Well Done, Grasshopper

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that during this harvest season, it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

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Do you remember the old television show called "Kung Fu", starring David Carradine?  His teacher, "Master Po" would tell him when he had achieved a task, "Well done, Grasshopper."  Last week I had the delightful pleasure of photographing the Thanksgiving tablescape designed by Cindy, the dear lady who stayed with me the first two weeks after I returned home from my knee replacement surgery.  I enjoyed sharing a number of the archives from my blog with her during our time together.  Once I discovered that she has a true interest in tablescaping and dinnerware, I was thrilled to send her home with a few of the items in my "china room"...items that I had decided to edit from my collection.  Cindy was excited, and I was even more thrilled when I was invited to visit Cindy's home and see the tablescape that she had created for her family's Thanksgiving feast. I wanted to share it with you this week.

 Cindy is a woman to be admired.  She not only works every day as an in-home caregiver, she also is raising her precious five year old grand son.  When I arrived, I found a spotless and organized home...and this gorgeous table...all set and waiting for her family to arrive on Thanksgiving Day.

 Cindy enjoys Asian design, and her lovely MacGuire dining table provided the perfect base for her design.

 I was thrilled to discover a beautiful sophisticated color story for her table...She cleverly captured the essence of Autumn and Thanksgiving with her combination of elements.

 She anchored her placesetting with the lavender (no it doesn't photograph correctly) acrylic charger plate from Michael's.  It was a lovely contrast to...

 ...the gorgeous  orange dinner plate, hand painted for Arthur Elrod.  It once belonged to her daddy.  He had bought the set at an auction as a display for his china cabinet.  They are truly spectacular!

 The ruby glass accent plate was a perfect finishing touch for her Thanksgiving table.

 Each placesetting was crowned...

 ...with an assortment...

 ...of napkins... caught with Cindy's silver napkin rings.

 Dollar Tree Libby green goblets continued the Autumn story.

 A pair of mesh pumpkins from Dollar General flanked the Hobby Lobby Amethyst pedestal bowl (formerly from my stash).

 For overflow seatting, Cindy cleverly covered a small table with a maroon velvet cloth.  She created the centerpiece herself....isn't it beautiful!!

 As I was photographing the table, Cindy brought out a few more pieces from her cabinets.

 I was thrilled when she added the Rose Famille rice bowls...to be used as bread plates during the dinner!  Great idea, don't you agree?  Remember, I'm always encouraging you to think outside the box!

 She also added a lovely Asian rose bowl...

 ...and tea pot.   A beautiful setting for a lovely family Thanksgiving dinner!  Well done, Grasshopper!

My family shared our Thanksgiving dinner at my precious KC and David's home.  I'll share that
tablescape with you next week.  I pray that your holiday was truly blessed.  I continue to make progress with my new knee replacement.  It's a fairly extended process, so I'll be entertaining as I am able.  I hope to share a number of Christmas tables with you, dear blog friends.  Your prayers have lifted and encouraged me.  I am grateful for you!

This week I'll be joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch