Friday, November 19, 2010

Joyful Abundance



Pink Peonies ~ Orange Tulips ~ Sunflowers

Welcome one and all!

Admittedly there isn't much pink to be found here at the moment, but orange, the color of fall, is definitely peeking out here and there. I so wanted to participate in this week's Pink Saturday so I'm taking a feng shui approach. Pink the yin is gentle and friendly, while orange, the yang, is energetic and passionate ~ a perfect balance.


The above photo is for all my sweet friends here for Pink Saturday and Shadow Shot Sunday. My friend, Jacqueline @ Purple Chocolate Home has a Pinkalicious Puerto Vallarta post to share this week. Be sure to stop by and give her a visit.

There's a little acorn fun to follow,
so please keep scrolling.




The squirrels are happy around here because there is a "joyful abundance" of acorns this year.



The critters are 

scampering in from the right . . .




And from the left.




And for me, there has been a "joyful abundance" of Courtly Check that has come my way this fall. My sweet friend, Linda @ My Shabby Rose Cottage has been busy with the paint brush again, and I've been on the receiving end of her generosity. Just look at these cute little CC pumpkins she sent as a little Fall surprise.





But wait! That's not all. 

 Courtly Check acorns 

have now arrived in abundance!





Acorns are one of my 

favorites of the autumn season. 

 Add a few in Courtly Check, and 

my heart really begins to sing.





That's not to say I don't still adore 

these big ceramic acorns that I found 

last year at Tuesday morning. 

 They have enhanced a bowl of horse apples 

that you can see here as well as 

last year's Thanksgiving table here.





This season I've mixed them in 

with some real pumpkins in the wonderful 

muted colors available this year.





I'm glad you dropped by today 

because I've baked us some little spice cakelets 

in the acorn pan I picked up last year at William Sonoma.





They are filled with a cream cheese 

icing and dipped in brown sugar crystals.





These beautiful acorn napkins were 

a little "thank you" gift from our favorite house guest. 

 You can meet Mabel here.




They are the perfect accent for

our tray of acorn cakelets.




Acorn leaves on 

the silver pastry server,




A few little fallen 

acorns from the trees,




Along with a few little 

glittered acorns scattered about.





All set the stage for this vintage teapot 

in Furnivals Brown Quail pattern. 


introduced me to this charming pattern. 

 A visit to Donna's cottage is always a treat.



See that little acorn finial. 

 That and those sweet puffy quail 

are what enticed me to find one of these.





Our hot steeping tea fills the teapot, marked 1913. 

It's waiting for us on a vintage hand carved butter dish 

inset with a transfer ware plate in the 

Blue Willow pattern, a little souvenir from my

first visit to London's Portobello Road.




So pull up a chair by the fire 

and join me for a cup of hot tea and 

one of the little acorn cakelets.


Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

62 comments:

  1. I like all your acorns, Sarah. Edible and otherwise.

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  2. Sarah what a fun visit you provided for me today. I love all your pumpkins and acorns, especially the checked ones -- they are fab -- and could you send me one of those yummy looking acorns? Your pictures are so beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving Sarah! I am thankful I have got to "know" you from your blog and all the nice and thoughtful comments that you make on blog posts. Joni P.S. Lovely teapot too.

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  3. Everything is so pretty Sarah! Lovin' your napkins and those cute, cute, cute acorn cakelets-enjoy:@)

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  4. Thanks for sharing your collection of acorns.
    Have a great weekend.

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  5. I think I may sneak into your home in the dead of night and "borrow" those checked acorns. I LOVE those! My neighbor had the biggest acorns I have ever seen and I brought a bunch home to put in the bird nest on my foyer table. Everything looks so pretty Sarah and I am crazy about those cake acorns too. We have an osage orange tree here out in the middle of the woods. It really is a strange place for the tree. My neighbor and I are going out to hunt for the fallen horse apples aka osage oranges to decorate with for Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for joining the Give Thanks Party. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  6. By the time I went looking for acorns the squirrels had hidden them all, so I enjoyed looking at all of yours - what a bounty of acorns you have!

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  7. Oh Sarah, how pretty your little cake acorns look. I'd ALMOST hate to eat one of those. Love your checked acorns too. The teapot is a beauty and a perfect way to serve tea in the Fall. Either the Tues AM where I shop didn't get those acorns, or I missed them. They are wonderful! You are so sweet to be such a loyal link up for Favorite Things. I am definitely counting you as one of my blessings. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. laurie

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  8. Love this post!! I love the courtly check pattern, and I love squirrels and acorns...so perfect for this time of year.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  9. Sarah, so lovely! Love the checks. Love the squirrels, the acorn cakelets, and pretty much everything. Furnivals Quail often makes our Thanksgiving table at home happy! Looks like you are all set for the holiday.

    xo Lidy

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  10. An abundant post:) Courtly check so cute..I painted pumpkins like that too..so cute..You have lovely collections..I am grateful to have that little acorn pan too:)

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  11. Beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing all your squirrels and acorns!

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  12. Everything is so pretty! It looks like I have met my match with someone who loves to shop online, I hope we can share some of our favorites together. I love all of the different acorns and the painted pumpkins!! Beautiful!

    XO,
    Jane

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  13. What a wonderful post. Love the acorns and the checks are such a great addition to your fall decor.

    Happy Pink Saturday.

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  14. Oh, my...your post has blessed me so much. I enjoyed every photo and every word.
    Of course,you might remember that I dream of CC most every night. :))
    Your acorns are just adorable.
    Wonderful post, sweet lady.
    xo bj

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  15. Sarah,
    How beautiful! All those wonderful acorns and that tea pot are just perfect. Love the checked ones!
    Sherry

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  16. Hi Sarah! What lovely little pumpkins and acorns you have! The b/w checkered ones are adorable! I love your little acorn cakes! How precious is this? What I hit these would be at a party.
    Thanks for popping in to see me and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  17. I smile every time I see your acorns! ;-)
    The little cakelets are adorable & I bet they taste yummy, too. I like how you assembled them with the cream cheese icing in the middle.

    Fun decorations with all those Courtly Checks going on, but my favorite item HAS to be that beautiful silver cake server...GORGEOUS!!!

    Hope all is well at your house. Its getting hectic here already. :/

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  18. Dear Sarah,
    you have made a lovely post! So many wonderful pictures and I love them ALL! I admire the Courtly Checks on the pumpkin, squirrel and the acorns. That gives a modern impression and is very decorative. A also love the little brown squirrels and the slow change into the brown hues. The cakelets are perfect and the so are those nice napkins. The tea pot is and the carved butter dish are so adorable and the whole combination on the tray is just gorgeous. Your are an artist in decorating. Thank you for sharing this with us.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  19. Hi Sarah, how are you? I loved your table setting below, and these beautiful pictures too. Just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
    hugs
    Denise

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  20. Everything is so beautiful! My daughter loves squirrels, so I especially loved the cute squirrel. And I love the black and white checks! Happy PS.

    Blessings,
    Tricia

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  21. Sarah, I'm so glad you posted about your Acorns. Before this year and my Acorn China Cabinet posts, I've not paid that much attention to Acorn Pattern as a collectible. After seeing all the wonderful Acorn things you have shown, I'm inspired to gather those nuts for next falls November posts.

    I've started with a set of Acorn S&P Shakers I found at the Antique Barn. I'm definately going to embroider on napkins and look for napkin rings. Thanks for all the neat ideas. Your Tablescapes have been inspirational to me this year.

    I hope you and your Family and Friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving....Sue

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  22. Hi Sarah,
    I so enjoyed my visit to you today, your CC vignettes are ever more delightful and the acorn cakelets made my mouth water.
    Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, my friend.
    Maggie.

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  23. Love your acorns and what delightful shadow shots! Love them all! Hope you have a great weekend, Sarah! Enjoy!

    Sylvia

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  24. G'day Sarah ~ Your cakelets are darling ... love your inviting setting, & I'd love a cup of tea, thank you.

    You have out done yourself ... beautiful.

    Have a beautiful & blessed Thanksgiving holiday ~
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  25. Poenies are my favorite flower and I do adore acorns. My sister in CA decorates her house with acorns. She loves them too. Happy Thanksgiving. Have a Blessed PS -- Terri www.morningdewdrops.com

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  26. Oh Sarah, How Sweet you are to mention "Moi"! Don't you just LOVE that teapot AND it's unusual shape? I Love everything here at your post and they squirrel, chipmunk, and all the acorns(Yummy,Glittery,BlownGlass,&Real) have stolen my heart. LOVE the checkerboard coloring(SO Different). AND I too own so many of William Sonoma mold pans, BUT I "don't" have this one, Hmmmm Ebay here I come!!!
    Thank you again SO much for mentioning me, I Would LOVE some new FOLLOWERS!!!
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  27. SARAH!!! WAIT, I LOVE THOSE CHECKERED ITEMS...I have seen those at Ampersand and I LOVE THEM! THe acorns are taking over by storm this year and they are so fun.....dearest, thank you for visiting today and being so kind in your comments. I wish you a marvelous Thanksgiving and holiday season DECORATING, SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY and CREATING!

    Joy to all, Anita

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  28. Sarah, those acorn cakelets are making me hungry! You always have, and display, such beautiful things.

    Have a nice week end.

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  29. Oh Goodness! What a lovely tea setting. Those little cakelets look so moist and yummy!

    ~Liz

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  30. I really enjoyed your pink and acorn fall showing for today. Very nicely done.

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  31. Those squirrels are really cute. Happy Pink Saturday and also Happy Thanksgiving.

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  32. What a wonderful selection of photos! A beautiful post!

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  33. You have the most unusual and nicest stuff, Sarah! I love the checked acorns.....Christine

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  34. Am I greedy? I don't know but right now, although we have just had dinner, I would love a few of theose delectable acorns.

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  35. Hello Sarah! What a lovely post - the spicy little acorns look delicious! Love the pattern on the teacup and always love seeing Peonies!
    Happy Pink Saturday,
    Kathy

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  36. Well, it looks like you have it all covered very nicely! The checkered acorns are so cheery and original! But your tea is a real temptation. What sweet little cakes! They must be so fun to bake, and of course to EAT! I really covet the teapot though! I have loved that pattern since the day I first laid eyes on it. Beautiful! Best to you, Jacqueline

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  37. I love those checked pumpkins and acorns, so cute. The little chimpmunk are adorable and that checked squirrel beats all!

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  38. I love the checked acorns. Wow. they are amazing. you are quite creative and I love coming to visit. Beautiful.

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  39. So many nice things- even the non pinks! (haha!)

    Sorry for the late visit- I think of busy Saturdays as a "Pink Weekend" since it takes me that long to visit everyone!

    Happy belated PS!

    In shoes we trust,
    Maggie Mae@
    "Do these shoes match this purse?"

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  40. Hi Sarah,
    Love the courtly check! I just brought my acorn pan out again to bake for Thursday. I will have to make a lot, as they are tiny aren't they? Yours look delicious!
    Your displays are just lovely!
    Did you know Donna and I have the same last names. Her married name is my maiden and vice versa! Small world!
    Beautiful sunny crisp Fall day here.Wish I had the energy to get a lot done!

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  41. Hi Sarah,

    Oh all that Courtly check is wonderful!!! Love the pieces you have and your friend's painting is so pretty! Black and white is so elegant for any ocassion! Beautiful pieces you have and all those acorns are so fun. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

    Miss Bloomers

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  42. I love all your various type of acorns! My fav is the black and white!
    Brenda

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  43. I'm visiting from The Tablescaper and I'm a Courtly-Check-a-holic myself :) Beautiful post!

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  44. What darling things, Sarah... from the acorns to the squirrels to the pretty flowers to the Brown Quail. I nearly cried when I saw that because it was my mother's everyday pattern. She started collecting it a few years before she died after she had depleted a good deal of her other everyday china. I always loved it and think of her when I see it. My niece inherited it from Mama, and she and her family are enjoying it now! :-)

    Hope all is well there. Sending you warm hugs, my friend...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  45. What amazing acorns - edible and otherwise. Cuisine Kathleen gave me that same pan as part of my Chirstmas gift last year. I regret to say, I haven't gotten around to using it. The sheet with the recipe that came with it seems to have gone by the wayside. If you don't mind, I'd love a copy of the recipe. Your courtly check acorns are amazing!

    - The Tablescaper

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  46. Oh, and I forgot - thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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  47. Sarah, I tried commenting while I was out of town on your lovely post, but it was truly snail web there! I guess I was lucky to be able to do anything so I shouldn't complain. What a fun post. Your cute little guys and the gorgeous black and white check, how fun is that! I love the acorn pan. Those look so yummy. The tea pot is gorgeous too. You just created such a lovely post. Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  48. Sarah...LOVE...LOVE...LOVE...the acorn cakelets!!! Too darn cute!! Went to order one....but it won't get here before Thanksgiving. It would have have been cute for company!!!

    Your deco is FAB!! Love your tablescapes...very creative. Thank you fo sharing!

    Warm Hugs,
    Linda

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  49. Hi Sarah,
    What a wonderful post filled with colour, critters, and creativity! So very lovely for Thanksgiving! Love the squirrels and pumpkins! I too love the little acorns; so cute! Thank you for joining me for Tea Time. I have added your link to my tea party. Wishing you and yours a Very Happy Thanksgiving.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  50. How fun all of your acorn items are! The cakes are adorable. I really, really like those checked pumpkins, I hope I remember that idea for next year.

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  51. Oh, I love ALL of this!! The courtly squirrel, acorns, and pumpkins are just adorable! The acorn cakelets look yummy and so cute!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Katherine

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  52. Hi Sarah
    So sorry for my late visit! We actually celebrated Thansksgiving a little early at my house as my daughter is traveling this week.

    I love your painted pumpkins, acorns abd squirrel decorations. The check ones are so extra special! I love the WS acron cakelet pan!

    I hope you have a very happy and blessed Thanskgiving! It has been so nice getting to know you through your blog.

    Hugs, Pat

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  53. Oh Sarah, I just love this whole post! The black checked acorns are so adorable! Love the display in the bowl.

    The little acorn breads are just too darn cute! I want one of those pans!

    Quail is such a beautiful pattern...I did a tablescape with it a few months back. Isn't the teapot great? Your tea tray is just gorgeous the way you've laid everything out. LOVE it!

    Nancy

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  54. What a wonderful abundance of acorns! Your spiced cakelets filled with cream cheese icing...Be Still My Heart! And your checked acorns are such a fun twist! Love your Brown Quail teapot~ my mom has the Quail pattern in blue, but I think I prefer your brown :-)

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  55. I have always loved acorns as well but all I have is a bowl of the real ones that I picked up in the garden. I can see now what I've been missing.

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  56. I just had to come back by and feast my eyes on CC...

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  57. Oh my, your country check decor is all wounderful. I am totally drooling. Love that squirrel. Your tea tray is stunning, and all of your decor is so pretty. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  58. I wish I could pull up a chair! Your tea looks so tempting. Thank you for joining Monday Social.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.