Thanksgiving Blessings, 2016

It's Thanksgiving at our house, and there's been a lot going on for weeks...

Even Beatrice Emaline was working on her own tablescape.  She told me that she had gathered berries for her centerpiece.  I had to get busy if I was going to keep pace!  I set a table for 12 in the dining room.  This may be photo intensive, so enter at your own risk.  Come on in...

 There were a number of inspirations for this year's tablescape.

My main inspiration was Sweet Mister.  I wanted to honor him with my design as much as possible...


I give thanks to God for giving me such a strong anchor in my life with Sweet Mister, so I wanted to anchor my design with the tablecloth and napkins that my love bought for me in a beautiful linen shop in Sorrento, Italy...part of our 48 years of memories.


 Sweet Mister is an avid and accomplished bird hunter, so...

 ...in his honor, this year's Thanksgiving design featured...


...the Anton Wingen, Jr. carved stag horn handled flatware which flanked the very affordable and manly Pier I hammered copper charger.  I began collecting the flatware for him last Christmas.  A year later, the collection is almost complete.  Tip:  This delightful charger demanded a crocheted doily to act as an anchor underneath the dinner plate.  Minus the doily, the plate could be rotated on the charger much like a lazy susan....not an experience that I wanted for my guests.  This sometimes happens when we mix and match plates for our tablescapes.  When I shop an estate sale or antique shop, I always take a minute to check for the grandma's old crochet doilies in about a 9" round.  They are a great solution for this problem and frankly they are kind of fun.


I chose the masculine Spode Delamere brown and white dinner plate for him, too.  You probably already know that the Delamere is the same pattern as the Woodland Spode, minus the wild game scene in the center of the plate.  I like that the plate is more versatile without the  wildlife design.  I managed to capture the beautiful charm of the Woodland pattern with...


...the Woodland Spode accent/salad plate.  There are number of different bird designs.




  To complete the place setting, I chose the Vietri optic acid green goblet and the Tiffin Elyse wine goblet.  Did you know that the lovely old Tiffin patterns were made by the Franciscan company?  I didn't.


I hope that it's not boastful to say that when Sweet Mister took his place at the head of the table, he had a great big smile on his face!


I have to admit that I'm a major fan of a full table...you know, "more is more".  I find that I really like a bountiful look for my centerpiece, and what better moment for a bountiful centerpiece than the Thanksgiving table?


There's nothing prissy and feminine about the Copeland Spode Gadroon white tureen, plus I really like it.  It was the perfect selection for today's design.


The copper mercury glass trees will make at least one more appearance when I decorate my tables for holiday entertaining.  I found them just last week at one my favorite local florist shops.  I've had the quartet of red mercury glass hurricanes for almost two years, but this is the first time I've used them.  I found them in a small florist shop that was next door to the physical therapy clinic where I spent many months rehabilitating after my two knee replacement surgeries.  As I remember, it had been a particularly rough day of rehab, and I decided that I deserved a treat as I was slowly making my way to my car and saw one of the hurricanes in the shop window.  I knew immediately that if the florist had enough, they were coming home with me.  She actually had to dismantle the finished piece in the window to complete the sale.  She was happy to do it.  The lovely fall leaves are Hobby Lobby garlands...but you already knew that!


The pumpkins are left over party favors from one of my earlier Chi Omega reunion luncheons.


Ready to party.  We served our Thanksgiving feast about 2:00, which allowed KC and David to sit and enjoy their meal while Hollis Harper took his nap in the nursery.


Our Thanksgiving menu featured traditional selections...well, traditional for us.  Isn't it interesting how many different Thanksgiving menus are thought of as traditions?!


We served the expected turkey and dressing, whipped potatoes and gravy, creamed peas, green beans...


sweet potato casserole, Cranapple Crunch, Christmas Pretzel Salad, lots of hot bread,...

...and pecan pie, apple pie, and vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert.

Yesterday, the little white owl was delivered to my door, a gift from a dear friend.  I thought that Beatrice Emaline and Hollis Harper would enjoy him, so I set him on top of the tureen.  He ended up spending most of the dinner perched by the edge of Beatrice's plate.  He was a last minute hit.  

We lingered long at the table after the meal was complete sharing memories and personal observances of reasons to give thanks.

From our house to yours,  I pray that your own Thanksgiving Day was filled with loving family and friends.  We have been blessed to live in an amazing country, and I know that we have more in common than we have differences.  I pray that we will remember that we serve a higher purpose because:

Psalm 33:12-22

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. 

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch

Fortune Cookie/Mottahedeh Blogiversary Give-away

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 it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

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Entertaining Women's first blog post was July 7, 2010.  It's hard to conceive that I've been blogging my tablescapes for almost two years.  I never dreamed that I would be "published" in any format. It was always my Aunt Ida's dream for me, and I think that she would be happy.  I'm having even more fun with my blog today than when I began, and I look forward to my third year.  I adore the many new blog buddies that I've come to care about, and I am humbled by your support and unending encouragement.  Thank you seems so inadequate.  

I've been contemplating my blogiversary for quite a while now, and I've been seeking something special for one of you.  I think that I've found it...no...I know that I've found it!  By now, you know that I enjoy "the hunt" for a great and grand deal at estate sales, especially at the tail end of the sale.  I've had some really good luck in the past, but I think that I've recently scored my most amazing 'get' ever....and I want to share my good fortune with one of you.  Just one week ago, I was able to purchase a set of 47 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates, plus 36 cups and saucers, for the same price that Replacements gets for one plate(click, if you're curious).  I've decided that my give-away gift will be a set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.  

I really liked the give-away that the Tablescaper held recently, and I'm going to base mine on her model.  Starting tonight, 1. become a follower or tell me that you already are one... 2. leave me a comment about my posts from now through Saturday, July 7, 2012...and 3. take a stroll through my archives and leave me comments on my older posts.  I'll record each comment entered by my followers from now through July 7, and use the automatic generator to choose a winner with an address in the lower 48 United States to be announced the following week. (Fabby, I think that I remember that you have a mailing address in the US...right?)   Now on to the good stuff...

The original of this magnificent Chinese export pattern may be found set in the dining room of Charleston's famed Nathaniel Russell House. Butterflies, a popular design in China, are often found as porcelain decoration or embroidered on robes. Perhaps the popularity of the butterfly comes, in part, from the fact that Chinese word for butterfly, tieh, is a pun which expresses the wish that the owner might live to a ripe old age. Mottahedeh, in cooperation with Historic Charleston, offers an updated version and is true to the antique. The name reflects the many birds and butterflies featured in the design.

As I designed my tablescape, I kept thinking of Alycia of TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE.  Alycia introduced us to the marvelous Bormioli Rocco Figlio of Fidenza, Italy glass charger plates on clearance at Gordman's.  I'm fairly gaga over these turquoise ones, and I like the way that the Williams Sonoma Hemstitch Linen Tablecloth makes the colors pop.  I've bought them in four colors, and I'm pretty sure that you're going to see them a lot this summer.  Alycia also has told us that orange is her 'go-to' color...

...I've never given much thought to the color orange, but the "Sacred Butterfly" is rapidly becoming one of my favorite patterns...I think that I'm becoming a convert.  How do you feel about orange?

It's always a pleasure to use the antique carved ivory handle flatware, purchased from a local antiques store.  Amending the antique pieces with the L'Argent "Sophia" Gold flatware from Horchow and Tuesday Morning, has always been a good solution for a complete setting.

The Tiffany Blue Hemstitched napkins are once again from an eBay seller, NAPKINS ONLINE.  They are a linen/cotton blend, and you can purchase a dozen of them for $23.00, often with free shipping.  This lovely napkin is available in a large variety of colors...I highly recommend them.  The wonderful beaded tassel napkin ring was a give away prize from CUISINE KATHLEEN.  Thanks again, Kathleen!

I continue to find great pleasure in mixing a variety of cased crystal (colored) and sparkling clear crystal.  I think that it really adds to the color story of the entire table design.

 Today I enjoyed mixing the Vietri Amber Optical Goblet with the Tiffin "Elyse" wine goblet, another great estate sale find.  I love that the clear crystal picks up the reflection of the Tiffany blue napkin.

  

I don't know if we'll have guests at this summertime table, yet, so for the time being, I've kept the centerpiece and sideboard relatively simple.  If we choose to actually use this setting for a meal, I'll add some florals and probably candlelight.  For now, just use your imagination.

The pair of Rose Famille Republic Period lidded rose bowls were another one of my buys at the tale end of a good estate sale.  I want to say that I paid $30.00 for the pair.  I've had the quartet of Lalique Love Birds for many years.

The Rose Famille Republican Period Tureen was purchased much later through eBay.  I've used them often since obtaining the trio.

Our sweet Nana's antique salts were added to the table as an unexpected touch.

I'm so excited to think that in just about a month, these dinner plates will belong to one of you!

I can hardly wait to see the tablescape that you'll design with your new set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.  I hope that I have lots of comments from you, so you'll have more chances to win! 

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "TABLESCAPE THURSDAY."   Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

When I think of June, I think of lazy summer days and time to share a meal with friends.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there!

Wednesday evening is the thirteenth edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  So excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  KC has just released her 5th studio CD project, "The Tag Hollow Sessions".  The sold out CD release concert was this past weekend.  "The Tag Hollow Sessions" is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!

The Tables of Sorrento, Italy, II

"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 it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.



The Garden Friends BIble study gathered again today at our house to begin our new year of study and fellowship.  I prepared a table to welcome them back, and we had a joyful time.  I have tons of pictures to share with you.  I'm going to wait until next week to post them because I want to take the proper time with them.  Tonight, we''re headed back to Sorrento, Italy to see the sights of the Amalfi Coast and some more of the tables of Sorrento.  After a busy day of entertaining, I think that I'll keep it somewhat short and sweet.  Post Script:  Well, it's short on verbage...but photo intense...I just couldn't help myself...fair warning.

We started bright and early, when our driver picked us up to head over the mountain to the magnificent Amalfi Coast.  Our first stop was Positano...

Dropping down into the lovely town of Positano, we stopped at a parking garage.  KC and I immediately wanted to make a pit stop  (TMI)...

The powder room and this were tucked under the parking garage.  See the kitty cat sipping water? 

Back up in the streets, the floral displays were gorgeous.

Leaving Positano ...

 ...to continue along the Amalfi Coast...

...and through the town of Amallfi, the oldest of the costal communities.  

We continued on to Ravello, one of the marvelous old walled cities....

...We explored a magnificent old villa... 

...My idea of the perfect fixer-upper....

...Can't you just see a massive, long table set for dinner al fresco?  This is where I told Sweet Mister.... 

 ...that he could buy it for me any time.  He passed.

After a delicious lunch, overlooking the sea, we retraced our steps to Sorrento, a nap, and...

 ...an idyllic, enchanted evening....

...at a beautiful table with a view of Mt. Vesuvius... 

a magical blue hour...

 ...and the love of my life, Sweet Mister...

It just kept getting better... 

...Amazing food and impeccable service... 

at the terrace dining room.... 

...of our wonderful hotel, The Hotel Bellevue Syrene.  We will return. If you have the opportunity, don't miss it!

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "Tablescape Thursday."   Hop on over HERE and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 9:00 pm on Wednesdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

I think that any season is the right time to ponder magical moments spent during long dreamed of visits to foreign lands.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper HERE for her meme Seasonal Sundays.  Don't miss out on this marvelous blog party.  See you there!  

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!