Hello dear friends. Thanksgiving is usually a very busy week for most of us. I am truly thankful that you are taking a short break from your labors of love and have stopped by for a visit!
“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
1 Chronicles 29:13 ESV
A wonderful way for me to take a break from the flurry of activity is a relaxing cup of hot tea in the Sunshine Cottage. I have an extra place just for you!
The cottage was wonderfully quiet as I went about setting this tea table. This year a couple of milestones, our 50th wedding anniversary and my 70th birthday, have made me more reflective about the brevity of life. 2023 has brought some challenges, but in the midst of each of these we have seen God’s mercy and grace. When tempted to complain, I want to always stop and remember all the blessings of this year, and not only this year, but all of my years. If we had the opportunity to share tea and conversation and I were to ask you this question, “what are you thankful for”, how would you answer? I would love for you to share in the comments. I would answer my question by sharing that I am learning, yes learning, to be thankful for all of God’s good gifts that I have often taken for granted.
I look forward to the third Tuesday of each month as Mary and I celebrate teatime. Our special guest for this Edition of Tea on Tuesdays is Kitty from Kitty’s Kozy Kitchen! Kitty is a tea lover and a passionate cook. She shares fabulous recipes on her blog. You will find Mary’s and Kitty’s links at the bottom of this post.
Long-time readers know that autumn is my favorite color and season!
A cozy plaid throw was removed from a chair and used as a table covering.
Spode ‘Woodland’ is my go-to pattern for the fall season. There are eight different game birds depicted on the plates and the mallards are one of my favorites! Octagonal salad plates were placed on pumpkin-colored dinner plates.
A dear friend of forty-nine years collects teapots and they are displayed on top of her kitchen cabinets. She has a beautiful and varied collection. Recently while we were enjoying dinner in their home, I spied this autumn gold teapot with acorns and oak leaves. I knew it would be perfect for November’s tea.
I am very thankful for my circle of precious friends!
Fall just seems to require a cup of pumpkin spice tea! It is a specially blended black tea with bits of pumpkin, ginger, and cinnamon.
I have never met a sweet that I didn’t like! As you can see, I went a little overboard filling the tiered tray with some favorites…orange-cranberry scones, pumpkin bundtlets, pumpkin spice madeleines, pistachio-cranberry biscotti, and pumpkin macarons. I purchased everything except the pumpkin bundtlets which I made from RM’s great aunt’s recipe for pumpkin bread.
My autumn decor will be coming down this week and it will all be changed to Christmas. It always makes me a little sad when the seasons change. But, I do love Christmas!
I think that is a better thing than thanksgiving: thanks-living. How is this to be done? By a general cheerfulness of manner, by an obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a perpetual, constant delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by a submission of our desires to His will.
~Charles Spurgeon
Like all the ‘Woodland’ plates, the pheasant plate has such wonderful detail!
I mixed Johnson Brothers ‘Harvest Time’ cups and saucers with the Spode. I love mixing patterns!
You may have noticed there are no flowers on the table, instead, a bowl of halo oranges! A bowl of fruit is easy and always perfect for your table!
“Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be filled with the sweet incense of thanksgiving.”
~Charles Spurgeon
You will definitely want to visit Mary and Kitty for their fabulous teatimes!
Mary ~ Home Is Where The Boat Is
Kitty ~ Kitty’s Kozy Kitchen
I am thankful for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled Thanksgiving!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good morning, Pam! Your Sunshine Cottage is such a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of tea and the twinkling lights of your autumn tree. What a tempting selection of sweet treats to enjoy. A pumpkin bundtlet is calling my name this morning. Love your cheery plaid throw as a cozy foundation and covering for your table. I love your friend’s sweet teapot… it blends so beautifully with your napkins and fall décor. I’ve long admired your Spode Woodland and Harvest Time by Johnson Brothers holds a special place in my heart as it was my grandmother’s pattern. I love the quote from Charles Spurgeon you included about ‘thanks-living’. I am thankful for so many things but especially for the rain we are getting this morning after our driest fall on record since 1926! As always, it’s a treat to join you for tea. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving week! 🦃🧡
Thank you, Mary. Yes, I am thankful for the much needed rain 🧡
What a beautiful tea table you’ve set for your favorite season and for giving THANKS for all things. Your mix of Spode and Johnson Bros look perfect together. The halo oranges are indeed an easy, edible, and colorful centerpiece. You had a good eye in spotting that adorable teapot at your friend’s house. We would get along so well, Pam, as I can never turn down a sweet and I’d like to try all of yours on your tiered stand. What am I thankful for?? Of course, my family, and as I get older I realize how very important my friends are…those here in my life and those friends I’ve never met, but know in my heart.
Thank you for including me in this month’s Tea On Tuesday. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 🍁🧡🍂
Kitty, thank you. It was a pleasure to have you join us. Many blessings on this Thanksgiving week!
Good Morning, my dearest Pam! I am so happy to sit at your tea time in the Sunshine Cottage!
I so enjoy these cozy moments with you! And the sweet treats are a welcomed addition!
My heart is overflowing with thankfulness and appreciation for the simplest things that God has given me.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Thank you, Nancy. The simple things that I take for granted too often but am trying to focus on more…blessings from God!
What a beautifully peaceful fall setting and teatime, Pam. I love that you’re taking time to enjoy the last of your favorite season before the rush of holidays. I am thankful first and foremost for my family, and to be enjoying retirement life with an abled body. My friends are gifts. Happy Thanksgiving, friend!
Thank you, Rita. Retirement is a wonderful blessing!
I think you nailed it when you linked major events to the awareness of life’s brevity and the importance of cherishing and being grateful for even the most mundane moments of our day. Your tea time is a lovely, quiet and beautiful way to reflect on such things. I love the table setting and your tea treats look scrumptious!
Thank you, Jeanie. It is easy to overlook the simple and mundane things in life. I am trying to be thankful for every moment!
Fell in love with your friend’s tea pot instantly. Did she gift it to you? It was the icing on your beautiful table. The quotes fill my heart with Thanksgiving. Flowers were not missed. Your bowl of halo oranges are the perfect centerpiece but then the tiered tray of goodies would make me tempted to indulge. All perfectly chosen. I am thankful for many things but mostly for 82 years of life, time to make corrections, time to make new friends, and time to learn to love. I count you and Butch among my friends. I am truly blessed. I love your Spode plates. I have Keltcraft by Noritake. I chose them because they have a big pheasant in the middle of each plate. I chose them because my husband is from SD and it’s the capital of pheasant hunting. They were made in Ireland. Have a joyous Thanksgiving you two🙏
Thank you, Alice! Butch and I count you among our friends. Your comments are always encouraging. I would have never dreamed you are 82, I love your outlook on life! I know that Noritake pattern and it is beautiful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving dear friend🙏🏻
Pam, Your tea table is so inviting and colorful. The beautiful teapot and Woodland plates pair so well together upon the plaid throw. The dessert treats look so tasty and such a nice variety! It’s nice to be able to have quiet time during a hectic season. I am so thankful for my sweet husband, our health, wonderful friends and all the blessings God graces us with. I am thankful for the blogs I read. There are always positive thoughts and great ideas. It enables you to connect with those you may never meet in person but thankful to know through the blog. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that you are a faithful reader of Everyday Living! Blessings♥️
Thank you Pam for a beautiful post! I am thankful for my family and health. I am thankful for being reminded what is really important in life and trying to live more fully realizing these things. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and I too, am looking forward to celebrating the Christmas season.
Thanks so much. I am sorry your comment came up anonymous, I am unsure why it is happening. Many blessings on this Thanksgiving week!
Your post lifted my heart this morning. The words of Charles Spurgeon are ones to live by. Your Woodland plates are so beautiful and yes you had to have your friend’s teapot for this beautiful table. Fruit makes such a beautiful centerpiece. Some of your words reflect my thoughts as well. I am so aware of the small gifts of everyday living. Thanks living is a really good word. I am thankful for the Love of God, His faithfulness and love, the gift of family and friends, health to enjoy special moments and energy to keep this garden thriving. This seems like the perfect time to thank you for your encouragement. Even though we have never met in person, you have had a great impact on my life. I pray God’s richest blessings for you and your beautiful family.
Dianne, your list is much like mine. Your words warm my heart, you are a blessing and an encourager. I am thankful for our blogging friendship.
Your table is lovely and inviting. Wish I could come for tea! It would be lovely to have a quiet cup with a friend during this busy time. What I am thankful for on this holiday to count blessings – my Fab Four – family, friends, food and football!
Carole, I would be delighted if you could join me for tea. I like your Fab Four!
Pam, the Sunshine Cottage looks like the perfect, cozy spot on this chilly and rainy morning! I love those little bundtlettes and may need to get a pan! There is so much I am thankful for…my dear family and friends, my health, having a warm roof and plenty of food, and that despite its many flaws, we really do live in the greatest nation on earth. I am truly blessed. I have invited 12 church ladies over for a Christmas brunch mid-December, so I can’t wait to start decorating after Thanksgiving!
Roxanne, we all have much to be thankful for. Your Christmas brunch sounds like so much fun. I will look forward to photos!
I love the term “thanks-living” from the quote by Charles Spurgeon, and I agree we must live each day with gratitude. The Sunshine Cottage is such a cozy spot for relaxing and your table full of fall treats is so inviting! I know you are very thankful for your family, and so am I, family means everything to me. Have fun transitioning your decor from Fall to Christmas after Thanksgiving, I am grateful we have a week after Thanksgiving before Dec. 1!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. Our families are definitely blessings to be thankful for and I am glad you have yours with you for Thanksgiving!
A lovely table Pam, so perfect in your Sunshine Cottage. The cozy throw is a wonderful addition along with your Spode and Johnson Bros plates. The teapot is charming. Such a wonderful assortment of treats to enjoy with a cup of hot tea. Love the. Love the bowl of halos, a pop of color. I am thankful for life since I have had cancer 3 times. I am thankful for family and friends. We have so many things to be thankful for. Happy birthday and happy wedding anniversary. May you and your lovely family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.
Thank you, Linda! You are indeed blessed to survive three cancers dear one. Blessings to you and your family on this Thanksgiving!
Beautiful tea time peaceful setting. To enjoy a little down time and a nice cup of tea with beautiful presentation is the best. Lovely. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving with your family!
Pam, all is beautiful, I will be spending more time looking as I don’t want to miss anything. This is a hard year for me to give thanks, it is the year I lost the love of my life, my husband Steve. Still, I am so thankful we had each other for so long and all of our children. I am thankful he is out of pain and at rest with the Lord, I am thankful he was a Christian and knew Christ. I have much to tankful for but still sad.
Not sure why it say’s anonymous, its me Nonie
Nonie, I am trying to figure this out!
I am so sorry, Nonie. I did not know your beloved Steve had passed away. Your sweet spirit of thankfulness through the sadness of so great a loss shines through. Sending hugs, dear one and also prayers for you 🙏🏻
I’m inspired by the “thanks-living” quote, it was a great simple reminder! Your tea time tablescape in the Sunshine Cottage is as charming as ever. I like how you combined many delightful thinks bringing it all together creating an inviting celebration.
Thanks so much, Mary. I am inspired by the “thanks-living” quote also. Happy Thanksgiving!
O Pam dear, like you and Butch, we would have celebrated our Golden Anniversary this year. What a golden life we shared. The years will continue to be golden if we hold fast to the Lord, beloved family and friendships and a heart
seeking the truth and beauty of life. The golden light you two shed upon our
lives through your blog is, no doubt, embraced in gratitude by so many. May
you and Family be greatly blessed this Season of Thanksgiving.
Mary, I did not know this would have been your 50th anniversary year. You are a sweet blessing that we are most thankful for, dear one! Thanksgiving blessings!
Grateful for you … Happy Thanksgiving, dear Pam.
Blessings, sweet Linda!
Your Tea Time Table is pretty! I’m Thankful for SO many things. I thank God and Jesus everyday. Have A Blessed Thanksgiving.
Thank you, Nancy and Amen!
Sunshine Cottage is the perfect spot to take a break, reflect on blessings, and enjoy a cup of tea. It is such a beautiful and cozy place. Your entire tea setting is so pretty, and the sweet treats look scrumptious. I adore the Spode Woodland china, and the pheasant plates are my favorites. It pairs so perfectly with the autumn teapot. I agree fruit makes the perfect centerpiece. My dear friend, I am thankful for your blog and friendship. I wish you and your dear family a most happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Shannon. I am thankful for your blog and our friendship. Blessings ♥️
So warm & welcoming is your Tea Party!!! We love tea parties too!!! Such dear memories tea food brings. I try & get our granddaughters to help me make some of the goodies but store bought are always welcomed too, especially Trader Joe’s😃
We treasure each day we have because no one is promised tomorrow. We have experienced deaths of friends recently and losing them is hard. So gratefulness & thankfulness has always been our mantra❤️
Happy Thanksgiving to you & Butch & your dear families🍁
Thank you, sweet Penny. I am so sorry about the deaths of friends. It is hard 🙏🏻 Wishing you and yours a lovely Thanksgiving ♥️
This is a beautiful table for tea time Pam! The plaid throw is so cozy and just says autumn. The Spode salad plates look lovely on your pumpkin dinner plates and I love the mix of Spode with the Johnson Brothers. The sweet teapot from your friend is perfect for your table – what a nice gesture. The goodies on the tiered tray look delectable and I know I would have a hard time choosing a favorite (or just one either). I tried to post a comment yesterday but the “reply” button just froze – same thing happened with Jenna – and I’m not sure why. I’m trying a different browser today to see if that works. Anyway, I hope you and your family had a most wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Thanks so much, Kim! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear one!
Yay! It worked!!
I am so glad!
Pam as usual you have displaced a gorgeous display for tea time. We all love birds too and love watching them and their different habits.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thank you my friends! Happy Sunday!
What a delightful tea time we just had together Pam!
I especially loved trying your tea selection, we don’t have flavour here in Australia!
My answer to your question is; I’m very grateful for a loving, kind & gentle husband in this season of my life after the years I spent as a widow.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Jennifer, I am so glad you joined me for tea. I so happy for you to be in this season of life, my friend!
Pam
Aw, it was so good to see that sweet Kitty was featured on your blog! She is a precious, dear friend and prayer partner of mine. May the Lord bless both of you, and Mary, too!
Thank you, Cheryl! I have just recently met Kitty on line. She is lovely as is her blog!