We’re talking Homemade Magic today.💖 Do come along, won’t you? MUSICA!
Thought I would talk about the magic of this season . . . We’re all going to be making some this next week (and month)!
We’re cooking up some magic at home and taking it to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving this year! I’m making my heavenly Pumpkin Cheesecake (you can make this gluten free by making one change in the recipe, use gluten-free ginger snaps for the crust, and voila!)
I’m also making my Sweet Potato Casserole ⬆️ a wonderful recipe which I sometimes serve in mini pumpkins . . . 
But this time I’m just baking it in a casserole dish so it’s easier for travel. (Like my apron? Quite the garment! No mistaking the holiday!)🎃
I’m also providing the cranberry sauce which I almost force them to let me do because I love this simple recipe so much, to me it sparkles ~ plus I’ll make extra for my must-have-for-the-holidays, Christmas Jam. Both recipes are below:
I get to jump over it this year, because they are making the turkey!
And we’ll taste someone else’s “idea” of stuffing 😱 but we’ll be brave, it’s good for us, makes us better people. But Joe has gathered the ingredients to add some extra gravy to the general good.
I’m not making Rainbow Jell-O this year because we’ll be all adults (and one new baby!) but if you’re having kids at your table, this is a wonderful recipe for them to put in their forever memory banks. It’s kid food, and they know it and I believe, feel grateful for it. But trust me, big kids like it too! 
This was our dinner last year, the leftovers looked almost as good as when we put the dinner on the table! We tried to make enough for every one to have leftovers to-go!
I thought you might like a few photos of Holidays-passed, of some of my decorated table ideas . . .
This was a casual dinner we had at the kitchen table using my old mix-and-match pottery collection, and the antique black-iron candlesticks I found somewhere along the way. (No marks on the bottom of these, I’m sorry to say, would love to tell you where they come from!)
Candlelight makes everything look better! More romantic, prettier colors, softer light, the food even tastes better in candlelight! And a little poem or a prayer written on a menu stand helps to set the tone. Because Thanksgiving is so wonderfully about gratitude and memory.
Cookbooks, wooden spoons, and recipe boxes (with mom and grandma’s handwriting on recipe cards) make evocative Thanksgiving table decorations. I love using stuff I have around the house. A table with lots of little framed 
photos works too. Makes for lots of happy conversation. Also, you can make placemats out of old photos (enlarge on copier), that’s fun too ~ you can even use them as place cards, “find your photo and that’s where you sit”. (I’ve forgotten to take pictures of my table settings in the past, I try not to let that happen anymore!)
Pile together a few of your favorite things, collections, or family memories, interesting things to look at that relate to you and yours . . . the little shoes, remember from my book? I wrote how I found them in the attic at Holly Oak, left behind by Agnes, my secret guardian angel. Now there she is, on our Thanksgiving table.
More found objects . . . Leaves and pinecones make perfect place cards!
Small low vases of flowers are good too, you can see over them! See the candlestick with the star bobeche? I found those bobeche years ago and LOVE them, I bring them out any time I need a starry night!🕯
I always use them for the holidays, but in the summer too, under the stars . . .
I looked for them for years to put in our web store, but never found them. Off and on, I’ve managed to get people to make them for us, but they’ve been very hard to get. See how you set the bobeche on top of the candle stick?⬆️
And then the candle slips through the hole and into the stick ~ 🕯
Voila! Anyway, I finally found a new manufacturer! And this time I had them made from lightweight acrylic, just like the ones I found so many years ago. In case you need some starry light on your holiday tables!🕯
Bobeche! Here’s how they look without the candles. And, something special, to celebrate this wonderful season . . .
For YOU! YES, leave a comment at the end of this post, and we’ll have a drawing, and see who is going to be the winner of this pair of starry bobeche!
I love it when they play Little Women on TV on Thanksgiving. It’s such perfect background “music.” Reminds me of simpler days and the things that really matter. The smell of dinner cooking is enough to set the entire mood of the day. And isn’t it wonderful, it’s not about gifts?! Only the little ones that really count. Like home. And P.S. Something special for PLU (people like us) . . . LOOK what’s coming this Christmas! 
Because magic can come in very small packages. It doesn’t have to be fancy. All this decorating is nice, if you have the time, and are in the mood, but there are no rules. Just one little pumpkin on a porch or a kitchen table is lovely and festive and says it all. That, a roasted chicken, a baked apple, a little candle, and a prayer is all we need.
And the day after Thanksgiving, while filled to overflowing with gratitude and contentment and pumpkin pie, and blessed by everything we have, feed your soul in nature on Green Friday. I fear we are teaching our children greed by celebrating consumerism the day after Thanksgiving. Instead, teach magic, take your spirit and your kids to the sky . . .
Because God made the dirt roads, the woods, and the critters and gave them to us has His gift. And it’s our job to take care of them for Him. Honor them for Him.
Quiet places with wind and bird sounds fill your heart with thanks and wash the stress away. (Would you like to read my Love Letter to Martha’s Vineyard? In your spare time!)
A wonderful gift from the sea, free! And we didn’t have to stand in line under klieg lights to get it!
The pause that refreshes. The sound of snowfall is good for you!
The gift that keeps on giving. Other things to do besides 
hugging trees that cause magic: have a turkey-sandwich, pumpkin-pie picnic outside, or surprise the lady down the street and have your whole family go to her house and plant bulbs. (I’ll give you my address!) Bring someone who’s stuck inside OUT, and take them to nature. Adopt a new petty pet! 💖 Or,
Cuddle in front of a fire . . .
Dreaming of a better tomorrow? Let it show in everything you do.💞 We are so lucky!
Here’s a Thanksgiving Prayer bookmark, for you to print out, just click there. I’ve memorialized the childhood prayer Joe “sang” to me when we first met. (Suzy, Nosey, Inky, and so on, were his family’s pets!❤️)
And don’t forget to leave a comment for the starry bobeches. Blessings on you and yours darling friends! Have the MOST wonderful Thanksgiving.🎃 
Thank you for not jumping to Christmas and forgetting Thanksgiving. Seems to be all I see in my “neck of the woods”. Anyway, I love the Rainbow Jello – definitely a favorite of my kiddos. Also, the comment about teaching children to be greedy, the very day after “Thanksgiving” (giving thanks for having so many blessings) -total agreement with that! Blessings to you and Joe this season. And, oh my, how lovely are the ‘bobeche”!
What a beautiful post! Loved all the great ideas to bring magic to our holidays and the music that went with it is just lovely. Thank you Susan for bringing so much magic to all of us! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
Lovely! Lovely! Happy Thanksgiving!
You are an inspiration for our Blessings and gratefulness. My husband and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving alone this year, our blessing is that all of our family will be here in Ca from all over the world, Jonesboro, Arkansas, New York, Brazil, Paris, France, and Carpenteria, Ca. We will be celebrating together in our home in Westlake Village. I’m sure it will be a circus as we will have 5 children, 3 under 2 yrs, one 5yrs, and a 9 yr. old. They will be speaking, English, Portuguese, and French. How grateful we are to have them at our home.
Yup, a circus. Keep that camera clicking! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Doris!
As the year closes to an end, the day of giving Thanks brings family together and hearts grateful for warmth…good food….good company….kitties scampering ip the stairs…childten’s giggles….and candles glowing brightly! Your JOYFUL posts are like the hug of a friend! Blessings dear Susan to you and Joe and your family. I must say that my Grandmom Tillie’s pumpkin pie is the best ever!🍁🍊❤
We were just saying it’s TIME to get out the IRONING BOARD We gotta make Susan’s Stuffing 🙂
Thank you Susan for your Blog. I always get a sense of peace and elegance when
I read it. Have a very lovely holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan & Joe! 🦃 My daughter and her guys are making Thanksgiving this year. I am making desserts. Parade in the morning. Noisy dinner in the afternoon. I cannot wait.
Thank you for the excellent blog, as always. Love you.💖
Susan,
At this time of thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude for your inspiration and uplifting blog, and for you! You bring so much happiness to so many!
Blessings, Patty
Thanks for the beautiful post! Hope you and Joe have a very Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🦃
The stars are so pretty! I never heard of them before but what a simple way to dress up a table. Hello from Indiana 👋
Hello darling Indiana!
As ever, so grateful for your infusion of warmth, joy and kindness ~ You’re a treasure beyond measure. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joe and the kitties, and all of your loved ones, too. xxoo
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for such a lovely blog!
I love coming home from work, getting a cup of tea, and reading your blog!
Your tables always look so wonderful and personal. I bet your guests love them! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Happy Thanksgiving. It will just be my husband and I this year. Our kids are all in Oregon and we will see them at Christmas. We are thinking of taking a picnic and going to the Great Smoky Mountains for Thanksgiving Day. We have lots of really special memories of Thanksgivings when the kids were young. We would go with two other families to a state park and stay in cabins. We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with everything except the turkey prepared ahead of time. One friend had a special set of china that stayed packed up and was brought every year for Thanksgiving dinner. On Friday, we always went on a hike. Sometimes we were bundled to the hilt when it was cold and other years the temperatures would be in the balmy 60’s. In Tennessee, you never know. This tradition continued through the years of high school, college, then girl friends who then became wives, and then grandchildren. Sadly, we stopped going a few years ago after our kids moved away. All my kitties – 4 fosters and 2 of my own- send Thanksgiving greetings to Jack. Hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
Love that picnic idea Marsha! Blessings to you and yours! xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate the reminder to be grateful for all I have in life! Thank you🧡
Just tears springing in my eyes as I’ve finished your post, Susan. I’ve been reading you for a long time and I can say, with conviction, that you have an ongoing, infinite, beautiful, natural ability to want to soothe and reassure and almost protect (like a mother hen over her flock, and I mean that in the sweetest way), and I am so down, I’ve needed to have a little cry, so thank you for your words, photos and illustrations today, so much. I feel a release of tension since reading you just now. Boy, how I needed it. It’s a week where I’ve personally had some major disappointments and some not very good news which, of course, happens to a lot of us at varying times in our lives. Everybody’s got problems! Just have to weather the storms.
When you share your thoughts and soul with us, it’s very uplifting. Your message today renews my hope; we have to never stop hoping for things in our lives to get better. I’m grateful for happy memories of Thanksgiving and Christmases past when things seemed so golden. I don’t know if I can duplicate those times, but I can surely do some of the things you suggest, to get cozy, to feel comforted, to feel empowered and hopeful.
I wish you and Joe a Happy, Happy Thanksgiving, too. How lucky are the people in your life to know the both of you! Thank you again for your warm and loving Thanksgiving message. If you were right here in front of me, I’d be giving you a huge hug. You’re one of those stellar people who doesn’t have a selfish bone in her body (and, yes, I know you are also a brand, but you are no fake; you are the real deal all the way; you work from the heart; it would be a loss in my life not to have your books, calendars, this blog; your truth).
Oh my Vicki …I’m so glad you’re here. Yes, I think I was born a forever mom. I’m so sorry you’ve been down, I’m reaching right through this website, 3000 miles across the mountains to the prairies to the ocean white with foam, to give you the biggest grandma hug I can muster. Life is for the living, which includes YOU, find a way my darling girl. Sending all my love. xoxoxo
It’s a love fest. I love you, too. Thanks for the kindness and thoughtful reply. Means a lot to me; you have no idea how much. Did I overshare? (I did. Felt safe here.) I’ll be okay! We humans are made of strong stuff!
And by the way, you can’t be my grandma; you’re not old enough. I’m about your same age; we’re sisters. (I never had a sister, so you can be my [cyber] sister[!], but I’ll still take your healing ‘grandma’ hug [it helps; and I always miss my grandma!].)
And know what else is good/fantastic? Southern Calif got some rain this week, and more is on the way next week. Rain is welcome (except in the burn areas); we were getting a bit parched. (I can drink some hot cocoa now. Feels more like the weather for it. I’m kinda done with 90s temps in November. My family’s longtime [40 years long] neighbors just retired permanently [September] to Big Bear and they’ve got snow for their first Thanksgiving there; chains on the tires!)
I might not BE a grandma, but I do know how to give a grandma hug! 🤣 xoxoxo
Love Thanksgiving!🦃🦃🦃
Thanks for sharing your recipes!🍽
I agree–it’s so nice to spend time on Thanksgiving instead of jumping from Halloween to Christmas. We all need to be reminded of our blessings more often.
Susan, you have lifted my heart with your words and photos! How blessed we are to have you in our lives to remind us of all those wonderful gifts that we need to remember to give thanks for. Keep shining!
The bobeches look marvelous with the reflection of the candlelight
They remind me of snowflakes. Which are my favorite.
Thanks for all of the holiday spirit!
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🦃🦃
Happiest Thanksgiving Susan and Joe!!! I am bringing many things to my sister’s house, one of which is our family favorite sweet pot casserole… YOURS! and bless you for posting the recipe because I brought all your cookbooks up to Vt! My daughters and I were not sure how we felt about a new Little Women movie, we know every word of the one with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon. The sound track of that movie was our dish doing music every night the kids were little, we’d light candles and do the dishes to the french horn:) But then we saw the new trailer and we were moved:) I cry every time I see it!! We have a plan to go see it Dec 26th with all Moms and sisters invited:) I am rereading the book to get ready. When and if I am a grandma, I want to be called Marmee for she is one of my heroes! as are you!!!
I have been longing for those sparkly bobchee for many years:) They are very beautiful:) You and everyone have a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving. We are with you, love green Friday and will go right up to Vt to be one with mountains.
I’m never sure either! But I have to see it. I was suspicious of the Winona Ryder version because I always loved Kathryn Hepburn, but then it came out, and I agree with you, it’s by far my favorite and I think will ever be. I cried at the trailer too, so my heart is open! Maybe room for one more! Have fun being one with the mountains. I will be there with you in spirit! xoxo
Susan – A favorite for my family at Thanksgiving and Christmas is your corn pudding with maple syrup from your August cookbook. It is the favorite of everyone in the family and it is so simple. THANK YOU and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Loved the picture of Joe with sea glass (something I collect and love).
Dear Susan,
A most blessed Thanksgiving to you. Thank you for a lovely post. We will travel over the river and through the mountains to visit our family across the state and packed along with us will be goodies, many of which come from your recipes. The Autumn cookbook is a go to for this holiday.
Recently, visitors to our home entered the great room and announced “just precious”. And again, thanks for giving me the confidence to have my cozy little place in this world. Surrounded by those things that evoke fond memories of the ones I dearly love, who may not be here to celebrate in person, but are absolutely present in spirit, come to mind as I enjoy them.
While shopping at my neighborhood drugstore yesterday, I bought my 2020 Susan Branch calendars so I will be ready for the new year. I never peak at the artwork but save the surprise for January.
Enjoy the feast Susan and Joe,
Anne
Thank you Anne! xoxoxo
Always enjoy reading your blog! When I see it in my inbox, I immediately open it and read. I would love the Starry Bobeches! They are unique for sure!
Happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family.
What a PERFECTLY lovely blog posting!!! Beautiful, from the heart, all about the things that really matter, which include NOT participating in the shopping frenzy. Can’t believe that the stores open on Thanksgiving day itself. So excited about the new “Little Women” coming out!! But my favorite is STILL the one with Katharine Hepburn, the photo you posted! She was remarkable. And the old photo of I think you and a sibling on the bucking horse; where is that at? Carson City, NV? Wonder if it’s still there. Anyway, wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving!
It’s actually my brother and I at Knott’s Berry Farm in southern California, on Green Friday, the day after Thanksgiving a long time ago!
Love, love, love the bobeches. At your inspiration, I bought four some years ago and use them in all kinds of ways, including on vases that have small tops. And thank you for including all the decoration ideas, tabletop designs, all your wonderful dishes and the like. For those of us who don’t cook (blush), they are one of my favorite parts of your blog. Plus the nature walks and photos, making ironing look fun, and so much more. Happy Thanksgiving!
So glad your post hasn’t forgotten Thanksgiving. It is the time to be thankful for what we have. It seems like each year we go from Halloween right to Christmas Thank you for the chance to win the pair of bobeche they would look beautiful on my Christmas table. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe..
have a wonderful Thanksgiving ❣️. Such a great time of the year!
Happy Thanksgiving, Susan! Thank you for the beautiful post.
Such wonderful recipes! I love how we use everyday-ish foods and transform them into amazing, mouthwatering dishes for holidays- it makes me so happy to make other people happy and if it takes an extra few minutes to give a neighbor some baked goods- so be it! Spread kindness!
Hope you have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving, Susan. I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area and we are finally going to have rain next week. Fire season begone!! Looking forward to spending time with family and friends.
You inspire me with your encouragement for all of us to just enjoy whatever simple pleasures come our way. 🍂
Thanks for a beautiful post – Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Susan, Hearing from you is like hearing from a sister, I do not have an actual sister, but many girlfriends that I consider sisters, you are one of those as well. Life is what you make of it and although this Thanksgiving will be just me and my son, I plan on making the best of it by fixing his favorites and enjoying his company. I have learned lots by reading and loving your books, your Willards and blogs, you are so generous in sharing your art, thank you! Blessings to you and Joe!
I, too, believe it is important to celebrate Thanksgiving. I enjoy the communications from you and wish you and your devoted followers a lovely holiday. xoxo
Thanksgiving is the best! Let our lives be full of both Thanks and Giving, or Thanksgiving is, after all, an action word! Prayers for those who cannot gather together!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and everyone!
Ah, such a joy to read your posts, Susan. It helps me to take a deep breath during this busy season and enjoy the simpler blessings. I get very nostalgic and homesick at this season, but my purpose this year is to be more mindful of all that I’m most thankful for!
Warmly,
Cheryl
I love your posts. You take the every day ordinary and make it magical. It inspires me!
You just made our Thanksgiving even more special!
Happy Blessings Day to you and Joe!
How do you pronounce bobeche? They are lovely and would provide a folksy elegance to any table. Happy Thanksgiving, all! My favorite holiday.
boh-besh. xoxo
A quiet Thanksgiving for the two of us. But I’m making it festive using some of your ideas, thank you.
Susan, I am thankful whenever you treat us to a new blog post, but especially for this Thanksgiving one. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (And God bless Susan Branch, amen.)
Thank you for your wonderful Thanksgiving letter – a special all-hearts-turn-home time of year.
What a sweet tribute to Thanksgiving ! As always, I love your beautiful pictures.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!! God Bless America and God Bless you🦃🦃🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you Susan! Again you managed to bring tears to my eyes. The Happiest Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Susan, Just stopped housecleaning for a coffee break and saw your post. What perfect timing, as I was needing something to spur me on. Nothing like your wonderful Thanksgiving post for inspiration. I am ready to get back into it. Thank you for the drawing chance. You, Joe, and Jack have a Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Rebecca in Arkansas
Ahh, thank you, Susan for the wonderful post that brings up nostalgia for Thanksgiving. We are doing Thanksgiving differently this year. We are not hosting, nor are we going to my husband’s relatives. No, this year we’re going to Texas to visit my brother and his family and my sister. No matter if the traditions are different, it will be nice to spend time with loved ones including our grown children, who are coming with us.
Made my ☕️ tea and sat under a cozy blanket to read. Thank you for all the fun, manageable ideas. Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings on your head!!
Thanks for sharing your ❤️
❤️ to ❤️ xoxo
Leaving a comment in hopes of winning the bobeches! We’re doing “Christthanksgivingmas” at our house with our 2 sons and their families here. One’s close by and the other’s in the military a few hours away but we’ll be all together Thanksgiving Day. I will be in the hospital at Christmas – hopefully – getting a bone marrow transplant. I hope ALL THE GIRLFRIENDS breathe in the goodness of God and His creation this holiday season and soak in each moment! I look forward to the next blog…………..
Blessings on you and yours Lori, and all very best wishes for your procedure, for the very best 2020! xoxo
Lori, I’m so glad you are going to be with your family as you celebrate “Christthanksgivingmas” on Thanksgiving. I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best as you undergo your bone marrow transplant at Christmas. My brother was fortunate to find a perfect match from my youngest sister and he had his stem cell transplant last spring. Every day, week and month has been a triumph, even though it hasn’t always been very easy, but we all celebrate the gift from my sister and the medical advances that have made it all possible. You will be in my very positive thoughts.
First year without my mom, but she will be there in so many memories placed on the table 💚and of course forever in our hearts. Thank you for a beautiful Thanksgiving post. Many blessings to you and Joe and your happy critters!
Very nice bobeches!! Really appreciate your messages to us.
I love all your table settings, they are great conversation starters. I especially love the wrought iron colonial man and woman candle holders! Wish I could find a pair.
What a lovely prelude to Thanksgiving! Bobeche used to very available – the only way to save your linens from candle wax. Then I saw them in vintage and antique shops. Now, I haven’t seen one for years. Thank you for a treasured memory! Maybe I’ll be lucky and win two. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and those you gather with on that blessed day.
Loved thus post! Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and you got all the reasons why in one place!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving! So glad to read your blog that celebrates this holiday instead of jumping right to Christmas. We so need to stop and be thankful for all of our wonderful blessings! God Bless 🙂
Thank you Susan for your beautiful post . .Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Such a gorgeous and uplifting Thanksgiving post! Wishing you, Joe and Jack a wonderful holiday with many blessings to be thankful for.
so, so special. nice to be reminded of what really matters
i LOVE this!!!! I grew up in New England, and we had almost the same exact prayer (insert different people!! 😉 ) Sing-sung by 7 girls and 1 boy 🙂 We ended it with “make the Russians good”!!! Thank you for your lovely, nostalgic letters filled with ideas of days gone by to make our current days better 🙂
LOL, that is the sweetest, Make the Russians Good. Pray for EVERYTHING! xoxoxo
Love the bobche!! So enjoyed this blog, makes feel cozy and warm!
Your post always brings a smile to my face and now memories of wonderful holidays. I hope you and Joe have a blessed Thanksgiving. You give all of us many blessings.
Thank you.
Thank you for the inspiration of hope for the holidays with the anticipation of starry bobeches. They will be beautiful.
WOW, so many emotions and excitement are conjured up when I read your posts… nostalgia, love, friendship… thank you thank you
Happy Thanksgiving to you all in Martha’s Vineyard! I am making cranberry cheesecake pie! Third year running for it. I’d say, that’s a tradition! Also angel biscuits and berry honey butter! I just made your cranberry and orange jam today! Can’t wait to deliver it around!
Anything with cranberries is an automatic hit! Happy Thanksgiving!
Errands accomplished, groceries put away, and my cup of tea made to enjoy while I read, giving me a double dose of enjoyment! It’s a drizzly day outside, and there will be a fireplace aglow later; perfect evening for it.
I have been the recent recipient of the anonymous generosity of someone who is a follower of yours, Susan! I am offering my thanks through this comment, should she happen to read through the comments made. It was a huge surprise and brought me great joy!
All your preparations sound marvelous! I’ve made your pumpkin cheesecake several times, and the cranberry sauce is delicious. Never do have much leftover to mix with orange marmalade, though.:-) Definitely trying that sweet potato recipe, too!
Starry bobeches? Those will definitely give extra sparkle to these days! ‘Tis a most lovely giveaway!
Give Jack (and Joe) a Tennessee hug and a kiss! Counting our blessings daily, and sending everyone wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! – Nellie
You know I will Nellie. I’m so happy someone is gifting you. There seems to be lots of that going on these days, sweet interaction between Girlfriends. I could not love it more. They chose a good one when they picked you dearheart. Happy Thanksgiving! xoxoxo
Happy Holidays, Susan! Thank you for reminding us of all the simple things that bring us joy! Blessings to you and Joe!
Susan, you always encourage us to do something a little special every season! i am thankful for others like you, who inspire us!
Susan,
I hope my holidays are half as warm and welcoming as yours. You are a treasure to share your experiences here.
Thank you, thank you, Susan, lady of beauty, for passing it along🍁. Yummy recipes, glowing pictures, lovely thoughts just enriches my day and life. gmapat
Thank you for these posts! They always make me smile. Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours🦃
Mary
Oh Susan!! What can I say, but thank you for this blessed Thanksgiving message. Your precious photos, drawings and prayers…especially Joe’s. Have a most blessed turkey day and give Jack a BIG petty! 😘
I’m not anti retail. I spent 30 years working in lovely department stores but…
when we were young my mum took us to Carnegie Museum the day after Thanksgiving. When we got a little older she would drop my twin and I off with a packed lunch. We loved it so much. We had favorite spots like the Egyptian mummies and we knew every inch. So along with the best pumpkin pie I have that
memory.
What a wonderful memory! I’m definitely not anti retail!😉 It’s just this new encouragement for trampling other shoppers! There’s lovely shopping and there’s mean shopping, I’m for lovely shopping! And definitely for the Carnegie Museum!
Oh, how I wish we would celebrate Thanksgiving in October as do those in Canada. The holidays would each get their opportunity to be a star, and the lousy Black Friday thing would be done with. Unless, of course, they started the BF rush in October…………. so silly!! When families lived in the same state, town, neighborhood ~~ having the 2 major holidays a month apart probably wasn’t quite so difficult. Now, the distances between where we live make it difficult for so many families. Loved your post and Joe’s sweet prayer is just lovely!! ♡
Hello Susan, loved the blog. Fall is my favorite season. I love all the beautiful colors and Thanksgiving. Have a great holiday.
Loretta/Calif.
Your post warmed me on this chilly day!
I’ve started baking the pumpkin and mincemeat pies and think I’ll try your cranberry sauce recipe ! Thank you.
A happy Thanksgiving to you , Susan, and all your family.
Happy Thanksgiving Sue and Joe!
God bless!
I love sea glass. My daughter and I used to collect it every year when she was young and I have some jars filled with many lovely colors of glass. My husband surprised us both a few years ago and secretly took some sea glass that we had gathered to a local jewelry maker and had necklaces made for us. Not only are they beautiful, but they remind me of days at the beach with my daughter collecting the glass.
What a thoughtful surprise! xoxo
I just love your posts. It’s easy to forget in this day and age what is truly important in life . Thank you for always reminding me to give thanks for what I have been blessed with.
What a clever idea the starry bobeche are! We can always use a little extra sparkle on the table, entry hall, or kitchen counter, especially when the days are short and darkness sets in. Many thanks for the latest post – it’s always a pleasure.
A big warm hug! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, a most wonderful time of year!
Absolutely making Spinach Balls from my first edition copy of “Vineyard Seasons.” My family loves them, and the grandchildren get some veggies!
Thank you for years of tasty recipes.
Hi Susan! I’m a long time fan and always look forward to your posts with your decorating tips and how you do it. Always inspiring. I used to own one of the white ceramic or porcelain menu stands you show in this post but it got broken a few years ago and I’ve been unable to replace it. I used to write notes to my kids on it and I miss it. It would be wonderful if you could get a manufacturer to make them for your shop. I know they would be a hit! If you happen to know where I could purchase one that would be appreciated too. Thanks for the joy and hope you spread. We need it.
I’ll see what I can do!
Dear Susan, thank you for this lovely surprise, perfect timing, AND for mentioning Green Friday as an “antidote” to consumerism that ramps up that day. The pictures really conveyed the homey coziness of dinner with loved ones. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I just love your posts. It’s easy to forget in this day and age what is truly important in life . Thank you for always reminding me to give thanks for what I have been blessed with.
Happy thanksgiving Susan!
I love the starry bobeches! And I can’t wait to see the new Little Women movie. Some friends and I are going to the holiday open house at Orchard House where the staff will be in character as Louisa and her sisters!
Star bright, star light,
the brightest star in the sky tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might
Get picked to receive the bobeche delight!
They’re soooo beautiful❤️
XO
Lynne
Oh so desperately needed….this blog!!
Thankful for you and your light-hearted perspective of this life we should love!
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you from snowy Colorado!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for all the inspiration…we all need a dose of happy, sparkly, heartfelt cheer! You help us stay motivated, smiling, and energized to keep the home fires burning with love and laughter!
I have always LOVED these bobeche(s) in your photos!! I must look in your store in case I don’t win. 🙂
What beautiful tables you set! You’re an inspiration. Your Green Friday is a marvellous idea. You’re so right that we need to be intentional as we model behaviour for the little ones.
I’d like to think I’d send you compliments even without the draw of bobèches to win! Have a very happy Thanksgiving. Mary
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thank you for the cranberry recipe. I am off to the store for cranberries!