Saturday, December 1, 2012

Golden Days of Autumn


I know it's the first week in December,  
but I'm still not ready to let go of Autumn.

Central Texas doesn't normally experience 
the cold temperatures necessary to produce 
a vibrant show of autumn color.
But Autumn does gift us with a golden glow.

Last November, 
Mary @ Home Is Where The Boat Is
 created a table she entitled
A Gentle Transition
Mary said,  "I'm lingering at the table 
with a warm palette of neutrals 
and a touch of soft gold, 
enjoying the last few days of November."
You can view her exquisite table for four here.


In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in celebration
of her 2nd Blog Anniversary, 
Mary hosted a generous Giveaway with that post.
I was the extremely lucky one to receive her gift!
Yes, indeed, Mary sent me a service for four of 
Gold Leaves by 222 Fifth, including that gorgeous tureen, 
and a soft, warm Ralph Lauren wool throw.

With all the golden leaves falling about us, 
I knew this was the perfect time 
to set a table with this lovely set of 
Gold Leaves to share with my readers.

As you might have noticed, 
The Gold Leaves plates each feature a different leaf.  
These Williams Sonoma napkins 
compliment the plates with the lovely texture
of their beautiful crewel embroidery

I chose a simple sheer ribbon 
as my napkin ring.

White linen tea towels bordered 
with natural linen and oak leaf embroidery 
softened the layer between the 
rattan charger and the delicate china.

Natural elements were gathered 
from neighborhood walks to add to the table.

Then sprinkled about as if they 
had freshly fallen from a tree above.

Vintage French crystal stems added a 
touch of elegance among the bits of nature.

Served from that gorgeous Gold Leaves tureen .  .  .

~ Butternut Squash Soup ~
Recipe available here.

It's a delicious starter for a meal, 
or hearty enough to be a meal in itself. 

Candle light for 
a cozy evening dinner for two.

Adds to the golden glow!


"FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE A GOLDEN THREAD
THAT BINDS TWO PEOPLE"

Author Unknown

Thank you, 
Your friendship is 
~ GOLDEN ~
Mary's generosity continues with a new Give Away. 
Click here to view her gorgeous
Coastal Christmas Tablescape 
and enter to win a set of Blue Crab Bay Stoneware.  

Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable
My tip for this table:  
Gather natural elements to use for a centerpiece.  
It's an easy inexpensive way to add seasonal details.


It's Beginning to Look LIke Christmas



The tree is up and decorated.




The wreath is hung .   .   .


But there is so much more to do!

I'm busy decking the halls,

but wanted to join 


Click the links above and get inspired!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Savoring the Season



Thanksgiving 2012


Still savoring the warm colors of autumn 
for the remainder of November before 
embracing the transition into the Christmas Season.

Our Thanksgiving Table was 
a bounty of delicious, healthy delights.

The centerpiece was a melange of bittersweet,
 oversized ceramic acorns, a variety of real pumpkins, 
and a small turkey tureen all gathered together 
on an antique Chinese kitchen tray.  


Served buffet style, Thanksgiving Dinner was a 
casual evening shared with good friends.

Mild temperatures allowed for dining out on the terrace.  
The tables were simply dressed in autumn colors.

As has become tradition in our home, 
we pardoned the turkey!

Smoked pheasant was the 
main course and star of our table.

But no southern Thanksgiving would 
be complete without a side of cornbread dressing.

Mushroom risotto was a favorite offering.
Click here for the recipe.

 Brussel Sprouts

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Black-eyed Peas

 Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad

Sweet Potato Pone

~ Dessert ~
A Medley of Mini Pies, 
Toffee Bites, and French Chocolate Truffles


Mary @ Home is Where the Boat Is
recently featured her beautiful mini pumpkin pies here.
She inspired me to make these 
and others for our Thanksgiving dinner.


Mini Apple Pies topped with a lattice crust 
were inspired from a post at Knit and Bake here.


Mini Pecan Pie Tarts
Recipe available here.


Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable
Mini pies are a great idea for serving a large group.
Guests can easily serve themselves and can 
also indulge their taste buds with just a bite of different flavors.

Joining

Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life
On the Menu Monday @ Stone Gable
Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Tuesday Treasures My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
You're Gonna Love it Tuesday @ Kathe with an E
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Cowgirl Up @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable
House and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life
Open house Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration @ Common Ground
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Season of Thanks





~ Autumn ~ 
My  Favorite Season

It's rich tapestry of colors and textures 

warm both my heart and soul.

It's a season of thanksgiving.




With Thanksgiving just a week away

we are busy planning our menu

and organizing details for dinner with good friends.

I've not set our Thanksgiving table as yet,

so this week I'm sharing a 

table for two from a few years ago.





Simple Pleasures

~ A Quiet Evening ~ 




~ Candlelight ~




~ Table for Two ~




~ Amber Turkeys ~




~ Layers of Rich colors ~




~ Autumn Details ~




~ Vintage Accents ~




~ Roast Turkey Breast ~
~Stuffed with Spinach and Pine Nuts ~
~Rice ~ Green Beans ~




~Sweet Endings ~




~ A Heart Full of Gratitude ~





Set a pretty table, even if it's just for two.
Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Joining

Centerpiece WEdnesday @ The Style Sisters