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! ♥
oh my! what a lovely thing to do….a give-away for these gorgeous, heart warming dishes! you are truly a treasure for all of us out here who call ourselves FOSB! would love to own these dishes! would also be thrilled to visit a friend for tea if she wins the dishes! Merry Christmas to a lovely lady!
I need a warning label for any posts that include lovely dishes.
I’m not entering because my dishes, books and dolls are threatening
to call “Hoarders” and turn me in, but OH! what beauty.
I have a little thing for sheep, too, I guess, because yours popped
my eyelids a trifle higher. I think I am trying to say I enjoyed this post.
LOL I think you said it perfectly!
Susan, I adore your blog; I wait with baited breath every week for your entry. I share your heart for home and hearth and also…for sheep! I have a house full of sheep knick knacks that I’ve collected over the years. I love them because they are just so darn cute and also because they are a “renewable resource” which is so handy since I’m a knitter–I’d love to have my very own flock and a lovely border collie to go with…but alas I am not blessed with property. But a girl can dream, n’est ce pas!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many. You truly are a “gift” to all of your followers and your blog is like a “present” we get to open quite frequently.
Merry Christmas-
Kathy M.
Susan, how can you part with that beautiful tea set? You are so generous! Green is my favorite color – I loved it instantly. Thanks for sharing everything with us – I love reading your blog and the photos are so great. I have BP figurines as Peter Rabbit was the theme for my son’s nursery – same as Princess Di – and it was the same year our sons were born. I also make my grandmother’s Almond Roca recipe for Christmas gifts – but your recipe is easier – I may switch! Happy Holidays to you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack.
So glad you are back with your fuzzy friends to watch over you. Just reading your blog makes me feel all warm and cozy. This has been a wonderful respite in my busy day. Such wonderful ‘finds’ on your trip. Thanks for bringing a piece of your little island wonderland to my home. Now off to make some chocolate covered almond brittle! Cheers.
Your blog is such a smile bringer in my day. The photos and the artwork almost make me want to cry…with happiness, of course. I love your eye for beauty. Merry Christmas, Susan. Thanks for all you do!
Oh, I love the tea set. I would give it the BEST home, I promise.
I was wondering about a couple things: 1) How did your cats do while you were away for so long? My son recently got a new job, and a new girlfriend and was gone from his home more than usual. His cat was angry! He tore my son’s house up, made messes everywhere and acted sick. He took him to the vet to find out he was suffering from anxiety from being left alone so much. He’s making it up to him now, and all is good again.
2) I have been making your Almond Brittle every year for Christmas gifts for a long time. Most times it turns out well, but sometimes it is grainy and doesn’t harden correctly. Do you think I’m not cooking it long enough? Someone told me it could be due to the humidity, but I don’t know. I am planning to make it this weekend and would like to know what I’m doing wrong before I start this time.
Welcome home, and Merry Christmas, Susan.
What a sweet post this was. Your website is always so inspiring and beautiful. Thank you so much for all your creativity and homespun looks at life! Delightful!!
– Lynndee
I am so very excited about even having a chance to win such a fabulous giveaway! The tea set is charming and serving tea from that sweet teapot into those pretty cups would be heaven. Thank you so much for the opportunity. You are such a generous girl!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Enjoying a cup of tea with friends on a cozy winter’s day, is my idea of heaven. The tea set is beautiful and the almond bark looks delicious! Thank you for thinking of us.
Happy Holidays.
Donna
Oh my Heavens, Susan! What a lovely, lovely life you have and it’s so precious of you to share it with all of us. You make us dream and believe that dreams do come true! If I never win anything, you already gave me the best prize already – my PenBuddy, Linda. We dream about our trip to England together and share all things Susan Branch and it’s just so lovely. Of course, I’d swoon to win dishes from England and your homemade brittle but……we are all just so blest to have your blog. Someday, just someday, I may get to meet you. In the meantime, Linda did and she shared her experience until I felt like I was there too! MERRY Christmas, dear Susan Branch, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty!!!!! Oh yes, and Merry Christmas to Pete too! Ha!
i so enjoy your blog. It transports me. I met you in Hudson, Ohio at the book signing. Merry Christmas to you and Joe
Have a beautiful Christmas and may the New Year be blessed with many new adventures and joys.
It must feel fabulous to finally be home…. merry Christmas and looking forward as always to see what you’ll do next…. the tea set is lovely
So glad that you and Joe are home safe and sound. Love your little Beatrix Potter figurines, especially Samuel Whiskers he is too cute for words. The Tea Set is gorgeous, thank you so much for thinking of us while you were away. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas Susan!
I have loved your calendars and books for a long time. I found your blog earlier this year. I look forward to reading your posts. Hug those kitties for me. My cats, Fred and George, say hello!
I am so happy for you and Joe that you are now Home Sweet Home embraced and that you so graciously share your delight in the holiday and unpacking and displaying …. adore the lambs and of course that exquisite tea set. Sigh of heaven! And, as always, I LOVE reading all the other girlfriend comments! xoxoxo
Susan, your post makes my heart sing in the chill of winter and gray skies here in Washington state. A beautiful tea set to share the warmth of friendship is such a lovely gift. You are a Gift.
Linda
I just missed seeing you when you were in San Luis Obispo in November yet am so blessed whenever your blog pops up in my email box. It always makes my day.
A year ago this time I was in the hospital just beginning my fight against cancer. Now a year later I am thankful for each day and the blessings tucked inside each hour of the day. Loved today’s blog and just love the tea set….reminds me of growing up and my grandmother’s beautiful tea set that had pink roses. I have never had a tea set of my own and would love to use its cups when I have herbal tea or invite girlfriends over to chat.
I also now have a subscription to Yankee Magazine and they were kind enough to handle my special request to start my subscription with the November/December issue featuring you and your darling home there in Martha’s Vineyard. Bless you Susan!
I hope you are doing well now, Sue, and I hope your name is chosen as the new owner of the beautiful tea set. You deserve a treat!
Oh Susan a year ago I was starting radiation after surgery. Hugs to you and a joyous holiday season full of blessing. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could have tea together with this lovely set. I will come up to you if one of us wins! Smooches Susan!!
If I win…which might happen………I will send it to you as I don’t drink tea even though I would use them for cocoa! Linda from Idaho where it is foggy and cold!
Thank you for the “sweet escape”, every time you post. I LOVE all things Susan B! Christmas blessings to you and yours! Margaret
Susan, you are the best shopper .I would love that sweet tea set. It would compliment my blue and pink pieces..
How lovely! Would love to have a tea party with it.
Susan, I so enjoy your blog, your pretty things and love “A Fine Romance”. You have brought more beauty into my life. Thank you.
Oh what an amazing teaset! Now, one of my best girlfriends ever is finally coming home to Norway after seven (!) years in Australia and she will be here in time for Christmas! Hurrah! We are well overdue for a tea party, or even twine
Happy holidays to you and to all the girlfriends.
Love your generous spirit, Susan! Reading your blog makes me hum “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
What a lovely post; I love your crocheted potholder! Thank you for the chance to win the gorgeous tea set. Merry Christmas!
Oh Susan we have the same tastes in everything! I love y our blog so much!! Thanks for the chance to win.
You always lift my spirits! And today I needed it! I love everything you do from your writing to cooking to traveling to collecting! I am glad you are home! Travel is good, but home is too especially this time of year. I have a tree up too….not decorated. But it is beautifully flocked white and is soooo big and beautiful. Another year in South Texas without cold weather or snow! Boo! I miss seasons so much. I decided on a flocked tree for the first time, so I could enjoy seeing snow. I may never take the tree down!!!! I have a dog dying and today I’m down. Thanks for your cheer! I love the dishes! I love collecting them too.
I lost my best friend, my Corgi, Sassy, this time last year and my favorite horse, Miss Park Avenue, a Tennessee Walker five weeks later. I feel for you. There is NOTHING like our furry friends.
so sorry to hear about your dog Elaine, ny sympathies. here is a website that should make the loss a bit more bearable… go to: http://www.petloss.com they can help you through the rough time ahead.
How wonderful to live in a town with a gingerbread bookstore. I think that decor would be perfect for your house next year. Love the collection of lambs, they all look so sweet together, and how lucky to find two new BP figurines. And the dishes, oh so fabulous. You are so generous to be giving them away. Not sure I could part with them if I found them. I also enjoyed seeing the cardinals, we don’t have them here on the west coast and they look so cheerful in your garden. Thanks for the beautiful music today. I’ve been around for many, many Christmases and I never get tired of hearing Christmas music of any kind. It’s especially wonderful when you’re wrapping presents, or having tea in front of the fire.
SUCH fun…no matter who wins! Thank you for all the wonderful adventures. Now, I’ve been inspired to gather ingredients and get busy! <3
What a lovely tea set! Beautiful!
Merry Christmas to Susan and all the girlfriends!
xoxoxo
Love this posting and the pictures. It does put us in the Christmas spirit! Once again my Mom’s computer is down so please add her to this comment so she will be entered for the drawing as well! Her name is Gloria Groza and she is who introduced me to you in the first place! I would be overjoyed if she won. I do appreciate how positive and festive you are. Makes the world a much better place to live in with people like you in it!
Much love in Christ,
Lisa Hay
Hi Susan! Those dishes are ADORABLE! They would go so well with my English china collection (I also adore mismatched; though I seem to have a LOT of white dishes. I’m a sucker for roses, too)
I had to keep going back to look at those darling dishes. Many a time have I been in a thrift shop, circling dishes as well…and not being able to leave them there. 
Thank you for all of the awesome things you do and for the chance to win something so marvelous — Merry Christmas!
The dishes are beautiful and the Almond Brittle looks so good . . . I am off to make some of my own. Thank you and Happy Holidays dear Susan.
I have been reading your blog for only about six months, just since I heard about A Fine Romance. I love the book, and I love your blog. God bless you all this Christmas.
I love all the new things you found on your trip. I can’t believe you are giving away a tea set, but maybe you have several already:) I don’t always comment, but I just love reading your blog and seeing so many pretty things. It makes me happy, for sure! Thanks for the giveaway and have fun doing your Christmas stuff!
Thanks for this warm & cozy post!
I loved the bookstore front, what ideas people have. I also just loved this post, so many things about it!! The box you have put the almond brittle in sure looks like Emma Bridgewater. I don’t know how the lambs come to my bedside table, they gather since I read your England blogs and book. Thank you!!
The green on the tea set is so beautiful and unique! Thank you Susan for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas to all!
The china set is lovely! Thanks you for sharing the treats with your readers.
Merry Christmas!
I have only recently found you on Facebook and am so happy that I did! I have always liked your beautiful books and artwork!
Can’t wait to try my hand at making your almond brittle–it looks SOOOOOOOO good!! 
Merry Christmas to you and yours! And God bless you with a Happy New Year, too!
What a lovely gift! The brittle looks so yummy too! Fingers-crossed!
Merry Christmas Susan!
What a wonderful gift you are giving away! I’m sure each one of us would like to be the recipient. Your new book sounds and looks so inviting. I hope to get one very soon. I love your blog and your books. Such a talented lady!
All the best to you and Joe in 2014!
What a fun idea! I love the tea set — if I win I’ll have a Downton Abbey tea party!
You are sooo sweet to give away that tea set! You’re an inspiration, Susan Branch! Glad you are back to your nest. Home is where the <3 is! Thanks for all you share with us!
Sandy
I love your joy and how you share it with all of us. It is truly contagious and for that we thank you. It makes me especially look for the sweet small things that make me smile too.
Hi Susan,
Snug as a bug in a rug….at home! That’s where I love to be, too. This is my first Christmas since my retirement and I’m enjoying doing things I never had time for before. Tonight we are hosting the sweet family loving next door to us, for dinner. They take in our mail when we travel and help when there has been a lot of snow. They are both teachers and we wanted to have them and their 2 kidlets on a “work” night so they wouldn’t have to worry about dinner. It gives us joy to do this. Right after Christmas, I will finally have a chance to sit and read A Fine Romance. It is my dream to go to London so I will enjoy traveling with you and Joe first. The tea set is glorious! I am a huge Downton fan ….how fun it would be to have a tea with friends before January 5. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and more marvelous adventures!
Joyce
Joyce…your post inspired me ! I am a year or two away from retirement and keep wondering if I am ready. Love to visit and cook with my little “next door grandkids” and enjoy them…like your neighbors, we were away for the weekend and came home to find our walks and driveways all shoveled and clean ! I love that you say you have time to do all the things you wanted….that sounds WONDERFUL ! ENJOY !
Just retired this year also and am SO enjoying all the different aspects of freedom each and every day! What a nice neighbor you are … so happy you are enjoying your retirement, too! Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful tea set and what a lovely gift it will make. It’s so much fun visiting your blog – something fun is always going on.
Susan, I enjoyed today’s post, as always. I would love to win the tea set and almond brittle. Merry Chrustmas to you and family.
Susan,
How sweet of you to give away this beautiful tea set and your homemade brittle. It looks divine. I will definitely be making some of this to give as Christmas gifts and of course saving some for my husband and me. So glad you are back home safe, relaxing and enjoying this wonderful holiday season. Wishing you, Joe, Kitty Girl and Jack a very Merry Christmas.
Sue in Fl.
I would love to win the tea set and candy! But in any case, I will definitely be making the almond brittle! I’m amazed that you have found so many lambs to collect. I’ve been looking for them too, since a friend mentioned loving them too!
Merry Christmas! I’m so glad your home is beginning to look a lot like Christmas – and I KNOW it smells like Christmas, too. What a lovely tea set; you are always so sweet and generous. I’d love to be the proud owner of it and almond brittle sounds heavenly.
How marvelous! And you even gave them a nice little bubble bath, aren’t you something?! Sweet Christmas greetings to you, Joe, and of course Girl Kitty and Jack.
Thank for sharing your delightful gifts of art and writing. Your blog is a wonderful place to visit often. Your books, like old friends, are to be treasured.
Merry Christmas!
Sitting with my husband in his hospital room, recovering from hip replacement surgery, an d I find your wonderful blog. What a wonderful tea set! You are so thoughtful of all of us girlfriends! What a collection of treasures you found! You bring such joy to my life! Merry, merry Christmas!
I was hoping for a homemade gift; never dreamed you would add that delightful tea set!!! We are slow on holiday decorating this year, too. After 37 years, we have ordered a new dining room set that a little Amish man is busy building for us. In anticipation, I talked my husband into painting our dining room Geranium Pink (actually my name for the color; the paint company was confused about the proper name) and, since we were on a roll – painted our living room Thyme green (my choice of paint name again). We have finally rolled up the plastic and moved the furniture in place. Perhaps a tree by Saturday.
The tea set would be such a special addition to the dining room and a great excuse for a party to christen the new table and chairs! Merry Christmas!!!
OMG Susan, this is so awesome! I mean you just make my day by posting something, never mind giving something so absolutely gorgeous and homemade! You just made my day! Who needs Mega? when we have an awesome Susan Branch giveaway! Thank you.
I agree with whoever wrote above that there was a collective squeal of joy as we all read about the giveaway… I’m quite certain its true. I might not have squealed but there was a serious intake of breath – so I guess that means “you took my breath away.” :o)
So much fun seeing your new treasures – love the new BP figurines – and I’m certain they will be happy at your house with so many friends. What fortunate creatures… Thanks for the lovely post, thanks for the great recipe, and thanks for thinking of us all. Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho…
Oh my gosh, that tea set is just gorgeous! You sure do have a good eye for a
great find! I’m a California girl, so no snow for me, but those Cardinals really to add a festive touch to your winter scene.
Wishing you and all the “girlfriends” a Merry Christmas
I’m just preparing to leave San Diego for Arizona for Christmas – spending it with some of my dearest friends. Reading your blog inspires me…knowing how important friendships are and how we take care of each other. Thank you, Susan, for bringing us together. Love, love, love the tea set and the lambs and the almond brittle looks scrumptious – but most of all – thank you for your contribution to Casa Pacifica – it’s the true meaning of Christmas – helping and watching out for others. Bless you…and all the Girlfriends.
Thank you for the wonderful post today- enjoyed the winter scenes and baking- it was almost like I was there with you!! Happy Holidays- you bring this California girl joy!!! Mitzie
What a surprise…you are just wonderful…..I love your blog..never miss it…..
Thank you..
Have a merry Christmas and happy new year….
Jody
Hi Susan, I hope you know how much you are loved! Your blog brings so much joy and happiness to all of us. The tea set is beautiful and the almond brittle looks yummy! Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful, and joyful Christmas! Take care. Xo
You have been in my kitchen today because I decided to try Mary’s Mother’s Snowballs from your Christmas book. OMG! I just had one with a cup of tea and it was a delicious, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth then ooooh, a little chocolate surprise bit of heaven. My new favorite Christmas cookie! Coincidently, I also made some microwave peanut brittle which pales next to the chocolate almond brittle in your post. Will be trying that for sure. Off to watch Little Shop Around the Corner. Thanks for making the day a little merrier, a little brighter.
Hi Susan, so happy to see this blog today, how cozy is this! I LOVE Samuel Whiskers and Mrs. Tittlemouse,….they are so cute! Thank you for, yet again, a great new recipe to try also! The Tea Set!!!! Wow…I would LOVE to win this…so adorable! Can’t believe the great stuff you come across, and are so generous and good hearted to share with us all! I wait in anticipation! Going to get home for a five day stretch soon for a break from work, and and aiming for my England book, hot chocolate, and to review that Yankee you are in! Happy Contest Everyone!!!
Thanks for encouraging us not to be too rushed…..slow down….enjoy it…..self talk!! :0)
Well, I know what I must plan for tomorrow…a “junking” expedition, you put me in the mood to treasure hunt. The walking will help burn some calories for more goodie eating. May we all slowly savor this holiday season!
So adorable…and a treasure! You are so generous. Merry Christmas!
Jack is always my favorite subject..you always prove if you find something you love you will find a place for it..Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Jack, and Girl Kitty! Thank you for being such an inspiration and comfort to us. You know what’s really important in life. You couldn’t have selected a better gift for this time of year, and–just in time for Downton Abbey.
You are so sweet to buy a gift for us..bless you and bless all the girlfriends!
Susan, I absolutely love the china. I actually gasped out loud when I read you are giving it away. I am so glad you’re home. I enjoyed reading about your trip but I think I enjoy your “home” posts the best. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties.
Oh so lovely…the tea set is so pretty and delicate! What a generous thing to offer it to a chosen reader…and so like you. Very happy you are enjoying being home and it looks so lovely…all the kitchen buzz and Jack. Happiest of days to you!
You are the bestest girlfriend in the whole wide world. T’anks, Susan, for everything you do for us. Merry Christmas.
Oh there is no place like home for the holidays is there Susan? So happy for you and it’s such a breath of fresh air to see and read and hear your enthusiasm ! You always lift our spirits with your wonderful posts. Sure love that brittle and would love to find that little box in my mailbox. The tea set is lovely as well and would always be welcomed too of course. Wishing you a relaxing and wonderful Christmas Holiday Susan! Peace to you and yours!
thank you for the chance at being able to have this lovely tea set. It seems very “you”, which is a very good thing!!! Love your books and have quite a bunch of them…
You are the sweetest Christmas girlfriend in the world!! Merry Christmas and lovely blessings to you and Joe! Thank you for loving your friends so well.
Oh, how I miss Sandwich! You inspired me to book a family trip this October from Minnesota to Cape Cod (I really wanted Martha’s Vineyard – but at least I could SEE it from our lunch in Falmouth) where we enjoyed a cottage on the beach for a week. A little sightseeing and a lot of crab hunts…I would have loved to have been at Titcombs for your book signing. I just wrapped a copy today to give to my brother-in-law who grew up in Southampton. Thank you for your cozy reads!
Thank you so much! I look forward to your blog, really inspires me!
I have a little vintage advertising bupkis of all of the bp figures. I will try and post it later. They are all there!!
Fun!
Hi Susan, hello girls! Your white world looks much like mine right now, how wonderful we already have white for Christmas. Such a thoughtful gift we all have a wee part in! Casa Pacifica appreciates the gift I’m sure. The tea set is lovely, my favorite color. Your sheep have all followed you home! Thank you for sharing your world, art and talent with us. Merry Christmas everyone!
Ooh la la indeed! Merry Christmas and it sure looks like a white Christmas in your neck of the woods!
Just reading your blog is gift enough although the tea set would be nice. Two of my small group of friends had you sign our books and other “things” in SLO. We drove down from Oregon. Thank you!
What a lovely tea set! You are truly generous to give it to one of us – I’m not sure I could ever give it away. Thank you for your generosity, your marvelous blog, and your delightful art. Merry Christmas.
I love, love, love everything about this post! Thank you for your beautiful writing, painting, recipes, and adventures! I hope that you and yours have a perfectly delicious and blessed Christmas! My fingers and toes are crossed.
I am in Southern California, loving your blog – so kitchen cosy and cat-friendly. I enjoy all the Christmas preparations and traditions, nostalgic pot holders and china. The snow scenes make it into a perfect Christmas card. Thank you!
Oh Susan, It is so wonderful having you back home again, in MV and on your blog!! All is right with the world now!!! I love reading your blog everyday and it was a JOY meeting you(and Joe) this year when you came to Wilmington, OH!! Your book is a treasure and your homemade, splattered bookmark is a piece of art i will always treasure too!!! Thanks so much for brightening our days!!! Your tea set give-away is amazing, just gorgeous!!! Thankyou, Fondly, Kim DeMichele, Dublin, OH
I do not have a tea set. I have a few tea cups, none matching, of course, but have never had a set. I just LOVE the set you posted. My life has taken unexpected twists and turns and I wouldn’t trade any of the blessings I received on each of those twists. Yesterday was the anniversary of my youngest daughter, Rose’s, bone marrow transplant. We are six (6) years out from the transplant and she is truly a miracle. It would be nice to have a tea to celebrate with dearest friends and both of my wonderful daughters!
Merry Christmas!! The candy looks so yummy and your house is always so cozy and welcoming! Thanks for the opportunity to win the beautiful tea set!!
Merry Christmas and all wonderful days in 2014! Such a lovely tea set.
My daughter and I would give it a nice home.
All my best to you, Joe, and your kitties
So glad you made it home safe after your long trip. The tea set is absolutely beautiful and would be a treasure.
Merry Christmas Susan Branch!
I love the tea set, I think I can hear the kettle singing now, right from your kitchen! I might just try making a batch of the almond brittle too. My father was born in Niagra Falls, New York. He loved cardinals, every Christmas since he passed away (27 years the 16th of this month) I decorate for the season with these beautiful birds. I understand that the birds can also be found in other colors? Tell me Susan if you have seen them in your garden. How I wish Dad was still here, especially this time of year. I am glad the 2 of you are home.
Not Cardinals. There are boys and girls. The boys are bright red. And the girls are more of a softer color, reddish brown. No other colors in nature, although that sure would be fun!
Love the tea set and would love to taste your almond brittle! Merry Christmas to us all!
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I LOVE the tea set, love seeing Jack sitting watching you in the kitchen!
Am also a lover of lambs!!! I have quite the collection myself and love finding new ones to add to the group! Thank you for the musica and sharing your life with your girlfriends! Have a wonderful, blessing filled Christmas.
The almond brittle looks delicious, just the thing to go with my Christmas Pecans. Had both knees replaced in October, so no baking, but think I can manage these.
Thank you for the encouragement to take my time decorating and enjoy it, no matter how late I am. I needed that today. At least I am busy shipping boxes to Alaska and Florida, so that much is sent with gladness and joy!
The tea set is exquisite and I hope it finds its way to a home full of love…and folks who love tea!
I am so glad you’re home so we can see all the cozy goings on in Martha’s Vineyard! You truly live Vineyard Seasons! Merry Christmas!
It would be wonderful to win that lovely tea set. I do hope it is me but who ever wins it will truly enjoy tea time from now on with you in mind. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan!! I love reading your blog. It’s such a blessing. The tea set is so beautiful.
Your cookbooks always get me excited for Christmas. I love the recipes and they always come out, just right, every time. They are certainly “people pleasers”! Along with Tasha Tudor, your books, and now your blog, make me feel like a kid again at Christmas. Thanks for your great ideas and for inspiring me! By the way, your tea service reminds me of one that my grandmother had. Thank you for giving us a chance to win it!
Merry Christmas, Susan!
Glad you’re home! That’s just the loveliest tea set. The only thing better than winning it would be to have tea with you and Jack. Happy Holidays!