“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving”
Psalm 69:30
Today we honor all the brave men and women who have sacrificed to serve our country and for all who paid the ultimate price for freedom. I am proud to be the daughter of a Korean War veteran. Read my Daddy’s story here: A Living Legacy.
With the holidays approaching, and memories coming back alive from years past, many people find themselves stuck between two emotions: bitter or sweet.
Bitter because things are not what they once were on that Thursday in November because of loved ones who have passed.
Sweet because of the treasured memories of their presence, their food, and their life-giving spirit.
So, how do we decide which way we will approach the holidays?
Yesterday in Gratitude Changes Attitude, we opened the week with how perspective changes things. I do have a personal story to share, if you will let me…
In 2007, our family Thanksgiving was suddenly different than it had ever been. Our holidays had always been celebrated at my parents’ home–the house I grew up in. The preparations began weeks in advance. To say that my Mother was the best Southern cook would be an understatement! Her dressing (we don’t say “stuffing” in our neck of the woods) is by far the best that I have ever eaten!! And let me tell you–her menu for Thanksgiving was extensive!! Turkey, dressing, and giblet gravy were always a given–but there would always be six or seven side dishes: congealed salads, homemade rolls, pies, and at least one cake!
But on Thanksgiving 2007, we found ourselves in a very different set of circumstances. For the first time ever, I would now be responsible for preparing the entire meal. My mother passed away unexpectedly in April, just seven months shy of Thanksgiving of that year. I was overwhelmed with emotions, to say the least. To even attempt to make her dressing and to duplicate all of her treasured recipes that our family associated with the celebration was going to be impossible. I found myself having to make a choice: would the holidays be a bitter time for me and my family? Or would it be a sweet time for us? Although we were sad, we decided that she would want us to celebrate the goodness of God and to be thankful for His blessings–we all chose gratitude! By God’s grace, I managed to host that first Thanksgiving for my family without my Mother. The holidays continue to be a sweet time for our family, even in my Mother’s much-felt absence.
(I should add that on that Thanksgiving in 2007, my Daddy gave me the highest compliment after we finished eating– he said, “the dressing tasted just like Nanny’s”!!!)
Today’s tablescape lends itself to the holidays, and it is my hope that we all approach the upcoming season with a true heart of Thanksgiving!
I can’t even remember when I purchased the Johnson Brothers “willow” pattern–maybe thirty-five years ago? After all these years, it still makes a statement!
Tablecloth is a white Indian cotton. The cobalt blue chargers are a forever favorite that I found through Horchow (online). The stemware was also a Horchow find. The cobalt glasses were spied at Tuesday Morning several years ago.
The blue willow pattern has an interesting folklore. If time permits, you might want to read about the romantic tragedy of the scene depicted on each piece!
I do love the bright orange pumpkins mixed with the crisp blue and white!
The pewter napkin rings/place card holders were a gift from my beautiful niece, Hannah!
The sterling engraved demitasse spoons were given to me by my friend, Patti. I recently featured her home here: Everyday Living at Patti’s & Roadtrippin’ and Tablescapin’
This is really a simple tablescape! No purchases necessary–I had everything on hand. I encourage you to look around your home & outdoors with an anticipating eye to see all the things that can be used for your table! It does not have to be expensive, just make it warm and inviting for those that you love!
As always, thank you for sharing in our everyday living!! We love your comments and read every one!!
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 106:1
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse, My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup
Brenda says
I bought this set of dishes before I got married. Almost 40 years ago. Cobalt blue is my favorite color. Love the blue and orange. War eagle.
Pam Richardson says
Thank you, Brenda for reading! Please visit again! Oh, RTR!!
Sherry Johnson says
This post made me cry but made me also grateful to our Lord because of His great
blessings and watch-care over us His children. I’m so sorry you lost your Mom but
I’m sure it is not forever as we do have that hope that is within us. It made me think
of my Mom who in one month will be 101 years old. She still has a good mind and
gives God the glory for His blessings and her long life. May God bless you this
T’giving. I loved your table settings. My Mom had the Blue Willow dishes until
she moved into a retirement home. Not sure what happened to most of her lovely
dishes, etc. but I do hope someone loves them very much. God bless!
Pam Richardson says
Sherry, thank you so much for your beautiful comments. The holidays always bring back all the precious memories of food, fellowship, and family. I am most blessed to have my sweet Daddy who has a very sharp mind and wit. I am so grateful. What a blessing that your Mom will turn 101. Pleas convey our warm wishes! Hope your Thanksgiving is full of love and joy!
Blessings,
Pam
Pam Richardson says
Sherry, thank you so much for your sweet comments! What a blessing to have your Mom still with you! Please share my Happy Birthday wish to her. I know that my hope is in the finished work of Christ, therefore I can rejoice to know that I will be reunited with my Mother! Wishing you and your family a most blessed Thanksgiving!
Pam
Martina says
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Pam Richardson says
Thank you, Martina! Have a great rest of the week!
Blessings,
Pam
Nellie says
So nice to meet you here in blogland…………
Such a sad but lovely story. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing…….course, I
know it has been years now, but still a hard situation, but good for you that you chose gratitude over sadness, I am sure that as part of that great cloud of witnesses, she was very proud of you. This is such a lovely table, the cobalt blue, white and pumpkins look smashing together. Very inviting and lovely indeed.
Happy Thanksgiving……..since it is just around the corner.
Blessings, Nellie
Pam Richardson says
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Life is full of opportunities to choose bitterness or gladness. Only with God’s grace can we choose joy! Hope your Thanksgiving is joy-filled, Nellie!!!
Blessings,
Pam
eclecticshorebird says
Happy Thanksgiving. What a lovely woman your mother must have been!
Pam Richardson says
Thank you so very much for reading and commenting! Yes, my Mother was indeed a lovely woman! Blessings for your Thanksgiving!!
Pam
Jocelyn says
I love your blue and white dishes mixed with Pumpkin colors. Wishing you a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Pam Richardson says
Thanks for reading, Jocelyn! Wishing you a warm and joy-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
Bonnie G. Brown says
Thanks for sharing with us. My Mother died the year before yours and her funeral was the day before Thanksgiving. She too, always cooked a wonderful, huge meal for Thanksgiving and everyone gathered at her home. Aren’t we blessed to have such precious memories of them?! So glad that as believers in Christ, we will see them again. Whenever I am preparing a holiday meal, I always think Mother is watching over me and saying, “I knew you could do it.” Your table is beautiful and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Pam Richardson says
Bonnie, thank you so much for sharing about your Mother. We are both blessed to have our beautiful memories. I keep a small photo of my Mother in my kitchen to remind me of her gift of hospitality and I pray that I can be as loving and giving as she was! May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving! So nice to meet you on my blog.
Pam
Bev says
Love the orange and blue together! Lovely!
Pam Richardson says
Thank you, Bev! Have a joy-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
Katherines Corner says
such a lovely post and table setting too. God Bless and thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday ♥
Pam Richardson says
Thank you, Katherine for your party and for the feature! Your encouragement has been such a blessing!
Pam❤️
Jann Olson says
Beautiful Pam and we say dressing at our home as well. We do celebrate Thanksgiving with gratitude, but I understand what you are saying. My mom’s stuffing and pecan were the praise of our entire family. I make it every year and although it may not be quite as delicious as hers, everyone loves and praises it. Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Pam Richardson says
Thank you so much, Jann!! Have a wonder-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
Trish Martin says
What a lovely post and tablescape. I love that cobalt blue. Have a blesseth Thanksgiving.
Pam Richardson says
Thank you so much Trish! Hope you will follow on our blog! Wishing you a wonder-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
FABBY says
Beautiful table for Thanksgiving…but than again, I so love blue and white transferware and yours is forever gorgeous! Loving the pop of orange, it’s such a perfect combo.
Very pretty cobalt blue chargers. Coming to visit from Share your Cup.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
FABBY
Pam Richardson says
Fabby, thank you so much for coming over for a visit and for commenting! Wishing you and yours a joy-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
Cindy says
Beautiful Thanksgiving table, love your dishes! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY…
Blessings,
Cindy
Pam Richardson says
Cindy, thank you so much for the lovely party! Wishing you and yours a joy-filled Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Pam
Christine @ Rustic & Refined says
Those Horchow blue chargers are a staple to any table….they are just beautiful! I have a serious crush on those and will have to make a note to hunt some down…Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful table and Happy Thankgiving!
Pam Richardson says
Christine, thank you so much for the party and the feature today. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Pam
Sherry says
That is a beautiful house too!
Pam Richardson says
Sherry, thank you for the comments and for reading! Blessings, Pam
Grace @ sense and simplicity says
I love the cobalt blue with the orange pumpkins – such a beautiful colour combination. I also loved your story about choosing to make your Thanksgiving a happy one even though you were sad after your mother passed away. That is so true that we can make the choice about how we react in difficult situations. That was us last Christmas as my father passed away two days before, but we chose to carry on and have as happy a celebration as we could.
Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.
Pam Richardson says
Grace, thank you so much for your comments. I jumped over to your blog and took a quick tour and it is lovely. I read that you are from Canada and it is so nice to meet people from other places. I only began blogging in August, so I have much to learn from you seasoned veterans! Wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving! Pam
Liz @ Infuse With Liz says
That was a beautiful tablescape! Love the striking blue and white with the orange.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much Liz, blue and white always works for me!