“He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle ~ and away they all flew, like the down on a thistle . . .” MUSICA
Wasn’t it wonderful!? But still, there is one gift left under the tree and the question remains . . .
Yes, there is! Plenty of honey! It’s time for our drawing Girlfriends . . . but don’t scroll down too fast. Allow the moment to last. Right now, you are still the one who gets it.
Joe and I took your tea set out for one last spin around the block before she gets packed up and sent away to our lucky winner. We had a Christmas Day tea party with your tea set, just the two of us, in front of the fire while we opened our presents. I have to say, this is by far the MOST photogenic tea set I have ever seen. She smiles for the camera, she dips, winks, and twinkles. She almost wears ballet slippers and is definitely on her toes. She does what Shirley Temple’s mom always told Shirley to do when the camera was turned her way, “Sparkle Shirley, Sparkle!”
See what I mean? We should call this tea set “Shirley.” Shirley sparkles next to the little French butter cakes (also known as Madeleines) my sister Shelly sent us.
She sparkles as she receives two rounded teaspoons (one for each cup) of my favorite celebration tea, Earl Grey with Lavender and Rose Petals (which, btw, is so delicious that we sold out of it this Christmas; we ordered another batch which is coming soon).
And then the splash and gurgle of freshly boiled water. For the perfect cup of tea, never reboil water or use old stale water heaven forbid. . . no, no, it must be fresh, otherwise there’s a good chance all the oxygen has been boiled out of it and water with no oxygen is no good, a cup of tea with no oxygen is no cup of tea at all ~ as all the tea aficionados of the world will tell you.
And then, in the old-fashioned way, the Downton Abbey way don’tcha know, because the tea is not in a tea ball of any sort, the leaves are loose and floating in the pot, we have to strain it as we pour it into the cup. Which gives me the happy and pleasurable opportunity to use the tea strainer I designed for Lenox many years ago. (There are no more of these strainers, this is my very last one and my pride and joy.) It looks really pretty with this tea set! But it looks good anywhere and shows the perfect example of how good “mix and match” can look with both old and new dishes.
The strainer catches all the little flotsam and jetsam keeping your brew completely flotsam-and-jetsam free.
As you fill your steamy teacup.
They make lots of different kinds of strainers . . . just as cute as mine, like this one . . . (which seems to be on sale right HERE … tra-la . . .)
This is the photo where I think the camera catches Shirley tap dancing.
And now for the honey. Just a little spoonful. Or sugar, if you are so inclined (that’s your spoon, Girlfriends!) . . . Am I going too slow for you? Remember . . .
. . . Because there are consolation prizes. You might not see them if you hurry too fast.
And the stirring of the tea is endlessly fascinating, don’t you agree? No?
Well then, how about the pouring of the cream? Fascinating? We’re almost there … but let’s take a time-out for our
Right here, in the Heart of the Home where we agree that . . .
We took our tea to our lit-up Christmas tree (note, I have already eaten half my biscuit ~ but I know the soul-satisfying secret of where there are more!).
The click of cups in saucers, crackle and pop of fire, rustle of tearing wrapping paper, buttery tea cake and Bing is singing . . . we are counting our blessings. The most wonderful Christmas!
Just being home is the best blessing of all.
Later, our tea things went back into the suds . . . because you know, it’s time for me to wrap up and give away my last present for the holiday season. Including the cute Emma box filled with my homemade Almond Brittle, we wouldn’t forget that. Are you ready Girlfriends???
I have to say, Vanna is very out of character this morning. This girl who always wears pink satin mules tied with yellow polka dot bows with her flowing morning negligee get-up has just come into my 
studio in the red flannel jammies with big moose heads all over them we gave her for Christmas. With ornaments hanging from the moose horns. Plus her moose-head slippers. I’m touched. Quite a picture she makes. I gave her tea . . . we are ready. Open them peepers Vanna, here we go.
I have to say, I feel as excited like I always do when one of my friends unwraps a gift I’m sure she will like!
Long arm goes into giant red Santa hat, swirling the names round and round. Oops! Vanna just jumped into the hat! She’s such a nut! She’s swimming to bottom, scissor kicking in manner of Esther Williams, spinning and turning, like a small submarine and little names are being kicked up almost like waves. Jack’s eyes are like saucers, he can’t believe his eyes. Here she comes, up through the vortex of spinning names, our number generator retriever Vanna! She is so worth her salt. Who else would do this? What an original! And, in her hand, there is a name. Only one name . . . it starts with an A.
The name is . . . oh my goodness, the name is A S H L E E H A W K I N S ! In her comment, she mentioned that her husband’s grandmother (wonderful grandmothers strike again) gave her A FINE ROMANCE for Christmas while her Mother-in-law just introduced her to our blog ~ Ashlee’s a brand new kindred spirit! Ashlee, there is an email waiting for you . . . write me back so I can find out where to send your prize.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S on your new tea set ~ it has been infused with good Tea Party Christmas ju-ju for a lifetime of joy. ♥ xoxo
And now Girlfriends, to assuage some of the disappointment, if there can be such a thing, here is a little something for all of you, (genius Artie Shaw playing Stardust on the Clarinet as if he is not an actual human).
Anyway, something else lots of you have been asking for. You remember I collect full moons, right?
Lots of us like to make wishes on them, like this one, peeking around the West Chop Lighthouse here on the island . . .
Or that one still high in the sky at dawn on the Queen Mary 2 (waves going Swooosh against the side of the ship). Mysterious mystical magical mother-moonshine wakes me up at night . . . trying to get in through the bedroom window ~ sometimes I just give up and let ‘er in.
I put the date of the full moon for each month on my calendars to remind us to be ready. There are only twelve this year and we would never want to miss the opportunity for free wishes! For the last couple of years we’ve also been giving away a free printout of a bookmark I designed that looks like this ↓ on one side . . . and when you turn it over, all the 2014 full moon dates plus the Native American names for each moon are on the other side.
So that’s one of our consolation prizes (besides this lovely song). You all get a free bookmark to print out on your computer. (Or have someone with a color printer do it for you!) And remember, moons are nice but really . . .
Another something you should know about . . . there is some of my winter art you can print out under Free Stuff in the shopping section of the blog. Just go HERE for fun stationery and computer wallpaper and other goodies from me to you with love.♥
And last but not least, the best consolation prize of them all: see this delicious thing? Oh my, it’s beyond delicious, crispy-edged and powder~sugared . . .
My gift to you is that you don’t have to eat this. I won’t even give you the recipe ~ I won’t even say what it is. I won’t bring it up. I will save you. You are probably as inundated with food as we are. So, as a public service to those I love, you will not have to eat this. ♥ Later maybe, like February.
My pleasure Girlfriends.♥ I know the feeling.
Well, that is all for today… a big Congratulations again to Ashlee, and really to all of us because we’ve found each other, kindred spirits in this big wild world we live in. A kiss for you from me, mwaaah! Have a wonderful day! Thank you for playing Christmas Giveaway with Susan Branch! (In manner of Bob Barker! Hello! Reading the newest Bridget Jones right now, could you tell? In manner of speaking?) XOXO
Those tea strainers look like so much fun that I might have to take up drinking tea again so I have an excuse to get one. Congratulations Ashlee on winning the tea set!
Amazing post. Loved every bit of it. I loved the consolation prizes too. Congrats to Ashlee. A prize to treasure for a lifetime. Many wonderful teatimes to cherish and savor her very special gift. Have a wonderful day all!
Congratulations Ashlee!! Anticipation is always such fun! Susan– children’s books-you tell great stories. Your first book should be about your Granny keeping you in bed until morning. I read the post to my grand boys, and there were smiles and laughter!! Just saying…..
Congratulations to Ashlee and to all of us as we all became winners when we hooked up with you Susan. I have never had as much fun in a day’s time as when I sit and go back thru your wonderful blog. You have added so much to my days and to my life and I will never be able to tell you how very much you are appreciated. Just know that you have made a difference in my life. You have put light in some very dark days for me and you have taught me how to dream again. Your words touch something deep, down inside my soul and I am forever thankful. Wishing for the most wonderful New Year for you and your precious family. Much love to you.
Sandy – Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Susan – Mine as well. I can’t even imagine life without (Yeeks) Susan & Joe & kitties! XXOO Pat
Congratulations Ashlee! You know, all the Girlfriends will be dropping by very soonest for a cup of tea in you wonderful tea set ~~~ you’d better get ready, for there are quite a few of us, don’t you know!!! 😀
You’ve got that right, Deb~
wouldn’t it be wonderful? All of us getting to meet up? {{{Sigh}}} Can you just imagine it?
Congratulations Ashlee! What wonderful gifts you’ll be receiving! Thank you so much Susan for your fantastic prizes, you’re always so generous! Today is a day of rest here, probably for all oops, sorry, those of you (like my daughter) who had to work today, we’ll be thinking of you! Great blog my dear! xoxoo
Susan and Joe…….Merry Christmas! There is never a doubt that yours is loverly. Congratulations to Ashlee who will always cherish her tea set and share her memories with her family and friends.
Congratulations, Ashlee. You will always remember your first Susan Branch Christmas. Enjoy the tea set in good health and happiness. Isn’t it fun to win such a treasure.
~ Good Afternoon~ congrats to the winner! ~ I just wanted to share that ABC has a special on tonight (9 pm) behind the scenes at the castle where they film Downton Abbey~ I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy ~ Healthy ~ New Year to all!~
Lynn
~ 8 central time~
Oh, I hope you all enjoyed it! You are on a Countdown to Downton now, I’m sure. The Christmas two~hour special was wonderful, and now you have that to look forward to also!
Happy New Year to you too, Lynn!
oh,susan, thank you for making it fun to lose a giveaway! be well these fast fleeting days of December. b
I think you should make some more of those pretty tea strainers! Anxiously awaiting to find out what that mystery dish is — it looks yummy.
I as the “A” and fell off the couch! Got so excited!!!! Hahahahaha HAPPY NEW YEAR SUSAN! And congratulations to the other “A”!!
CONGRATS ASHLEE!!!! 🙂 and Happy New Year Everybody!
from beautiful, sunny Mesa Arizona!
x0x
Deb
Congratulations Ashlee! Hope you get many hours of happy memories using your beautiful tea set! Thank you Susan for your happy blog! Too fun! Happy New Year!
Smiles, Deborah :o)
Merry Christmas, Susan. I loved your blog on your trip to England. It brought back wonderful memories of my trip to England and Scotland with my grandparents back in the late 1970’s. The trip was my graduation present from college from my grandparents on both sides of the family, and even though they have all passed, it was as if they were visiting me as I went through your journey. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the suspense, and congratulations to newbie Ashlee! You just keep bringing us girlfriends together all around the globe. I’ve been delighted to ‘meet’ Donna E, an FOSB kindred spirit who lives just across the bay from me here in Alabama; we’re Facebook, email, and snail mail friends, and I also follow her new blog at mywellsoffancy.blogspot.com/. She is pen pals with Debs O’Brien in Wales! Happy New Year to you and Joe and kitties!
Sharon in Alabama
Where do you live in Alabama, Sharon? We’re in Fairhope. Would love to meet another GF!
Congratulations, Ashlee! When do we all come over for tea? 😉
What a tease you are! So, what else do you put on your oven pancake besides powdered sugar? Lingonberries, like we do here at our house, with maple syrup? I read your comment on Twitter that you just got your tree up. Norm and I often don’t get ours up until the “last minute” but being that he is of Scandinavian descent, Dec. 25th is the FIRST day of the 12 days of Christmas and we leave it up halfway through January. It kind of helps get through the dark days of January… 🙂
I love the lingonberries too Pat!!! Our friend had it here for the first time at our Christmas dinner.
Congratulations to Ashlee, and thank you to Susan for the new bookmark and the lovely post of today!!! What a beautiful gift that tea set is…..you are so kind! Happy New Year to you and Joe!!!
Thank you for the pretty bookmark! I’ve enjoyed these for the past couple of years. With every full moon, I’ll be making wishes throughout the new year.
Happy New Year, Susan!
Susan, my husband bought me “A fine romance” for Christmas….I am already on page 163….Iam so enjoying it. My mom and I sat down together and read the winner announcement….we laughed all the way through…so cute. thank you for the consolation prizes.
Susan, dear, only you could make we non-winners giddy with delight…we didn’t get the tea set, but you still gifted us with this sweet, precious blog! Yaaaa, Ashlee! Welcome to the club! You’re going to LOVE it here! 🙂
Congratulations, Ashlee!! So happy that ‘Shirley’ found the perfect home! Heartfelt thanks and so many hugs, Susan, for bringing all of us Kindred Spirits together forever! You make such a difference in all of our lives. ♡ Can you imagine how many Girlfriends found A Fine Romance waiting under the Christmas tree? We know what they are all reading today! I’m just settling in by the Christmas tree to read my extra-special Christmas gift ~ “Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life.” ♡ So happy!
Cherishing all of the wonderful memories of Christmas!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
So happy for you Ashlee……enjoy!!
The anticipation – so much fun! And lucky Ashlee!
Congratuations Ashlee! May good Girlfriend Karma behold you whenever you use that beautiful tea set. What a gift!! I am inspired to think about bringing back treasures as we just booked a trip to England with our cousins in Kent for the end of April. Attached to the week in England is a Mediterranean cruise which has always been my dream trip even though I don’t like to fly and have never been on a cruise. Our book will be the first thing packed and I’ll make Ted pinky swear that we’ll at least go to a few of the beautiful places you went to. Think I’ll go make some tea!
Congratulations Ashley!! Have a glorious tea party when your tea set arrives! And Susan, thanks for always thinking of the girlfriends!! Have a lovely day.
Congratulations to Ashlee – another new girlfriend! But the consolation prizes for the rest of us, though were just beautiful, too, Susan, thank you! I am dying to know what is in that casserole dish that looks so yummy, but I guess I’ll have to wait until February. I didn’t know there was a new Bridget Jones out? Hope you and Joe had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Year!! Hugs from Sharon in Florida. xxxooo
It’s called Mad About the Boy. I like the way she writes, but it’s not even close to the first one. FYI.
They reviewed it on NPR…it wasn’t a very glowing review. I was bummed because I just loved the other books and movies too!!
Yes, to say it’s light is putting too much weight on the subject. It’s crazy 50 year old running around like nutty 23 year old. But still, the voice reminds me of the old one.
Congratulations, Ashlee! What a lucky girl! Speaking as a [former] tabletop professional and [current] china-aholic, I can tell you that your new set is a very VERY nice set. If I was Sue, I’d be hard-pressed to part with it. Which of course makes it even MORE special. Hope you have it in time for its next party to be for New Year’s Day!
I never heard of a tabletop professional! Too bad I missed that one, it sounds like the perfect job!!!
Congratulations to you Ashlee. Not sure how Susan can bear to part with such a lovely tea set either…but Ashlee is certainly getting some beautiful china. I had a “tabletop professional” here at my house for the holidays, and my what a fine job my 14 month old granddaughter did. So it was nice to dream along with you at your tea party Susan. Yet, this was the best Christmas ever for me. Hope your Christmas was wonderful Susan and wishing you both a very Happy, Healthy New Year.
Easy to part with something that has managed to bring so many a little bit of joy with its antics! Nothing like a 14 month old table top professional . . . I remember what that looks like!!! Lucky you.
Oh, LOL! That’s just my term for bridal registry consultant. For 5 years while I was teaching, I also worked evenings, weekends, summers as the bridal registry lady at a branch of Sibley’s Department Store in Rochester. And it WAS the best PT job anyone could have, especially for a china, silver & glass-aholic like me. We were all VERY well-trained by the buyers. I learned to recognize the best quality china, when a pattern showed “ricing,” real hand-painted decoration vs decals, what “18/10” meant when talking about flatware, how to care for all tabletop items, etc etc. And not just tabletop but everything else that went into a home too. All manner of linens & bedding, cookware, bakeware, small electrics, cutlery, etc etc. I learned SO MUCH. Bonus – our department was located right next to the gifts area where the Christmas tree shop was set up. Every year from early Oct to the end of Dec, we got to feast our eyes on all the differently-themed Christmas trees, holiday china patterns, candles etc etc. A veritable feast for the eyes. PS Sue, you WOULD have loved it – you were MADE for a job like that.
Oh I thought it meant a person who gets to set the table with all different things all day! Your Sibley’s job sounds wonderful! You’re right, I would have loved it.
Janet, you had my dream job! You learned so many great interesting things.
Oh, we did get to set tables, all the time!! Not often enough for me of course. I could have changed things every other day [too many ideas percolating in my head]. But as jobs go, it WAS really wonderful. Never seemed like work except for those times when the wedding had logistics that were on par with the invasion of Normandy. You know, a dozen bridesmaids, 500-600 guests, 3 or 4 shower dates. People inevitably “had issues” then – and you definitely earned your pay. But those were the exception. Even the cleaning was enjoyable, although dusting the Waterford crystal was scary. Not something we ever did on busy Saturdays. That was a Monday evening job for sure…
Too bad for me, but congratulations to the winner. We called the above dish hoot-i-nanny and made it with 1 c flour, 1 c milk, 1 t salt, 6 eggs, and 1/2 cup butter. Heat up the pan and melt butter in a hot oven. Whip other stuff in blender. Pour into hot pan and bake for 20 min. It’s a delicious heart attack breakfast. What do you call it?
Hi Ginger, we call it Dutch Baby and serve it with apples, pears and cranberries sauted in butter and brown sugar and dusted with icing sugar – so good. It’s for special occasion breakfasts such as birthdays, Christmas, and Valentine’s day. Sometimes we have it with lemon juice squeezed over top and dusted with the sugar.
I also love it served in a puddle of heated maple syrup. Yummy!
Oh, that does sound good!
We called it Dutch Baby too! Dutch yummy…
We call it a Dutch Baby served with fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar!!
I like the comment that called it a “Liberace Pancake”!
Susan, thank you for being Susan. You’re the best girlfriend a person could have and so deserving of all the good things in life – the good things you so generously give back to us. God bless you!
From the perfect cup of tea to fireside conversations, honey coated spoons and lovely decorations, you have given each of us full moons to treasure and a wonderful gift to Ashley that sounds like three generations conspired to collectively serve tea to her at Christmas! You make all of it so fun and heartwarming, Susan! Happy Days! ~Kari
I think you’re right Kari, three generations conspiring! 🙂
Oh hooray! The moon bookmark!! I still have some A Fine Romance books to give to my book group and my sisters-in-law and I was wishing and hoping for the bookmark to accompany them. The first gift-giving is Saturday so right on time! Thank you! Thank you! More than a consolation prize I would say.
Congratulations Ashlee and I say anticipation is almost as good as winning…well, maybe, not quite! Happy New Year!
Congrats Ashlee! And welcome to the girlfriends club! Read your book, put your feet up, and sip tea. I am sure you deserve it and that you will love the book. Read it slow, so it will last longer! Love you Susan! You are so kind and thoughtful, you are a gift in yourself!
oh my … congratulations to you, Ashley! and to all of us … love the book markers! and I , too, shall wait ’til February for the recipe. Thank you, Dear Susan and looking forward to and wish you and Joe and most prosperous New Year!
Pink hugs,
Dee
Hooray, Ashlee!!! You are a very lucky lady!
Thank you Susan for the lovely printables – you’re always so very generous.
Here’s to the New Year and all that it will bring.
Congratulations Ashlee! And thanks again for a wonderful post!
Congratulations Ashlee — what a nice way to welcome you to SB blog! (Now I have to pour through my SB cookbooks for that fluffy thing . . . a german pancake perhaps?) Happy Boxing Day!
Can I please have a copy of the recipe for that Yummy looking pancake bake? Thxs!
I am trying to save you from yourself, but you are not letting me! 🙂 I’m only kidding, I’ll put the recipe up soon!
First of all congratulations to Ashlee! I’m so happy for her!! Thank you so much for the 2014 Moon bookmark! I just love them, for myself as well as to give as gifts to my friends! Thank you so much for everything Susan!
Congratulations Ashlee! Enjoy your beautiful tea set. Thank you Susan for all you do for the girlfriends, Im honored to be one of them. Wishing you a very happy new year. Hugs, Michelle
So happy for you, Ashlee! You will sure have a story to pass along with this lovely set each time you serve tea! ” Did I ever tell you how I happened upon this lovely tea set? No? Oh, it’s a lovely story! Here, sit, and let me tell….”. And such a sweet smile will cross your face!
What goes around, goes around some more, we are the world. xoxo
Oh, I liked how you DID that — you kept us lingering, and for a few minutes, that tea set was MINE, all MINE!! haha 🙂 It really is lovely, and I hope Ashlee will love it for years. Honestly, I don’t have room for any more tea sets or cups or anything. What am I saying? My present tea things are so congenial, they would always make a little spot for new friends 😉 Merry Christmas! I had to take my tree down yesterday, immediately following our gift opening, because one of the legs on the stand broke, and it was leaning against the front window. How tragic!
Ohhhh, tragic. Should be said in French I think, “comment tragique” — with a tear. xoxo
Dutch babies! My sweet daughter (and son!) is here for the holidays, and she is the master chef of Dutch babies. Mmmmm … Can’t wait for that morning pleasure!
Nothing quite like it!
Congratulations Ashlee and welcome to the most beautiful blog of them all!
Susan, have you thought about turning your blog posts into a book? I feel such a need to copy them and read over again. I finished “A Fine Romance” way too fast and find such joy in reading your words. ♥
I don’t know how to do it. Isn’t that silly, it should be easy, but one of these days maybe I’ll figure it out. All those photos!
Congratulations, Ashlee. What a wonderful way to join a group of Girlfriends.
Susan, I loved it that you gave us all gifts. My favorite was letting us enjoy tea with you and Joe in “Shirley.” That is one beautiful tea set!
As someone said earlier, you have a knack for making the losers giddy with excitement! Thanks.
LOL Linda … well then, I did my job!
We have so much fun visiting You.Thank You and congrats to the winner-Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage
Love that you are here.
Congrats to the winner! I read very slowly all the way to the end. Did not want to spoil things, just in case I won. giggle. Thank you for the bookmark. Going to look for some pretty paper to print it on. Have a wonderful New Year!
You too Brenda! Thank you for your show of patience xoxo
Congratulations to Ashlee!
Congrats to Ashlee and welcome to the Susan Branch Girlfriends’ Club! When I saw the “Shirley” reference, I almost cried as that is my mother’s name, gone for almost 45 years already. Susan you are just wonderful to share that tea set! I know that Ashlee will love it and bring more members into your fold. Merry Christmas all and a Happy New Year 2014!! I will be retiring after January 1st – can’t wait to spend more time doing the things I love.
Happy for you Ruth, so soon!
Ashlee was obviously at the top of Santa’s Nice List this year, and Vanna knew it! We have had the fire dept here twice in the past three days to help my husband with lift assistance (he has MS). But you know, no injuries, we are fine, and the firemen were, as always, wonderful and kind, and we had a good Christmas. Love all the photos of your beautiful Christmas tea! Thanks for saving me from that puffy sweetness in the Corning Ware (same one I’ve had for 40 years!). Come to think of it, puffy sweetness kind of describes me at this time of year.;) Blessings! Counting mine.
LOL, puffy sweetness — I can speak to the sweetness part, you definitely are.
Speaking of sweetness, on New Year’s Day we will have the annual Gathering of the Girlfriends in my parlor. Good champagne, appetizers (including your stuffed mushrooms), and Pots de Crème in little sherry glasses. Your wonderful recipe is the perfect little bit of chocolate deliciousness, and I serve it every year. The New Year’s Day girlfriend party is always my favorite Twine of the year! Of course, I had planned to offer tea in the gorgeous tea set, but we know how that turned out. I’m just saying. LOL
LOL, it sounds like a wonderful party Roseanne! Hello to all from me!
Ashlee, you won! I am happy for you and all of us girlfriends!
Thank you Susan!
How lucky can a girl get….Congratualtions Ashlee!! What a wonderful way to wrap up the old year. Happy New Year everyone. Here’s looking forward to another fantastic year of great inspirations, happy musings and cool pictures, Susan. Hugs from NJ……
Me too Carol, thank you!
Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day Susan, Joe and Kitties!
You couldn’t have picked a more awesome way to give that lovely tea set away. 🙂 Many congratulations to Miss Lucky -Ashlee!!!
I feel as though I have just had a lovely tea with you- and that was just the first of the consolations. Thank you for the full moon bookmark. I watch the waxing and waning moon regularly and this is so wonderful! Sow on waxing, reap on waning is always my intention. 🙂
I have been making little tea parties for myself since I was about 7yrs old and I still have one almost every day. I love the strainers and keep a search going for them on ebay- you never know. 😉 Happy, Merry, Joyful Days to you- keep them coming all year through!
xox
Gabi
They have been found before, so why not! Merry merry to you Gabi!
Yay for Ashlee and thank you Susan for all the fun! We all can picture Ashlee playing tea party with her MIL and Grandma. And another thank you for not letting us sink our teeth into yet another treat. Sure looks yummy though.
All things in good time xoxo
Oh, my! Here you are teasing us with that lovely powdered sugar covered delicacy! Yum!
Congratulations to Ashlee! She had better get ready! All of us are coming for tea!:-)
Sending along best wishes for the remainder of 2013!
xo Nellie
You too darling Nellie, thank you for being here! Recipe coming soon!
Thank you for the pretty bookmark! I love it! I have a very old tea strainer like the one you designed for Lenox. I love using it, has tiny purple flowers on it and comes with a little bowl that it sits on. It’s one of the little things that help make tea parties perfect! Hope you didn’t get hit with this ice storm, Susan! I live in Maine and many of my friends have been without power since Sunday! Stay warm, Deb Harmon
I’ve heard that, but no, our island is cold but not snowy or icy right now. I see you have Internet so I’m happy for that!
I’m surprised that you don’t have any ice or snow right now Susan. Here in the maritimes the snow just keeps piling up. There are a lot of people still without power from the ice storms. We had a very beautiful Christmas Day. The sun came out in the morning (first in quite awhile); it was beautiful shining through the trees in the yard & onto the snow. Then it clouded over and there were snow flurries…the kind that just drift out of the sky. Around 3pm ice fog formed on the river below our house. The sun was shining through this & onto all the ice that was on everything…a sight to behold, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful, everything just glistened. My camera just couldn’t capture what my eye was seeing. My son-in-law took pics and posted them on twitter. A very special Christmas treat.
We sometimes go very long times without snow here — they say it’s because of the water around us — we are in a Gulf stream which is why in the summer we can swim and the water is warm (not like most of California where the water is freezing!) So personally, I do lots of praying for snow, it’s just as magical as you say.
Ashlee, a huge congrats from Florida! You are going to love your new tea set!
Susan, that strainer is indeed the cutest thing I have ever seen. The green reminds me of Spring and Easter grass. Perhaps, I need to reconsider taking up my mother’s passion of drinking tea only made with loose tea leaves. After all, that means one MUST have the perfect strainer for the proper experience! I am in love with that photo of the moon and the light house. I love the stories of the families who were the house caretakers and safety helpers to the vulnerable at sea! Such stories of courage and love and hard lives in remote and isolated places.
And those widow’s walks, with no communication possible, the women climbed the stairs to scan the sea for their husbands.
Hello Susan! It was so nice having tea with you today, cozy and warm reading your wonderful Christmas tea blog! Congratulations to Ashlee on winning the tea service!!!! Thank you for the Moon Bookmark….excellant for holding that special recipe in my cookbook! You are such a doll Susan, spreading cheer and spoiling all of us girlfriends!!! Happy Happy Christmas season to you!!!!!!!! (p.s. What did Jack and Girl Kitty get from Santa Claus?Just wondering?)
Jack got pony-tail bands because that’s all all all he wants, and Girl got crunchy bits of cat treats. They both got bells on collars, but they asked me to return them for more of everything else.
My friend and I thank you so much for our bookmark! And (hint, hint) we hope they become a tradition – to love and share with each other and all of our friends, too. They truly are a treasure, as are you, and a wonderful way to remember Grandmother moon’s travels.
Good New Years Presents too, xo
congratulations to Ashlee! 🙂
You are so much fun!!
Even for those of us who did not win the tea set, the consolation prizes are a treat. A treat in every blog post is the Musica! As much as I like listening to one song at a time as you introduce them to us, sometimes I would like to put something on the CD player that lasts longer. Do you have a ‘play list’ of the CDs that you took on the trip to England or the booksigning tour? I don’t see anything in the “Romance” appendix. (I have some Amazon gift certificates burning a hole in my pocket) Happy Boxing Day!!
I don’t have a play list… although I did list the best music for the English Countryside in A FINE ROMANCE . . . on page 180.
Congratulations Ashlee! And welcome to the best blog ever. You will love all the girlfriends. They are awesome. Thank you Susan for everything . Happiest of New Years to you and Joe. Hugs and Muuuuaaaa to you too
xoxo Debbie!
I must agree, the suspense was killing me. Lovely post. Congratulations Ashlee! Nothing better than tea with loved ones and such a pretty set!!!
Then I was successful, I really worked on that suspense! 🙂
Susan, How about the next bookmark being one of Jack or Girl? And sometime in summer, could you (PLEASE!!!!!) bring back the one with the girl at the beach? I love your bookmarks, and rotate them with the seasons and depending on what I am reading at the moment, and when that one came out, I didn’t have colored ink and I missed being able to print it out. That tea set was lovely, and I too am hoping that perhaps one day you can bring back that strainer! I thought at first it was part of the set. Congratulations to Ashlee. Did you design the kitchen towel that was featured in this edition of the blog??
Remind me again closer to summer and I sure will Verla. I designed that dish towel years ago for a company that was making them, but unfortunately, as things have gone these last years, that company is no longer in business. That’s my last one! Home for the Holidays!
Sweetest congratulations to the winner – Ashlee – and a big thank you for the consolation prize. And there was something else I was going to say, but my daughter just came to say thank you for forwarding this blog post on to her because she liked it so much. Joy. Bliss. Blessings in 2014.
Joy. Bliss. Blessings for 2014 to you too Marianne. xo
Loved your Christmas morning tea party and congratulations to Ashlee winning the beautiful tea set. Thank you for the bookmark, I promptly went to my computer calendar and put all of the names and dates of the new moon’s to come. I will smile and think of you each month on the new moon. Thank so much and have a “Happy New Year”.
Same to you Penne!
Congratulations Ashlee; what a beautiful win!
Susan, you mention not of proofing the pot…SO very important so the pot will not, eventually, develop those hairline cracks and be of no use as a teapot.
Heat more water than will fill the pot; pour a half cup or thereabouts into the teapot and swirl…’round and ’round and ’round…making sure the teapot becomes nice and hot. Do not forget the spout! Then, pour out that water and add your tea leaves and hot water and then steep.
If I’ve told you something you know, please forgive me. It’s just I would hate for that beautiful tea pot to develop cracks.
Happy Boxing Day!
Yes, you are so right Sandra! Although I just call it warming the pot and do it for the tea to stay warm longer. I didn’t realize the hairline cracks part of it … do you do that for the cups too?
Congrats to Ashlee and welcome to the best blog on the internet!!!! You will have many more “prizes” to relish every week when reading the blog and looking at all the beautiful pictures! Happy New Year everyone!
Happy New Year dear Christine!
Wonderful post, Susan, Bravo! Oven pancake is on my menu now, you know it is! I have to wonder what yours holds…
Congratulations to Ashlee!
Thank you for the new bookmark too!
Happy New Year to you and Joe!
Somehow I feel rather twinkly 😉 off for a cuppa!
You SOUND twinkly Elaine! 🙂
Merry Christmas Ashlee…what wonderful memories you will make with your tea set. Yes, Susan, we are all stuffed with holiday treats but that does look delish! German Pancake?? We may be ready to try it for the new year!
So good!
I can hardly wait to February!
One question, is it a recipe for a Dutch Baby? I have already hung up my calendar even though it is only December 27. I will be sharing the full moon bookmark with my friends. Love it. Happy New Year!
Maybe that’s the same, but mine is called German Pancake … it’s in my first book, but I’ll post the recipe sooner rather than later!
Congratulations Ashlee ! What a treasure is on it’s way to you ! But, I feel like a winner, too….I had the small 2014 calendar, and the purse calendar, but had trouble finding the SB 2104 wall calendar….but a trip to a little shop near here was a success. Now I am set…can’t wait to crack them open and start to pencil in fun times! Thanks for the fun on your blog….enjoy this wonderful “holiday week”. PS…just saw Saving Mr. Banks….LOVED IT !
Happy you found the calendars Ann — I’ll have to watch for Mr. Banks when it gets to the island.
Thanks, Susuan…I use one in my purse, one on my desk at home, and the wall calendar in my office at school…where it gets LOTS of comments and oohs and ahhs !
Lovely Ann! xo
We also went to see Saving Mr Banks. It was a great movie! Now I want to watch Mary Poppins again.
We just watched it the other night, preparing!
Congratulations, Ashlee! I agree with Susan that this tea set “Shirley” sparkles!! 😉 Ashlee, you will, no doubt, create some wonderful memories with this tea set. Susan, I laughed outloud when I read how you were “saving” me from that beautiful, poofy, Swedish-looking pancake! Saved, indeed! I had a mouthful of my mother’s yummy persimmon cookie as I laughed!
Yes, the hub-bub of Christmas is passed. I was later than most but calmer/less stressed about the so-called have-to’s. Looking forward to some end-of-year cleaning, too!
God bless you and the Girlfriends in 2014! ♥♥♥
Ashlee wrote back to my email, she’s only been married for one year. She will make lots of memories with Shirley!
S.W.E.E.T. !
Awww, this made me smile. All the best wishes to Ashlee. So happy that she won.
Let’s hear it for Ashlee. Hip hip hooray. Now the anticipation will be going back to review the comments to check for Ashlee’s response. The fun never stops. Hmmm these are new terms flotsam and jetsam! Of course, can’t wait for my next cup of tea to be free of these.:)
Yes Kathy, flotsam-and-jetsam-free zones! 🙂
Congratulations to Ashlee!… what a wonderful Christmas gift for her… along with the friendship of you Susan… and all of the girlfriends here on your blog… I love that you and Joe had a special tea with it… makes it even more meaningful for her… I know she will cherish it always… loved seeing how you slowly prepared the tea… I was sooo lucky several months ago, I found one of your A Proper Tea strainers just like you used, on Ebay and was the lucky winning bidder!… yay!… thank you also for the full moons bookmark again… I printed them last year and gave my sister and my nieces each one… I also gave them each one of your books which they love!… have to tell you, when I print my own bookmarks of yours, I always cover them in clear packing tape to protect them, as I use them so often… well, on my “full moon” one, somehow… pure magically… a teensie little bit of glitter was on mine when I covered it in the tape, right by one of the moons, and it looks like a little glistening star!… I was so excited, I had to look at your original one and see if somehow you had made one that glittered… but nope… mine was kissed by stardust!… can’t wait to print the new one… I hope another little star appears!… hope you had a very Merry Christmas… thanks for not offering any of your dessert… I am STUFFED and craving veggies!!!… please save me some for Valentines though!… xoxo Julie Marie
I could almost wear that tea strainer around my neck as a rather large and odd pendant, it’s so cute. One of my favorite things ever. Should have added a hole in the handle! The glitter on the bookmark sounds so perfect! You live in a good house, where such things can occur.
I just noticed my tea strainer DOES have a little hole in the handle!… maybe we SHOULD wear them as a pendant, tee hee hee!… I just wish I had the rest of what goes with them!… xoxo Julie Marie
Then one is always prepared to strain the tea too! They are such beautiful things to collect, and I’m sure I need another collection!
Congratulations to Ashlee! Even though I was momentarily crushed with disappointment, the sight of that FOOD item in the baking dish , and knowing that I dont have to eat it…or see it…or smell it to please anyone…definitely was a consolation prize for me! The holidays arent even totally over, but I find myself really only enjoying a stiff drink these days….of sparkling water and juice combined over ice. My husband and I were just saying that this holiday season has been so much fun, but too much food! haha. I usually dont feel the desire to begin a New Years resolution and plan about food, but 2014 is looking like it is going to begin with a strict health regime over in my house….at least for a few weeks! 🙂
Anyhoo…..welcome to the “Girlfriends Club” Ashlee! It is a lot of fun all of the time!
We’re all in different corners of the same boat! xoxo
Yes! And being together in the same boat is also a consolation! I am ashamed to admit that the picture looked delicious to me! lol lol
Merry Christmas, and wishing you the best that 2014 has to offer. Thank you so much for adding joy and whimsy to our world~! One of my favorite presents this year was a copy of A Fine Romance ~ bless my husband’s loving heart, and bless your heart for sharing your magical trip to England with all of us!
Bless his loving heart! xo
Congratulations Ashlee, you lucky lady!
Susan, you are the berries! I love your writing, always
so delightful, even with your suspenseful strategy this time!
Ha, ha. BTW..My girlfriend opened her Christmas gift, A Fine Romance…
yesterday and called to tell me how “beautiful” it is. You bring us happiness,
Susan!
You send it back Marcy, thank you.
Oh, the consolation prizes were the best! I love your drawings of everything you do……..wish you would make a scrapbooking line of your girls……..especially love the redheads!! Maybe you could have some stamps made of them—–I would make paper dolls with them!! I think that is really a great idea for all of us crafty souls!!! Thanks again for thinking of us!! Linda from Idaho where it is low 20’s daytime. I have 3–yes 3———beautiful fluffy tailed squirrels in my backyard —started with 1 all summer but cold weather came and he brought over a couple of friends!!! They even take turns at drinking the water and eating the nuts!!! Linda from Idaho
Maybe someday a scrapbook-sticker-manufacturer will contact me and we’ll have new crafty things on the market again. Would be fun!
Congratulations Ashlee! Susan, you really did a wonderful job leading us all the way to the winner. It is a beautiful set and sure to be treasured. I enjoyed having something so special to look forward to winning. I felt child-like on Christmas morn once more. Thank you for all the lovely printing gifts. I’ll cherish it.
Yes we unwrapped that one verrrry slowly. My mother would be proud!
Oh, you really need to post the recipe. My sweet youngest daughter, after seeing the picture, asked for it on her birthday in a few weeks. Yikkes! There is so little this child asks for, to make her something special warms my heart.
Blessings,
Sarah
I know, I will, next post! Special Birthday for your daughter. xoxo
Great post, as always! And thanks for the bookmark, Susan. One of my favorite things about your calendars is knowing when and the name of the full moon each month!
Thanks, Susan for the opportunity! Comgrats to Ashlee!! How fun has this been!?!
So glad you had a lovely Christmas, thanks for sharing it with us.
That dish looks absolutely scrumptious!! Please tell us we don’t have to wait until February for the recipe??? I could use another dose of comfort food…
Blessings and love,
Jeanette
I won’t make you wait! 🙂
Thanks Susan!! My mouth is watering…looks wonderful!
YOU are THE best! XooX
Congrats to Ashlee! Whoever said that you should write a children’s book was right, you would be great! Many thanks for the consultation prizes, will enjoy them. Any plans for New Years Eve? Have a Happy Friday!
I think I write children’s books for big people … the kind that won’t entirely grow up. Like me.
Maybe they are Childhood books. 🙂
Congrats Ashlee!! and thanks Susan for inviting us to the Tea Party and the prizes!
Connie Sue
How wonderful for Miss Ashlee. A squeal of joy just for and how special that Susan had a little Christmas tea to christen the set. Oh so sweet…almost a sweet as that scrumptious dish she is teasing us with. 🙂 many happy moments with your lovely tea set. Thank you Susan for the riveting, suspenseful and delectable reveal! Happy new year to all.
Today, the day after Christmas, I’m being very, very good to myself. Why? Well, I don’t need an excuse to be good to myself, but it’s because Christmas wore me out this year. I spent two days in a row in the kitchen, baking & cooking for Christmas day when our family came over to share dinner together. Christmas night, as I watched our family having fun together, I said a little prayer thanking our Lord that I’m blessed to have a family. All of my life, even as a small child, I knew how fortunate I was to have a family. I’ve always cherished each member of our family. I only wish I could keep each sweet member for always & always, all throughout my entire life. Each member of my family has taught me so many lessons that enabled me to love & enjoy my life. My Aunt Virginia was a home economic teacher. She taught me how to knit & crochet. She became ill after child birth. I was thirteen at the time & on summer vacation from school. I took care of her as she recuperated. I learned how good it felt to do something for others without getting paid. My Aunts’ smile as she was getting better each day, was my reward, as well as how grateful she was to have me take care of her. My mother & Gram taught me the love of home & cooking. I could go on & on, but you get my drift. They’ve all past, but the gifts they gave me are still with me. The physical presents they gave me have vanished from my memory, but the love they taught me to share, plus the skills they taught me, have lived with me all my life. If you have a family, you are rich beyond the wealthiest person on earth. Here’s to a New Year of enjoying your family & the treasures you teach them, & learn from them. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Hi Sondra (and Susan and girlfriends) Just wanted to say how much I LOVE this comment!!! Such a lovely reminder to TREASURE our families 🙂 Happy New Year!
Tea party time for Ashlee….!!!! Congratulations.
Susan, thanks for giving us the “Moon!” And so much more…..
Rockin around the Christmas Tree headed into a new year….. May it be filled with many blessings, new adventures and simple joys !
Happy New Year girlfriends.
Happy New Year, Deb!
Congratulations Ashlee! I am so happy for you 🙂 And thank you Susan, for the great consolation prizes !!!~~~!!!
So happy for Ashlee!! It’s enough just to look at the pictures of you having tea with that wonderful tea set! I think it’s the most gorgeous set I have ever seen!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Congratulations to Ashlee! What a wonderful surprise!
Now I need to pull out the teapot and use some of your lovely tea mix for a cuppa. I always reuse my teabags and my dear friend gently makes fun of me for that act of poverty! Hmm, wonder if I can reuse your wonderful tea leaf mix?!
Of course it depends on how strong you like it, but YES, in fact, it can be even better on the second cup!
congratulations Ashlee … enjoy your beautiful tea set and enjoy “A Fine Romance”. A perfect pairing of wonderful gifts. Oh, and welcome to the “club” 🙂
So happy for Ashlee! And I am so thrilled with my bookmark-I just LOVE the moon! Thank you, Susan!
Congratulations, Ashlee!! The beautiful and dainty tea set nearly makes me run out and find one for myself! I noticed the fluffy “yummy” dessert was cooked in an old-fashioned Corning Ware dish. Takes me back!!
Thanks for your blog! Very fun to read.
One of my grandmother’s gifts to me when I was first learning to cook.
Bravo~Ms. Ashlee!! Wishing you many merry tea parties:) As for you Ms. Susan I know what that delectable concoction is….as I have your recipe for it……and I must say that after trying said recipe…..My family enjoys it so very much….that it graces our table nearly every Saturday morning! What a wonderful blog visit with you today….When I check my email and see that there is a new post I always wait until evening when I am not needed and then I treat myself to a sit down…a cuppa….and an uninterrupted read:) Bliss. xo
I knew there would be someone who recognized it! xoxo
OK I really do want to know more about the mysterious dish now 😉
And I guess I shall just have to look for my own lovely tea set. Even though I don’t actually drink tea- I still love tea-sets. I know, not very British of me (despite the fact I am most definitely British), but my American husband says that it proves I was made for him 😉 Of course, convincing him I need a tea-set when I don’t drink it is another matter entirely…
Happy New Year Susan!
Happy New year everyone!
It’s like how setting the table made me want to learn to cook so I could show off my pretty house-playing ways? You have to drink tea if you want a tea set to make sense! Well, I guess not. Hot chocolate parties couldn’t hurt a thing!
Thank-you so much for the bookmark, I just love them ! I collect book marks and have them in my little library,I bet I have one for every book I own. Yours are my absolute favorite and I love cutting them out with my little special sharp scissors. I loved cutting things out when I was a little girl, all those Betsy McCalls ! I would go to my Grandmothers and she always had them waiting for me to cut out. My sister and I would play for hours with them, Such nice memories.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and to everyone here in this wonderful blog land. I am so Thankful for you all. Congratulations to Ashlee, what a wonderful, wonderful gift full of sweet loving memories to come. oxoxox
Fun to “make” your own too . . . xoxo