End of year Round-up

There have been so many pretty tables this year.  I thought I would share some of mine that were special.

Bringing in the New Year

It's Tea Time somewhere around the world

It's always lovely to share a cup of tea with a friend.  We have friends staying with us who are missionaries to South Africa.  They have shared so many amazing stories, and we have savored the stories over tea, hot and cold.

This tea angel  was given to me by my sweet daughter.

She is actually called "Angel of the Kitchen" and she is serving up a cup of herbal tea for your enjoyment.

And this second angel has a special place in my heart.

The "Angel of Hospitality" was given to me by sweet friends in memory of my BFF who passed away 10 years ago. My BFF was such an incredible hostess. Her door was always open and a pot of hot water ready for anyone who might stop by and join her for a cup of tea and some good conversation. She has been sorely missed.

It's always  lovely  to serve on my Christmas dishes.

The dishes are  "Happy Holidays" from Nikko.

I saw this Winter time teapot several years ago and fell in love with it. I've added the sugar and creamer that are made in Poland.

Today I am thankful for YOU, my blogging friend. I've met so many wonderful bloggers from all over the world. So I would love to invite you to share a virtual cup of tea with me today.

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea Time Tuesday

Inspire Me Tuesday

Martha's Favorites 

Friends Sharing Tea
A Return to Loveliness

Sunday Morning

Christmas Prayer

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the Song of the Angels, the Gladness of the Shepherds, and the Worship of the Wise Men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of Love all over the world.  Let Kindness come with every gift and Good Desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the Blessing which Christ brings, and Teach us to be merry with Clear Hearts.  

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy Children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with Grateful Thoughts, Forgiving and Forgiven.

For Jesus' Sake........ Amen.

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Spiritual Sundays

A Peek Inside

Christmas certainly adds a special air of magic to our home. I love the twinkling lights and the warmth of opening our home to family and friends.

Welcome to our home.

The front entry

Sunday Morning

Christmas Tablescapes

I enjoy using my Christmas dishes.  They are so versatile and can quickly change the mood of the table.  This one is light and airy.  Perfect for a breakfast or casual tea.

Change the tablecloth and centerpiece and we host a luncheon or party serving hot cocoa, Cider or hot tea.

For a more formal affair, I set the table with my Nikko china.

The hutch gets dressed too!

Christmas is a special time to share hospitality with family and friends. Casual or formal.  Enjoy the season!

The Southern Special

Home and Garden Thursday

Tablescape Thursday

Grace at Home
Home Sweet Home

The Beauty of Christmas

At Christmas, do you ever just sit by the tree and take in the beauty of the season?

After everyone has gone to bed, do you fill a plate with some sweet goodness, make a hot cup of tea and just enjoy the quietness of the evening?


Do you sometimes wonder what the Shepherds thought on that night, so many years ago, when the Angelic host proclaimed the birth of Jesus?

What an awe filled experience that must have been.

And for now, I will turn the lights down low, and pretend the twinkling of the Christmas tree are the stars of the Universe proclaiming the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea Time Tuesday

Inspire Me Tuesday

Martha's Favorites 

Friends Sharing Tea
A Return to Loveliness

We are going through a time of illness with two family members.  I am taking the liberty of reposting from years past.  Thank you for understanding.

Sunday Morning

Cranberry Pineapple Salad

We love making this recipe during the holidays.  Although it's a refreshing salad/dessert any time of the year.  But the festive Whole Berry Cranberries goes so well with the holidays.

Cranberry Pineapple Salad

1 can (20 oz) Crushed Pineapple

2 packages (3 oz ) OR 1 large package Raspberry Gelatin

1 can (16 oz) Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

1 medium apple, chopped

2/3 cup Chopped Nuts

Drain pineapple, reserve all liquid.Add enough cold water to measure 3 cups and pour into saucepan.

Bring to a boil, remove from heat.  Add gelatin, stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.  Add Whole Berry Cranberry sauce, and stir until well blended.  Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours until slightly thickened.

Stir in remaining pineapple, apple and nuts, stirring gently until well blended.

Pour into mediums size cake pan (or festive bowl) and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

**I have also used Strawberry Jello as a substitute for the Raspberry, when in a pinch.  

Enjoy!

Foodie Friday

Metamorphosis Monday

A few weeks ago, Susan from Between Naps on the Porch shared her beautiful winter bed, showcasing the Tartan linens that she is planning to use.  I've not been able to find anything similar that was not flannel, but found something that makes me just as happy.

In the summer months, my bed looks like this..........

Chaps bedding in soft floral colors.

Then from Christmas through Valentine's, the bedding would change to look like this..........

I love my Chaps red floral comforter,and wanted to use it to warm up the winter months.

When Susan shared her new look, I started on my hunt.  Going with Pottery Barn type linens was a little out of my range, so when I spotted these linens at Walmart, I thought it was just the look I could live with.  

 If I want to go with a darker look, I can turn the comforter over and use the darker herringbone pattern.

But for now, I am very happy with the new Winter look.

Metamorphosis Monday
The Art of Homemaking
A Return to Loveliness