HOMEMADE THANKSGIVING MAGIC

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.🎃 

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1,522 Responses to HOMEMADE THANKSGIVING MAGIC

  1. Lynn Marie says:

    Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday–family and food but no gifts—just glorious togetherness. We celebrated my moms 90th birthday last weekend and had 2 kinds of jell-o for dinner. Jell-o is her absolute favorite thing–she is still a kid at heart.☺

  2. Bethany Fagundes says:

    Oh Susan, you are pure joy! I love your posts. This is a strange Thanksgiving for my hubby, our doggie and me. We are laying low and it will just be us. We may pop in on friends at some point, but we don’t have the energy for much more this year. But your candles are beautiful. I would use those often!

  3. Dawn Powell says:

    Happy Thanksgiving one and all ! 🦃🍁🦃🍂🦃

  4. Milanya Hall says:

    Your post created so many lovely mind pictures as I pondered gratitude, sharing Thanksgiving with friends, Green Friday, and starry bobeches. I could see the bobeches suspended from a ceiling with candlelight and firelight making them dance merrily.

  5. Christine Perica says:

    Green Friday is the best! Away from stores and commercialism, especially the day after Thanksgiving! I always make your cranberry sauce and love adding the orange marmalade for jam (but keep some without to spread on turkey sandwiches with only mayo, green onions, and salt and pepper on white bread!) Just the best time of the year and your blogs and books make it even better! Love you Susan Branch! Happiest Thanksgiving.

    • sbranch says:

      Same to you Christine Perica! 😘 Love how we all have these lovely traditional way of making our turkey sandwiches!!!

  6. Diane in Bend, OR says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Susan! Thank you for another beautiful blog, and the musica that accompanies it is perfect. I enjoyed the photo of you hugging a tree, as we recently moved onto 2.5 acres that is part of a forest with juniper trees that are several hundred years old. Their trunks are massive and gnarled and twisted, and I love to place my hands on them and reflect on their strength and endurance, and all they have witnessed in their long lives. Not to mention the shelter they have provided for countless living things. Powerful and precious trees. We are also enjoying a new dog this Thanksgiving, who came to us 3 weeks ago. Her story is heartbreaking, much neglect and abuse and near-starvation – – but glad to say she now has a happy ending to her story by becoming part of our family, as we welcome her with love and open arms. Peace and blessings to all!

    • sbranch says:

      I”m so happy you rescued your doggie. Makes my day to hear it. And how lucky you are to live with such lovely trees. Hugs to you and yours, happy Thanksgiving Diane!

  7. Misty Krasawski says:

    This is such a lovely, happy post! Thank you for all you do to share beauty, Susan! Many blessings on you this Thanksgiving. (And I’m already thinking of all the places I need to add bobeche!!!)

  8. Nancy says:

    Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday and time of year. Thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful pictures. Always like seeing Joe’s childhood prayer.

  9. Brenda Galo says:

    I’m sure wherever you and Joe have your holiday it will be memorable. Keep the candles burning and the gravy ready to reheat. Thank you for sharing!

  10. Kendra says:

    Your ideas are delightful !!!

  11. Suzanne Maven says:

    I am so thankful and grateful for you, Susan. You make our world a much more beautiful, loving and caring place at a time when our country is going thru such a dark time. You are a national treasure. God Bless you and Joe.

  12. Cathy Weatherford says:

    I so love your blog. My heart has the “happy back in it” Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love to you

  13. Janet Shane says:

    Thank you for all you do,your art,your books, your home…. everything you write inspire me. I just took Amtrak from Illinois to San Francisco and want to report to you the dining car still up and wonderful on my train, The California Zephyr.Yay.!

    • sbranch says:

      Yes, they only cut it for the overnight trips, we still have the longer routes, hopefully forever! So happy you enjoyed it Janet!

  14. Thanks for another lovely blog post.
    Hope you and yours have a lovely Thanksgiving and when I think of those I’m thankful for in my life- I’ll find, as always, that you are on the list. 🙂
    xxooxx

  15. Pat says:

    Remember the Trader Joe seeds and grains you eat every morning on your oatmeal? Unfortunately, they have discontinued producing and selling that product. So what product do you use now? I loved that mixture and would like a substitute! Thanks, Susan, for helping us all eat more healthfully!

    • sbranch says:

      I bought 4 bags the last time I got them, and froze them, so I’m still working on those and hoping soon Trader Joe’s gets the message and brings them back! I do love them.

  16. Nancy K. says:

    my wish for Thanksgiving besides what you’ve already said is to be on the “Vineyard”!

  17. Barbara in NC says:

    Your blogs always brighten my day!!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your friends and family! 🍁🦃🍂

  18. Maria says:

    Ugh! Everything about this post! From those stunning black iron candlesticks (I’ve coveted them ever since I first laid eyes on them), the table settings, the recipes, the outdoor photos, the crackling fire…perfection! Wishing you & Joe a warm & cozy Thanksgiving. xo

  19. Fran says:

    Hi, Susan, how I would LOVE to receive your starry bobeches! I have a few plain ones that I keep on my mom’s old candelabra.
    Enjoy your holidays as much as we all enjoy your letters. You’re a gem!!

  20. Cheryl Wickline says:

    I looked forward to this Thanksgiving post as Thanksgiving somehow gets a bit lost more and more every year. It really is my favorite holiday. Thank you for the chance to win some “sparkle and shine”.

  21. I am listening to musica (you provided) and dreaming of my own Thanksgiving table and recipes. Your newsletters are highlights in my life. Thank you for doing them!

  22. Anna Taylor says:

    Your posts always bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart! Thank you so much.

  23. Lola Waldrum says:

    Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for so many things ~ too many to name every blessing. A few…my precious daughter, Olya, my sister who unselfishly helps me as I travel the unexpected cancer journey, my family, my dogs! and Autumn.

    God Bless America!!

  24. Marian says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe. Many thanks for all your heartwarming posts throughout the year.

  25. Nicole Alvarez says:

    Love your blog posts. They are like taking a sip of hot tea on a cold day…ahhhh!

  26. Janet Mack says:

    How pretty. I saw some of these in a little store a few years ago and I didn’t buy them. I have been kicking myself ever since because I’ve never seen any again.

    • sbranch says:

      I have never seen them since I bought mine years ago . . . have been trying to find them, have them, ever since!

  27. Carol Daniel says:

    We spent the first week of October on your beautiful island celebrating our 50th anniversary. We loved Martha’s Vineyard it is magical !!!! Truly the Isle of Dreams. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Sue and Joe.

  28. Georgeann Forester says:

    Dear Susan, thank you for such a sweet and cozy Thanksgiving post. I was ooing and ahhing over your tablescapes! What kind of pottery do you have? Slipware? I also recognized a piece of McCoy — your sweet bird vase — lovely! Love the music you picked out for this post — so calming and cheerful at the same time.
    Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

    • sbranch says:

      My pottery was done by a woman who lived in Cambria in the 1970s. I loved her things, very heavy and so artsy. Paula Teplitz was her name.

  29. Carol Daniel says:

    P.S. from Carol. We drove past your home on our island tour. I saw Joe’s pumpkins over the door. Your home is just beautiful. The tour guide did not point out your home although he did several others…..great for your privacy. Hugs.

  30. Kim Cook says:

    Loved reading your post. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I’d love to win the candle dangles!

  31. Peggy Diehl says:

    Happy Thanksgiving, Susan and Joe! Your Thanksgiving blog so warmed my heart. I love this day spent with family or friends. Your West Chop Corn recipe has been a favorite at our house for many years. Have a LOVEly day.

  32. Linda F says:

    So thankful for you and your blog. I love your books, pictures, quotes, and your memories. I would truly be blessed to be the winner of something so beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. We all are blessed to be able to be a part of your world.

  33. Jane says:

    Loved the post. I, too, miss the simpler times, growing up in the 40’s and 50’s.

  34. Sandra Sarlinga says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Susan and Joe, you bring so much joy to the world!

  35. Valorie Veld says:

    Thank you Susan…..the bobeches are so pretty. Wonderful that you found a supplier. I had some simple ones from Germany, but they were not fancy with stars. Happy Thanksgiving!

  36. Jean Powers says:

    Would love to have a pair of bobeches. I have a pair of glass candlesticks exactly like yours that were used on the table at my grandparents’ wedding!

  37. Sue Michels says:

    Thank you for your blog(s), I always enjoy reading them. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

  38. starr miller says:

    Hi Susan
    Happy Thanksgiving! We are blessed with a house full this year. Thank you for your wonderful post.

  39. Aimee Johnson says:

    Thankful for the wonderful talent you share♥️

  40. Alice Dennison says:

    Happy Thanksgiving

  41. Pat Prohl says:

    Such an inspiring post! Obviously you are a lover of everythingThanksgiving as am I. I so enjoy seeing pictures of your table, and recipes and pictures of food you have created. I loved the creative Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas!

  42. Janet Swanson says:

    I leave candlesticks on table and lite for dinner. My granddaughter thinks it’s her birthday and needs to blow them out, any day of year. I love your artwork and books, thank you. Have a cozy Thanksgiving!

  43. Linda Lee Miller says:

    Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, Susan and Joe. I know your home will be filled with
    Friends, merriment, delicious aromas, and wonderful stories and memories! Oh, I almost forgot, and Magic, of course. Enjoy the blessings that surround you at this time!

  44. Patricia Salada says:

    The bobeches are so beautiful and festive; would love to win a pair.
    You found a lovely piece of sea glass! I was blessed to travel to Ireland this September and searched several beaches with good results. They are sitting on my kitchen window sill as a daily reminder of a trip that I am truly thankful to have taken.

  45. A Clark says:

    I love the bobeches–they remind me of the 2 little crystal lamps my grandma had on her buffet with little dangly crystals–cute and fancy! Hope your Thanksgiving is full of warmth and companionship!

  46. Kathryn Jenschke says:

    Thank you for the beautiful Thanksgiving letter. All the things I love and enjoy seeing in
    Your email letters!

  47. Connie B says:

    I love the “Green Friday” idea. Do you know that REI stores are all closed the day after Thanksgiving as part of it’s #OptOutside initiative? Go outside and play instead of shop, love it!

  48. I love all your beautiful thoughts on Thanksgiving, Susan. And I’m so with you about Black Friday! I will not be shopping that day; never have, probably never will. Many blessings to you, Joe, and of course, Jack.

    xoxo

  49. Lynne Tharan says:

    Twenty-three years ago at the age of 49, I married my Price Charming. Stars have always been our ‘thing’, and we seem to fall in love again every time we see them in the night sky.
    Thank you for this Thanksgiving blog and for sharing your recipes and thoughts. Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving holiday. ♥

  50. Mary D Webb says:

    Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you Susan and Joe!
    Every piece of seaglass is a treasure to me; my husband Roy likes to arrowhead hunt and I like to seaglass hunt. We live in CO and get to the beach somewhere as often a I can 🙂 Guess who has the bigger collection – lol.
    I am SO excited to know Little Women is coming as a new movie to theaters at Christmas. (However, not as excited as I will be to see your movie!!!) I hope to take my daughter and two granddaughters 14 & 18!
    Blessings
    Mary

  51. Susan Chatelain says:

    Happy Thanksgiving! I love the cozy, warm feeling I get when I read your Willard. I have made the rainbow salad for years for my kids, and now get to make it for my grandkids. We sometimes call it stained glass salad. Don’t you just love to sit in church and watch the sun shine through the stained glass? My daughter likes to separate the salad layers with her tongue as she eats it. It’s both fun and delicious! I’m thankful for you and the things that you remind me are important.

  52. Susan Quimby says:

    I LOVE the candle things, I want those 🥰

  53. Christen Barnes says:

    Happy Thanksgiving! I am certainly thankful for you!

  54. Kari B says:

    A wonderful feeling of Thanksgiving. Thanks, Susan!

  55. kathiellen says:

    Dear Susan,
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING to You and Joe! I am all set to cook our annual feast…checking off things on my list daily now! I love this holiday so much! Tomorrow I will make the noodles and lay them out to dry and put together the cranberry relish so the flavors will be well blended by Thursday. My daughter and family will be here from Crown Point, Indiana and we are looking forward to seeing them! I look forward to the dinner…but I especially look forward to ( later in the evening ) the cold turkey sandwich on soft white bread with lettuce and Miracle Whip (for me it HAS to be Miracle Whip and white meat on that sandwich!! ) , a few green olives, a leftover celery stick stuffed with cream cheese and a little bit of the cranberry relish!! Bliss!! We have so many things to be thankful for each and every day, and Susan, you are one of those blessings! Enjoy your friends, the food and all of the desserts…and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

  56. Marion Clark says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe. Enjoy the day with your loved ones and friends making new memories.

  57. Linda says:

    Hi Susan

    Loved your Thanksgiving blog, and yes I agree your pumpkin cheesecake is awesome as I have made it. I have all of your cookbooks and I enjoy having some coffee and just looking at them especially your Christmas Heart of the Home, and your artwork, thank you for all you do and to share your stories with us all. I wish you and Joe a very blessed Thanksgiving and all the best of love and romance. Enjoy.
    Linda

  58. Karen Knowles says:

    Thank you for this respite from the political world. Happy Thanksgiving!

  59. Pamela Jewett says:

    Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of yummy food to go with your yummy food. I love Thanksgiving as it celebrates a thankful heart and you get to spend time with precious family members.
    xoxo
    Pam

  60. Mary Ellen Dwyer says:

    Can’t wait to try the pumpkin cheesecake. It looks wonderful!
    The bobeches with the hanging stars are lovely! Would love to have some.
    Happy Thanksgiving! Such a nice uplifting post!

  61. Linda says:

    Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🍁🍽

  62. Irene Harrison says:

    I’m thankful for the freedom and ability to read. That means I can read you wonderful blog!

  63. Lynette Strohbach says:

    I love nature as well, and I even walk my dogs all winter long, twice a day just to be out breathing the refreshing air. It’s so invigorating!

    I just received another of your cups (my fourth), the one with the Corgi. I think it’s my favorite one. It’s got everything on it that I love; dogs, a rose and forget me nots, sheep and England! Some of my ancestors are from there. I hope you will do another England cup soon when your new book comes out!
    I also got your Gratitude book and your “Too mean to marry” (divorced) shirt. In the Gratitude book you included a quote by my ancestor Willa Cather “Where there is great love, there are always miracles” which made it much more special to me. Thanks again!

  64. Sheila Bayley says:

    So glad for your holiday recipes. Tho I’m not cooking this year, I’ll be kibitzing after foot surgery. Hubby and son doing major cooking jobs. Maybe I can get out the candles so it’s pretty.

  65. Julie Borg says:

    Love those starry bobech! And am definitely making the cranberry sauce. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

  66. Sherrill & John Kerbaugh says:

    Thank you for coming into our lives … it has been a wonderful adventure with you and Joe. We hope we can come along with you for many more years. Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings to you both.

  67. Sue Miller says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the Girlfriends.
    Enjoy the time to embrace all our blessings

  68. Patti Bachrach says:

    I always look forward to reading your blog, Susan. Something warm & cheery in this crazy world. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  69. Susan Edwards says:

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe … and the kitties …. and to all the girlfriends.🌷

  70. MS Barb says:

    Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for an opportunity to win starry bobeches!

  71. DonnaRay Evans says:

    Blessings on you, Sweet Susan!

  72. paula says:

    Susan,
    I always get excited when I open my emails and see Susan Branch, yayaya!! I loved the story you wrote, just like loving all the others !
    Your stoneware dishes and candle holders are so very charming !!
    This is my first year to be making the turkey , I make plenty of chicken so it can not be to hard, haha.
    I hope you and Joe have a wonderful Thanksgiving !
    Blessings,
    Paula
    IN.
    p.s. I always wanted to find ocean glass , but no luck yet !

  73. Sue says:

    Thank you for the baked cranberry sauce recipe — a new approach! And I love your cardinal.

  74. Julie Buck says:

    As usual, a wonderful post, Susan. I love all the gorgeous pictures and the way my blood pressure seems to calm down as I read one of your posts. You give so much, and I appreciate it all. Last year, for the first time, I made your cranberry recipe. It was wonderful. I also loved the Christmas Jam with the leftovers. And I have a little thing to give back, I hope. For years, instead of cranberry sauce, I made cranberry relish. No cooking – just put equal amounts of cranberries and mandarin oranges (with the skin, so washed, of course) in a food processor and chop up roughly. Stir in sugar to taste. It’s delicious, and it looks like a bowl of rubies. So – what I did last year was make both your cranberries and mine – and then I stirred them together – a little more complex taste, and more “rubylike”. Love what your recipe does for mine!

  75. Jody Wallem says:

    Reading your blog is always a gentle and sweet gift to my soul. Thank you! My mother always used bobeches, although this is the first time I’ve seen a word for them. Thank you again for giving a name for them—I love the hanging stars!

  76. Kathleen Hammersley says:

    Thank you for the Thanksgiving post! Can’t wait for the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pie. I am going to try your sweet potatoes this year.
    Happy Holidays
    Kathleen

  77. Mary Simmons says:

    My sincere thanks for gifting your loyal followers with this meaningful blog.

  78. Karena Reid says:

    Love the stars and the cheery Thanksgiving Post. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and that furry Mustachioed baby.

  79. Melissa Q says:

    Oh Susan…I had a dream that you were in my old home last night and I was so excited and trying to explain why my bedroom was such a mess…I woke this morning feeling lonely me we had a real visit…yes I am kooky. Wishing you the best Thanksgiving ever. Love your wonderful creative ❤️

  80. Ginny Gaines says:

    Lovely blog! Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!

  81. Nancy Westmoreland says:

    So thankful for you and Joe!

  82. Genan Summers Kirby says:

    Happy, Happy Thanksgiving my friend. Love making your recipes. People always ask me for a copy and I happily share them. 🦃🦃🦃

  83. Patricia from NC says:

    Susan,
    Happy Thanksgiving! This may be off point but I want to convey how much I appreciate your ad free, pop up free blog. It is so annoying having to X out of ads that distract from enjoying the content of what the blogger has to say. I can imagine that it must be costly to run a blog and many may need the revenue generated by ads to survive while others, like you, bear this burden. So, thank you for this generous gift.

    • sbranch says:

      You are so sweet to notice, I do a lot of work for free, but a. it’s love, and you know what, it’s worth it. I really feel for all of us in this money obsessed world we live in and decided to leave this little space, kind of like a public park, out here in the middle, just some grass, a view of the sea, a few trees, and a breath of fresh air.

  84. Marian A says:

    I absolutely loved this post. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Am so looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family. We may have rain! The day after I plan to drive over to the coast near Cambria and just enjoy the birds, watch the waves, take a walk and smell the ocean.
    Thank you for this.

  85. Carol says:

    Happy, blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving to you and yours 🙂

  86. Karen M says:

    Thank you, what a wonderful post! I always make your other cranberry sauce, with the oranges, apples, and lemons, from Vineyard Seasons, may have to seek family permission to try the one posted here!

    • sbranch says:

      LOL, I know exactly what you mean. The newer one is so easy, make a small batch, and do a taste test! Mix left over with orange marmalade, it’s a win-win!

  87. Cindy says:

    Thanks for the lovely decorating ideas!!

  88. Pat Stansel says:

    That Thanksgiving blessing is so touching —-how could you not fall in love with him ?

  89. Teri V says:

    Another great, warming post! I like to think that if I lived close to the sea that I would walk there every day. Perhaps I’ll start by taking in the wonder and beauty of my own neighborhood… headed to Cambria to celebrate our anniversary. I will walk the boardwalk every day while we’re there. Thank you for showing your fun and beautiful table settings!
    Teri

    • sbranch says:

      There is a long beautiful walk to the sea on the left as you’re going north, between Morro Bay and Cambria . . . Look for it, there’s a parking lot . . .

  90. LoAnn Campbell says:

    I enjoy all your posts. This one was particularly lovely.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

  91. Joanne says:

    November, … time to put away the summer and give thanks for all that is past…and give thanks in advance for all that is to come. Time for winter slumber and sparkling stars.

  92. Deborrah Allen says:

    I hope you and Joe have a lovely Thanksgiving! Thank you so much for your magical newsletters. Once upon a time….I received your newsletters in my mailbox, (snail mail) along with a lot of fun freebies (stickers, bookmarks, etc.) Now, through the gift of modern technology I am still receiving freebies (Thanksgiving bookmark) Thank you! Every time I read your newsletters I feel like I have returned to the “Good Old Days!” Happy November!

  93. Nancy Sumner says:

    Thank you for such an uplifting post. I really needed that today!

  94. Elizabeth says:

    Hi Susan,
    So happy my girlfriend gave me one of your books. (A Fine Romance)
    I’ve read and enjoyed the three book series. I have a couple of your earlier ones too.
    I enjoy reading your blog. It’s so inspiring.
    Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

  95. Brenda Caldwell says:

    This season I am thankful for discovering you and all your inspiration! And I LOVE Joe’s childhood prayer…Just precious! Have a blessed Thanksgiving ~

  96. Martha Slater says:

    What a magical time I had on Martha’s Vineyard on October. I see why you love it. Missed your book signing by a few days and was sad.
    Thank you for your blog, which is like a breath of fresh air each time I open it!
    Love the bobeches! Look forward to next time.

  97. Raynore Jones says:

    I’m taking you advice– making tea, watching an old movie and relaxing.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

  98. Janeen says:

    Bobeches…I’ve learned something new. The idea is delightful. Starry starry night…

  99. TERESA STICKLES says:

    The bobeches are lovely..i have a set that are just flat. …no pretty danglies. Love the idea of a green Friday rather than black Friday. Happy Thanksgiving.

  100. TERESA STICKLES says:

    Love your blogs. I have a set of bobeches, but they don’t have pretty dangly stars on them. Love your suggestion for a Green Friday. Happy Thanksgiving.

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