Happy Thursday sweet friends. I hope the first week of the new year is off to a good start. Several have asked if we received snow on Monday. There was snow accumulation all around us, even in our county, but we received zero. I was hoping because it is a big deal to see the white stuff in Alabama.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8
Before we move on to new content, I am sharing what you, our readers, chose as the top ten posts of 2021. Thank you so much for faithfully reading and for all of your lovely comments and emails. You are the most wonderful and thoughtful community of friends and readers!
You can view the original post by clicking the highlighted links.
ONE ~ Celebrating Hydrangeas
I was surprised, but pleased, that this was our most viewed post from last year. Hydrangeas seem to be a favorite flower with so many of you! The Sunshine Cottage played host for Ball jars filled with beautiful blooms!
Most of you know about my dear friend, Martha and her fabulous hydrangea farm…all of these blooms were harvested from her farm! I showcased the “Macrophylla” also known as French hydrangeas, mop heads, and big leaf hydrangeas. Southern Living says:
“French hydrangeas define the South like sweet tea and cornbread.”
I agree!
TWO ~ We Gather Together
As family gathered around our Thanksgiving table, we gave thanks for God’s rich blessings and faithfulness! Many of us were unable to gather for Thanksgiving in 2020, perhaps that is why this post resonated with so many of you.
An easy centerpiece that anyone can do…you could use a real pumpkin instead of a velvet one. The Spode “woodland” china and feather placemats are favorites of mine that I use every Thanksgiving!
THREE ~ A Nutcracker Parade
Our two granddaughters love nutcrackers! This table was styled with them in mind. I used a few of the Steinbach nutcrackers from my collection in the center of the table to mimic a parade. Nutcrackers were also marching on the wrapping paper used as a table topper. The table was approved by the girls!
Version two of the table shows the nutcracker wrapping paper removed for a more traditional look versus the whimsical in the above photo.
FOUR ~ A Welcome To Autumn Tablescape
My favorite season is autumn and my favorite place to set a table is in the garden! The French-made saffron tapestry, a gift from a dear friend, was the inspiration for the table. Vintage Johnson Brothers “harvest time” dinnerware was stacked on wicker chargers with a petite twine pumpkin in each cup!
FIVE ~ A Welcome To Summer
Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt made a first time appearance on the blog. My paternal grandmother made this gorgeous quilt and it was given to me after she passed away. I know you might wonder if I serve food on a cherished quilt. Never would I serve food on a cherished quilt, tapestry, or treasured memento. They are only used for display and our enjoyment. Many of you commented that the quilt was the star of the table and I agree!
SIX ~ No Tricks, Only Treats
I have never been a fan of Halloween, but I must admit that I enjoyed and had fun setting up this table!
SEVEN ~ Valentines In The Sunshine Cottage
What would Valentines Day be without flowers and cards? Not shown in this photo, but there was an abundance of chocolate and sweet treats. I am a romantic and save all of the cards that RM gives me. I admit I was teary eyed as I gathered up Valentine cards from previous years and read his cherished words.
EIGHT ~ Merry Christmas From The Sunshine Cottage
To say I had fun dressing the cottage for Christmas would be a huge understatement! The fun is two-fold. I enjoy displaying so many wonderful hand-made items that my beloved Mother made and collections that she started for me. Secondly, I love seeing the girls’ eyes light up every time we played in the cottage during the holiday season!
NINE ~ Cherry Blossoms & Snowball Blooms
In early spring as I wait for the garden to come into bloom, I enjoy using our picnic table located next to a wooded area. An April Cornell tablecloth complements the Kwanzan cherry blossoms and snowball viburnum blooms.
TEN ~ The Wonders Of Christmas
Christmas decor doesn’t change much from year to year in our family room. I am not given to throwing it all out to buy into the latest fad. Christmas is all about memories. The tree is laden with ornaments from our almost forty nine years of marriage. Unpacking these precious mementos is part of the joy of Christmas!
Now, please indulge this grandmother as I share my two favorite posts from 2021.
Some of the sweetest moments come from the unexpected, the unplanned, the serendipitous! On a Saturday last May, EM and EK came over to play with the idea that we would have a tea party. I wasn’t prepared with pretty decorations, flowers, or fun cookies and treats, but that didn’t seem to be important!
Pumpkin Carving + Chasing Monarchs
Sweet family fun was had by all on a late October afternoon!
Two series dominated the top ten:
Five Tablescape Blog Hops
Four Monday Morning Blooms
One Sunshine Cottage
Many of these posts were shared from the garden or the cottage. There was not a single travel post last year, hopefully that will change in 2022! If you missed the review of Simple + Southern Sunday, click here or My Year In Flowers, click here.
Thank you for your visits and heartwarming comments. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
A beautiful round up of 10 posts Pam! Many of these are my favorites of yours too including the hydrangeas and your adorable Halloween table…you know I am a fan of Tricks and Treats. 🙂 Happy Thursday ♥
Mary, I have crowned you the Queen of Halloween. No one does it better 😀
I can see why every single one of these was a favorite. Some were my favorites, too. SO many cute touches in each one, like the quilts as tablecloth and that darling Halloween scape. Your tree always dazzles! Lovely post in every way.
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Happy Thursday! I enjoy every post and always come away with some very good ideas; however, I got a good laugh out of your very last one! Fun memories! Look forward to your 2022 posts!
Thank you, Debbie for your sweet comments that are heartwarming!
It’s always fun to look back and enjoy memories from the past year, and your year in tables was certainly wonderful! Seeing your beautiful hydrangeas gives me thoughts of spring and summer on this gray and rainy January day! I especially loved your two favorite posts of an impromptu tea party and family pumpkin carving!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna.
I had no absolute favorite in 2021 and like you I am not a fan of Halloween. I admire all of the posts you work so hard on and each day. I search my emails to read yours first. The scripture verses to start our day and the grandchildren are some of my favorites. And Sunday walks with Butch are an education in its self. I love you keep all of RM’s cards as do I keep all of my sweeties cards. Happy New Year to both of you.
Thank you dearest Alice. Your sweet words warm my heart ♥️
It is always fun to look back and you have shown some beautiful blooms. I love the tea party the best. Happy Thursday Pam.
Thanks so much, Kris!
I always love your posts, Pam. Thank you for sharing your life and faith with your readers. You inspire me and pick my spirits up. Thank you always!
Martha, thanks for your encouraging words ♥️
I, too, have saved every card my husband has given me (46 years!) and decorate our Christmas tree with the same cherished ornaments. I think my favorite post was the one featuring your Grandmother’s quilt. Pam, I think we are kindred spirits! Everything about your blog is beautiful, from your tablescapes, your gardens, and your precious grandchildren. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ellen, thank you and I think we are kindred spirits. Happy New Year♥️
Hi Pam! These are definitely favorites especially the very last one. Love that family one! The tea party one is precious! It’s snowing and sleeting here so we are warm and cozy! I’m looking forward to Valentine’s tables and floral arrangements. The one above is so colorful and pretty. Enjoy your day! Clara ❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. Hopefully, you will only have snow instead of too much sleet. Enjoy♥️
Pam, such a beautiful round up of your top ten posts. Each one is so pretty, difficult to select a favorite. Love seeing your precious family photos. The floral arrangements are always so beautiful. wishing you a very happy New year.
Thanks so much, Linda!
A beautiful year. While still very challenging, your life seemed very good. Beautiful family, Pam.
Thank you, Rita.
Happy New Year, dear Pam. I don’t think it would be possible for my to pick ten of my favorite blog posts of yours. They are all such a delight to the eyes. I look forward to lots more deliciousness in 2022!! xx
Thank you, Katie for your sweet comments!
Every vignette is a favorite of mine! I especially love the blue bicycle full of pumpkins and your beautiful Valentine setting. Like others have mentioned, I read your post first and am always uplifted by your scripture and photos. I bet your mind is full of ideas for 2022!
Thank you, Roxanne. You are a blessing ♥️
How wonderful to see your beautiful tables once again. During the year you blow me away with your creative flair and regular postings. I admire your energy!
You are so encouraging. Thank you, Linda!
It was so joyful to see all your top posts and learn what people most resonated with! All of your posts are a true blessing, so it would be impossible for me to choose! God bless you all.
Thank you my friend!
Pam, thank you for sharing your top 10 of 2021. I enjoyed viewing each. Blessings.
Visiting today from Imparting Grace #15&15
Thank you, Paula!
Pam, ALL of these are so beautiful. I remember them well. I’m such a fan of the Cottage; it’s my favorite (and I love RM’s “teeth” in the Halloween pic with all the cuties!). I must share that my Dad’s M.R.I. results came back today–the word “BENIGN” is my word of celebration. Praise God! I will have my biopsy on Monday; prayers are appreciated, Pam. 2022 has started busily and I’ve been a bit distracted. But I cling to Christ and hope as I continue to muster my motivation! Sending love and prayers to you my sweet friend for another year filled with beauty. You’re an inspiration! 🤍🙏
Amazing! Thank you for your encouragement in this difficult year of my life… Blessings.
Love and hugs sweet friend♥️
Love your Top 10 posts, Pam! It’s always a treat to see your lovely tablescapes, your gorgeous landscaping and home, your adorned Sunshine Cottage, and your beautiful family. Wishing you much happiness in 2022. Your friend, Suzanne.
Thanks so much, Suzanne! Wishing you a wonderful new year, my friend.
Pam, I feel terrible, I somehow missed this post Thursday. For some crazy reason, part of my email got deleted from that day. I so enjoyed revisiting all of your pretty posts this morning. It is a very cold and dreary morning, and seeing all your beautiful photographs brightened my morning. Wishing you a happy Saturday and wonderful weekend ahead, my dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. You are a sweet blessing. Happy Sunday!
oh the quilt and the flowers and the lights and the little ones.
these are the lovelies that make a house a home.
xo
Thanks so much, Linda for your sweet visit!
I can’t pick a favorite. I adore all of them. But the tea party is so cute and so fun for all of you.
I enjoy visiting you and Butch… even if I am a day late.
Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Thank you, Nancy. Your visits are much appreciated as is your friendship!
I love every one of your posts in 2021 and am looking forward to 2022.
Thanks so much, Rebecca. Happy New Year$
Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit the $ sign.
Pam, what a fabulous round up of 2021 posts – I can certainly see why all of them made your top ten! And the hydrangeas for the number 1 spot is perfect – they are stunning! And, of course, the grands are so adorable! Your have such a lovely blog. Happy New Year to you!
Thanks so much, Kim. Happy New Year to you!