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 love the dishes, don’t know which makes my mouth water more, the dishes or the Almond Bark. Pretty sure it is hands down the dishes. Seriously they are luscious. Thank you for the opportunity to perhaps have them home here with me someday. Love, Cheryl
what a beautiful tea set…I am ashamed to say I don’t have one! Fingers crossed.
I love your blog sooooo much, Ms Susan!!
I was up in SLO for the show in November, but unfortunately, could not wait in that line to have my FINE Romance book signed by you…boo hoo…did see your Joe cruising the show…my dear friend and I cannot take the heat that accompanied that fine fall day..
In any case, I did meet Kelly and the other lovely ladies who tend your on line store…they are all darlings
Speaking of “darling” I just finished reading a FINE ROMANCE…I did not want it to end (SEQUEL SEQUEL…???)..but I did realize (from my last trip of over there), I had gone through a couple of those tiny villages myself
MUST GO BACK…we ALL MUST GO BACK
Have you thought of putting together a “Kindred Spirit Tour” for the girlfriends?
In any case the most happiest of holidays to you, Joe and the kitties! Tomorrow it is supposed to rain here (why can’t it snow??) and I look forward to nesting and trying some of your recipes.
I remain a kindred spirit,
Robin C from So Cal
Susan,
I am so glad you are home! I have enjoyed traveling with you, but there is no place like home. I love “visiting” your kitchen and your fireplace. And I really enjoy looking out your kitchen window with Jack. Merry Christmas to you and all the other girlfriends.
Sherry
Oh Susan, that tea set is gorgeous! And to think it could be a gift from you to ME!! You’re so thoughtful and generous to share your treasures with us Girlfriends. The sugar spoon that came with the set looks like the same pattern as my mother’s silver set from when she married my Daddy… nearly 70 years ago. I don’t currently have a tea set and I’ve always wanted one and that one… oh my, it’s just beautiful. I hope Vanna and her Santa hat come through for me.
Now I’m going to go make some almond brittle… yum!
beautiful! Loved the post even before reading the chance to win. Enjoyed seeing the new bp people. My 8 yo told me to enter – he likes to hear about your cats. Thank you!
How do you do it all, Susan? First you lug us all around on your fab trip to Jolly Ole England, then you share your marvelous diary with us! Then, as if that weren’t enough, you shop for us. Even that wasn’t enough,,,,you made your Brittle for us! It is obvious to me that your heart knows no bounds…..you even share that! Bless you! Merry Christmas to you and Joe! Awed, Barb
Oh girlfriend – you are so thoughtful to bring us back such a lovely gift! And a homemade treat wrapped in what looks to be to be an Emma Bridgewater box. All the kindness bases covered 🙂 Merry Christmas to you, Joe, the kitties and all your sheep. Merry Christmas to all the girlfriends too!
In this hassled and harried world, tea is such a comfort. Your magical tea set is just beautiful! Thank you for thinking of all of us.
Merry Merry Christmas
Barbara
Absolutely loved Titcombs Bookshop all dressed up as a gingerbread house! How come some people have soooo much talent while some of us (me) seem to have none? Well, not to sell myself short, I am an excellent copier!
Like you, I am a dish lover and cannot pass up a pretty piece of china. Hope springs eternal, and I am hoping Vanna picks my number this time.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Love! Love! LOVE that part of the proceeds from the book sales are going to help children in distress! So glad that I ordered it from you! The tea set is so lovely and it is VERY generous of you to give it away to some lucky girlfriend. This is off the subject by a long shot but last Saturday I attended a memorial service for my uncle. It was a beautiful service and after, outside the sanctuary of the church, they served tea. There was a table laden with tea sandwiches, scones, little cakes, tarts and cookies and three tables where tea was poured in cream colored china from silver teapots. My uncle was an Anglophile and enjoyed his tea every afternoon and this was his daughter’s idea. It was just perfect!
Hi Susan!
Greetings!
I have the name of the lovely tea set. The pattern name is “BLENHEIM.” How do I know this? I absolutely love doing this kind of research. My very own kind of treasure hunting. woot! Within 10 minutes I had the name of the pattern, and what else did I find? That there is one cup and saucer for sale on ebay! I thought, she’ll be ecstatic.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-TUSCAN-FINE-BONE-CHINA-ENGLAND-CUP-AND-SAUCER-BLENHEIM-PATTERN-LOVELY-/281229445462?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417a94c956
As I continued to read the rest of your letter, I discovered that YOU’RE GIVING THIS GORGEOUS TEA SET AWAY???? With homemade candy??? Oh, my sweet goodness! How exciting!!! And generous! Thank you. You must be Santa’s favorite elf!!! *grin*
Merry Christmas to all the girlfriends out there in girlfriendland, to you Susan, to Joe and kittie critters. You are all special, so very special.
Love,
Erica
PS: I loved your book! A fun and educational read. Love that. xo
I love to read your posts, I feel like we know each other. love, love loved the book – I was in England in 1980 and some of your “places” were familiar to me. I would love to win candy and/or the tea service. My one request is that you deliver it to me in person so we can share tea together! 🙂
I love the dishes AND the candy . I’m savoring my copy of. A Fine Romance and enjoying it beyond words. Thank you Susan
Oh my. What a very special gift for someone! The tea set is so pretty and the brittle looks yummy! And, how kind to be supporting such a great cause with your book purchases. . . . so very kind! Warm blessings to you and yours . . .
Thank you for the lovely pictures today. They are so cheery!
Christmas greetings from southern California. Your most recent story with the beautiful tea set, Beatrix Potter figures, cooking candy, and pictures of your wondrous wintery outdoors is heart warming. Thank you for the delight you bring to those of us far away.
I have included my email address, I don’t understand why it won’t go thru
Merry Christmas, Susan! Reading your blog just made me feel all warm and cozy. There really is no place like home for the holidays! As all my family was gathered in my kitchen last night singing and making cookies, I thought about the meaning of “the heart of the home.” It truly is wonderful to be together, laughing and cooking and loving!
That almond brittle is really wanting to come to Arizona (it told me so in a secret little wispering voice!) and the tea set would just be a lovely addition to my antique oak sideboard of tea pots. So glad you are home and reconnecting with all that is there and with all of us too! Thank you for the chance to win!
How kind of you to offer such a gorgeous tea set as a gift for a lucky gal – and with some scrumptious-looking homemade candy, too! Of course I would love to have that lovely china gracing my home – and I am going to try my hand at the brittle this weekend in my flurry of sweets-making, you make it seem so manageable. The merriest of Christmas wishes to you.
Happy Christmas to you! Am surely enjoying the season. Am making a fe more presents on my mother’s 1929 Singer and then will try your almond brittle! It looks deelish! Also, your lovely tea set would be nice too! Whoever receives it will treasure it am sure! Take care now and do enjoy the Christmas preparations. I think I enjoy the preparation almost more than the actual day! Feliz Navidad Susan! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you for making me feel like I’m in your cozy kitchen, Susan! Loved smelling ( yes, I think I can almost!) the crackling brittle in the saucepan and hearing the crackling fire in the fireplace! How warm and delightful my day has become:)
I love your tea set and your lovely Beatrix Potter Figurines. Everything looks cozy and Christmassy at your house.
Have a beautiful evening.
Karen
…Oh, so glad you’re back….i love to see notes about your warm and cozy home…and that JACK Boy…he is a handsome devil.
This Tea Set would hold a fine spot on my hutch….
but, i’m sure whoever the lucky gal is will love it all the same.
thank you for your happiness….i look forward to your blog notes.
Lesa
Enjoying your blog. Such a beautiful tea set AND made in England! Would love to receive it. Thanks for getting it for one of us.
Hello, Susan…..OMG…………another wonderful blog to read and enjoy!!! OH….what a beautiful tea set! I’d love to be a winner….my 12 yr. old granddaughter recently started a collection of tea sets. She loves them….so this would make a wonderful gift for her! Enjoy your holiday…..Loretta/Calif.
Reading this felt like going home to my grandma’s house. She’s home in heaven now, but lives on in my heart. I love your vintage style decorating! My own little bottle brush trees are scattered throughout our country home. I adore your work, Susan Branch & a very Merry Christmas to you and all of your ” ELVES”.
I love Titcombs bookshop, it is so magical.
And your new tea set is divine, too.
I am delighted to have found you and your lovely life, thank you for sharing it with us. Blessings, Deba
Dear Susan—–You have become my Zen. I feel like we are sisters because everything you like,i do too.I have a lovely “Tea Room” for your beautiful gift. If i don’t win,that’s OK.
Even as i type & see the lovely way my words look—all of this calmness is needed(for me) this year.
Merry Christmas to you & yours & all the girlfriends vying for the Tea Prize!!
I love my home too. Going to have another cup of tea,Love,Linda
I agree with all the wonderful comments above! xo
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Dear Susan, I pre-ordered 3 copies of “A Fine Romance” and received mine long ago! I only wish that my purchase would count for a donation to your charity. If the winner of the tea set wants to find the missing cup, I recommend “Replacements, Ltd.” on the web. You can email them pictures of china, silver, crystal, etc. and they often have pieces in stock or will look for them for you. They really are a great resource.
I am so glad that you are home safe and sound and that you and your Joe are enjoying the Christmas season with Girl and Jack!
Merry Christmas with love,
Richele
What a lovely tea set, the details are wonderful! Thank you also for the recipe – just in time for the last minute goodies.
love your blog, you always cheer me up when I read it! I have been reading your books (and own most of them) for years. I wish more people were like you , it would be a much better world. Merry Christmas!!
Perfect in every possible way! Slowly, slyly, the Christmas Spirit is sneaking up on me… time to put the sorrows of the year behind and rejoice in life! <3
I love your things. I sure would like to win the tea set.
Oh the joys of being back at home…reconnecting with loved pets, your own kitchen , bath, and bed! I’m with you…slow down and relish every moment leading up to the big day.
What a lovely tea set…I am rather partial to that time of day. Just me, my cuppa, and new puppy Gunther. He makes tea time all the more special…holding his good chew while I sip. We are bonding.
Enjoy the holidays, sweet Susan!
What a beautiful tea set. I would love to be the winner and have a tea party with my mother. What fun!
I love your things. I sure would like to win the tea set. I hope I’m lucky
Oh Susan I am oohing and aahing over that beautiful tea set. Thank you for your generosity in giving it to one of the girlfriends! Congratulations on a very successful book tour. I know you are so happy to be home. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties!
After seeing this post, I’m in the Christmas Spirit…thank you.
When I first saw the tea set I said “Wow” and was grateful you had it; then the surprise that you are gifting it to one of US…you are so big Hearted.
So glad your new Beatrix Potter family has expanded; beautiful pieces – happy that Samuel Whiskers and Mrs. Tittlemouse will be spending Christmas and the rest of their lives among friends.
Wishing you, Joe and my S. Branch sisters a Merry Christmas.
Simply lovely tea set, and ohh what a taste treat! If I didn’t have 93874 other homemade gifts left on the list, the brittle would be tempting…
It never ceases to amaze me how much alike we are in that we share so many of the same loves. You inspire me to be true to myself and follow my passion. I also love dishes and cups- they bring such joy to my heart <3. And you understand it! Perhaps we were separated at birth??
Happy holidays. Sending love, B
Living in California, I miss the snow, and the cardinals, and a steamy kitchen window as Mom cooks good-smelling treats on the stove. Your photo of the warm glow of your light against the icy blue outdoors and the red cardinal triggers something emotionally warm in my memory.
Susan, loved following you on your trip and glad you are safe back home. You always make me feel blessed and happy with your artwork and comments. Isn’t it amazing how many of us take joy in the small things, such as a small figurine or a easy recipe and the wonderful animal companions we are blessed with. Love hearing about Jack and Girl ( I have a few of my own). Love the tea set, what a great find. Hope you have a blessed Holiday Season back at home.
Judy
Your blogs are a Christmas present in themselves (all year round, too!) And today, the added pleasure of hearing my favorites, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. I feel so much better now————it was a long, tiring day and you turned it around! Thanks Susan, and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the brittle recipe!
Glad you are home safe , tending to the home fire! I know Jack and Girl Kitty are thrilled you are home!
The tea set is gorgeous! It will make some lucky person’s Christmas!
Enjoy the holiday !! All the sweeter to be home at last!
Dear Susan,
Your generosity is one thing that leaves me speechless. The holidays can be rough for some but the opportunity to be Vanna’s choice might just be the thing that picks them up and gets them whistling a Christmas tune.
YOU are so much fun! I love your house and enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing with us!
I know Vanna will choose the winner of the lovely tea set and yummy almond brittle, BUT I think it would be just wonderful for the tea set to come back home to Oklahoma City where I live!!! I am SOOOOO enjoying reading A Fine Romance. Whenever I’m frustrated at work which is a LOT lately, I just take a little break and read a few pages. SHHH! Don’t tell my boss!
Dear Susan,
I was so happy to read your last blog and know that you and Joe made it home safely! The other day I ordered some mugs from your website to give as gifts; can’t wait to see them in person! Do you think you’ll ever have the A Year In the Country mug again? I have my own, but wanted to give one as a gift. I love it and use it every day! I usually only use china to drink from, but I do love this!!
Just love reading your blogs, Susan! Take good care now and have a blessed Christmas!
Sherrill
What a fabulous post ( just love the last one, too!)
Last night four of us girlfriends got together and made some candy almost identical to this, and then we shared some little gifties… Our friend Patty in Redlands gave each of us your Christmas tea towel! What fun to watch this come from your kitchen today!
As always, Susan, you are so sweet and so generous…
I feel blessed to be part of it all. Merry Christmas to all, especially the winner of the tea set. Happy days ahead, girlfriends!
Oh my Susan, are you sure you want to part with the beautiful tea set? What an honor it would be to be the new owner. I was at your book signing in Wilmington, Ohio back in September, so much fun! I was with 3 girlfriends and we met you outside as you drove up to the bookstore. If it couldn’t get much better, Joe took our picture with you and you posted it on your blog! A Fine Romance was such a joy to read. I giggled every time you talked about your driving experience on your way to your next destination. Thank you so much for your generosity. The almond brittle looks divine, yummy. Merry Christmas
I remember Lisa! That was so much fun!
I just love all of your purchases. Such fun. The Beatrix Potter items are gorgeous, they were a real find. As for the tea set – wow – you are such a generous person Susan, and how can you go wrong with almond brittle covered in chocolate. My mouth is watering 🙂
Wow! The dishes and the brittle both look gorgeous! Put me in for them. Love your books and your blog!
That tea set is gorgeous! I just love it.
My husband has warned me he is going to look for a Betty Ford type hospital for those addicted to dishes. But then he realizes he would have to do his own cooking and cleaning. 😉
And I would adore to be committed to that hospital! Talk about kindred spirits. Just imagine “show and tell” time!
Here in AZ the temperature was 82 today, Dec. 18, so you can see how much I need your photos and stories to remind me how things were when we lived in the east! Makes Christmas celebrations come alive again. Thank you. Of course, making the recipes help too. Got your book and gave it to my granddaughter who did her year abroad in England and plans to return after graduation. I wanted to get the tea can Come Sit Stay but your store will not accept my password or give me a new one so could not buy the 3 I wanted. Maybe later. Anyway, I love your house, cats, husband, and you. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for writing today! I am busy making cookies and fudge and after popping a sheet in the oven was thrilled to open your blog and find my favorite thing: you writing about Christmas! My heart skipped a beat when I saw the lovely green tea set you bought. My Mom has one plate exactly like it that belonged to her great grandmother from England. So very pretty. Congratulations on finding Miss Tittlemouse and Samuel Whiskers. They are a great addition to your collection. Enjoy all the preparations in the midst of the snow white winter surrounding your home. Don’t you love taking a walk to the ocean when the weather is like that? Joy, joy to you and Joe!
Dear Susan, I had just been thinking how lucky you were to find such a beautiful tea set, and how wonderful it would be to have one that lovely, and then to see that you were gifting it to your readers! You were certainly right about how much we would love it. It would certainly brighten those cold and gray winter days coming ahead. I have also been looking at vintage lambs and you really have inspired me to start a collection of my own. I spend most of my time alone these days and surrounding myself with loveliness is like a warm hug. Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas! Your blog fills me with happiness and joy every time I read (and re read it). As a collector of dishes, I felt compelled to comment. The brittle looks delicious and I have been making the Spiced Pecans from the November calendar page over and over to eat and give. Dipped some in melted chocolate and they were soooo good. Love all you do and love you for sharing it! Blessings!
Merry. Merry Christmas to you and yours Susan! I love what you have brought to my life in the way of beautiful calendars, wonderful handwritten books, lovely pictures, wise and clever sayings but especially your friendship. God Bless! xoxo from your friend Jacqui 🙂
MMMmmm that Brittle looks SOOOOO YUMMMMMY!! I always make your spiced pecans, but this time, I may have to switch it up because that looks way too good! Seems like you are just getting right back into the swing of things at home- cozy cozy cozy! Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
I love the tea set that you found, also the lambs. I must miss things like this when I go to an antique shop. I usually find table cloths, pillowcases, etc. I am glad that you made it home safe and sound and that you had such a wonderful reception at every place that you stopped to sign books. May you have a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New year.
I absolutely love the pictures of the beautiful white snow and the bright red cardinals perched at the feeders, reminds me of my view out of my kitchen window here in northern Illinois. I always call them “my cardinals” I wake up early every day before getting ready for school, weekends too just to view them against the snow! I love your treasures you found on your trip across country. I also have a sheep collection, started when I bought my first shetland sheepdog puppy. Laci, my current sheltie loves to steal the ones I have on a bench in the hallway. I guess it’s in her blood, she is a herding dog! Love your blog and look forward to it!~ Merry Christmas!
Your lamb collection is really cute! 😉 ~ Be careful poinsettias are deadly to cats. Just a little nibble is very poisonous. ~ The candy looks soooo yummy. ~ XOXO
Merry Christmas! You bring great joy to my life.
What a beautiful tea set…it would be so fun to have a tea party while watching Downton Abbey! Have a Merry Christmas….I loved your book!
Merry, Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe!!! So happy you are home for Christmas. What an amazing road trip you had!
Thanks so much for this incredibly generous giveaway. I will be making some almond brittle!
Oh Susan, the china is so beautiful and you are so sweet to give it away. Iknow just the right person will receive it from your heart to theirs!
I saw your cute little owl timer on your sink in one of these photos and it made me smile. I just got one for a friend just like yours! She’s also the one who I bought your book for so she will be so excited to hear that you have one too. :o)
have a beautiful Christmas and keep us posted on your decorating. You are an inspiration to my Christmas house!
Melissa
You are such a giving woman Ms. Susan Branch! What a nice gift to give away to one of us lucky readers. Every Christmas season I read your Christmas book to get into the Christmas spirit. Love your books. XXXOOOO Mindy from Arizona
Yum, Yum and Slurp…I’m enjoying it already !!
Hi Susan! It was so much fun reading about your trip and your return home safe & sound. I can’t wait for my Mom to open “A Fine Romance” on Christmas!! She enjoys reading your blog as well and she is practically the same age as you and can relate to everything you speak about 🙂 I love how you have a spirit of giving…can’t believe you are giving the tea set away, but then again…I can being/knowing you 🙂 I don’t have a tea set; the only one I’ve known is from childhood..the one you’d beg your Mom for in the discount store…heehee…wouldn’t know how to act if I won a real one…heehee blessings sent your way to you and Joe and the kitties and birds…love them and you! Have a Merry Christmas with “less is more” philosophy” this year….(smiles) Julie (ready for tea in MO)
I love dishes and tea things, so I would really treasure the beautiful English tea set if Vanna chose my name!
So pleased to see your blog today….you are a blessing to so many of us, especially when life gets so difficult with illness….but you keep me and so many gfs going. Thank you for being so generous with your tea set gift, just lovely. Welcome home and so sorry you did not get to New Jersey….our beach areas are coming back. Hoprfully, I will visit the Vineyard and your favorite bookstore. Merry Christmas to you, Joe and furry sweeties.
Merry Christmas, Susan. Slowly decorating around here, too. We have enough snow in Northern Maine so that decorations can’t seem to compete. I am hosting a tea tomorrow afternoon for Greats and Grands: Great friends and our Granddaughters. Setting out the Spode Christmas Tree dishes, treats and gifts are ready. (You inspire me!) The Gingerbread tree in the kitchen is presiding over it all. (Along with my new Hunca Munca!) Blessings! Maybe I will go make almond brittle for everyone…
That´s one adorable tea set!! And your blog entries are always so much fun.
Oh. My. Goodness. Could it be that you found a whole tea set that matches one of the cups-and-saucers my Grandma displayed on her hutch shelves??! It certainly looks like my memory of that cup…how phenomenal to have an entire tea service like it! And how generous of you to pass it on. Awesomeness all around!
Downtown abbey is one of my favorite shows.
Such a sweet and generous gift. I love that it is already special to you. That would make Tea even more special too. The brittle sounds divine too. And can I mention for the upteenth time how much I enjoyed “A Fine Romance”. I live on a small farm with mama cows and calves, 3 Great White Pyrennes dogs, 3 Black and white Border collies, a dozen hens and my sweet kitties. A Fine Romance gave me a chance to travel as we never actually leave our furry friends here on the farm. Thank you for book, blog and generous heart!
xo jan@sewandsowfarm
Susan,
My oldest daughter and I share your passion for beautiful china. We would much rather have a new dish than a new pair of shoes or jewelry! What a lovely tea set – I can see why you couldn’t resist it. So thoughtful of you to want to share it with “friends”! Wishing you and all those you love a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year!
Oh, so delightful, from start to finish! And a recipe to boot – my favorite kind of post!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!! What a lovely set!!
Dear Susan, you know,I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to read your blog. I really didn’t think there was another person who loved to play house and enjoyed so many of the things that I do! It just makes me smile and brings me happiness to read all the posts and the ladies responses. I just hope you really know how much joy you bring to all of us.
Have the Merriest of Christmas and a Joyous New Year.
Mary Jane
I gave my copy of “A Fine Romance” to a special friend of mine to cheer her up and was going to order a new one for me after the holidays. What a wonderful thing you are doing for Casa Pacifica. I will definitely order in December. Merry Christmas.
Greetings from sunny Arizona! Enjoy the snow; it really gets you in the Christmas spirit doesn’t it? I’m a tea person – don’t like coffee. English Breakfast or English Teatime are the flavors I prefer and would love to serve them in a true English teapot. It’s an elegant set and would make the perfect Christmas gift for me and my girlfriends.
What an enchanting post! I was spellbound – thanks.
Your blog is a gift that I celebrate each time I read your posts. For many years I have enjoyed your art and books. Thank you Susan for your generosity.
What charming and wonderful gifts – a beautiful tea set and delicious homemade candy! You absolutely know what makes us happy 🙂
Hi Susan! Merry Christmas! It makes me so happy to read your blog. It’s beautiful. Thanks for all the enjoyment you bring to all of us through your work! The tea set is so lovely. What a generous giveaway! The almond brittle looks so delicious too. Best wishes for a wonderful new year to you and your husband!
Susan, you give us so many “gifts” just by sharing pictures of your lovely home. I can feel the warmth of the fire and imagine myself snuggled in front of it right now with A Fine Romance to read (for the umpteenth time). The tea set is lovely and I’m drinking a cup of Earl Gray right now from it and tasting the candy. I am just not one of those lucky people who seem to win things, so I don’t expect to this time, except that I did so just by reading this edition and feeling the love you share with all of us when you were thinking when you bought the set that it would be something to give. Do you feel the hug I’m giving you? Hug! Hug! Hug!
I’m new to this blog but not to you! I have always loved your inspiration and comforts of home. The tea set is sweet and you’re a doll to think of others while on vacation. Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas Susan! I love all that you create and have so much of it! You have inspired me to try watercolors and I truly have no talent at all but it sure is fun. It just makes me appreciate you all the more. I absolutely love “A Fine Romance”!! I preordered it and it is great, everything I knew it would be! It is a trip I would love to make one day. James Herriot, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, you saw my favorites and you did it beautifully and with such detail! Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for your post and a chance to win the beautiful tea set. I love your special blend tea! Just ordered more as gifts.
Your blog posts always inspire me! And in turn, maybe I inspire others doing some of the things you’ve inspired me to do. What goes around comes around! Merry Christmas Susan!
I so enjoyed the trip this fall but very glad you are back home. My daughter went to her very 1st tea and when she got home she asked if I had a china tea set she could have. Since I did not this tea set would make a wonderful surprise for her. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
So glad that you are home for the holidays! There’s no place like it .
And what a gorgeous tea set. I live in Oklahoma, if I’m lucky enough to win it I guess it would be coming home too. 😉
Merry Christmas! Looks like you found lots of wonderful goodies to add to your beautiful home! Your snow outside your window looks so pretty to me since I see those CA sunsets over the ocean! I so enjoy seeing your sweet kitties in your pics since mine are all gone now! I would love to add that tea set to my collection also! And I think I may just go make some of that almond brittle now that my coffee is done!! Thanks for all your inspiration!
Your blogs are always the highlight of my week and this one is especially charming what with the gingerbread bookstore and the lovely tea set. I am taking some time off to get ready for Christmas and I agree, take things slowly, even if it’s not the easiest thing to do this time of year. Will be making several of your recipes for Christmas dinner!
Hello Susan
What a lovely surprise to find a new post this afternoon. Thank you for showing the beautiful cardinals at your bird feeders. I really miss them living in California. Have a lovely Christmas, and to all the girlfriends, too.
Toni