I had such a nice day yesterday; I played house all day! I had a girl-party wedding shower for my dear friend Jaime, to celebrate how happy we are that she’s found True L♥ve . . . which means, of course, I spent yesterday doing my favorite thing, setting the table for a party! Song, my friends?
We had an old fashioned Lingerie Shower for Jaime; gave her a mini-trousseau of satin and lace (with not a Spanx in sight!) — because we are the lucky ones, we’re the GIRLS; we get to wear this stuff . . . . so, I asked myself, back to the Main Question, here in Domesticity City . . . about setting the table; what can I do to make it sweet and romantic?
Deciding how to ‘scape the table is where all the “chickens,” of all my years of stalking flea markets, antique stores, and yard sales, come home to roost. I get to play mix and match . . . which glasses, which napkins, which dishes . . . setting the table, so much fun . . . what will go with what, how can it be A Little Different this time, what will make everyone faint with happiness. I’m sure all my Dish Girlfriends understand my glass obsession!
It’s like trying on clothes in the dressing room, I put in this bowl, take it out, put in another, until I get it the way I like it.
Had to have these old-fashioned wedding bells for the centerpiece; Joe drove all the way to Oak Bluffs to get them for me (this is about a fifteen minute trip but islanders are famous for never leaving their own little territory, so, to us, this was a regular expedition! Joe is our hunter gatherer, bell-bringer ♥.)
I wanted light-hearted flowers, not big perfect florist flowers, but little loose yard flowers.
What else can I decorate with that will say LOVE? Oh, I know, where’s that old card I did of the wedding people? Found it! Hang it in front of the mirror, let our Bon Voyage garland be their “swing.”
OK, I’ve got the table pretty well figured out . . . now, for the food; I zest the limes . . .
And roast the sweet potatoes . . .
And make the cake . . .
Then put the last touches to the table; tell Jack to get down, for the 47th time, etc. Time for the party now . . . and . . .
Cheers! I put on some Frank Sinatra to set the tone . . . we have champagne and Pe-ah Ci-da . . .
Jaime brings the rose that’s going to be in her wedding bouquet!
Margot shows up and we all say, please, how can she be so cute, these are her shoes!!! She is so adorable; I have no choice but to show you her skirt . . .
Yes, I know. I’m perfectly aware. Let’s not even talk about it. ♥
Jack was there of course, being his sweet self. Girl was safe and snug, in bed upstairs, where all these “strangers” can’t “look” at her or “touch.”
The candles are lit, the windows are open, the crickets are cricking, the wine is cold, it’s a beautiful night for a girl party. I used the great big napkins, like little tablecloths; they call them “lapkins.” Come sit down!
And Jaime is so happy, because she just got all new underwear and because she is surrounded with “her girls.”
We have cucumber/lemon-basil water; fresh steamed lobster (cold) on lime coleslaw with jicama, and pea shoots to garnish; we have spicy, citrus, ginger, cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes; hot crunchy French bread with a pat of English Stilton cheese and cold, sliced red pears; and there’s Polenta Cake with whipped cream for dessert. Girl Food!
Now, the girls have gone, the music is done, the party is over, I’m about to blow out the candles, but had to take one more picture of the bells because I love them. Silly bells.
Party not really over; lunch for me . . . Lobster and coleslaw!
✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄ ✄
But I know what you really want to hear about . . . the cup, right? The pretty little Royal Jubilee cup; what was it doing during the party? It was waiting, ever so patiently, to find out who its new owner is; which we will do right now! Thank you for being so patient; I really had to do Jaime’s party first!
OH VANNA???? Could you please come in here for a moment?
Hello darling; would you please put your hand deep into this hat; swirl all those little slips of paper around really well and choose a name for us????? Oui? Did you say Oui? Oh, Vanna, you are so cute . . . ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ K, she is handing me the paper . . . . yes, it’s got a name on it, and it is . . .
MARY, IN PHOENIX
It’s a good possibility there is more than one Mary in Phoenix, but this is the one who just got an email filled with CONGRATULATIONS, from me and my blog, and all of us Girlfriends. ♥ Now she has to write me and send me her address, and home to Phoenix the cup will go.
We wish we had a cup for everyone, you know we do, me and Jack, but we’re determined to keep giving things away until maybe someday, everyone will have little something from the Heart of the H♥me. So, that’s all Girls . . . Jack and Me, we have to go write an English Diary! No more of this fun and folderol, we have to work! Beautiful summer day here on the island; butterflies flipping around the tall zinnias over my picket fence, a soft breeze though the hydrangeas, and lawnmowers are rumbling the neighborhood . . . Love you, one last song to say byeeee . . . Later! XOXO
We should have a Jubilee celebrating You! As you treat everyone as if they are Royalty!
What a gorgeous table setting – the colors were all so cool and inviting!
I love the jade and lemon tumblers, what kind are they?
Was Jackie Boy the only male present?
Please, please tell me that Jaime’s rose wasn’t real!
Oh, and a big hearty congrats to Mary-In-Phoenix!
It was real!!! None of us had ever seen one like it and no one knew the name, but Jaime found it at the flower market, and is going to find out what it is. Jackie was the only male present, although Joe lurked. Tumblers, old, no name!
What a super special party!! Everything is beautiful, food & decor. I just had to share that I have the exact same set of Spode “Buttercup” dishes that I got from my now deceased Aunt & Uncle. They got it in the ’30’s as a wedding gift. For YEARS I left this gorgeous Spode in a box in the garage…. and then, when I realized with my middle aged mind that life was not going to last forever, I started to USE IT! It’s now in my kitchen cupboard where I use it daily. 🙂 So here’s to pretty things, and using them – now!
Love that! “Here’s to pretty things, and using them — now!”
I just loved your ‘party’ look!
When we began full-time rv-ing I stocked the rv kitchen with my china and silver….when we go to pot lucks in rv parks along the way we get some pretty interesting looks….it used to bother me, but we have it and we are using it 🙂
Brilliant!
~Good Afternoon~
How fun~ I love the skirt~ is that really a tablecloth?? I COMPLETELY understand the obsession(s)~ they make life fun as I too am always on ” the hunt”!!
Congrats to Mary too~
~Happy Thursday~
Lynn
It’s a sarong! Thin light material, so pretty.
I hope she is not offended! My mom had a tablecloth that looked just that! ~Sorry~ must have been a blonde moment on my part!!
I just thought that your creative and crafty friends could actually come up with something that creative!
This fabric was so thin, which is why it worked, but not very many people would look as darling in it as she did!
You really know how to throw a party.
This summer I cleaned out my MILs two houses. I kid you not; she had count them seven complete sets of china, new and old. Additionally, she had crates of crystal and carnival glass. Sadly, ALL the lines were beyond further use, as she was like you and wore it all out with constant use…an example to girls everywhere. As her Alzheimer’s progressed, the only thing she could remember how to do was set a pretty table. AND she did.
As a girl who wears dresses/skirts exclusively, I hope you get nosy. Please, ask Margot, where the skirt was purchased. I must have one.
It’s really not a skirt, it’s a sarong, just tied in back!
Lynn – that thought crossed my mind too!
Whomever her “tier” was ….:) they did a great job. Love it!
Glad someone else was brave enough to admit it!!
To die for, simply to die for! From your lovely table to Margot’s adorable skirt, to the delicious food and the precious kitty; I loved every minute of being a guest at Jaime’s party!
Looks like a fantastic event you threw, but what would we expect, now, really??? The big question here is not even about food or the decorations….wait…here it comes…where did that unbelievable skirt come from???OMG!!!
Looks like your little kitty boy is all grown up and looking like King Rooten’ Tooten’!
Wonderful event you hostessed. Lucky Jaime. Now she has another great memory of her good friend to stash in her memory box.
peace,
Cheryl
I know Cheryl, OMG cute.
Looks like the party was a smashing success. The food looks absolutely delicious, and the sweet little bouquets are simply wonderful.
Jaime is one lucky lady to have a friend like you! I’m sure you all had a fabulous time.
One question, though … where was Joe? Did he get banished to a friend’s house?
He was just upstairs, printing out photos!
Hi,
What a beautiful shower…everything was lovely! Loved those bells…so old fashioned. The table setting was gorgeous! The food looked yummy. I loved that old rose…does it have a name?
Enjoy the beautiful weather.
Kathie from Limerick
We don’t know yet, going to find out about the rose!
What a delightful time! You are very thoughtful to do that for your friend!
I’m happy that Mary got the cup and I know she will soooooooo enjoy it!!
Thanks for sharing, once again! It’s always so fun to read your blog.
GORGEOUS! Best wishes to Jaime … lucky lady to be so loved and blessed by her girlfriends. I enjoyed your post so much that I don’t even mind missing out on the Jubilee mug! Besides, with all my SB books, calendars, framed artwork, stationery, etc. unpacked here in my new home, I already have much from your Heart of the H♥me … Sharon in Alabama
So pretty! So sweet! You know, you can use your wedding bells for Halloween by draping them with cheesecloth! They make convincing little ghosts!
Cheery wave from
Bev
Hahaha, cute!
OH MY! Both the rose and the skirt had me at Hello! Truly my colors. Margo has to tell us where she got the sarong; is it silk? WOW oh WOW, if only I could look that good from behind!! Is it okay to say that? And you will tell us if and when the rose name is discovered?
AND the bonus of Jackson Browne (whom I adore) and I’d never heard that rendition of the song. This was a bonus packed blog!
And you are so lucky to get fresh, fresh seafood!
Huge thanks for all these visual gifts and dreams!
XXOO,
Diane Marie (to distinquish myself from all the other Diane’s who comment on your blog)
That was a ”oh what a memory we’re having” party” !! Table ‘scape was fantastic….loved it all !! Obsession(s ) fill my hours with such smiles ..so understanding when I’m doing the antique thing looking in all kinds of shops …and you just know when to take that item to the counter !!
Major Congrats Mary ….
Dear Sue,
Your table was beautiful and I loved the bells!
I am having my college friends for lunch this Saturday…one I have not seen in 32 years! We all (7 of us) reconnected through Facebook. We had our first little reunion three years ago…didn’t skip a beat-we picked up right where we left off. I guess best-loved friends can do that. My table will be covered with an old quilt, dishes are off-white and the wine glasses are blue and red. A last summer blast! Everyone is bringing something so it makes it easy.
Thank you, again, for all your domestic inspiration!
xo Tracy
I love using quilts for tablecloths, that sounds wonderful! Have fun, I know you will!
Quilts being used for tablecloths ~YES ~ but tablecloths to be used for skirts?! I will never live that one down!!
I’ve made tops out of dishtowels, where there’s a will, there’s a way! 🙂
I would love to see what it looked like!
Those and old 50’s tablecloths make really cute picnic tops for summer.
Good Afternoon Sweet Sue! OMG! What a Fabulous Wedding Shower Girl~Party! I Actually Feel Like I was There! How Lucky is Jamie to Have a Friend Like You! Wishing Jamie True~Wedded~Bliss! 🙂 Your Table was a Wedding~Shower Extravaganza! Absolutely Beautiful! Your Menu…Scrumptious! Margot’s Attire Devine!….& “Bell~Bringer” Joe….The Best! 😉 I Love The Wedding~Couple Sitting on Janie’s Bon~Voyage Banner! (So Cute!) 🙂 A Toast to The Happy Bride & All Her Girl~Friends! (With Champagne Peah Cida & Frank!) Ching~Ching! & Jack Looked so Adorable & Cozy…I Think He Really Loves a Good Party! Yay! Thanks for Inviting Us Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! P.S. & Congratz to Mary in Phoenix…another very Lucly~Girl! ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.
P.S. “Lucky” She Really Is! 🙂 & “The Butterflies Flipping around The Tall Zinnias” Pure Summer Magic Sweet Sue! Enjoy Your Summer’s Day! Yay! Looks Like That Hurricane Issac is Headed Our Way No! Blow Away Out To Sea Please! 😉 Yikes! Always Something! xoxo Poof!♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥* 🙂
Hurricanes! We don’t get them as often as you do, but we get them, and I really wish we wouldn’t! I hope yours blows out to sea!
Thanks Sweet Sue….Now Get This…The National Republican Convention Will Be Here All Next Week…in Tampa (An Hour from Us Here In Winter Haven) Thousands of People will Be in Town…& Now This Hurricane Issac is Headed Our Way….Can You Imagine All The Chaos??? Yikes…so Yep Prayers to Blow this Thing Out To Sea…Yikes! 🙁 Herbster is Like a Boy~Scout…He is Always Prepared… 🙂 So We’ll Just Baton Down The Hatches & Weather The Storm…I’ll keep You Up~Dated (Unless We Lose Power) Prayers Please…I Must Fly! Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! xoxo Poof!
Yes, keep us up to date on what’s happening..I keep hearing it’s getting downgraded, but we never know with these things.
hi susan…just beautiful!! the people too!!! and lucky Jamie..happy for her….it gives me pause to think maybe we all should have a lingerie check every now and again…Lord knows what’s in that “underwear” drawer after 34 years of marriage..could use some sprucing up i bet!!!!!! Thanks for inviting us to the party..I loved the table setting and the menu…so GIRL!!!! How did you manage that aerial overhead shot of the table??? have a fun thursday on the island!!! xo
love, cindy
I just reach, and guess! and click!
Yea to Mary-in-Phoenix!
The party looked like fun! Your salad is perfect summer evening fare!
Cooler weather has descended on the South Cali coast – at least for a few days!
Have a productive writing session Susan! Maybe Jack will take a nice long nap on the printer and let you work (a girl can dream can’t she)! 😉
Susan, I was so hoping that you’d share the wedding shower with all of us! It was perfect ~ a true gift of love and friendship for Jaime and everyone who was there!! I was an older bride {in my early 50s} when we were married four years ago. After waiting so long for just the right person, each wedding tradition seemed all that much sweeter. Wishing Jaime much love forever!
Congratulations, Mary!! So happy for you!
Thanks for all of the happiness you scatter every day, Susan!
Dawn xoxo
….simply magical !!….thank you for inviting us to such a beautifully thoughtful party !!…(..i loved the candlestick with stars..)..
You are a wonderful friend. Your party looked like so much fun. Loved the table. Purples and greens together are one of my favorite. Congrats to Jaime and to Mary.
Susan, What an enchanting evening. Think you could call it, “Enchanted August” – 😉 sounds perfectly delightful to me. Everything looks mesmerizing! The table-scape impeccable, food delish and I’m sure the company was fabulous! Congrats to Mary on winning the mug.
Wishing Jamie and her beloved every happiness their hearts can hold. With all that luscious lingerie, think they’re off to a good start. wink, wink..
Have a lovely Friday-Eve!
xoox, Jeanette
Everything looks soo beautiful , you did a wonderful job ! I bet they were all in AWE !! Looks and sounds like all had a great time ! Congrats to the newly Weds . Papa and I just celebrated our Anniversary yesterday ! Have a good day !
Such a wonderful party! Love the way you write…had to laugh when you said Jaime was so happy because she got new underwear. 🙂 What a wonderful evening and your table setting was beautiful! I soooo agree about preferring the “out of the yard/garden” flowers over store-bought, too. Joe did real good! Great hunter-gatherer you have there! 😉
What a lovely party! I too would like to know the name of the rose.
Jaime is so blessed to have such wonderful friends…I am sure she knows that, I can tell by her smile. You set such a beautiful scene for her celebration.
Many congrats to Mary in Phoenix. I am sure she is thrilled.
Simply wonderful!!! Everything was picture perfect. Including Jack. He looks like you took your paintbrush and painted on that little mustasche of his. Too cute. A day to remember.
Proof positive that life can be just as fun now as when we were younger! And that skirt???? Swoon!!! What a wonderful friend you are, Susan! xoxo Debbie
Congratulations Miss Mary! Happy Sipping…
To you ‘Sweet Susan’ what a true joy you are! What treasurers’ you bring!
Have a blessed day!
Veronica
Absolutley wonderful wedding shower! So elegant, pretty, and just fun!!!!! You know how to throw a party, Susan Branch!!! I LOVE those shoes and skirt, too. LOVE them! TFS – I got great big smiles today.
Nice to hear!!
I say it all the time to myself as I read your blog … “this is the best blog ever”. I’m plate obsessed and table-setting obsessed – so this was a real treat. Loved the purple/yellow theme. Dinner looks amazing – great choices all around! Every picture made me so happy!
Margot’s shoes were so cute! Best wishes to the new bride!
Thank you Stephanie!
What a special group of friends you are. The table looked divine – fresh, elegant colours with a country feel. You must have loads of storage for all your china and glassware! I’m rapidly running out of space in my house.
I finally broke down and bought a couple of hutches and managed to get it all in. Now we can’t have any more until I remove something!
One in….one out. Hey, girlfriends, lets hope she gathers lots more glassware/housewares – Vanna will be busy:)
What a beautiful table! Looked like a lovely dinner with friends…Are you going to share the recipes for the lime coleslaw and the sweet potatoes? 🙂
Uh huh. Means yes. 🙂
You sound like me. The other day Norm asked me something and I, thinking about something else, answered, “Dunno”. He said, “What?” And I laughed and said clearly, “I don’t know”… LOL! 🙂
duh . . . 🙂
What a sweet party to give for your friend. I was lucky enough to have been able to do this same sweet thing for my oldest daughter in July, in Nova Scotia. Bridal Lingerie parties are so much fun. We had a ball and laughed so much, but best of all . . . I got to do it for my baby girl. Those are the best parties of all. It was just wonderful. xxoo
PS = am loving that skirt and those shoes, those beautiful shoes . . .oh that I could only get away with wearing something like that. Life’s just not fair sometimes.
It’s so fun to look though, I love it, I don’t think, no matter what my age, I will ever get tired of looking at fun fashion! I’ll be the 90 year old on the train with the InStyle magazine! 🙂
Hi Susan,
I had another “WWSBD” kind of day! I woke up to a cleared calendar on a beautiful day and thought…”What Would Susan Branch Do?” Thanks to your inspiration, I had the most wonderful morning just puttering around the garden and the kitchen. You always remind us what simply matters!
Love and peace to you always Susan,
Donna
PS Can I find your Lime Coleslaw recipe in any of your books??? Sounds so yummy!
Not yet,I just made it up for the party . . . I will give it to you soon on the blog.
Hi Susan,
Wow after the big Birthday party and now that ever so cute girl party, I need to lay down. Tell girl kitty to save me a spot on the bed. Great party!!
Nancy Jo
PS hI jACK
Congrats to Mary enjoy your mug….Susan, lovely job on Jamie’s shower everything looked exquisite including Jack who by the way is always “dressed” for any occasion with his ready to wear tuxedo!!!
He could go to formal dinners on the QM2 and fit right in!
Sue,
What a wonderful girlfriend you are! The soirée you hosted was perfection. I adore your attention to detail; making everything extra-special. It’s these small things we do that show people they matter. Don’t you agree?
I did enter your giveaway, but honestly, your posts are gifts enough. Congrats to Mary in Pheonix. I imagine she will be filling it with ice coffee! 🙂
Deborah
* Phoenix. (Yes, it’s a curse!)
Probably!!
I am completely overcome by the beauty of everything in the shower!! The gorgeous table made me cry… 🙂 The flowers and everything were perfect!! What kind of a ROSE is that?!?! It is amazing!!! And Jack is being such a good boy – he looks so innocent!!!
“And Jaime is so happy, because she just got all new underwear…” – ROTFL!!!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Jaime’s face said it all!! Everything, how absolutely touching, the table so gorgeous, and love the idea of the “old fashioned lingerie party”!
I just got home from the grocery and told my husband he shouldn’t let me go by myself again (he’s retired now and we usually go together) because I LOST all our reusable grocery bags (all 8 of them)! I’d put them under the cart and when I went to check out they were gone! You’d think if they’d fallen out I would have tripped over them. Searched the whole store (I’d meandered through the whole store since I was by myself). I was so glad to come home and find your lovely post. It took my mind off my forgetfulness!
Somebody probably took them 🙂 go with that. xo
Hi Cathy – I once left my coupon box in the cart and of course it was no where to be found when I realized that and returned to the store. A sympathetic cashier gave me the same advice Susan gave you. Just accept it and start over. I have been meaning to ask you anyway where you live in MD. I’m in Columbia.
Hi Ann! I live in Frederick and the store called today to tell me they have my bags at the Customer Service desk. I posted elsewhere about it on this post and said I think if they were stolen the thief, once they realized the bag contained only other bags, abandoned them. I don’t even remember leaving my cart to give someone the opportunity. They must have fallen off….
How great they knew they were yours!!!
No great story there–I’d left my name and number at the Customer Service desk.
You’re so smart. Mystery solved!
Absolutely lovely girl party, Susan! I love the lighting that you take your party photos with…makes everything so romantic and sweet and charming. Your tablescape is beautiful….love the green candlesticks and the star bobeches. And Margot’s outfit! Oh my, how gorgeous….to be that thin…*sigh*…I can only imagine how wonderful the food is! To have access to fresh lobsters must be a culinary dream!!! xoxo
P.S. Congrats to Mary from Phoenix….lucky girl!
What a wonderful party and great night for you girls and now, us girls! Your tablescape was exquisite and your menu was fabulous. Love the dishes! How fun to use your treasures. Would the lobster coleslaw and cinnamon roasted sweet potatoe recipes be in your Summer Cookbook? Thank you. Can’t wait for that English Diary!
Those are newish recipes and aren’t in any books yet.
‘newish’ is good and anticipatory 🙂 Love the china lemon glasses–everything was just perfect. I marvel at your pictures, the way you capture your life with those you love and who love you. Wonderful and great memories. Thank you again for sharing
Another awesome party! I’m impressed you can find time for it all when I’m sure you’re so busy with your diary (and many other things)! And, by the way, the glasses in your second picture are adorable. I love the mix of colors. Your island sounds so lovely with the windows open and the breeses blowing. I’m really looking forward to that same thing this fall.
~Michelle
Dishes, glasses, linens…my one weakness…okay maybe that’s three. If you haven’t watched it already be sure to settle in with “Larkrise to Candleford.” It will make your heart (even more) happy. Such a beautiful tablescape. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Yes, dishes, glasses, linens and Susan Branch are my one weakness, too! Love Larkrise to Candleford!
Love, love the rose….beautiful color….beautiful luncheon party!
What a lovely get together…so beautiful! And, every time I see Jack I imagine he speaks in French…just call me the crazy cat lady…my dear daughter does lol
I should tell him “my pencil is on the table” (all I know in French) and see if his expression changes, if he twirls his mustache.
Hmmmm, you just never know 😉
Hahaha…. I can hear Jack reply in his debonair french voice, “but Suzan, your pen is in your pocket.”
I don’t know about the other Girlfriends, but I would LOVE your recipes from your girl party! And in the meantime your gorgeous yellow glass candlesticks have inspired me to start looking for some of my very own. 🙂
Kristina
Georgetown TX
Yellow is so great!
Oh my goodness….the party is luscious Susan…. I LOVE how you talk/don’t talk about the skirt…oh my oh my is it special. She must have found a very special man to be handle all of the creative cuteness going on in one woman….
I mean he’s no Joe….but probably in top 11 of all special men!
What a wonderful party you put on….
I LOVE how Jack, the only man there…. best seat in the house!!
And congratulations to Mary—- woo-hoo!
Love,
Joann
xoxo
Susan,
Loved your table for the shower part. It was perfect. I wanted to tell you that I have been dying to do something creative. Reading your blog on a regular basis makes me want to do something artistic even more. I go to the craft stores and get totally overwhelmed by all the stuff there so I usually don’t get anything. I have finally decided to try watercolors. I ordered some of the watercolors so I’m set.
My husband knows I want to try it so he keeps asking me what I want to paint and I keep saying I don’t know. I was thinking of starting with a flower. But I’ve also been thinking about trying to do Jack. When I saw his picture in your post today, I thought that would be a good one to try to copy and hope to try it this week-end.
I am one of these people who enjoyed drawing until in junior high school, when my art teacher didn’t like it if it wasn’t like hers. So I got discouraged and never progressed past the stick figure stage. I know say practice, practice, practice, so I’m going to try to do that. I guess I will try drawing Jack in light pencil first and then paint him. Thanks for always being an inspiration in everything you do. The island girls are fortunate to have you for a friend.
Sue in Fl.
Yes, you are doing exactly the right thing, feel free to erase profusely, nothing has to be perfect, just play, throw it out if you want, play some more . . . nobody just picks it up and is great immediately, nobody.
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m anxious to try. I know it will be fun.
Sue in Fl.
Susan…first..congrats to Mary in Phoenix! What a lucky lady she is..smile…
Thank you for inviting all of us girls to the bridal shower! I hope Jamie knows how lucky she is to have all of us girlfriends at her party…lol All joking aside, you & her friends must have had an amazing time…. Your table setting was so..so beautiful…you are one gifted lady!
Oh my gosh Margot is so fashionable.”love” those shoes, but especially the skirt! Wow!
Thanking you ahead of time for the recipes!
Blessings,
Gert
Once again, how lucky are we that we are invited to your parties? I love the Buttercup Spode…it’s the china we chose almost 38 years ago when we got married. I use mine for special occasions (recently Book Club and a friend’s birthday brunch) but they are in cabinets in my kitchen with glass doors so I can enjoy them all the time. Love that they even have a touch of blue, so you can use yellow, brown, blue, etc. with them. I especially love the dainty teacups! Thanks again for inviting me. Congratulations to Jaime!!
You really know how to throw a party Susan. Loved everything, the table layout, the flowers, the candles, the food and especially THE BELLS 🙂 Joe did a great job getting those!
Isn’t it lovely when two lives are touched by love…and it can happen anytime, anywhere. Why just the other day, Tuesday to be exact, I fell in love with a mini Petey! I discovered him in an antique mall in Cookstown, Ontario. He is only six inches tall and is the exact replica of Petey right down to that devil-may-care grin.
He must be another Canadian kith or perhaps kin of your Petey. He was $20 but who can put a price on cute! I just received five, yes, five of your books that are out of print and I am so pleased with them. I was familiar with most of them because I would take them out of the library all the time but your vineyard books are new to me and I’m lovin’ them. Happy hugs to you all.
You are doing some fine shopping there Elaine! xoxo
Beautiful table, Susan! I would love to find a set of those lemon tumblers. Darling.
“maybe someday, everyone will have little something from the Heart of the H♥me”
We already do 🙂
PS VH to OB in August? He is a saint that man!
A saint! You understand!
Ah, I understand now… That 15-minute trip any other time of year took 2 and a half hours in August, huh? I think maybe Joe deserves another cheesecake for this herculean effort! :>)
Having nothing to do with the blog, I just got my ADORABLE chicken timer in the mail – she is perched on my stove alongside two lighthouse salt and pepper shakers that my now 24 year old daughter bought as a souvenir from MVI to give to her grandmother many moons ago….
I’m so glad you like him Lynn!
GORGEOUS table setting!! I am especially in love with your white table cloth 🙂 But I want to know – where in the world do you store all your beautiful tableware? This is always such a chalenge for me!
Hutches, and standing cupboards. I’ll have to show you someday, it’s not pretty, but it works. I can’t buy a single other thing though, unless something goes!
Would definitely love to see a tour one day of where all these pretties “live!”
You Island girlfriends have so much fun. I’m waaaay jealous! Your table was so divine, I just wanted to dive into that picture (overhead shot). As for your girlfriend Margot: like I always say, “if you’ve got a cute tush, put a bow on it”. Too cute!
What a perfect saying!
What a lovely shower Susan! You are such a wonderful friend. Boy do I ever understand your obsession with glass, or any dish for that matter! I would love to have a “dish pantry” to store all of mine, but alas, they are just here and there, wherever I can find room. I saw in one of your reply’s that you bought a couple of hutches to store yours in. I would love to see them, all full of your beautiful dishes. Maybe a post on that someday? Thanks for the party invitation. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🙂
There’s nothing better than getting together with the girls to celebrate a happy occasion! My very Best Wishes to your friend Jamie on her upcoming marriage! I’ll bet you had a blast preparing the menu and decorating the table. You gave her a very special evening!
Enjoy the wedding!
Mary
I’m in another world (helping my daughter and granddaughters move from Japan to Mississippi while their husband/dad is out at sea) with no time to tweet or look at blogs, but today I sat down for a few minutes to catch up with all the delightful things on your blog and was tickled to see a darling bride and groom perched atop “Bon Voyage” :-). What an honor to see it with all your beautiful decorations! I’ve loved catching up, but now there’s a four year-old letting me know blog reading time is over :-). xoxo
They do have a tendency to let you know! Good that you listen, Janie! Yes! Bon Voyage was the perfect swing for newlyweds to be!
Best wishes to the bride and congratulations to the groom; may their best years be ahead of them!
So when is your Holiday Entertaining Book coming out? I know you give little tips in all your books, but you really should do one just on having a party. (I know you need more things to do!) You made us feel as if we were really sitting at the table with you and your friends; or on the couch with Jack. Congratulations to Mary!
Susan,
Oh, my goodness! What a beautiful girl party shower! WHAT A SWEET GESTURE ! The food looks lovely and the table all beautifully set – to die for. Brought back memories of my daughter’s shower.Have to ask you about the glass bowl in the picture with the stacked dishes. Do you know anything about it? I have the exact same one with glass candle holders. My Mom gave them to me. She had gotten them at a garage sale. Have to say that I love Margot’s skirt, the color and the style. How adorable! One more thing – What is Polenta cake ? Have not heard of it. Am really looking forward to your English diary too. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a cake made with polenta flour and almond flour instead of wheat flour . . . except for the bread on the bread plates, this dinner was all gluten-free which seems very popular yesterday. I didn’t do it “on purpose” — but just wanted a really healthy meal. Siobhan in England made this cake for us, it was sooooo good! I’m putting the recipe in the English Diary!
P.S. Forgot to say – Congratulations Mary!!
Who doesn’t love paper Wedding Bells? What splendiferous details!
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~Marcel Proust~ ;>)
Standing ovation!
Congrats to Mary of Phoenix! (sigh!!:) Oh my I had completely forgotten about the drawing because……I was drooling over the glasses, dishes & silverware on the table – oh and the candle holders! I thought I was over collecting glasses and dishes – but NO!!!!! You got me hooker once again. It just makes me feel so good – no matter how sad or down you are – it puts a smile on your face and you simply SIGH…….XXXXOOOO
You done good Susan! That shower was so lovely! It would be a delightful treat to be at your table. I bet every cell in your body screams “artist!”
Your joyous spirit is contagious, dear Susan…what a lovely party you created and thank you for sharing these glimpses of your life with us. You make beauty easily because you see beauty all around you…what a gift! I love your blog like I love your books. You are precious.
Thank you! xo
I especially loved the little flowers from the garden; so quaint…and the Jackson Browne song at the end…so lovely. Such a nice party for a friend; you are a sweetie!
O Susan your table scape looks so beautiful! And yes Margots skirt was soo cute and I loved her shoes too! Thank you so much for sharing with us girlfriends…you know what makes us happy!
And Susan I could do with you “popping” back to England to show me how to set a nice table “Susan Branch” style for when I am doing the hospitality for our son’s race day! We usually have a buffet lunch and I use coloured throw away table cloths and co ordinated napkins and the fun thing now is those little 3 tier cardboard cakestands you can buy. We usually have one as a centre piece, however we can’t light any candles because of the race fuel close by!
I always think what would Susan do? when I am dressing any table you are a great source of inspiration to us all! xxxx
An old cotton picnic tablecloth? A jar of water with a lid on it; pick wildflowers for it? Not sure your location, but there seemed to be wildflowers everywhere when we were there. I got one of those cakestands when I was there, with the Union Jack on it . . . haven’t used it yet, saving it for English Tea! Have fun!
Hi Dearest Susan!!!
Thank you for inviting us to Jamie’s shower. What a wonderful party!!! 🙂 She looked positively beautiful!! You set such a lovely table for her shower with all of your attention to detail. Everything looked so yummy and delicious…hope you will share some of the recipes with us soon? You are a priceless friend as I am sure all of your close friends know..:) I love Margot’s skirt and shoes too!! How fabulous!! 🙂 Thanks for always putting me in that “Susan state of mind”. You are such a constant inspiration to me. I just adore you. I feel as though we have been friends forever as I am sure most of your readers feel the same. You are a true treasure..and I agree with what “Old Married Lady” wrote on her post 100%. Thank you and have a wonderful evening!! 🙂
GOD Bless. Love and Hugs, Tricia B. XOXOXOXOXO
Same to you Tricia, thank you!
Love your tablescape! The Copeland/Spode Buttercup dishes — a favorite of mine! The tumblers — never before seen! What a find. Yes, as an avid dish collector, I am salivating! Who better to share it all with — Girlfriends! That happy gene is at work again!
I know, I’ve never seen more of them myself, and I look!
Dear Susan,
You just bring happiness..wherever you go..whatever you do.
Hugs,
Sheryl
I am very happy for Mary in Phoenix 🙂
Your party table is absolutely lovely……..thank you for allowing us to be a part of it!
From Louisville (for a few days anyway)
Bonnie L
Absolutely beautiful. I love logging in and finding a new SB blog to greet me! I ate two Dove dark chocolates and read your blog, a blissful interlude, every photo is yummy! And I don’t just mean the food!! Thanks for writing and sharing, I think I say that every time, but I mean it. Seeing the beautiful table, just lifts my spirit. Many congrats to Mary, what a thrill to win something from your blog.
Oh what a joy to be invited to your parties! So lovely. I have a “glass obsession” too, especially for vintage glass items. I have a pair of whale oil (Sandwich Glass, mid-1800’s) lamps which I had “electrified” many years ago as well as another oil lamp purchased from an antique store in Springfield, IL. I love the Martha’s Vineyard map shade pictured in the kitchen at Joe’s party and the green print lampshade in the living room pictured at the shower. I was wondering if you or any of the girlfriends have a suggestions where to find such darling shades. I live in the Washington, DC area where they’re a lot of stores, but finding the usual white and cream plain. And congrats to our winner!
That shade is handpainted, and only available through an island business called Rainy Day — I bet you could Google them and order one over the phone. The woman who paints them is at least in her 80’s, and she’s very special.
Thanks so much, Susan. I will look for her tonight. And thanks for inspiring me to look for these sweet things that cheer up a home for everyone.
Be still my heart! I almost had heart stoppage when reading this blog. I was sort of racing ahead to find the winner and THEN I saw an “a”and “y” and THEN Phoenix. Did I read that correctly?? Did I just read “the winner is Kathy Phenix”?
Oh, shucks, close but no cup! It says Mary of Phoenix! One can get into trouble trying to speed read. Well, congratulations to Mary of Phoenix. Maybe next time for Kathy Phenix. I got so close! Kathy Phenix of Melbourne.
Oh so close!!!!
I love your music selections!
Thank you for the nice party–girly as can be! I especially loved the bells as Mom used to do alot of holiday decorating in the honeycomb objects (turkeys,sleighs, balls, bells, storks, pineapples–you name it !) The table setting was gorgeous and the flowers were just right…single flowers can be enjoyed more than multiples of the same flower. Not to change the subject but just finished a novel by Phillip Craig (deceased ) from MV and he showed a handdrawing of MV–what part of the Island do you live on as it appears there are more than just one town which I always thought there were? Thank you again for the invite!
Yes, there are six! Three “large” — like ours, and three, if-you-blink, you-miss-them.
Your tablescape with vintage looking bells was beautiful and just perfect for a girl party. Food sounds totally yummy too!
Wow, I would have happily BOUGHT TICKETS to attend this party! An elegant home-cooked menu, a candlelit and sublimely beautiful table, a small group of celebrating best friends. And Jack! What could be better?
PS – please let us know if you find out the name of that rose – just lovely. I’ve never seen a ruffled rose before, just tulips.
PS – Congratulations, Mary – on getting the Jubilee mug! Be sure to write down a little bit of the background of this and keep it with the box – just in case it ever makes it to a [very] future episode of “Antiques Roadshow” :>)
LOL, “Bought tickets!” 🙂
Congratulations to Mary in Phoenix! Enjoy!!
Loved this post! Beautiful party. We all need new lingere. When I was married the second time, my friends gave me a very nice gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret. So much fun!!
Somehow it does make you feel more pampered to have it!
The only reason I seem to buy new lingerie is because I need a new size LOL!
Whatever it takes!
Susan,
Hate to ask again about the glass bowl in the picture with the stacked dishes – but do you know anything about it? As I said I have one just like it. Was given to me along with candleholders by my mother.
Jan
Not really, it has nothing written on it, I found it at an antique store and just fell in love with it — it’s really clean and clear glass.
Sending congratulations to Mary in Phoenix! A bit envious, though.:-)
I did, however, just win Sharon’s giveaway, and have won one of Rachel’s, so perhaps my turn will come up for one of yours.:-)
My husband has begun digging our sweet potatoes. We like them simply roasted, with no extras. It’s almost like eating candy!
The party sounded like such fun. Thank you for inviting us to share in it.
Sending happy wishes to you, Susan. Be sure to include Jack as co-author of the English Diary.:-)
xo Nellie
Yes, Jack the editor!
So many delightful things in this post, Susan……but my favorite is Jamie’s picture. That’s what all bright smiles like Jamie’s. I just loved being included in your party, thank you. But, next time I need a little more time to come up with something smashing to wear like Margot…..goodness gracious, that girl could probably wear a burlap bag and look stunning. I remember her magnificant hair. I bet I know where you sat at the table. I noticed you didn’t have enough of the tumblers to go around so that’s where you sat, at the place with out one, right? Can you believe how carefully us girlfriends examine your photos? Thanks for all the beauty. As always, DonnaRay
Good eye, yes I only have 6 of the turquoise ones, but still, I wanted to use them, we are a mix and match family!
Being a glass junkie I loved your table. I loved the pitcher and everything on the table. What a lovely table and the food, Yum! To get new undies what more could you want. *S* She is very lucky to have such good friends. Enjoy the cup Mary!! BTW, Jack was just trying to help you. *L* He looked so cute and innocent on the couch! Take care all.
The second sentence should read: “That’s what all the homemaking is about…..filling people’s hearts which just bubble up into bright smiles like Jamie’s.” I’m blaming my husband, who is trying to tell me something as I’m typing. As always, DonnaRay……okay, Honey, I’m listening now…..
hahahaha — tell him we love his input!
Now, that was one fabulous wedding shower!! Oh my, what fun! From the perfect table setting to the incredible menu, I know everyone enjoyed every minute. I think girl-friend parties are some of the best because we just “know” the right things to serve and plan. It is all in the details!
A big congratulations to Mary in Phoenix too! Put the kettle on ’cause a fabulous mug is coming your way to enjoy! For me, I would be putting on a pot of my homemade coffee blend I call Warm Apple Pie. I combine Italian Roast, Regular, French Vanilla and Cinnamon Spice in just the right combination for a hearty smooth blend that really does make you think of a slice of hot apple pie.
Can I say again that I just love Jack Kitty? That face is so adorable and I love how he just wants to be in on what the humans are up too. I bet he managed to get a bit of attention at the party with his out going personality too! A Girl Party PLUS Jack Kitty! I hope your friend has a wonderful life with her new found love! Life is so good!
Oh, such an inspiration. Makes you want to throw a party! I love your website/blog, it makes me smile every time I log in. Thank you so much, AND all the wonderful comments with so many other wonderful ideas.
Loved the theme, loved her shoes and that skirt/sarong…..never thought about tying one in back. Again, wonderful.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
Susan,
Thanks for the info on Polenta cake . I keep forgetting to mention that I sure have been enjoying the lemon cucumbers from my garden. Would certainly plant them again. Thanks to you.
Jan
So pretty too, and different!
First, your BFF bride-to-be Jaime looked gorgeous, woohoo off one shoulder top:) too. Happy wishes to her. Margot – shoes, wrap and tush – fabulous. Jack…just adoring/absorbing all of your beautiful friends.
Love your table that seats 8 so nicely and decorated so charmingly. Food – yum! What a fabulous job you did on everything – you are the entertaining queen:) I too LOVE glassware and housewares. All my nooks and crannies full. I love to plan my table – I just need a cook to go along with it.
I’m with Angie (Tink), eyes and ears glued to weather channel. We WERE the bullseye for the hurricane at first but I too am “blowing” to the west…and it is moving a bit :)))) We are 2 hours south of Tampa – on a river – not far from the gulf. Prayers and best wishes appreciated.
p.s. Congratulations Mary!
Be safe Judi!
This bride to be is off to a great start! The skirt reminds me of a Renoir Painting.
Joe, you complete us girls! What would we do without you? If not for you, this little party would not be the same. Thanks ever so much for the bells! So traditional and so perfect. We all just love you to pieces. You make our world perfection! And your always so willing to help. You are the last of the good ones, all the rest are taken!
Love and gratitude, Judy
(no, Susan, I’m not hittin on your husband!)
This is me, watching you. 🙂
love it all! skirt is gorgeous …. I want to know about the shoes!!! I love the shoes! I want the shoes!!! where?? where?? where??
Pink Hugs,
Dee
My girlfriends are fabulous shoppers, she got them at TJ Maxx!
Love TJ Maxx! Great place to find jewelry..
Margot finds amazing deals there!
Hi Susan, I love the bells on the table and I must say I love not only how you decorated but it seems like your table is square since you can easily put so many decorations on the table and also all the bowls of food……….delightful! Also, I just read the Willard which was hard since I am on my son’s computer in VA Beach. Maybe we’ll stay here for a bit since the hurricane is headed near Florida. Hope we only get rain there and some wind! Can’t wait to look at your items on our website. Enjoy the rest of the summer! When we came to MV it was Sept. and such a nice time and not so much traffic. Love your town and The Black Dog as well! Hugs, Gail Buss in Fl
The party is just lovely, and the table was so classy and feminine. So comforting to know that Joe and Jack were just behind the scenes, so the females felt safe and secure. Congratulation to Mary, when I saw Phoenix I just about fell off my chair, but then I saw and Mary and said, not quite. It’s nice to know the cup will be here in Phoenix! Thanks for all you do for all of us, Susan. You are so selfless and good to us!
Dear Susan, thanks for making us a part of such a special celebration!! I love the beautiful garden flowers, table settings, candlesticks and all the little sweet touches in between. Congratulations to Jamie and congratulations to Mary in Pheonix!!
Thanks for the invite to Jaime’s shower. She is so blessed to have found true love and to have such special friends to share that with. Everything was just perfect…the food, the dishes, the flowers, the glassware, the colors, Margot’s outfit, the music…ok stop drooling Rhonda. I am so glad that there are other Dish Girlfriends out there, because my glass obsession is BAD! It’s kind of nice to have an obsession for which I don’t have to take a 12 step course (or not yet anyway). I’m hosting a baby shower for my daughter on Saturday, and my colors are pastel shades. Your shower and inspiration came at just the right time to help me out. I only wish that mine could look half as good as yours. Btw, Master Jack is looking very manly in that last photo if I must say so. He’s quite a “cat” you know!
Happy Baby Shower!!
How lucky is Jaime to be “feted”/is that a word???…oh well, I hope you know what I mean…by Susan B…what a wonderful wedding shower…everything was bee~u~ti~ful…as always…when SB throws a party:-)…to the “nines”…really to the “tens”…that’s how Susan rolls…thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas and giving us more inspiration…xoxo…
Just think. If you were getting married, what would you like? I would like to be proposed to on a blue day by a skywriting airplane, someone on knee, with a ring, I would like showers and engagement parties and involvement from my best friends, and a pretty wedding near a field of wildflowers or in front of a fireplace; and a gorgeous dress. Just the basics. Wait until you see their invitation . . . I’ll put it up here.
YES…YES…and YES…you’re doing their invitation?!?…WOW!!!…luckylucky Jaime and her hubby-to-be…can’t wait to see it…xoxo…
I didn’t do it . . . I just opened it this morning and burst out laughing!
Susan,
Thanks for the reply about your glass bowl. I, too could not find any markings on my bowl, but just thought you might have some info on it since you know alot about dishes. Thanks again.
Jan
I wish they would talk!!! Someday they will probably have little chips we can hook to our things, so when they get passed down, or sold through yard sales, history can go with them! They will talk! If they aren’t making this, they should!
Love the skirt – need source link. Lobster recipe looks yum.need that too !
Cucumber lemon-basil water! Polenta cake!! “Lapkins” – now that’s great!
Did Jack get any lobster? (he’s getting big)
I try not to get my kitties on people food until they are very old and won’t eat anything else, then it’s all lobster, scallops and shrimp. Otherwise they will be on the table while we’re eating!!!