Holiday Brunch

On Christmas day, Mr. Mickey’s local daughter and a close friend stopped by to exchange gifts and share a light brunch.

My lipstick color is Girls’ Night – Classic Red here. My skincare routine is here, and haircare is here. A favorite essential for winter skin is here.

I often become too warm while working in the kitchen, so I wore a simple tank under a lightweight cardigan. The Newport trousers are my new favorites. I purchased a few colors of the same style last fall. Similar current items from our looks are in the following links. My look: TankCardiganTrousersHosiery. Mr. Mickey’s look: ShirtSweater VestJeans Shoes.

Even our tiny celebration seemed special this year. I stopped to check on my parents earlier in the week but stayed home on Christmas day due to the weather conditions. We had our first white Christmas in over a decade. Did you have snow also?

WatchSimilar EarringsNecklace (Use the code SAS10 For $10 off any one item at Beauty in Stone Jewelry.)

The velvet loafers are about three years old. I only wear them inside the house. Here is a similar pair.

I made scones and served them with coffee, soft butter, strawberry jam, and raspberry pepper jelly. The scone recipe is here.

The first question from new readers is often, “How can you eat like that without gaining weight?” I enjoy desserts and fresh bread occasionally, but I eat small amounts and return to a mostly whole food plant-based diet the next day. If I gain five pounds, I know I am eating too much and not moving around enough, so I change my habits.

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58 Comments
  1. We didn’t have snow at our house on Christmas ( east central Illinois) but my son had a light dusting about 20 miles south of here. I envy your snowfall on Christmas.

  2. We did not have snow at our house, but it fell close by in the North Georgia mountains. Thank you for the scone recipe. I will look forward to making them for my husband and me on New Year’s Day. Your dinnerware pattern is beautiful. It looks like Spode.

    Happy New Year, Susan! I look forward to your wonderful clothing and lifestyle tips in 2021!

      1. What a fun surprise to see your Blue Danube, as we’ve had it since our wedding 40+ years ago. It’s held up very well even with 3 boys! You set a lovely table for brunch, and I’m glad you were able to celebrate with your special people. Thank you for all your useful recommendations – I was especially glad this year to find the Talbot high waist jeans that are so comfy and flattering. Happy New Year!

        Becki in PA

  3. Living in South Carolina I did not have a white Christmas. Love your blue and white plates. I also use blue and white dinner ware in the Blue Willow pattern. Looking forward to your posts in 2021.

  4. Beautiful pictures! The scones look yummy! We didn’t have a white Christmas in Arkansas. Very low key with no big family gatherings. Just me and my husband. Hoping for better things in the new year. Be safe.

  5. Susan, Happy New Year! I would love to hear your thoughts on how to live elegantly in a time of sheltering at home. Also any suggestions as to self-care practices for 2021 would be helpful. Love your blog, Thanks!!

  6. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. With your health scare this past summer, I do hope 2021 is a much better year. We had 16 inches of snow over Christmas and boxing day, so yes, it was a very white Christmas. Your shot of the snow looks pretty but I bet it was a surprise after all those years. I am looking forward to many more of your informative posts and lovely travel pictures in the up coming year, and appreciate all the work you put into the posts.

  7. We had a white Christmas in Western PA, too. I was surprised to learn that it was the first in many years since we do get our share of snow each winter!

  8. No snow in Phoenix, so we’re well used to that. But the mornings and nights thus time of year are often in the mid to high 30’s, so it feels very festive. Your table setting and your home are beautiful in their understated elegance. All the best to you and Mr. Mickey for a safe and happy new year.

    I bought two lovely cashmere sweaters a couple of years ago, navy and pearl grey. Both have long sleeves and barely neck lines. Unfortunately I find even cashmere makes my skin itch. A friend suggested I try layering a long sleeved tee underneath. Sounds great, but what neckline should the tees have, and what colors?

  9. Miss Susan, you set a lovely table. The blue and white dishes are classic. My attempts at scones have been rather dry so I will try your recipe. You and Mr Mickey look smart in your casual chic outfits. No snow here in Central Indiana, just very cold.

  10. Snow here in eastern Canada; of course. But it alo arrived on cue Christmas eve in just the right amount and is lingering, also in just the right amount. With another lockdown starting Boxing day, my 2nd solitary Christmas in a row and what seems like another endless round of closures and impossibilities this was a true blessing and much appreciated.
    May 2021 bring much more of the same…happy new year!

  11. Good morning from Oregon. No snow here, but a beautiful sky in purples , blues and pinks.
    You set a lovely table. Scones are a favorite!
    My husband looks to me to help him figure out what to wear, so it’s always helpful to see what Mr. Mickey is wearing. He always looks debonair. I just sent for a black cashmere sweater for my hubs and am hoping it fits well. Have a great New Years!

  12. Lovely, Susan. As always, thank you to you and Mr. Mickey for so generously sharing your stories in such an open manner. We wish you and yours best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. Blessings!

  13. We had 18 inches of snow here in north central Pennsylvania on Dec 17 and it remained through Christmas, although it did rain on Christmas Eve. We had flurries on Christmas Day. Happy 2021 to you and Mr. Mickey!

  14. We’re in Daytona Beach Florida. No snow, but we dipped down in the 30s but we are looking at close to 80 later in the week. But I won’t brag long because we’re supposed to go back to cooler after that. But coming from NC, I Do miss the snow, but only ONE, and only if it falls on land, not streetsL. LOL.

  15. I’m always looking for new books to read. Would you mind sharing your coffee table books with us? I was able to read the title & author of the one under your shoes & have already requested it from my library. Thanks in advance. And may the two of you have a healthy new year!

    1. The other book is from 1985. It is ‘Visions of Paradise Themes and Variations on the Garden’ by Marina Schinz. I will share some new books that I am enjoying on Thursday.

  16. Lovely to see two of my favorites, scones and Blue Danube. I have a set for eight and some serving pieces that I’ve had for 42 years. I need to use them more often. No snow in Central Texas, yet, but plenty of cold weather.

  17. Hello Susan, I just wanted to tell you how nice it is to know that you also eat mainly a whole food plant based diet, my husband and I started eating that way over 2 1/2 years ago and were amazed at how good we felt and how the weight disappeared without even trying. We did slip a bit last year, but we’re working our way back to where we left off. I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you and Mr. Mickey.

  18. Merry Christmas! Enjoyed seeing the bush with snow on it as I live in Goodyear, Az. We did have a beautiful sunny day with 70 temperature.

  19. We had a beautiful white Christmas here in Ohio. I’m going to try your scone recipe. It sounds delicious!
    Happy New Year!

  20. Enjoy following your blog your fashion recommendations makes so much sense I don’t know why I didn’t think about this earlier. Very elegant. Sincerely Mimi O’Dell

  21. What a beautiful way to begin my morning – seeing your lovely style carry through your home, your elegant clothes and your lovely brunch table to share. Have a wonderful New year!!!

  22. A beautiful white Christmas for us here in Alberta Canada, which is the normal weather! Your scones look so delicious! When I make scones or biscuits, I use a course size grater for the cold butter, toss it around well into the dry ingredients, then place that into the freezer to get nice and cold before adding the wet ingredients, if the butter freezes, all the better! They are always light and moist. It is fun to serve as a “High Tea” with china cups and a lacy tablecloth for a get together with (girl) friends!

  23. A very Happy New Year to you and Mr Mickey
    What a nice brunch table
    Heir on Crete there is snow only on the top of the mountains .

  24. Happy New Year Susan
    I checked out. The trousers on the Talbots site. The patterned ones were on clearance for 29.99! A bargain. I love Talbots clothes. And I love your blog. Give Mr M a hug for me.
    Another Susan

  25. You are so lucky to have family and friends close by during this Christmas. On Dec 26, Ontario Canada went into lockdown, so this is a quiet season.
    I was surprised to see so much snow in your area. We got a foot of snow just before Christmas.
    You have had quite a challenging year, Susan, and I really admire your ability to push on and give your readers such informative posts. I would enjoy periodic posts on books as well as any fashion workshops on a particular topic.
    Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year!

  26. Happy New Year to you and Mr. Mickey. I love your blog and have learned so much from you. Many of the brands and products you recommend I now purchase. I appreciate how much research you do and share with your followers. I look forward to reading your blog, it is my favorite to read,so savor it over a cup of tea!

    God Bless

  27. As always, you and Mr. Mickey look wonderful! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Mr. Mickey in jeans! He looks great in everything, very handsome! Thanks for sharing your celebration! The scones look delicious!

  28. Hi Susan – I love that you include Mr. Mickey’s fashion and photos more. BTW, I purchased the Macy’s maroon band jacket as soon as I saw it on your blog. My 35 yr-old daughter commented, “I just might have to borrow that sometime!” I’m also known as the “scarf lady” at church since I purchased those wonderful silk scarves from you 2 years ago. I truly appreciate your blog and style!

    I hope you and Mr. Mickey have a Happy New Year!

    Blessings,
    DeeDee Stephens

  29. Yes, we had about 7 inches on Christmas morning. It does make everything seem magical and bright. Thank you for the scone recipe and I will remember what was said about chilling in the freezer, such a great tip. A very Happy New Year to you and Mr. Mickey! Looking forward to reading more of your very informative blog in 2021.

  30. I sometimes wear a thin white t-shirt under a cashmere sweater for an extra layer. I pair a crew neck t-shirt with either a crew-neck or V-neck cashmere sweater. If the t-shirt shows, it looks intentional and works for a casual look. For a dressier look, a thin layering cotton turtleneck or a pretty silk blouse is another option.

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.