“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
Psalms 9:1
Hello sweet friends and welcome to Everyday Living! As most of you know, tablescapes usually show around here on Tuesdays…but not this week, there is a little re-arranging! Today, I am joining a group of talented bloggers to kick off a Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by the multi-talented Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate. It’s never too early to start gathering ideas for your Thanksgiving celebration, and you will find many ideas if you hop around this week! The full schedule is at the bottom of the post…and I welcome you to my tablescape today!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it holds so many bittersweet thoughts and memories for me! It centered around one of my very favorite places…my mother’s table! She hosted every single holiday and Sunday lunch, insisting that she do all of the cooking…never allowing anyone to bring a dish. When she passed away in 2007, I continued the tradition of hosting and preparing all the food! My menu hasn’t changed much from my Mother’s…it is basically what Nanny (Seth’s name for Mother) had every Thanksgiving. To say that it is a bittersweet holiday for me is an understatement. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her, and those hand written, food stained recipes serve as a reminder that no one’s food can come close to hers! She had the gift of hospitality that remains untouched. Every person that ever sat at her table (and there were hundreds) knew they were loved and special! But, oh how sweet it is to think of her life!
Thanksgiving reminds me that I have so much to be happy and grateful for. My precious 87 year-old Daddy is still with us and his mind is as sharp as any young man. I am also thankful that our family has grown over the past ten years to include 4 great-grandsons and the only great-granddaughter, our princess, Ella Mae. You will notice the bittersweet vine on the table…unplanned, but very fitting for the holiday that Thanksgiving is to me!
You may notice a china pattern that you haven’t seen on any of my tablescapes! The pattern is “Autumn” by Lenox and it is my son’s and daughter-in-love’s wedding china. I was so pleased when they chose this traditional and timeless pattern that was introduced in 1918. On Thanksgiving Day, I will use my Spode “Woodland” that you can see on the Fall Tablescape Blog Hop.
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The centerpiece is so simple that anyone can do. I used an heirloom pumpkin and tied bittersweet and seeded eucalyptus on to the stem with raffia!
I tucked in a sprig of seeded eucalyptus under the hand-made napkin rings given to me by a lovely friend. The embroidered napkins came from Pier 1 many years ago.
A salad and dinner plate rest on heavy gold chargers that came from Hobby Lobby so long ago that I don’t remember exactly when!
Vintage Fostoria was given to me by one of my Mother’s dearest friends!
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The cotton tablecloth with its pretty gold border is perfect for an autumn table…I don’t remember where I found it.
I love the elegance of a crystal knife rest…the gold flatware is from Wal-Mart! Gasp, it is ok to use more expensive and less expensive together!
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“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”
Proverbs 25:11
I scattered seeded eucalyptus down the center of the table with a pair of candles and some ghost pumpkins…this was as easy as can be!
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Thank you so much for your sweet visits. Will you be hosting Thanksgiving and do you have special traditions?
Tuesday
My Kentucky Living • Savvy Apron • Rattlebridge Farm • Living with Thanksgiving
Wednesday
Belle Blue Interiors • From My Carolina Home • Bluesky at Home • The Painted Apron
Corner of Plaid and Paisley • The Red Painted Cottage
Thursday
A casa di Bianca • Dining Delight • Sweet Sensations • Our Crafty Mom • Panoply
Friday
My French Twist • Hey Fitzy • B Lovely Events • Me and My Captain • Life and Linda
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive,Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner,Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats, Peonies & Orange Blossoms, Eclectic Red Barn, Share Your Cup,21 Rosemary Lane,The Vintage Nest, The Essence Of Home, Feathering My Empty Nest, Kingsbury Brook Farm, The Red Painted Cottage, Love Of Home,My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined,The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, The Stonybrook House, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, The Dedicated House, Jodie Fitz
Just gorgeous Pam! How fitting to use “Autumn” by Lenox, next year will be its centennial anniversary, what a fun celebration that could be! I love how you wove the bittersweet vine with your pumpkin and eucalyptus centerpiece together with your cherished Thanksgiving memories. So many pretty details from your crystal knife rests, acanthus leaf bordered tablecloth, gold flatware and chargers. The handmade napkin rings are such a sweet addition and your menu sounds delicious! It’s always a pleasure blog hopping with you. ♥
Mary, thank you so much! Love blog hopping with you!
Beautiful table setting. My china pattern is also Autumn. I love it.
Thank you Jan, I know you have enjoyed the Autumn pattern!
What an elegant table you have set! That china pattern is timeless and so classic. I feel your emotional tug, we lost my dear mother in law several years ago. We always wondered who was going to show up at holiday meals, joking that she would invite anyone she met on the street! Adding the bittersweet to your table is a subtle reminder of that loss. The casual centerpiece of pumpkin and the seeded eucalyptus mixes perfectly with your lovely table. Thank you for being a part of another hop! I am thankful to count you among my blogging tablescape tribe!
Thank you Chloe…I always enjoy the hops,
Beautiful tablescspe, Pam! I understand the bittersweet feelings during the holidays. Wishing your family wonderful times together. Thanks for sharing your menu! My family and I are going to the beach this year. A different kind of thanksgiving but my kids and grandkids love the beach.
Aw, thank you so much! I think the beach will be perfect for Thanksgiving!
Gorgeous Pam! I love centerpieces like this, beautiful to look at, seasonal, yet easy to assemble and most important doesn’t block conversation! The china is perfect for this formal family setting, and do you know I have never seen or heard of a crystal knife rest?? How pretty and unique! Your menu looks just perfect, look at you, all ready with weeks to go!!
Jenna
Thanks Jenna, I saw a beautiful set of knife rests sell at an auction years ago and I should have bought them then!
Stunning! Your son and DIL chose well. Their china is wonderfully perfect on your table. I love how you wound the vines across the pumpkin and candle-laden length of the table. And, the table cloth is perfect. Everything is so lovely, even your menu. 🙂
Thanks so much Kim…I love hosting but it is exhausting!
I love classic looks like this Pam – the room, the table setting, the natural elements through the center – and you know I am all about mixing the high and low. This is beautiful, and what a fitting tribute in name and action to your mother. My mother also passed in 2007 and there’s not a year goes by where I don’t think of her, channeling her single-handed efforts to host holidays. Your son & dil’s pattern is lovely. I also love the traditional menu.
Thank you Rita! I love hosting every year and keeping the traditional menu!
Your table is so elegant and beautiful. The china and crystal is perfectly beautiful and the stories behind so many of the pieces. Your story of Nanny mirrors mine almost exactly. I cried alligator tears because I can totally relate. My daughter also called my Mother Nanny and the food stained recipes, doing all the cooking, etc. Tying the story into the bittersweet was unique even if unplanned. It is unbelievably beautiful and touching. You have set a high standard! God’s sweetest blessings to you.
Oh Dianne, we continue to see how much in common that we have! As you can see, I have a lot of cooking to do!
I always love seeing glimpses of your beautiful home. The richness is so inviting and enveloping. God bless.
Thank you for your kind words! Blessings~
I adore the Lenox Autumn china, so pretty, and your eucalyptus picks up the color in it nicely. I also understand the bittersweet memories, I lost my mother in 2009. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and we always cooked together, playing with the way the turkey was cooked, and how the dressing was made, and all the side dishes. Your table is beautiful.
Thank you Carole! I am thankful for the sweet memories!
Pam, your table is so lovely and beautifully planned! I have always loved Lenox Autumn and remember a friend that chose that elegant pattern. Your centerpiece is perfect and I like that it is so easy. We can’t get bittersweet here and I think it works so well everywhere.
I would have loved to have known your mother but I think I do as you are probably just like her. I enjoy hearing about her traditions that you are carrying out in your home.
Your menu sounds delicious. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and will be here before we know it.
Bittersweet….I so relate.
Bonnie, thank you so much! It is bittersweet but I am so thankful for God’s goodness!
Pam, you did a wonderful job with your tablescape. I just love Bittersweet! What attention to detail as well! I think the warm tone of the chargers is my favorite touch, though. So pretty!
Thanks so much…I am enjoying blog hopping with you this week!
Pam, I love the table setting. My heart could feel your bittersweet thoughts as you shared about your precious mama. It reminded me so much of my grandmother. She ALWAYS done Christmas dinner and insisted that she do all the cooking. I can remember as she aged and she was legally blind, that Papa told us we all, children and grandchildren could begin to help bring the food for Christmas dinner. It broke my granny’s heart that she could no longer do it all. There came a time when I began doing all the cooking and would have my husband go and pick up my grandparents and bring them to our house. Granny never complained but it was obvious that things weren’t the same. The memories will never be forgotten and she taught me how to cook. I love the china pattern as well. I love what you said about “it’s okay to add inexpensive with expensive. For me, it’s not about the cost, it’s simply about if I like it. Hope your day and week is filled with many blessings. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of your precious grandmother! Blessings to you sweet friend!
Pam, your table is stunning. So elegant and inviting. I am all about traditions, and it touches my heart that you are carrying on where your mother left off to continue such a precious tradition. The bittersweet and seeded eucalyptus make such a pretty focal point. The china pattern is lovely, and I really must find myself some of those knife rests!
Thank you Maureen! I am grateful to be able to carry on my Mother’s traditions!
Pam, I loved reading about your family traditions and your sweet mother this morning. I know you must treasure those memories and hand written recipes. Your table is just gorgeous. You have beautifully shown how simple elements from nature can make a stunning table centerpiece. The vintage Fostoria and Lenox China are a pretty finishing touch. It is always so much fun blog hopping with you! Happy Monday, sweet friend!
Thanks you Shannon…I love blog hopping with you sweet friend!
What a gorgeous table setting!
I love your son & daughter-in-love’s dinnerware! It is very beautiful…even more beautiful is her idea of using their dishes on this wonderful time of the year – thanksgiving!
Thank you for opening up your lovely home & sharing your creative ideas.
I may have to steal the pumpkin centerpiece!!
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Thanks so much my sweet friend! Any idea I have is yours!?
I am sitting and drooling both over your menu and tablescape, Pam. Your Mom’s gift of hospitality sounds like my Mom, I think it is so awesome that you are carrying on the tradition.
Have a blessed day.
Sue
Sue, thank you so much! It is so good to know we have much in common!
What a lovely table Pam….and I, too love your crystal knife rest and am amazed that I had not seen anything like that before. What a brilliant idea to protect your beautiful tablecloth. I also like that you used items from members of your family…especially if they are no longer with us as it is a wonderful reminder of each and every one. Your DIL chose a beautiful pattern in her china. The menu is one I would love to partake in..the fact that it has been handed down is so sweet and I know you cherish those memories. I think of my mother every day and wish I could sit down at her table again…I am so looking forward to seeing her again. Bless you and yours.
Kari, what comfort and peace to know that we will see our mothers again…thank you!
Awwwww…this warms my heart! I love the symbolism with the bittersweet in your centerpiece. This is a lovely tablescape both visually and in the way it honors your late Mother’s memory. So lovely to bring the china in from the home of the next generation.
Alycia, thank you sweet lady!
Pam, your table is exquisite! I love the centerpiece! The touches of gold are beautiful and I LOVE the tablecloth! I garee that crystal anything brings everything to a new level of elegance. Beautifully done!
PS, I am wondering if you would share the green bean recipe? It sounds wonderful!
Pinky I will email you the recipe. Give me a couple of days!
Pam…I love that you used the “Autumn” that was your “loves” wedding china…the table with the many treasured items of your family just adds to the specialness of this table and the celebration…the bittersweet is so appropriate as many of us gather at the table at Thanksgiving feeling a little bittersweet. Celebrating the family that are near and those who we have lost. We count our blessings for the dear memories we have of them.
Your table truly brings much joy and beauty to those who gather around it!
Thank you Shirley, I do count my blessings and for sweet memories!
Pam, I had to wait until this afternoon when I had time to read this beautiful post. Everything, absolutely every tiny detail, is gorgeous. My heart melted a bit when I saw the Autumn china. It was my first choice many years ago when we were selecting our wedding china. But, I went with Lenox Moonspun instead. I am very partial to the Fostoria, which is made here in West Virginia, and the crystal knife rests.
The holidays can be difficult without our precious loved ones. But your mom was with you every moment as you worked to set such a lovely table and I am sure she would be so very proud of you. Also, I am certain you also have the “gift of hospitality.” Anyone who can create such beauty, certainly has that gift, along with others.
Enjoy your family and that delicious menu as you gather this Thanksgiving, and especially dear Ella Mae. As for our special tradition, it would have to be my Mississippi grandmothers sweet potato pie. I just may share it on my blog as we get closer to the holiday.
Thanks again for a beautiful, beautiful post !
Thank you for your sweet comments Sandra. I hope you will share the sweet potato pie recipe !
You reminded me of all the delicious holiday dinners we had around my Mother’s dinner table. Those are precious memories indeed. Plus, your menu sounds fantastic! Your guests bellies will be full and they will have had the pleasure of dining at this beautiful table. I’m thankful to Chloe for giving us another opportunity to share our passion again.
Thank you Sandra!
Beautiful table setting. Thank You for sharing.
Marion
As always, thank you so much Marion!
What a lovely table setting. Everything is elegant and gorgeous.
Marilyn
Thanks so much Marilyn!
I’ve always loved Lenox’s Autumn china, and it graces your beautiful table. Warm, elegant, and inviting! Your menu sounds scrumptious!
Thanks so much Michael Lee!
I love your ability to put together things that are simple but made exquisite by your hands. The bittersweet story and the bittersweet tied with raffia on a pumpkin are examples. My husband and I will travel back to NC this thanksgiving to cook a spread for a cousin who has moved from Massachusetts to NC. Can’t wait to get in the kitchen and cook with the cousin, and my sister who lost her husband this year. We’ve invited a cousin from Maryland and another from Maine. Oh that everyone arrives safely. Love the name you gave your daughter in love❤️. How precious.
Thank you Alice! Your Thanksgiving in NC sounds wonderful! I know the holidays will be hard for your sister! Blessings~
Pam, a beautiful table as always. I remember Autumn. I had many friends chose that as their wedding china. It’s still a classic. All the greeny adds such a soft, natural feel to the table. I collect crystal salt cellars, but I’d love to start a knife rest collection. Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Carol. I have enjoyed blog hopping with you!
Your Fall tablescape is so calming and elegant. I love the subdued colors of the pumpkin, bittersweet and greens. It is so welcoming and cozy. A great place to have a wonderful meal and friendly conversation. Gorgeous.
Thank you so much Marsha!
Love, love, love the bittersweet and how you wove it through and over the pumpkin centerpiece! Pinned that right away! And how fitting you used it when you speak of your bittersweet memories surrounding Thanksgiving. That china pattern is fantastic – elegant yet simple, looks quite versatile. Pretty stemware and place settings. I know I would love to sit down to a special meal at this beautifully decorated table and with that delicious sounding menu.
Thank you so much Lori, love blog hopping with you this week!
My family has the same China set. Love this!! The candles are so cute on this as are the pumpkins.
Thank you Emily!
I agree with you in that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It does bring back memories of my grandmother and having meals at her house. I love your dishes and they look perfect on that gorgeous table! The stemware makes your table look very elegant.
Thank you so much Sherry! Thanksgiving has given so many wonderful family memories!
Adorable post,Pam!Just gorgeous and exquisite!
Thank you Maristella!
What a sweet tradition you carry on in memory of your loving mother! A blessed gift you give to your family by sharing this love of serving others. I hope you have a fabulous thanksgiving with all your loved ones sitting around your beautiful table!
Thanks so much for your sweet visit! Looking forward to your table!
Beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape. I love the natural pumpkin, bittersweet, and seeded eucalyptus centerpiece. It is such a great foil for the elegant place setting. I also think it’s wonderful that you make a point of continuing your family’s traditional menu. Thanks for sharing your lovely table!
Thanks so much Lisa! Family traditions are important to me!
Love the centerpiece you created Pam!
Thank you Pamela!
Beautiful table Pam. Of course all of your tables are lovely. There is nothing more special than preserving and carrying on your Mother’s legacy. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. Cherish those memories and celebrate. many blessings to you. I hope your birthday was fabulous.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments Linda. I do cherish the memories!
What a beautiful memory and table setting!! I treasure family traditions!!
Thanks so much Nancy!
Your table and post is a beautiful tribute to what Thanksgiving is all about. The part where you mentioned your mother’s hand written, food stained recipes really hit home for me, since my sister and I have taken over the Holiday duties since our mother has passed. How blessed you are with your growing family and many to appreciate your wonderful talents. You have started out this hop with a truly elegant fashion, Thank you.
Ann, what sweet comments! I am enjoying blog hopping with you this week!
This is simply stunning!! Love the Lenox china & the wonderful memories you shared. Would love it if you would share at Merry Monday which is live now. https://ourcraftymom.com/15-quick-easy-cold-weather-soup-recipes-mm-178/
Thank you Michelle and I linked up!
I love the use of the berries on the vine. I never knew it was called bittersweet.
Thanks so much for your visit!
Mixing high and low isn’t so easy, but you perfectly catched the goal! Love Lenox china and the sweet elegance of your tablescape
Thank you so much Donna!
What better time to remember loved ones is there than at Thanksgiving. I love how you tied the bittersweet on top of the pumpkin and the emotional tie in with the memories of your mother. She sounds like she was a special woman. That china pattern is a perfect choice- great colors. I’ve never used seeded eucalyptus- it’s a pretty color.
Thanks so much Liz! I can buy the seeded eucalyptus at my grocery store!
I love your timeless Thanksgiving tablescape, along with how you interwove the real bittersweet with your story. The menu looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing your memories and traditions with all of us.
Thank you, memories and traditions are important!
Beautiful! I”m trying to encourage bittersweet to grow here on my country hill, but so far I’ve been unsuccessful. I know it’s invasive, but I’m willing to risk that for the beauty of it!
Michele, bittersweet is a perfect autumn gift!
Your Table Setting is beautiful. I would love it if you could share this post on Full Plate Thursday, we now have special features for Table Settings. Thanks for sharing and hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you for your visit and I linked up!
Your table and dining room is stunning, Pam! Love how the bittersweet repeats the beautiful warm red on your walls and, too, I love how you’ve shared your mother’s traditions of cooking everything herself. It was her gift to her family and friends to be able to create a lovely meal! <3 This year we may stay home or up and go down to see our daughter in Austin, Texas. Hubby only has Thursday and Friday off so we may just stay home. 🙂 There is a group Thanksgiving potluck which will be shared here where we live, so that might be nice to just go and visit with friends from the farm/park. Playing it by ear, for sure! Coming over from Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday today. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!
Barb 🙂
Barbara, thank you for your warm sentiments! It sounds like you have options for Thanksgiving, may it be blessed!
Stunning table, Love the centerpiece with the orange pumpkin and the bittersweet on top and extending with the leaves. The Lenox china is just beautiful on our table and such a great choice for your son and DIL to select.
Thanks so much Judy! I️ do love that Lenox pattern!
Pam, I love Thanksgiving as well! Your table is beautiful and your menu sounds delicious. We have our family favorites as well. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
My pleasure, Jann!