Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas, here we come

Fall and Thanksgiving have come and gone, and now we are on to the Christmas holidays.

We recently visited friends and I could not resist sharing a picture of the table she prepared for us.

If you want to know, those are real antlers in her centerpiece.


We enjoyed a delicious Fish Gumbo and Greek Salad.

But the magic is about to happen.  Sylvia's table will be transformed for Christmas.



Don't you just love the red checked chairs!!

Let the magic begin!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Left Overs

This is a pretty popular subject during this time of year :-)  And I'm sure there are lots of left over recipes to be found.  But one day, as I was blog surfing, I came across a fabulous recipe to use for my left over baked potatoes.

This is the best recipe for Baked Potato Soup that I've ever made.

And I think you will agree if you give it a try. It's also a great way to use up those left over baked potatoes.

And then of course, you may have some creative chefs in your home.

Have some fun.  You can find the recipe at Jamie's blog

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Monday, November 19, 2012

Bless Our Home


Thanksgiving is a holiday specifically set aside for the purpose of thanking God for His provisions and blessings.  It may be the oldest, continually celebrated holiday in America.




Much of the food served at modern Thanksgiving dinners includes items from the very first celebration: turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, numerous other vegetables, bread and puddings.








Initially this meal was held to thank God for the blessings of a good crop, having food for the winter.






Thanksgiving is a very family oriented holiday.  Relatives often travel great distances to be with each other to celebrate.  Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the entire year.

This year our Thanksgiving is taking a new path.  We have always celebrated Thanksgiving with my husbands family.  But with the home going of my Mother in Love this past spring, we must all start making our own new family traditions.

What are your plans for this Thanksgiving?


May your Thanksgiving be a time of joy and blessings.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A White Thanksgiving

Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas is the time of year that my home becomes a palette.  Shopping the house makes for a little challenge here and there.


 

Most of my serving pieces are white, so with a little burst of color to set off the table, we are ready for Thanksgiving!






I love this beautiful Turkey platter that I found at Goodwill last year.


April Cornell napkins and tablecloth from Kohl's.
Stemware and Soup Tureen from Goodwill. 

We're almost ready!

Are you??


Outdoor Wednesday

When you travel to a little town called Charm Ohio, you find a little quilt shop along the side of the road.  Parking is in the rear of the store, and what do you think is behind the parking lot??


 Yes, this beautiful covered bridge. 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tea for One

Some mornings, when everyone is gone to work and school ..........


 ...... when the weather turns a little cool, sitting by the window brings the sunshine and the outdoors in.



My Friendly Village china is mostly a winter scene, but I have a few of the Autumn plates to use at this time of year.



I grab a good book, and enjoy a little time with my cup of tea and a breakfast bread.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

November Tablescape

Traditions.  Does your family have traditions for the holidays??  Our family has enjoyed sweet family time with my in laws for as long as I have been married.  But these traditions are changing.  When my hubbys Mom finished her journey here on the earth, she left behind the memories of family gatherings around her big table.  Lots of laughter, discussions, and good food were shared by all.

So this year we start new traditions.  I'm not exactly sure what they will be just yet, but I have auditioned a November table as a start for the Holiday season.




I love to bring out the Johnson Brothers china.




Cake platter painted by my late mother in love.



There is nothing like the warmth of the Holiday season, setting the mood to radiate love around the table.



Are you ready for the Holidays??  Thanksgiving is only two weeks away!