Turkey day

 It's Turkey time in the USA.  Today is the day we gather to give thanks and share a turkey and lots of good side dishes. We give thanks.  It is indeed a day to celebrate with gratitude.  If you host this holiday, you know it involves lots of preparation and hard work.  There is something humbling when I think of the sheer work involved at that first Thanksgiving feast and now all the modern day conveniences we have at our fingertips deserve many thanks.

Just a little glimpse at the grown-ups table.

The homespun linen napkins are from Heather Ross In House. It's a good thing I do not live nearby her shop, she has a great eye for wonderful home goods.  

Let me tell you that these napkins are scrumptiously soft and generous in size.

Everything else was gifted or collected over the years, our wedding Audubon Silver from Tiffany's, White Royal Copenhagen Porcelain dinner plates, Limoge Candlesticks, White Reindeer from an Antique shop in the city and the chestnuts were bought at Stop and Shop.  

The chargers appear yellow in this photo but in fact are gold from a nearby shop and the dark chocolate  linen tablecloth I bought years ago at Conran's in the city.

I am so very Thankful for each of you who pop in to visit or to leave me a comment.

Happy Turkey Day to you.

I am off to make the place cards and my thankful tree.

More pictures to follow.

monday motivation - house works

 Welcome Monday.  As many of us scramble to pitch tents, forage for ingredients and prepare a bountiful table to share with our family and friends, when we really get down to it, the origins of Thanksgiving day were all about going native.  Life in a tent does seem simple.

 How marvelous is this relaxed table to share a meal and break bread.

I can only imagine the pilgrims writing down and sharing recipes with the Indians.

Several years ago, a dear friend inspired me to organize a binder with important papers and one binder is devoted to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

A binder with clear sleeves to show recipes and to keep important papers.

One can find many inspiring planners on line, but a simple binder can gather all items in one handy spot.

 How are things working inside your tent this week.  If you host, is your table set, your menu prepped, and are you ready for the holidays.  How does your house work to host memorable occasions?

feathering the nest

I love feathers.

Turkey feathers to be exact.

Feather beds, down-filled feather pillows and feathering the nest for the holidays.

Fall foliage, golden acorns and plumage added to compose a wonderful wreath,

adds a natural elegance to any door.

or to one's headress

I would be tickled to wear this on Thanksgiving day!

Tell me - are you busy feathering the nest for Thanksgiving?

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for you.  I am grateful for the tall oak trees "giving us nature, beauty, strength, life and wisdom"- the above oak leaf and acorns bring Joy to my table.  They set the "Perfect-Beginning" for this day full of grace.  Joy sent these to me.

Here is my table that I had so much fun setting.  

For the place cards, I cut oak leaf, and leaf shapes and painted gold on the edge, then tied them to small pumpkins with bias binding.

Today we have two tables set for a bountiful feast, Turkey and all the trimmings!

This table is for the "grown-ups" but truth be told, I will never grow up!

Outside on my back porch, the beverages are chilling and ready for a thirsty bunch.  Cheers to each of you who brighten my day with your comments, your e-mails and your energy!  Break bread, say grace and raise your glass to one another and give thanks!  Chin Chin!  I have some very special desserts which I shall share with you friday.   To those of you that are unable to be with family, I will think of you too.  Happy Thanksgiving today.