delightful home and travels.
Oh Susan, what a beautiful tea set. I loved meeting you at your book signing in Oklahoma City. It would be extra special to win these beautiful dishes from my hometown that have traveled with you to the east coast along with that yummy looking almond brittle.
Merry Christmas!
Sooo cute! Sign me up. 😀
Oh how lovely that precious little tea set which you found on your travels is. I am looking forward to getting all of my tea things out of store………they have been sitting in storage since November of last year.
We are waiting for escrow to close on a lovely mountain home in Pine Mountain Club, Ca. Currently, we moved out of the temporary apartment just yesterday, and of course our move to the new home has been delayed…..so we are enjoying a few days at a little resort in Del Mar.
I just got word that my second little grandson may come early……….and his mama is in hospital to safeguard the situation. Our newest bundle, was due to make his presence on Jan. 21st, but complications necessitate his mama to be on bed rest and they plan to deliver the baby in 2 weeks…………at the 37th week and no longer. That puts the new target date on my birthday, which is Dec. the 31st.
After a rather taxing year, it would be a blessing to have the delivery of a happy baby boy arrive before the year end. On my birthday………….a very special gift indeed.
By the way, I love all of your posts. I look forward to them………..I love all the things which you love, and England is part of my soul. We have another bit of family who resides in the east Midlands in a village called Southwell, Nottinghamshire. My own family hails from Devonshire. England and Scotland run thickly through my blood…………so of course all of the customs and traditions and visions of lambs and sheep grazing in green fields, stone cottages with thatched roofs, bluebells under the canopy of stately trees are tucked away in my memories. I sit sipping a cup of tea at this very moment and in these memories and traditions, I find comfort and joy of all that is beloved.
Have a Happy Christmas and very Good New Year, filled with LOVE.
Jan Lane
I love, love, love those dishes!! If they were mine I would have to have a Christmas tea party. I would add the Christmas tree cookies like the ones my mom made for years, with the exact same color green icing as the green on those dishes. Mom is no longer able to cook the treats she once made for us, so my sisters and I now take turns baking.
Your stories about life in a large family are so inspiring and such a wonderful reminder of the way things were when I was growing up. I am also a lover of all things English. I have been there a few times and it is always like the mother ship calling me home. Thank you for your inspiring, life affirming blog.
Oh my! What a delightful morning coffee break with you, Susan! I have never made Almond Brittle, but now I want to. I love chocolate and almonds, and butter….and, well, you get the idea. Such an adorable tea set, would look lovely on my table sharing tea with some sweet little girls (my granddaughters), Stay warm, stay sweet and Merry Christmas!
Hugs, Heidi
My friend Lori and I were thrilled to meet you and Joe in Grand Rapids, MI, and you are such a dear to be thinking of all of your Girlfriends at this merry Christmas time of year! Thank you, for just being you, and bringing such joy to everyday life. Christmas blessings to you and those you love, both 2-footed and 4-footed!
The tea set is indeed lovely. We spent several years in England and I was able to find a tea set, too–minus the tea pot. We loved England, too, so it is a treat to read some of your experiences there. My daughter-in-law introduced your blog to me, and I’m glad she did. Joan (pronounced like JoAnn)
What a lovely blog entry! It is cool down here in Florida….but the sun is warm on our faces, and we are getting in the spirit, even without the snow. The cardinals were beautiful; the lambs were a delight; the cause that you are sharing your proceeds with sounds so good (definitely plan to check it out); and the tea service captured my heart….(well, sweet treats are a right up there with china).
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy (& Healthy) New Year, & Blessing to you and your family. Thank You for bringing so much delight to me this year. crr
I have followed you for years and have many of your prints decorating my home as well as finding inspiration from your books and cookbooks! So enjoy the newsletters and loved the picture of the red cardinals in the snow…am a 3rd generation Californian who has a longing to visit your lovely part of the country…maybe someday! Loved following your trips to England and across the country…hope to someday do the same. Thank you for sharing your life adventures with all of us! Love the teaset and the almond brittle! Have a Happy Christmas , ready or not!!!
Dearest Susan, how very sweet of you to think of the Girlfriends while out and about on your book tour and give away the beautiful China Set. I hope “Vanna” picks someone who has suffered a loss/tragedy in their life this year in hopes that a little excitement will brighten their spirit. I’m so certain that a generous heart spills over into the lives of others and my friend you have done that today with this giveaway. Blessings
What a beautiful tea set! My heart went pitter- patter when I saw it. You come across the most wonderful treasures. And then to have brittle made by you! Not a finer combination can be had. Wishing you, Joe and the sweet kitties a blessed Christmas!
Oh my goodness, I was reading along thinking to myself, how lovely she is making a special treat for her friend and… wait WHAT we could possibly have a chance to taste the candy and then the tea set as well…I let out a big gasp and my kids come running in the room and say are you okay? It really for some reason made me tear up too! Merry Christmas you made my day! Thank You!
Merry Christmas! I love your posts!
You are such a generous and lovely person! This is a beautiful tea set and a treasure! Thank you for the opportunity to wish for it, and to be happy for the lucky person who wins it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Susan and Joe and all your loved ones!
It would be so nice to be able to set a tea party for my daughter and some of her friends. I would love to be the gracious follower to receive such a beautiful tea set. I simply enjoy reading your blog and looking at all your treasures! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you for sharing so much of you with all of us. Enjoy the season!
What a wonderful blog today!! So cheery, and love your attitude about getting everything done… or not! Like you, I am a crazy dish collector. I can hardly pass up a set. I also love table linens! We miss you on the left coast, I can’t drive through Arroyo Grande to visit my son and AHmazing daughter-in-law without thinking of you. Branch St. will always be named after Susan as far as I’m concerned!! Faboosh wishes for a Jolly Christmas and a wonderful 2014! ~Cindy
Squeeeeeeeeeeeal! Beautiful!! Yes, so very beautiful!! You are so very kind to give these away AND to make homemade treats too! I know we all appreciate your sweetness <3
What a beautiful tea set, Susan. You sure have collected some wonderful treasures. Have a warm, cozy and wonderful Christmas 🙂
what a truly glorious idea to donate part of the sales for your book to such a deserving cause!!! that’s the true spirit of Christmas. big hug to you and yours!
I bought your book online and have read it a few times (A Fine Romance) I just love it, which is also how I found your blog, which I also love. Your watercolours are fabulous, which bring your words to life. Your new dishes and almond brittle would be lovely to share. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Pick me, please? Have been a fan from WAYYYY back! Have saved all my old Willards (in their envelopes no less)!! Have shared my love for all things SB with my favorite GFs too!! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!!
So enjoying getting to know you! I have a lot of your wonderful books and A Fine Romance is my new very favorite. After reading it 2x’s I came back to your site and ordered it for Christmas presents for my favorite people! Thank you for taking us on your voyage on the QEII, it has become my new dream! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Since my Mother’s death in 2011, I haven’t really celebrated anything, but this year, I am feeling the joy and enchantment of Christmas. Your postings add to the warm feeling of this holiday season… Merry Christmas!
As always, charming! I love that word and I associate it with everything Susan Branch! Sweet treats & a tea set. How perfect! Have a lovely Merry Christmas!
Just beautiful…like everything you do. A Fine Romance graces my coffee table and this tea set would be the perfect accompaniment!!!! Thank-you for sharing all of your gifts with us!
Susan,
Thank you for providing a little bit of heaven on earth! I check your website each day as a treat! I love your blog and all that you share! I have followed you for over 20 years and I love each moment we have spent together!
I wish you and Joe a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
Much love,
Nanci, Opie, Olivia, Wally and Molly!
Dear Susan,
What a lovely entry this is today. Your new lambs seem to be getting along well with the rest of the flock and the new BP members must be happy to join the others. The tea set is beautiful. Thank you for your lovely entries and for taking all of us along with you on your book tour road trip. The book shop looks wonderful as a gingerbread house – such clever people there. Wishes to you for a lovely holiday.
Bright blessings,
Daena
Hi Susan! Please enter me in the drawing for the beautiful tea set. I would love to win that beautiful set. I think you have painted that teapot before, haven’t you? It looks familiar to me. I just love it! Please enter me and thank you for being so generous!!! Lisa
I was just thinking how wonderful your house must smell. Is there anything that can take you back in time more than the smells of Christmas? The tea set, the lambs, the cardinals – all so beautiful. Thank you for the beautiful memories of another time.
Merry Christmas!
You probably heard my yelp of surprise when I read about your awesome giveaway!! I LOVE tea and I LOVE china and that set you bought in OK is GORGEOUS!! Love the green and gold in it; it is stunning. Thank you for the giveaway and I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!! ps Jack sure looks happy that you are back home! 🙂
Susan Branch, I love you!! Anytime I go to your blog or your wonderful site, I am inspired to try something new, re-locate something I have been ‘missing’ for too long, maybe even start a new collection. And you always add that special cozy, homey feeling. Thanks for everything you do to make our lives extra special!! Have a Christmas overflowing with love & countless blessings!!
You are pure joy and sunshine.
I save your blog for when I can sit and enjoy.
Merry Christmas Friend!
Oh my! What a wonderful gift! I’m going to have to go and get my book out and make the brittle too, I tried looking the pattern up in Replacements. com -there’s so many! It is similar to Bleinheim but not quite it. Having fun looking at all the china patterns, lovely. Love your blog and look forward to visits to your home. Merry Christmas!
What a pretty, dainty tea set! I had another tea party last week. I have two special shelves for my cups with saucers. I invite my guests to look them over and choose their favorite. Then I pop into the kitchen to give my pretty little “dust catchers” a quick wash up, and my friends sit at my table where their chosen cup has been placed. If my name is selected for such a delightful gift, I would have such pleasure using it with the dear ladies who have blessed my life. Thank you for sending your blog. I look forward to it so much!
Merry Christmas Susan, from my Island to yours….You are such a blessing to so many…..God bless you and your family during this most wonderful time of the year.
Thank you, dear Susan, for just being you! Christmas blessings to you and those you love, both 2-footed and 4-footed!
Candy is always a good present and this looks so very good. Beautiful choice on the tea set. Merry Christmas
Love all your new treasures! I’m a dish person too! I have a huge cupboard full of dishes 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful offer
but most especially for lifting our hearts.
I pray that
God will bless you
with more ideas to grow your creativity.
I love your posts! They are a joy to read! Thanks for the inspiration and the giveaway! Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙂
I love china with green in it. It’s not very common but it so beautiful!
I hope this isn’t comment #2…
Thank you for the cheery blog this morning! I am also a dish fanatic!! and a tablelinen freak!! They bring so much joy! Fabulous Christmas wishes to you, Joe and the kitties.
thanks so much for thinking of all of us susan. it was fun to follow your travels and glad you are home for christmas. have a wonderful holiday!
patti
comfy, cozy winter days, crackling fires while kitty plays 🙂
Merry Christmas, Susan! Your Christmas books continue to be a cherished part of my holiday prep and planning. I’ve saved every Williard I’ve been mentioned in as a treasured keepsake! I would love to win the tea set for my dearest English friend (and boss) who is going to have a difficult holiday – her first alone following an unexpected and painful separation from her husband.
Happiest of holidays to you and your family! And thank you for being so thoughtful of your fans!
I always have to stop whatever I’m doing and read your blog when it comes in! You cheer me up, and help me re-center every time! Now that I’ve seen pictures of Jack and Girl so many times, I am beginning to notice distance cousins of theirs allot in my area! Love it! The brittle looks REALLY GOOD! Haven’t had it with chocolate topping – must try your recipe! Yummy! and that is such a pretty tea set – please, please enter me in the drawing. Thank you for today’s blog – and such a spectacular give away!
Collecting your books and your other items brings me such JOY. We are like minded girls. Love, love ,love my new Christmas Santa tea towel…matches my outdoor flag. Merry Christmas to you all.
I am new to your blog but not your books! Love them all! Just moved to sandwich and so sorry I missed you at titcomb books-was reading your blog later that night and realized I missed you! So close and hope you come again!
Ethel and I loved your new post! The tea set is gorgeous and I will try your brittle. But the best part was giving some of the proceeds of your December book sales to children who need it. As retired teachers we know many struggling children and families are in our country today. Thank you for taking ‘our’ book and helping others! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and my favorite kitties! Love, Lucy
This tea set would mix so sweetly with my late Mother in Law’s china. Merry Christmas and thanks for all the adventure.
Thank you for this opportunity to win the beautiful hand painted tea set found in Oklahoma City. You are such a wonderful, generous person! We have something to wish for, and we can also rejoice in the great fortune of the lucky person who wins it!
I love everything you do, and this post brought me such joy. I just love your photos of your quaint house and yard with the gorgeous red cardinals. Thanks for sharing! How sweet of you to offer this tea set to your “fans.” My St. Bernard puppy, Daisy, and my black Lab, Sebastian, sit at my feet as I write this in West Des Moines, with a crackling fire in the fireplace and the King’s College Choir singers from England performing my favorite carols. Your books sit in a bookshelf nearby & I adore them. Enjoy your home & your family and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I was watching the weather channel yesterday as they covered the big storm hitting the northeast and thinking of you. Glad to see you are warm and cozy in your beautiful home and busy making sweet treats! Speaking of treats, your blog is always a treat, with or without giveaways, but this one is so generous! You are always thinking us – which is why we think of you so often. Merry Christmas!
Such a darling tea set. I remember you mentioning that you found something in OKC and it is fun to see it! I just love your beautiful posts. You will have to tell us how your cats greeted you. Do they remember you just fine? Were they excited? Anyway, merry Christmas to you and Joe!
Finished _A Fine Romance_ a week or so ago. I would read a chapter a night. I wanted to savor it and make it last. I was so……sad when I finally finished. The tea set is beautiful and I believe I can find some cups from one of my china sets to stand in. Winning that would be as good as the lottery (considering I didn’t buy a ticket, I had no chance of winning). Not going to take that risk here.
Thank you!
Yes that would be crazy 🙂 Thank you Paulette, so happy you enjoyed the book!
How wonderful, and kind, for you to give away your lovely tea set! I would give it a good home, if I am lucky enough to win it. I love reading your blog, and after some bad local news here yesterday, this is exactly what I needed today. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the getting ready for Christmas blog. Enjoyed so much seeing the treasures you found along the way on your book signing tour. The candy recipe sounds yummy and easy! Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!
Alice
Oh that Tea set is beautiful- i don’t have any but i have started looking at cups and saucers in the antique malls and flea markets in the past year- i now have 4 cups and saucers …i think- haha- yes that is it…4. So yes- would love to win!!!!
I am so glad you are home- i missed you- and i have read my Fine Romance- from cover to cover and back again…..it is the finest book i own……love the art work- and all the stories…..no other book compares!
But i know Jack and Girl Kitty are glad you are home……Have a Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Your fan and friend in Kentucky- xoxoxo
Kathy
Comment #1, which didn’t go through, was more interesting. I mentioned how I can’t drive through Arroyo Grande toward Huasna Road to visit my son and Ahmazing daughter-in-law without thinking of you, Susan. I miss your presence here, and to me, Branch Street will always be named for you!! It is, isn’t it??
~Cindy
That’s right! 🙂
This Southern girl with Yankee roots enjoys your blog! The gingerbread house would be cute on our back yard cottage when we finish building it.
I love the tea set and cannot wait to try the almond brittle recipe. Last week I made pecan brittle for one of my sons.
Merry Christmas!
This tea set is stunning! What a glorious find! ♥
You inspire me! I read your blog every single day (even on the days that there are no new posts) on my lunch break at work! It reminds me that I get to go home later and play with all my “pretty things” and my plates and my vintage linens and pretend that I’m Susan Branch. (Wink Wink!) Thank you for making the world all warm and fuzzy. 🙂
One can never have enough beautiful china, I always say.
Hey! Did I tell you? At Goodwill a couple of months ago, I found the same beautiful but plain Wedgewood china they use downstairs at Downton Abbey and bought every piece I could find. I use it every day. Feels just fabulous to pretend to be even a downstairs kitchen maid because I love to cook! Now, that little tea set is certainly more of the “Upstairs” variety and would round out my collection very nicely, I think and give me a whole new fantasy!!!! I can just taste the almond brittle……….yum. My mouth is watering!!! Thanks for the lovely post and your kind offer, Susan!!!
Thank you again!…for being so gracious to all the “girlfriends” waiting in line to have their books autographed at the Remnants of the Past Antique Show! It was great seeing you again!
I’m not sure how you can part with those lovely dishes…but…I for one would love them! Wishing you and Joe the Merriest Christmas ever!
I need to go for now…must run out and get the ingredients for that Almond Brittle!
Peace…Love…Joy!
Darlene
Thank you for today’s blog! It is cozy and Christmasy, and had just the right amount of magic. The candy looks amazing. It is becoming more and more clear to me that a candy thermometer may be a necessity. I’ll have to try it! I’m 23, and my mother and I follow your blog religiously. Every time we see each other, one of our first questions is “Did you see Susan’s post today!?”
You are a special part of our family. Isn’t that nice to know?
With Love,
Lacy
Love you Susan… Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Girl and Jack!
Merry Christmas Susan.
I just love your blog, it always makes me feel like Im right there with you in your lovely cozy home. How awesome that you found so many little treasures on your trip. I would love to travel across the country stopping at antique and quilt shops all the way, what a dream that would be. The toffee looks so yummy, I cant wait to try it. The tea set is beautiful, I am a dish aholic too. Ive always said that I want a huge pantry just for dishes. Thank you so much for the chance to win. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Michelle
Hello Susan… what a wonderful post!… your fire looks so cozy and I can smell the almond brittle cooking… mmmm… Titcombs is adorable all dressed up as a gingerbread house… magical things really do take place at Christmas time!… Jack is precious as always… hello to Girl Kitty too!… I am in LOVE with Samuel Whiskers and Mrs. Tittlemouse!… so happy you found them!… Jack got me a vintage Appley Dapply mouse figurine and also BP’s book Appley Dapply Nursery Rhymes (a really old old one)… for Christmas… but I whined, so I got them now!… they didn’t want to be in a box on Christmas Eve!… now, they are out with my other BP people at my little “pretend” Hill Top Farm all decorated for Christmas that I made for them… aren’t I just the worst!… but Jack still loves me and thinks they all look cute too… I would love to win that gorgeous teaset!… the pattern is called “Blenheim” I believe, and made in Longton, Staffordshire, England. Tuscan china was made as early as 1898, some starting in 1947 to the present… I have always loved that pattern, but never owned any… thank you so much for a chance to win!… as I am just as excited for the chance to win some of your almond brittle!!!… love to you, xoxo Julie Marie
Sue,
I sat down this morning and looked at your Christmas book thoroughly before beginning my day of cookie baking. It never gets old, I love it everytime I open it and find another recipe I overlooked in the past. On today’s menu will be our standards, your macaroons, Annie Hall butter cookies and Gunger Crisps! The house smells heavenly because of you! Tomorrow there will be more!
You’ve turned g’s all into dish people, you know. Look up Johndon Brothers Strawberry Fair, I almost have the whole set! I love it and would love to win your set- and the candy, too!
Merry Christmas! Barbara in Lodi, CA
Oh my. How wondrous it would be to own this beautiful tea set. I have loved your work for so long. Such a gift for the heart to just see your pictures and read your sweet words. Wishing you a heart full of joy during this holiday season.
Sue,
I sat down this morning and looked at your Christmas book thoroughly before beginning my day of cookie baking. It never gets old, I love it everytime I open it and find another recipe I overlooked in the past. On today’s menu will be our standards, your macaroons, Annie Hall butter cookies and Ginger Crisps! The house smells heavenly because of you! Tomorrow there will be more!
You’ve turned g’s all into dish people, you know. Look up Johndon Brothers Strawberry Fair, I almost have the whole set! I love it and would love to win your set- and the candy, too!
Merry Christmas! Barbara in Lodi, CA
This is the most beautiful set…….Oh I do love this!!!
Sue,
I sat down this morning and looked at your Christmas book thoroughly before beginning my day of cookie baking. It never gets old, I love it everytime I open it and find another recipe I overlooked in the past. On today’s menu will be our standards, your macaroons, Annie Hall butter cookies and Ginger Crisps! The house smells heavenly because of you! Tomorrow there will be more!
You’ve turned us all into dish people, you know. Look up Johndon Brothers Strawberry Fair, I almost have the whole set! I love it and would love to win your set- and the candy, too!
Merry Christmas! Barbara in Lodi, CA
I would love love love that gift!!! I so enjoy your blog, it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Susan!…You are a dear!…I was just taking a break from wrapping gifts that still need to be mailed, and was checking in to see what is up!!!…What a delightful post!….My all time favorite Beatrice Potter book is: The Roly Poly Pudding…which features Samuel Whiskers!! Your almond treat makes me want to don a little Christmas finery (aka – elastic waist pants) and whip up a batch…to keep!!!..Thank you for bestowing that sense of calm and coziness with your writing and your home…and for encouraging everyone to live large!!…and in the present!!!
P.S….I too have a flock….Italian nativity sheep, a few random fellows, and one little lambkin from Cornwall, England my sister Jennifer brought back for me…forever dear to my heart!!!
What could be finer (pronounced fye-nah) than to be gifted with tea china? I can think of only one other item that would exceed this gift…homemade chocolate yummies to serve with tea from that tea set ! Susan, you are SO creative 😀
Christine
I love reading your blogs. I wish I was as talented as you. Everything looks beautiful. I can’t wait for our cardinals to show up…
What a wonderful treat your blog always is! You certainly arrived back to perfect New England weather for Christmas. We have a lovely coating of snow here in Stoughton, hope it stays for Christmas! The Almond Brittle is going to be made today! Packing boxes to mail to my girls in CA, a little bit of home. That is just what I need to make!
HA! Man-Down! website overwhelmed due to heavy response! Finally getting through 🙂 Reading your blog I immediately stopped at the tea-set when I saw it–have had Tuscan cups/saucers before so went to eBay to see if I could find more to help complete your ‘incomplete’ set….only found ‘nearly’ like yours (same colors but slightly different arrangements). Was disappointed I couldn’t help….then went back to reading the blog and LOL! The china is for US, your girlfriends, so like you to think of us and make us something yummy too. Chocolate & almonds, the best combo. I must admit I do collect teapots & don’t have this one (well, ‘collect’ may be too strong a word since I probably only have about 8, I have restrained myself!) I also have had a lambie collection since the 70s, but it is packed away for now. The only one ‘out’ is a stuffed lamb that my husband bought for me for one of our anniversaries (38th as of yesterday! wow!), so it was lovely to see your little flock marching along the shelf in such an orderly fashion (must be British sheep….”that’ll do, pig”). Even better—I got my husband to start watching Downton Abbey with me with me this week (he’s a syfy guy) and….he liked it! *duh* And tomorrow it’s supposed to SNOW in SEATTLE! Our first this year. All in all, a great week! Thanks for sharing with us all & congrats to the teaset winner!
pick me, vanna! PICK ME!
So exciting, and beautiful!! What a lovely post. Its almost like we all share Christmas together! I hope for a quiet time over Christmas to sit and re-read the book, with tea and Christmas cookies. Thanks for sharing so much with us. Sweet lambies.
Suzy Quinn
Perfect tea set to use while watching Downton Abbey. Your posts are always a treat and I feel like I know you Susan Branch!
I collect sheep and lambs too! I am a handspinner (knitter, felter, etc) and although I enjoy the fruits of my farm-friend’s labor in the way of wool to spin, I’ve never been able to have a place in the country and sheep of my own – so I collect them!
I looked at the photos of the tea set with such satisfaction, thinking of the tea things you saw in England but had to leave behind. Now you had your lovely tea set, and from England, but……I’m shocked! Shocked I tell you, that you are giving it away – it is very generous of you though.
Oh my sparkly Christmas stars! What a fantastic treat, I hope I win, but whomever does is the luckiest holiday lamb!! Your brittle looks delectable, and you make it look so easy that I just might have to give it a shot! Thank you for all you do, Susan, I’ve so enjoyed the ride along with you these last few years. If I don’t have another chance to say so… Merry, merry Christmas, you beautiful girl! Love from California!
Lisa
“Don’t forget to leave your comment,” Susan says. (*smile*)–as if we could forget:)
Oh, Susan, you are too cute (along with Jack, your kitty)!!
Did you know that “Chill December brings the sleet, Blazing fire and Christmas treat” is part of a poem written by Sarah Coleridge? It’s called “The Months”. There are 12 verses, one for each month. Years ago I found a calendar with adorable pictures and this poem. As any teacher would do, I took it apart and use it in my first grade classroom. When we discuss the calendar each day, we say the verse for that month. I thought you might like to know that, seeing that she is from England. . . .
Lots of lovely pictures to savor for many days to come. Thank you for “cooking up” a great post for us!
Love and Christmas Joy,
Linda
Perfect tea set to use while watchning Downton Abbey. I feel like I know you Susan Branch. Were we friends in another life?
I LOVE tea but as of yet do not have a tea set!! This one is beautiful and in my favorite color too! Your site is so enjoyable a feast for all the senses. Thank you…
Susan – Thank you for all the good feelings you spread with your Blog. I feel like everyone of them is a personal message to me. I love the tea set. Holiday Hugs.
Have loved you from the beginning!! I even have one of those early (rare) handwritten notes from you which I treasure (written on one of the small teacup cards of blue and white). Wrapped for opening in just a few days is A Fine Romance – Oh I cant wait to sink into it on Christmas Day. I am giving Summer to a dear friend in a few days, have given Girlfriends are Forever multiple times, I display the large Chirstmas book on an easel and Christmas Joy nearby. Your blogs, posts are delightful, your love of Beatrice Potter, your book of Days is neat = I could be a stalker = thank you for all year!!!!!
La La La La
“Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go
Laughing all the way”
I would have sang a Christmas song about cats, but there are none.
From one cat lover to another Merry Christmas Susan!
From Albert Lea, Minnesnowta!
I’m new to receiving your blog and just love it! It’s so nice to be friends with other nesters…even if it is a virtual friendship :-). I put “A Fine Romance” on my Christmas wish list so hope I get it! Thanks…Loretta
Very beautiful! The candy looks and sounds delicious!
Oh my gosh! The beautiful tea set, A Fine Romance and almond brittle!!! It just couldn’t get any better than that!
Such a beautiful tea set. Almond Roca is my dad’s favorite homemade candy. I will make this in honor of him. My daughter’s, age 7 & 9 would love tea time with this set.
Oh my goodness- what a beautiful surprise!! I can’t decide which I was drooling over the most- the dishes or the brittle! Yay for surprises!!
Your lavender tea blend and that beautiful English china tea set would make my mom so very happy! I sure would like a chance to surprise her!
Your posts are a pleasant mini-retreat from all the hustle and bustle of working, shopping, decorating, baking and gift wrapping! Stay cozy. Merry Christmas!
Hi Susan!
What treasures you found, and now your sharing one! Thank you for your generous heart. I know you will bless someone with such a gorgeous gift! Enjoy every day of this next week leading up to Christmas! Blessings, Laura