Since we’re all going to be busy these next few days, I thought I’d wait until after Thanksgiving to draw the name of our lucky winner and 
make sure everyone has had time to sign up for our Giveaways (there are two, scroll down to next post to read about them) ~ this allows everyone to BE the actual winner for a little bit longer. Until the bitter truth is revealed by our in-house bitter-truth revealer, Vanna, when she draws the winning name. Until then, maybe a blog filled with photos of all kinds of holiday decorating? And MUSICA?
But first off, speaking of honey. Look at us, we’ve got almost 1800 comments on the last post and everyone of them is a pure jewel.♥ If you ever feel sad about the world, which is easy to do these days, read the comments on this blog and it will cheer you up. I sit here and cry when I read your 
words of encouragement and kindness ~ you’ll never know ~ and when I read that you’re waiting for a tornado to pass, that you’re raising three rowdy boys and a husband, that you have Chinese friends, or you are Chinese, that you are from everywhere, Mexico, Germany, England, The Netherlands, that you have tea parties for your girlfriends and read to your moms. You are true Fairy Tale girls, getting through surgery, new knees and chemotherapy; nursing, celebrating and remembering loved ones, sharing 
the things that make you feel grateful, cuddling your pets and your children, watching old movies for strength (Little Women makes the MOST wonderful background sounds while you are rolling out pie crust btw), laughing about how your daughters race to change the calendar page each month. You stop mopping the floor to read Willard, you love Gingerbread tea, and you send blessings to each OTHER ~ yes, you do that ~ you even talk Arf and Arfy to me now. Your Christmas cookbooks have magazine articles tucked into them, you love Louisa May 
Alcott, you love wearing your elf charm with the card that says: Go. Be. Love. The World Needs You. And that’s just the beginning of the beauty of YOU.♥ Thank you so so SO much. You reaffirm my forever belief that the world is filled with wonderful, good-hearted, loving people. If you need any reaffirming yourself, I encourage you to read these comments. And leave one yourself, if you haven’t already. All comments from these two posts will be entered into the drawing. Oh yes, and thank you from the bottom of my pea pickin’ heart. I wob you too.
Now, down to business Girlfriends: let’s talk about tablecloths and silverware, place cards and table settings, shall we? (Would like to Un-invent spell check, so far we have table scares and silver wipes.)
Here is my dining room on a relatively calm day. No big projects on the table, but you can see it’s the holidays because I have paperwhites on the window sills. The calm before the storm.
This was a table setting for New Year’s Eve a few years back . . . champagne corks for place cards . . . and old books, and old glassware I’ve collected over the years.
And here I am thinking about tablecloths and bread baskets . . .(for some reason I’ve been singing this song all week, now it will be your turn!)
And here is Girl Kitty trying out the tablecloth . . . Oh yes, I have lots of help! Don’t think I do any of this all by myself.
And here is the table set for Thanksgiving. I use all our mix-and-match smaller chairs in order to get more people around the table . . . two at each end, so we can serve 14 here. I like it best when people are a little bit squashed together. The party is more lively that way! Secrets can be told! And little bouquets, all the way down the table, so no one has to peer through flowers.
You all know what a china and linen fiend I am, just like so many of you! It’s the never-ending quest for beauty. I love setting the table more than I love cooking! The cooking is the support system for the table setting!
The painting is the support system for the cooking. It’s all tied together.♥
We have three “eating places” inside the house. This table is in the living room, for when it’s pouring snow and when we want to have a small cozy dinner in front of a crackling fire.
Here it is, all draped and ready, pillows on the chairs for a comfy dining experience. You’ll note that I don’t really care if everything matches perfectly. The red tablecloth on the bottom, by the way, is an old bedspread.
Here we are in the kitchen for a casual dinner and no tablecloth, with napkins that don’t have to be ironed. But the candles are lit, the cute bread basket is there, the mugs I got years ago at Dansk in Carmel, the iron candle sticks I found in an antique store, and the heavy pottery pieces I bought way back when, done by Santa Margarita (CA) artist Paula Teplitz in the 1970s. You wouldn’t believe how I would haunt craft shows looking for her work. I found everything one piece at a time. Each is different and all depict animals and nature.
Oh my! I just decided to Google her and see if she was still around. And she is! Go here and “like” Paula . . . this will be a total surprise for her! I don’t think she knows how much I loved her things and still do. ♥
I still set the table with Paula’s creations. Or bake pies in them.
Speaking of setting the table ~ This is how my grandmother taught me to do it at Thanksgiving when I was little, except in those days it was much simpler, only one fork, not two, and one glass and the one glass was for MILK (mmmm, a big glass of ice cold milk? YUM! I can hear the eeeewes from here). And the napkin goes on the left.
Sometimes I get so excited to take the picture, I do it before I should. Here I’ve already lit the candles (on the bedspread) while I’m trying out glasses. Ignore the napkin placement, it doesn’t stay that way . . . thank you.
See? Sooner or later I do figure out where the napkin goes! I love a romantic, old-fashioned table, one that brings back memories we’ve maybe never even had.
You’ve probably noticed, candlelight makes everything more beautiful. BTW, be sure to take photos of your table. I’m often so busy I forget, and now I wish I had them all! (See Girl Kitty, under the table?)
Candlelight puts a twinkle on everything at the table including into the eyes of the people you love. And of course, don’t forget the MUSICA.
And of course, I’m a big one for quotes, no matter where I am!
I think books make the MOST interesting table decorations and use them all the time, this is a set of Shakespeare we found in an antique store (I must sound like a broken record, but the truth is we rarely buy anything new). The corks are from other memorable parties. I’ll tell you about 
those leather baby shoes in my new book Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams . . . I found them in my first house, they’re part of a magical mystery. You realize that I’ve told you all about what happened before I went to Martha’s Vineyard, and lots about after I got here in my books and on my blog, but not very much about the five interesting years after I first arrived on the Island in 1982, totally unprepared for pretty much everything, and until I met Joe in 1987. We’re about to change all of that. In words and pictures.
Oops, books. As decor. Yes . . .
Thanksgiving is a good time to evoke memories with cookbooks and an old recipe box. Little bowls of faux fruit and wooden spoons, why not? As I always say, shop the house for table decor.
This romantic setting was for a Valentine’s Day party.
All books work: Christmas books, old fairy tale books, 
garden books, books on tea, bird books, 
children’s books, books of poetry, wildflower books, books by favorite authors, even songbooks ~ all make wonderful companions at the dinner table.
We use this old set of Charles Dickens for Christmas (plus some of Joe’s childhood books).
Old Christmas books are perfect in front of the fire for a Christmas Tea. You can see them here, emitting comfort from their very presence.
They also fit well with my small collection of house candles . . . because ♥ home is where my heart is.♥
And now? Place cards . . . just a few little easy ideas . . . because place cards are a very nice thing to have. That way people know where to go, no bumbling around the table. Something I did once for a buffet but unfortunately did not take pictures of: I enlarged cute and funny pictures of all the guests on my copier and used them for place mats instead of place cards. When they came to the table with their filled plates, they knew just where to go.
So easy if you are a champagne-cork saver . . . This way all your past memories join with the ones you’ll be making at the dinner table.
They almost make themselves. I just used scissors with a decorative edge (from Michaels Crafts) to cut out the cards and the wires on the corks did the rest of the work.
Leaves, from the yard. Beyond easy, almost cheating. I used a whiteout pen to write Joe’s name on this nice thick rhododendron leaf.
And they can be small and simple . . . A watercolor brush and readable handwriting is all you need for this little card. I try to write the names big enough and dark enough so people can see them without their glasses!
Now of course, you need the fastest way possible to shine up the silver, right? You really don’t feel like sitting there all day polishing it piece by piece . . . so here’s what you do. (Click and be amazed.)
And maybe your wooden spoons are dried out and almost splintery looking? Can’t have that. So easy to keep them dark and buttery . . . Use a pasty brush to coat the wood with mineral oil ~ let it soak in and voila! You can read more about your wooden things HERE. P.S. My dad carved the Sue spoon.♥
Most of the time, my house is decorated rather simply, unless it’s the holidays or we are having a party. The living room, in real life, is almost naked.
I change pillows and quilts for the season and leave room for flowers. It’s a little like a movie set.
Because flowers change everything.They are really the only decoration you need. Maybe some nice votives too.
A little bouquet here and there cheers everything up, don’t you think?
My bread basket cheers me up too. I found it at a flea market, zeroed in on it, mine, so mine. It is the little things! Now, don’t think you have to do ALL of this, or even any of it. Mostly, you know, it’s just about the gravy. And having fun. And hugging the people you love. Now, a couple of last things before I go, something you should all be aware of ~ There are:
And let’s talk about Black Friday, which is the perfect day for a stroll in nature. . .and if not a stroll, then perhaps a little sit. How they ever made the day after Thanksgiving dedicated to spending money I will never understand. So, turn your Black Friday into Earth Green . . .
This is the perfect place to pray for our world because even the smallest voice can be heard from here. How can people fight over television sets in discount stores when there is this?
and this ~
and this?
XOXO With love forever from me to you . . .from this House of Creativity to yours . . . now about to celebrate its 166th Thanksgiving.♥
P.S. For anyone who might have missed WILLARD (with all the newest news), click there. And if you’d like to have Willard emailed to you in the future, click here to sign up.♥
God bless you, Susan, for the light you shine in a sometimes-dark seeming world.
I love reading your blog. It is so inspiring. You make me remember the way our holidays were when we were kids when everything was exciting. I love the way you remind us to use everything we have to make everyday special. You are a blessing to me, Susan!
Thank you so much Joan!
Just love everything you post!!! You always take me back to all the wonderful times and memories from my life.
I posted a question to you in the wrong place, so I begin again. Could/would you ever come through the Cape May, New Jersey area on your “jig jaggy” car trip book tour next spring? I noticed Ridgewood, New Jersey and Washington, D.C on your tentative tour map in the recent Willard post. It is an easy drive from Ridgewood, New Jersey to Cape May (Exit 0 on the Garden State Parkway). Then an hours ride across Delaware Bay on the Cape May/Lewes Ferry and you are in the charming town of Lewes, Delaware (there may even be an appropriate bookstore for you in that quaint little town). You would then drive through the beautiful town of Annapolis, Maryland and be in D.C. in no time (depending on how long you lingered in Annapolis, you might enjoy a tour of the Naval Academy). You and Cape May would be perfect together!
I’m sure you get requests like this all the time. Just a thought! Happy to help in any way in the Cape May area.
Always a fan………
Karen
Thank you Karen, will love to see you, and promise to get as close as we can . . . meet you half way! 🙂 Or, actually, closer than that!
Loved this post. It makes Thanksgiving seem so manageable. I am shuffling tables into my living room to make space for my 25 dinner guests and wondering how it is all going to come together at the last minute. Have a blessed holiday . Suzie
So glad that you shifted Friday after Thanksgiving away from shopping and back to going out and appreciating what we already have around us. I wish that this Friday could be declared another national holiday, “Volunteer America”!
Love, Carol from CT … tra la
Susan, your always delightful, delicious, delectable, reading every word of your posts. Thank you for making the day a bit brighter. I feel like we have been friends for while. Love you.
A visit with you is always a breath of fresh air! Happy holiday season.
Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of YOUR world. It makes the
WHOLE world a more beautiful place.
It sounds like you have the best year coming up. I have done a 6 week “around the country” road trip with my beloved, and it is among our favorite memories. And, seriously, what can compare with a trip to England – I’m excited for you! I know it’s hard for you to leave your lovely kitties, but they will be part of the joy of your homecoming.
Have the best Thanksgiving around your beautiful table! <3
Books. On. Table. I’ve been trying to think of how to decorate my table and that’s perfect! Thanks for sharing this idea! Man I love your blog!
This is such a beautiful post…simple things like setting the table, candles, books, slow peaceful walks in God’s creation. Thank you for sharing these things and reminding me how special they are. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the girlfriends.
Oh thank you dear friend for this inspiring post! Just what I needed early this morning reading by the flickering candlelight while outside the temperature is 21 and the dark sky is filled with stars. Love you encouraging all to go outside the day after Thanksgiving, which to me is always the way to spend that day. A major outdoor equipment store has announced it will be closed on “Black Friday” and is telling everyone to “opt outside” with their family and friends. Here’s to less buying and more wondering at the gifts that are free and given in abundance. Blessings for a season of gratitude and wonder sweet Susan! Love, Chris
After a long weekend of saying goodbye to a beloved mother-in-love, reading this post today will help me get moving and ready to manage a big holiday week. Thank you Susan.
Susan,
Your blog was a happy and warm welcome….I had just finished prepping for a small dinner party and wanted to relax before the dinner. Thought I would go and read comments from the girlfriends. BUT there was a new blog and all about getting ready for the party or dinner. I so enjoyed it!!! I have used quilts for table cloths…books and candles and mismatched plates and glassware..which I believe just makes it more interesting. Especially when someone ask “where did you get this” and most of the time ….the answer is from a garage sale or thrift store. Black Friday….is my husband and mine
RUN AWAY DAY….we leave before any one gets up and go on a hike and just enjoy NATURE. We usual get back just as the guest (family members) are getting up and the “day after” breakfast begins or lunch. When the children were young we would take them with us…or let the sleep heads home with their Aunt and Uncles. But the reason for the walk is to stop and THANK GOD FOR ALL OF OUR BLESSINGS AND ENJOY HIS GIFT OF A BEAUTIFUL DAY. WE ARE SO BLESSED…..SO BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS…. AND TO YOU AND THE GIRLFRIENDS…..ENJOY THE JOURNEY OF PREPARING THE THANKSGIVING FEAST…AND THEN OF COURSE YOUR RUNAWAY DAY. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE JOY YOU HAVE GIVEN TO ME, Love Susan P.
I love the way that you write your blog. It’s like we’re all sitting around together. I not only feel your presence, but all the girlfriends out there as well. Please don’t ever stop! I do, however, have to ask, how do you keep the cat hair under control? You have cats with black hair in a white house! I need the advice! You are an inspiration to me. I ask myself “what would Susan think of this?” Or I catch myself looking at things, like the dining tables above, and take your advice and get creative! Thank you so much!
My cats don’t seem to shed much for some reason. I don’t see it. But then, poor eyesight is God’s gift to the aging. xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving Susan Dear! I am home recovering from knee replacement surgery – how did you know??? (-;
I just do! 🙂 Feel better soon, Deborah!
When I read your posts, I feel as if it is medicine for my soul. I feel soothed, inspired, loved, and hopeful. My heart skips a beat when I see a new blog post show up in my inbox. For this, and for you and what you create, I am truly thankful!
Thank you so much for this post – it is absolutely beautiful! Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
You are right! I’ve met one of my dearest blog friends right here on your blog!
Hi Susan! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe! We got our first snowfall (won’t stay) this weekend. This year Thanksgiving is going to be just me and my husband so I get to decorate the table special! Thanks for the reminder of flowers. Love your blog, wish you lived next door! but this works too.
Every time you post , I think it is my favorite, but this is my favorite. Love the place settings.
Regarding your mention of girlfriends reading each other’s comments, made me think this is a good place to make a comment that might help someone in the future. I went to doc for a completely different skin problem but happened to mention a little (less than 1/4 inch) spot of my face. Thank goodness, I did as now have 3 inch long set of stitches on the side of my head. Had no idea skin cancer grows under the skin ! Cancer is gone and stitches will heal. Urging people to check their skin very closely. Never did I think this would happen. Spent too much time in the CA sun growing up. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
you had me at Dan Fogelburg! sigh……
I loved this post. The candles, beautiful china dishes, flowers, kitties, i can almist smell pie cooking while i sip gingerbread tea. I HAD to go buy some immediately after reading this post. Thanks you. Happy Thanksgiving. I loved that kiss photo. Very sweet
how can it be that you make me happy and tearful at the same time? You are a pure treasure. Thank you Dear friend once again for being you..<3
Thank you again, Susan, for a lovely post! Always encouraging! 🙂 your home looks so cozy and inviting! LOVE the old picture of your house back in the day….what a treasure!!! I don’t do Black Friday either!!! I love nature walks…..as you said, WAY better than stores!!!! Thank you for all the fun tips for gatherings! I always look so forward to your posts, and I LOVE your art work….you’re one of my absolute favorites…and writings!!!! Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful Thanksgiving, Susan!!!!! Smiles, Deborah. 🙂
What a wonderful way to start my day!!! Love gazing upon your beautiful tablescapes…such an inspiration for decorating and for my heart!!! Many thanks<3
Happy thanksgiving. I totally agree about ” black Friday”. I love the smells of the outside. God bless us one and all.
“for when it’s pouring snow and when we want to have a small cozy dinner in front of a crackling fire.” Oh, now you’ve got me wishing winter would come sooner! I love a cozy day inside, looking out at the snow! (Driving to work the next day isn’t my favorite, though. :-P)
I love, love, love all of this! I can’t wait to have a house of my own again so I can decorate and collect all sorts of pretty things to bring out with each season!
☃♡♬♫✰❄♡ Merriest~Monday Sweet Sue! I Woke to 48 Degrees This Morning So I Am in My Glory! 🙂 ☃ & Our Temps Will Stay in The 60’s So I Have Opened All Our Windows Ahhhhhhhh I Can Breathe in The Cold~Crisp~Air The Holidays Are Here!!! (Jiggity~Jig) 🙂 I Have Decked Our Halls Early This Holiday Season….(Took a Whole Week) Whew! 🙂 But Now I’m Going To Savor Every~Magical~Moment….The Christmas~Carols Are Playing Too…The Lights are Twinkling The Magic Has Begun…. Hooray! 🙂 Herbster & I Are So Ready For Our Thanksgiving~Feast…..Yumminess~Awaits!!! 🙂 Thank~You For This Wonderful~Blog….& The Musica & The L♡Ve 🙂 I’m Wishing You & Joe & Girl~Kitty & Jack & Our Blog~Daddy & Jeanie & All Your Wonderful Family & Friends & All The~Girl~Friends A Safe & Blessed & Magical Thanksgiving….I Know I Am Truly Thankful For You Sweet Sue!!! 🙂 Let The Holidayzzz Begin! xoxo Poof! ☃♡♬♫✰❄♡☃♡♬♫✰❄♡ P.S. God Bless Us Everyone!!! ☃♡♬♫✰❄♡ P.P.S. Gobble~Gobble 😉
Good~Moring Sweet Sue… The Moon is Full & I’ve Been Outside Making My Holiday~Wishes I Swear I Saw Santa & One Reindeer Flying Across…(Must Me a Practice~Run) New Reindeer Perhaps 🙂 It’s Thanksgiving~Eve & You Can Feel All The Magic….Just Wanted to Give You a Warm~Holiday~Hug Sweet Sue…..Love & Joy Too! xoxo Poof! ☃♡♬♫✰❄♡☃♡♬♫✰❄♡
I enjoyed reading the blog this morning and just finished pre-ordering Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, I can’t wait to read it. I love the picture of your dining room and caught a glimpse of your red china in your corner hutches, I have a collection of red china too.
Thank you so much!! You posted exactly the inspiration and tips I was looking for this morning as I get ready to prepare our home for holiday guests. I am unceasingly amazed at how you always seem to have just the right thing. You are absolutely the best!
Dear Friend,
I am so grateful today for a long list of blessing and I add your name to that list with ease. You lighten my heart, remind me of all that is simple and pure and dear to me and radiate these truths to so many hearts around this wide and beautiful world. Thank goodness for fall, for dreams for family, friends and stuffing which make our days less complicated and more real. Thank goodness for sweet reminders and shared beliefs. Heaven is real and the proof is in the angels on earth and the color of the sky at dusk. Happy, Happy Thanksgiving! to you!
Deborah
Look forward to reading your posts as they always bring a ray of sunshine, joy and hope – thank you.
Dear Susan: we love reading about life through you, you inspire us and give us so much inspiration. Your holiday tablescapes agree a work of art.
Thank you for the treasures!
Beautiful blog – as always. I can just get lost in your pictures! I’m SO glad you decorate with books! I thought I was all alone in the world doing this. Happy Thanksgiving Darling Susan!
Well, here I am at work, but sneaking a moment to read your blog. I have so much work to do here, and all I want to do is go home and play house for Thanksgiving and the holidays. I love your blog and it always helps me remember who I REALLY am! Thank you!
XOXO Kristie!
I get such pleasure reading your blog and Willard…brings sunshine to my day! I do home you come to CT for a book signing…by BFF’s and I will be there!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
What an inspirational post. And I loved hearing you love setting the table more than you like cooking!!!!!! I am not alone.
Have a good holiday.
Another Post! Joy.Thank you, Susan….Happy Thanksgiving to ALL. Sitting here with my cup of tea. Thinking of my Irish mother-in-law, Agnes Maloney Miller, who would say, “In success or in adversity, there is nothing like a cup of tea.” BLESSINGS!
Anne, my aunt used to say she had two comforts in life “My husband and a cup of tea and sometimes my cup of tea came first!” And dies,t tea taste better in a pretty cup or mug?
Your blog is a breath of fresh air! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, insights, recipes, and artwork with us. Have read “A fine romance” and am looking forward to reading your new book(s). Began reading your cookbooks many years ago, which I still have on my cookbook shelf. Loved your calligraphy and artwork…so beautiful and inspiring!
Thanks soooo much for the info on polishing silver!! Here I am in the Autumn of my life and I’m still learning!! I have all my Mom’s silver set that she got for her wedding and it’s been a bugger to polish one by one! Now that I have arthritis in my hands and with this method, I can do it so much easier. Thank the Lord for answer to pray. Also, Love to see your table settings and all your lovely decorating which always gives me inspiration. Ever so cozy. God Bless you, Girl. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs, Marie
Thank you Susan for yet another way wonderful blog post to enthuse, inspire and delight the senses. I was scrolling through your fabulous pictures and had a eureka moment. I have a glass fronted china cabinet and no matter how I arranged my vintage china it never looked right and I could not fathom out why. Looking at the picture of yours I realised it is because none of my plates stand upright so there was depth but no height. Now I know how to remedy that because of your picture. Thank you Susan. Reading your exciting news in your recent post and Willard I could not help thinking that you truly are living the dream and I hope it will always feel that way for you. Blessings to you and those you love.
With love from Ann in Chester xx
Your table settings are so beautiful. I especially like the books as part of the decor.
I just adore this blog! Love seeing Girl Kitty helping set the table. Love the little painting recommending Emma and Fly Away Home, which are two of my absolute faves! Love thinking about my first holiday viewing of Little Women–when should it be? Hubby already set out Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for this evening (he’s a keeper), so maybe this weekend sometime. 🙂 Thanks so much, Susan!
PS Just pre-ordered my copy of Isle of Dreams. Can NOT wait!
Hi Susan: Received my WILLARD and so enjoyed reading it when I needed a perk-up. Not able to do big Holiday meals any longer due to age, but my lovely daughter who lives with me now, cooks the Hungarian turkey dinner the way I always have done. So I want you to know, how I love, love the way you show us all how you bring your family ways and the ones YOU have brought forward to create the BEAUTIFUL life that you show us in your Books, Pictures, Art and most of all WORDS. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Love reading your blog. It always puts me in a GRATEFUL state of mind! The best state to be in
No words adequately convey the WARMTH your blog brings! Not only are your recipes wonderful, but your decorations are inspiring! What a nice way to get mentally, visually, and physically into the season! Blessings to you both . . . and the kitties!
good morning Susan, good morning girlfriends, how are you all on this somewhat foggy and chilly Fall morning??? yes its foggy here, and cloudy as we are expecting rain/ sleet and snow today and tomorrow along with thundershowers… what a mix of weather that will be. busy here with laundry, have to get the napkins all washed, ironed and folded as well as some pretty dirty clothes from a weekend of cleaning out the henhouse and barn. we had to get the muck out of the barn and henhouse, it was too muddy and it smelled bad in there. we now have dry floors, fresh straw down and straw and shavings in the nesting boxes for warm fluffy nests, the hens love that. looks like we are definitely getting a white Thanksgiving which will quite a treat, we need the rain and we do need the snow so both are welcome and much appreciated. for the next few days its going to be busy around here, baking and prepping the dishes for turkey day, the cats are eyeballing the refrigerator already. they know there are goodies in there and they want at them now. they will have to wait until Thanksgiving for their treats and they know it… but boy do they watch that fridge… LOL!! our barn cat, Furby is coming in to warm up by the woodstove, we even made her a bed so she can snuggle down into it and have a good nap by the warm fire, she loves it. don’t worry the rest of the cats have their baskets to snuggle down into by stove, yes we spoil our cats, but then we do love them so. and they are so lovable themselves at times, when they aren’t into mischief. just figured I had better drop in and say howdy and wish you Susan a very Happy Thanksgiving Day and to all the girlfriends, A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all and to all your families. and I like that piece of advice, instead of shopping the day after like Susan I go walking and delight in all the wonders I can see, seems to me somewhat disgusting nowadays to stay open or reopen on Thanksgiving so people can shop… I always thought Thanksgiving was a day of giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends, not shopping. so I plan to boycott those retailers during the Christmas season and instead spend my holiday dollars at the smaller mom and pop shops instead. I always find unique gifts at those shops and folks love them. time to let the retailers know we want our Thanksgiving back as it was, a family holiday, not a day of shopping. lets all do that and let them know its not right to turn a holiday into a day of shopping, bad enough they have the Christmas junk out and up long before Halloween. so I boycott them and shop elsewhere each year, seems to be catching on I am happy to say. well off to get the laundry going… have a great day everyone. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. hugs….. 🙂
..happy Thanksgiving Pat !!.. ‘always love reading your posts ! you always bring back special memories for me.. when I used to live in the pacific northwest, deep in the mountains with a wood cookstove and all..i love those memories..they are the best..both my two sons were born there..( in the crescent city and gasquet,ca. area and inland, way up in the mountains).. anyway, thanks Pat and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours !!..oh, and…. hugs..!!
I have to tell you why so many of us, your girlfriends, just love you so. Your incredible love for all things beautiful, wise, wonderful, and joy- giving spill over to us. We feel your excitement and appreciate the beauty you create with your words and your paintbrushes. I am three years older than you, a retired second grade teacher, and I know we are “out of the same mold!” I love birds, flowers, antique shops, jars, china and glassware, sewing, cooking, entertaining, sketching and painting, and I too LOVE God’s beautiful earth. I have managed to find your books, notecards, etc. in shops or “anywhere,” and I’m thrilled. Thank you for your devotion to us as you faithfully correspond and create all of those wonderful insights into your life that we so love.
This blog lifts my spirits when I feel world weary. Finally talked my husband into a vintage 40 inch stove…love it…love you, Susan Branch! Thank you for welcoming me into your cheery world. Happy Thanksgiving! 🌻
I believe as you do–it’s the “little” touches that make a home. Best Wishes for continued success, I love the book.
Hi Sue,
WOW – I love the post – well I LOVE all the posts – but I always have to read and re-read the ones about tables and dishes and decorating your house. As much as I love my own house, I love getting sneak looks at others. That’s why Victoria and other magazines are so much fun. At this time of year, especially November & December, I buy so many magazines. I resist in other months (OK maybe not in October either…) but for the holidays, I cannot see enough recipes and decorating. I don’t even try to copy, they just inspire me! I can’t wait for the 2nd book – the grand finally. I’m sure you are told this all the time, but since I first found Heart of the Home in early 1987 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio (I was visiting my sister-in-law) I have felt like I know you. This is the biggest gift you give to all of us – sharing yourself!! I have met you a few times in So Cal – just one of many – when you’re here and going around. But you have the gift of making everyone feels special and loved. I wish you and Joe and all your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Love,
Sue from Simi
Thank you Susan. We are counting our blessings and love all your inspirational words, art work and pics! It is so true about how we are touched by everyone from all over the world. There is so much beauty around us and knowing that so many people love and care about each other means so much. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
P.S. Love it when Willard arrives.
Thank you thank you, Susan for this lovely picturest post! Makes me want to decorate my table for Thanksgiving today. Even though it’s just Frank and I celebrating Thanksgiving by ourselves, I make all the trimmings for the dinner, use my good silverware and dishes. Used to have a set of dishes that I used for good, but sold them when we moved up from California. Downsizing you know. I figure one of these years I’ll get tired of cooking so much and start going to the restaurant, but not yet…. we love the leftovers!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you have for our next surprise give away and who will win. It’s so much fun!!
I know you and Joe and kitties will have a great Thanksgiving with friends all around you! Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
xoxox,
Carol M
What a lovely post! Thank you, Susan, for brightening my day! I was excited to also see Willard in my inbox and am SO delighted that The King’s English in SLC is on your list of possible stops. What a treat that will be! I am not a facebook person, but I will do my best to figure out how to “like” and request.
I wish you a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving!
I loved this post on the blog so much. You have captured the essence of the special days of life for us! I looked at the picture of your lovely ‘undressed’ dining room and took note. I want to change mine up a bit. Thanks for the ideas! Making guests comfortable and surprising them with ‘the little things’ is such a big thing and you definitely have the talent for it and the talent for capturing it and sharing it with us! Bless you! I am so grateful for this blog and your books and the wonderfulness that you give to the world! Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Your blog is a bright spot in my week – what a joy to see and read what you have prepared to share with us – Happy Thanksgiving and May God Bless America and keep us all safe and thankful.
You are the best! I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving! Thanks for you inspiration!
Your home looks just the way a home should look for the holidays. Warm and inviting…have a lovely, peaceful Thanksgiving!
Your friend,
Debbie
Happy Thanksgiving Week Susan, Joe and Kitties! That post was so chocked full of goodness. Loved all the tablescapes especially Girl Kitty snoozing in the middle of the clean cloth. Too funny. I just went outdoors to take out the garbage and get the mail out of the mailbox and brrrrrr….it’s freezing out there! I scurried back in and started wondering how I could hybernate until April. I’ll make up a new list. I loved the “4 Stages of Life”. What a hoot! I’m invited to my sister’s for Turkey Day. I will bring my famous cole slaw. I am very happy my sister is a good cook and invited moi! We all have so much to be grateful for.
You really know how to hit the spot! I, too, love setting the table & making placecards. My brother-in-law always teases me about the placecards, but I think he really does enjoy them. Your tables are so beautiful. I love the book idea. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and I hope you and Joe and kitties have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving. Big Hugs!
It really does make me feel better knowing there’s a group of girlfriends sharing, supporting and encouraging. I wish you all a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!
Thank you Susan, most of all , for being our common link and keeping us connected.
XOXO
I so agree with your idea of getting out in nature the day after Thanksgiving rather than joining the masses on Black Friday. Thanks for the reminder to fill our hearts, not our baskets. What is good for the world, is good for us as well. Happy Thanksgiving Susan. I’m thankful for you.
So grateful to have your books on my shelves, my collection of Susan Branch calendars that I’ve saved over the years for your happy sharing of each and every month, inspiration and remembering…so grateful for you! They always bring a smile to my heart and inspire to share that forward…. Really looking forward to your newest publications!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and your guests. Thank you for always awaking us to the simple, the sweet, the warm, the things that make life joyful. Soon we will see your home decorated for Christmas! I am cleaning and dusting to get ready to put the Christmas treasures out.
It’s happy to know that I am not the only one who stops what she is doing to read The Willard or a new blog post. They brighten my day, for sure. No Black Friday shopping for me. It’s too exhausting, and we spend the day with family anyway. I think it is sad that my phone autocorrected Black Friday with capital letters…I guess it’s official.
eeeek!
Always enjoy looking at the pictures you have posted and have included in your books of your family tree covered with tinsel. Always reminds me of my dad saying ” Nancy, don’t just throw it on. Place each piece one by one”. Right dad. Always a treasured memory. Thanks for your coo nostalgic photos. :>)))))
I am grateful for so many things and one of those is this blog. If I ever have a stressful day, I know I can come here and be instantly uplifted by all the beautiful pics, artwork, quotes, and positive thoughts from you, Susan. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for all of your heartwarming posts, Susan! I am a 32 yr old with a recycled old soul, and the line in your post “…one that brings back memories maybe we’ve never even had,” speaks so loudly to me! My mom always laughs that I have nostalgia for things I never experienced!
I hope you have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.. thanks again for sharing your joy with all of us 🙂
Oh, Susan, this blog is BEYOND lovely!! Thank you so much for so much cheerful inspiration!!! And I MUST comment on your comment on Black Friday shopping; only one work will do: BLECK!! I’m sorry to all the other Girlfriends who love shopping. I just can’t stand spending so much time in a mall or big store, not when it’s lovely outside and there’s lots of leftovers in the fridge and good old movies on TV!! Or to borrow from your local library. I just got “It Happened One Night,” the old version with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert from my library. So much fun to watch!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and may all spend it with friends, or family or their favorite pet. And most importantly — SAFELY, wherever in the world you land.
Margie From the Central Coast
Your home is beautiful and the tables are done so well for the holiday’s
So wonderful, your blog. Blessings to you, Joe, Jack and girlkitty, as well as all your family members. luv. meo
If submitting entries for the giveaway is still “open”, please count me in
Look forward to reading your blogs. Please enter me in your drawing. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
YAY for Paula Teplitz, Willard, Thanksgiving, girlfriends, tablecloths, wooden spoons, candlelight, old books, pretty flowers, and YOU! ♥ And, many more wonderful things too many to mention. Many blessings for a Happy Thanksgiving! ♥
Alert!! Alert!! If you loved the Great British Bake-Off Show, check out ABC on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 10 p.m. (est.), 9 p.m. (cst) for the Great Holiday Bake-Off Show. ‘Mary’ is going to be the judge of all the baking. 🙂 🙂 Looks like a lot fun ahead!! “Get ready, Bake”!!!!!!
As always, your blogs are inspiring and bring cheer into our homes. Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving full of peace, happiness and much love. (And of course, lots of yummy food!)♥
Thanks you so very much for blessing all of us with your blog posts. I can never do all the things but iot makes me happy to read of them! After 34 years of marriage, I am going to make my own dressing thanks to you! Thanks for such specific details.
I have been blessed to be married to the oldest son of 8 children whose mother sounds like your Mom. She is 83 an still cooks as many sundays as possible to feed all the families, spouses, great grands & grandchildren that will come! I decided I needed to make some memories too, so in addition to her meal, I am cooking a thanksgiving dinner with the ehlp Of Susan branch and your many wonderful recipes!
I spent this weekend with the Video fireplace on while I did as mch prep work as possible for this Thanksgivings dinner!~ I have already made your wonderful cranberry sauce from the autumn book, and my mother-in -law loves it! So I gave her a jar for her dinner! I baked 6 pumpkin pies, 1 for mother in laws dinner, 1 for my dinner and 4 to give to friends to brighten their thanksgiving dinners. I am making your delightful sweet potatoe soufflé recipe. I always keep yor twice baked potatoes in the freezer as my 16 year old daughter loves them,! I am so blessed to have found you when you were doing recipes for Country living. Then I found your first book at my childs elementary school at a turtle books book sale. Since then I have been blessed to purchase them all, either for my collection or to give as gifts. In this season of Thanksgiving, I want to Thank you from one little fan for the blessing that you have been to me & my family! Thank you & Blessings to you & yours!
Your house must smell like HEAVEN! XOXO Happy Thanksgiving Becky!
Happy Thanksgiving Susan and Girlfriends,
So many things to be “Thankful” for.
Family, friends, SB girlfriends and especially you Susan.
You bring us all together in this blog. You help us remember
all of the positiveness…..is that a word?….of this world. I especially
enjoy the “quotes” you add. I agree that the negative things going on in
our world are outweighed by the positive. We just have to look for them.
In most cases they are right in our town or even our own backyard.
What did Dorothy say in the Wizard of Oz…..“If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” (That quote by Frank Baum)
It does bring us back to reality…..there are so many good things right in our own areas. Turn off the TV and just look around and give back and be a part of the “goodness”. Give that “Random Act of Kindness”…you never know what it may do.
Well, again, I hope everyone enjoys this Thanksgiving week and we pray for all those who are suffering.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Hi Susan,
Thank you for a wonderful post! I just love when you show pictures of your lovely home! Oh and the table settings….gorgeous…just gorgeous!! 🙂 Thank you for bringing your corner of the world to me, it is so comforting. You are truly a national treasure to me! I want to wish you and Joe and all of the sweet girlfriends and boyfriends…a very Happy Thanksgiving! GOD bless you and keep you all in HIS loving arms! Many Hugs and Love, Love, Love you! Tricia B.
P.S. Is it wrong to be 51 years old and sing all of the songs from “The Wizard of Oz” as loud as I can while the movie is playing? Just curious!! 🙂 XOXO
No, it’s normal. Especially when you start singing like the Munchkins!
Susan, reading your blog just makes me happy, thank you for that!
i am taking your light with me as i play for a preschool lantern walk in the santa cruz mountains tonight…🎵this little light of mine….i’m gonna let it shine🎵🎵🎵thank you…❤️🎵❤️
Your house looks beautiful, so welcoming and comfortable.
Oh I would treasure your books as muchas I treasure your posts. Thank you for being you and all your lovely values on life.
Happy Thanksgiving ladies, a few days early, and a special one to you and Joe. I should also say happy Thanksgiving to all the male cooks out there because I know you are many too. Susan, we eat by candlelight also. We have a set of china that was inherited from my mother-in-law and I use it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love your table and it only proves to me that taking the time to fuss a little and enjoy the special holidays with family and friends may be the sweetest moments of our lives. We are all truly blessed this holiday season and I can only hope for peace on our earth, Sandy
I enjoy cooking, but like to set a special table more – I’m so glad you mentioned that you do to. Thank you so much for the tip on cleaning your silverware. I looked at mine this morning, went back to your blog, and tried it – it worked! Thank you for your blogs they mean so much.
Dear Susan,
Sorry to comment again but you know the first time I commented I hadn’t finished reading this post because I have been fun busy and kept having to say I’ll come back and read later, (this was a long letter, so much to see and soak in the loveliness ). Well, I am back and finished reading and have to say my sentiments about how I spend my time is so true to yours. I fill myself up with such energy and goodwill just by walking in the woods,along the river,marsh, beach. If everyone just took the time to be inspired by the beautifulness around them ,then there is hope for this world. Thank-you for spreading such GOOD faith. I believe in SANTA ! He’s in all of us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe. Love, Wendy-Louise
Another fun-filled and beautiful post. Lady, you’ve been blessed with such incredible creativity and talent! Thank you for sharing it with us! 🙂
What would I ever do without your blog. You are so refreshing and uplifting. I just love reading about you and your home and your life and Joe and your cats. The table settings looked so inviting and cozy. I want to come for dinner. Don’t worry, I live too far away. Ha ha! Have a wonderful thanksgiving.
I love your books!! I have preordered the third. Hard to wait!! Movie would be fun!
Can’t stop looking and wondering at the very last picture! I love your table settings because, like the home you so generously share with anyone with internet access, they’re decorated with things you love, or that are at your whimsy. This season (plus the rest!), I know I am joined by so many others in being grateful for the enormous gift of time, work, and selflessness that goes into your blog, reading all the comments, and appreciating whoever wrote them — you make us all feel very special 🙂 I’ll be making your apple-cranberry crisp for Thursday! My daughter and I always loved apple crisps for a special treat that was quick enough to make and perfect for scarfing in front of Saturday evening British comedies on PBS, but for umpteen previous Thanksgivings, I made a deep dish apple-cranberry pie. Along with the pecan pie (a Southern must), I never failed to agonize over how my pie crusts turned out for such an occasion. With my sister and nephews being gluten free, and my mom preferring that also, I switched to the crisp last year, and the entire family decided we liked it even better than pie — no crust to avoid and the buttery, spicy oatmeal topping is THE best (I could make a batch just by itself and just substituted oat flour the the regular). As for the pecan pie, I said to heck with attempting an annual gluten-free crust and just bought the frozen ones at Whole Foods. Boy that completely flattened any Thanksgiving stress! Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
Every time I see a new post on your blog, I get so excited, like I’ve just received a gift. That’s what you are, Susan, a true gift. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.
Susan, your table settings are stunning. I love the all.
P.S. I look especially forward to hearing/reading about the baby shoes.
Thank you for being the Gladys Taber at this time of our lives. I always looked forward to her books and articles in whichever magazine they appeared in at whichever time, and now, thanks to the magic of Internet, you are able to bring like-minded people together not just with your books, but this blog, which gives all us girlfriends a feeling of family and belonging, no matter how far apart we are. The outside world may feel like it is going to hell in a hand-basket, but we’re filling our baskets with tea and cookies to share with our loved ones.
I just love reading your posts they take me away and make me feel so cozy . I to believe in enjoying all the beauty in nature and our cozy homes. It would be great if you came to cape may nj just down the parkway from my town of scullville (that’s quite a name). Thanks again susan for being You !!! God bless and keep!!
Happy Turkey Day! from (no tofu for me) Nonnyluv…I was given an old pic of myself (4 or 5 yrs. old) standing in front of my grandmother’s stove and I realized it was your stove! Same everything! However my Mom had given me a haircut (should not be called that) with sheep’s shearing scissors (I think) LOL So this pic will not be shared, however. Luvved seeing your nest all fluffed and ready for family/friends to share!
I bet you look darling!
I love your blog….all the beautiful pictures and ideas! It is like a note from a friend!
Happy Turkey Day! from (no tofu for me) Nonnyluv…I was given a pic of myself (4 or 5 yrs. old) standing in front of my grandmother’s stove and I realized it was your stove! Same everything! However my Mom had given me a haircut (should not be called that) with sheep shearing scissors (I think) LOL So this pic will not be shared, however. Luvved seeing your nest all fluffed and ready for family/friends (furry and sweet too) to share!
Susan, you do know how special you are? Right?
Thanks for all your words.
Sandy
I think I should show this comment to Joe, right? You are so sweet Sandra!
This just warmed my heart, as your blogposts, Willards, and all of your books always do ! Thank you ! You love all of the same things that I do, and I love reading about them. One of my favorite posts was the one about dishes. I am a lover of dishes also. Happy happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe ! We are all so blessed ! Xoxo
As always, when I am feeling a little sad, you give me a happy lift. Thank you’ Happy Thanksgiving! Toni
Susan, I just discovered you about three weeks ago…..I bought your book “A Fine Romance”. It was wonderful…didn’t want it to end. I so enjoy you sharing your life with all of us. It is nice to know I am not the only person with an obsession with old things…sending blessings from Michigan to you and your family for a wonderful holiday. Btw, cannot wait to receive my Christmas grouse.