Bountiful Tablescape

I feel like I'm late to the party. All of my blogging friends seem to be in high-gear Christmas mode, while I'm blissfully back here reveling in my Thanksgiving decor. But it's ok...Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (and not just because my hubby does all of the cooking, although that is a definite bonus!) I just love a holiday that isn't so commercialized. At Thanksgiving, it's all about family, friends, food, warmth, and gratitude.

(Ok, I can't lie...come Black Friday, I'm all about the shopping followed by some awesome turkey and dressing leftovers.)

For my tablescape this year, I've incorporated a cornucopia, pumpkins, various turkeys, and rich autumnal hues. I began with a velvet and sequined square that was thrifted a few years back. I added a cornucopia that has seen at least 10 or more Thanksgivings with us. I made it many years ago and still think it feels timely. I did poke a few dried hydrangeas into it, as my garden produced an abundance of them this season.

Last year's big "score", my ceramic turkey, is perched atop a Mercury glass dish and a cake stand. You should have seen my face when I spotted that turkey at a consignment shop...I practically squealed with delight and snatched it up in a flash!

And this year, I came across this glass turkey candy dish at a local antique shop. There was no way I could have left that shop without it!

Speaking of turkeys, aren't the votive holders fun? I have a feeling that a turkey collection is in the works...

If you've read my last post, you know how much I love quotes and how I used them on the place cards. I've also added one more quote in a frame to "bring the message of gratitude home", so to speak. To me, this one is perfect for the occasion.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving Blessings Place Cards

I seriously love quotes.

There is just so much wisdom and insight in them. And, often, they are easy to remember, so we can carry that wisdom with us in our daily lives.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we are all busy planning holiday meals and gatherings. A couple of years ago, I thought about how I could recreate an old tradition. Because some members of my family are not religious, I decided to replace the pre-dinner prayer with something new, and to put my love of quotes to good use.

I perused the internet for quotes on gratitude, love, family, Thanksgiving, etc. and tried to pair a quote with each member of my family. (For example, my son is an intellectual college student so I found an appropriate one from Einstein. And my mom is a typical, loving grandma, so often I gravitate to someone like Mother Theresa for hers. You get the idea.)

Since my calendar is more than full (refer to my last post, haha) I buy ready-made place cards, but you artsy-craftsy people could certainly create your own masterpieces. I type the quotes on the computer using a pretty font, cut and paste to the inside of the cards, and voila...instant pre-dinner inspirational sharing!

Usually we go around the table and read them aloud, but they would also be nice as a silent message to each family member or guest at the table.

And since I love quotes so much that I couldn't narrow down to just the seven for my family, I'll be adding a couple of framed quotes to my tablescape this year as well. I am going to spread that gratitude message to the Reinwalds if it's the last thing I do ;)

I hope you're all enjoying prepping your homes with warmth and cheer as we head into the winter months and the holidays. It's the perfect time to meld our creative spirits with the love we have for our families and friends.

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