Welcome sweet friends. How can it be possible that Thanksgiving is one week from this Thursday? It seems like we just celebrated July 4th!
“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.”
Psalm 7:17 (ESV)
Sunshine Cottage is my perfect place to take a break during the busy holiday season and enjoy a cup of tea! I have an extra place just for you.
Every year has its challenges and life changes, and 2024 has been no exception. My Daddy is now homebound which makes daily activities, special occasions, and holiday gatherings different for him and all of our family. But, this has also served as a wonderful reminder of the countless blessings of the past as well as the present. I will share more within the post, but without a doubt, God has been gracious and blessed us with all we need, and more than we deserve in 2024!
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I would like to ask a question I have asked before…let’s imagine we are sharing tea and I asked, “what are you thankful for”? I would love for you to share in the comments. I would answer my question that I am most thankful for God’s Grace in my life. Of course, I am grateful for all of God’s good blessings of family, friends, and health.
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 Lidy from French Garden House. We are always happy when our Monday Morning Blooms friend and fellow tea enthusiast can join us for tea! You will find Mary’s and Lidy’s teatime links at the bottom of this post.
November just seems to require a pumpkin spice tea! It is a specially blended black tea with bits of pumpkin, ginger, and cinnamon. For a natural sweetener, honey spoons are ideal!
‘Homeland’ Turkey salad plate by Victorian English Pottery-Royal Stafford with an acorn border is perfect for Thanksgiving!
A trio of handmade Hot Skwash silk velvet pumpkins with all natural stems were ordered several years ago. I had intended on adding to the collection each year, but then thought, do I really need any more collections?
No flower arranging was necessary for a pot of mini mums from the grocery store…quick and easy!
As an April Cornell Brand Ambassador, I chose for this autumn season a returning Heritage print from the archives called ‘Antique’. The tablecloth and coordinating napkins were first used here.
“I think that it 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
A Vietri leaf serving dish, purchased many years ago, is holding sweet treats for teatime. I completely ran out of time for baking but the grocery store bakery is a go-to in a pinch! Brownie bites, cranberry-pecan loaf, and powdered sugar donuts were perfect with pumpkin spice tea.
The grands came over for our last tea/picnic in the garden this past Saturday. I iced the brownies and added sprinkles. Ella Mae and Emma are all about sprinkles! The powdered donuts were a big hit with Wyatt and my Daddy loved the cranberry-pecan loaf. Nothing went to waste!
The hand-made Italian leather box was found on a trip to Florence in 2004. Wow, that was twenty years ago this month. We were in a leather shop and I was smitten by the small leather box. When I picked it up to look closer, the gentleman said I can engrave it for you. That sealed the purchase! It sits on the coffee table in our family room and Ella Mae has been known to store little trinkets inside! The trip also included time spent in Venice and Rome. Venice remains a favorite of mine and we traveled back for our fortieth anniversary!
Thanksgiving will be very different for us this year. Since my sweet Daddy is completely home-bound with 24/7 caregivers, Butch and I will spend Thanksgiving with him. I will prepare some of our traditional dishes…my Mother’s cornbread dressing, ham rather than turkey, sweet potato casserole, 4-cheese macaroni and cheese, broccoli salad, and blueberry-peach cobbler as requested by Daddy. On Friday we will have Thanksgiving dinner for our son, daughter-in-love and grandchildren. This is the first time since my Mother passed away in 2007, that Butch and I have not hosted our family for Thanksgiving. My brother and sister-in-love will celebrate with their son and daughter, their spouses, and grandchildren in Birmingham. It makes me a little sad, but I am blessed and thankful that I still have my 94 year old Daddy. His mind is sharp, he just says his body is worn out.
A close-up of the trio of pumpkins in their autumnal colors!
Stay tuned…there might be a change coming to the cottage!! I am excited!
Spode ‘Woodland’ dinner plates frame the turkey plates. Faux leather chargers add more warmth to the setting.
I have always loved Fitz and Floyd figural pieces. The pheasant teapot is marked Omnibus by Fitz and Floyd and dated 1997. It was a sweet surprise from my Renaissance Man the year it was introduced. I am excited to see F&F has made a great comeback and their older pieces are in high demand by many of the table stylists on Instagram.
The granddaughters love having an autumn tree in the cottage. The tree topper is turkey tail feathers gathered from our pasture and woods. It will soon change to Christmas.
You will not want to miss teatime with Mary and Lidy! Click on their links for wonderful inspiration.
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a blessed 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 makes for such a cozy spot for a cup of tea, especially with the ambiance from the twinkling lights of your autumn tree! I adore the border on your April Cornell tablecloth…such a pretty foundation for your table with your pheasant teapot, pumpkin trio and turkey plates. Your Italian leather box is such a wonderful memento from your trip, I thought it was polished wood when I first saw it. I know you’re thankful to have Thanksgiving with your sweet dad, the menu of family favorites sounds delicious! Personally, I’ll pass on pumpkin pie too in favor of blueberry-peach cobbler. 😊 As always, it’s a treat to share tea with you. Wishing your family a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday and Friday. 🦃🧡
Thanks so much, Mary. Sharing tea with you is always delightful. Wishing you a lovely season of Thanksgiving 🧡🦃
I hear you on the weirdness of changing holiday traditions due to circumstances at the time, but as you know, you will never regret that change for a minute, and indeed, would do it over and over again, if need be. But it is hard, I’m sure a bit emotional too, but live in the moment, as I suspect you do.
Your autumn tree is especially beautiful and of course the tea table (as always) is lovely and elegant, yet warm and “friendly.” Your turkey pot is darling!
What am I thankful for? Ironically, thankful that I made it through England all in one piece and not sick or injured (that’s what happened in 2018!); certainly grateful for Rick and all the extended family, including sweet Lizzie despite her faults; and the fact that I’m still here and OK, safe and secure with a home and enough resources to be comfortable — enough to spare, enough to share.
Thank you, Jeanie for your heartwarming comments. We all have much to be thankful for…” safe and secure with a home and enough resources to be comfortable — enough to spare, enough to share.” Love these thoughts.”
Good morning, Pam! Sunshine Cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy a Thanksgiving tea. The glow of the lights from the Autumn tree creates such a warm and inviting glow. Your tea table is set so beautifully with the April Cornell tablecloth and elegant turkey plates. I have a fondness for Fitz and Floyd pieces too. I have a few pieces that are dear to me. The treats look yummy, and the tea sounds delicious. I know it is difficult to break with tradition, but I also know that your dear daddy will enjoy all the scrumptious dishes you are making and spending the day with you. You are a devoted, thoughtful, and loving daughter. My dear friend, I wish you and your sweet family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Shannon. We will enjoy being at Daddy’s for Thanksgiving. He is so sweet to compliment everything I cook. I am happy to call you friend!
The cottage is so warm and cozy…the perfect place to share a cup of tea. I love the autumn tree, such a cute idea. I am thankful for all the friends that my husband and I have here in Florida. We can always count on each other when needed.
Thank you, Karen. We all have so much to be thankful for in this Thanksgiving season!
Although this Thanksgiving will be different for you, I’m sure you’ll look back on it as a blessing to have spent it with your father.
Thank you, Lauren! Wishing you a most wonderful Thanksgiving!
Dearest Pam, what a beautiful setting for tea in the Sunshine Cottage. Your table and the tree look so cozy and inviting. It is okay for Thanksgiving to be different this year because you are still surrounded by all the people who love you. I am so thankful for the love and protection God has shown my family this year…my sister’s terrible car accident, my surgery, John’s A1C now below 6, our protection during the hurricane. We are so blessed with dozens and dozens who have prayed for us. The friendship you and I have is so special to me. On a lighter note, I just read about a cupcake at Sam’s that EM and EK would go crazy over! It weighs 5 pounds and when it is cut open, a literal avalanche of sprinkles and M&Ms pour out! And reviewers say it is quite tasty too.
Roxanne, yes Thanksgiving will be different, but I will be surrounded by those I love. Thank you for sharing how God has protected and kept you safe over these months. It is comforting to know when you have dozens and dozens who are praying specifically for your needs. I am thankful for your precious friendship, Roxanne. I looked at the cupcake on Sam’s, my three grands would love it. We might order one! Thanks for letting me know about it! I hope you are taking care of yourself!
Sunshine cottage looks magical all decked out neither your pretty autumn tree. Your Fitz and Floyd teapot is lovely with your pretty plates. I know your grands love spending time with you in Sunshine Cottage. How special to spend Thanksgiving with your dad. Precious time and memories. I am very thankful to still be here after surviving three plus cancers. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family.
Thank you, Linda. I know you are thankful to survive three cancers.
That is amazing. I am blessed to still have my sweet daddy, he is a joy to us and to all who know him. My grands love fun times in my little cottage! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Your Sunshine Cottage is beautifully adorned for fall. Your tree is outstanding! The tea table is gorgeous. I love the pheasant teapot. Fitz and Floyd has always been a favorite of mine. I am thankful for God’s forgiveness and for providing a way to everlasting life in heaven for all of us even though we’re not worthy. I am thankful for all our blessings which are too many to list. I am thankful for my husband and lifelong friends. I am thankful for relatively good health that we have at the moment. We know it will be different for you this year at Thanksgiving. Traditions change when parents have challenges with health or pass away, even when we try to keep them relatively the same. It’s just different; their presence is missed. Thankfully, your sweet daddy is still with you and still has a good mind. A tired body is frustrating for him and it’s wonderful you are so understanding. Looking forward to seeing what you will be doing with the Sunshine Cottage. Have a wonderful week. Clara❤️
Your thankful list is encouraging, Clara. Just thinking about God’s forgiveness and His amazing grace is overwhelming. Thank you for your heartwarming thoughts ❤️
Good Morning Pam. Your table is gorgeous as always. I am so grateful of course for family and friends and everyone being healthy and happy. I am most grateful and blessed that God puts people in our paths when we need them most. That has always been a sign to me that God is walking through our life journey and is right beside us. Happy New Week. Enjoy every minute as we quickly move up to Thanksgiving. Big Hugs Kris
Thank you for sharing, Kris. God is faithful and we can trust His divine providence. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friend!
Dear friend, you’ve stirred my heart and appetite and longing for all things Thanksgiving. So much to be grateful for, so much to look forward to, so much to sit quietly with and reflect on. Thanks for taking me there this morning. I’m always blessed by a little visit with you …
Your comments warm my heart, Linda. I am happy you stopped in to visit!
Good morning Pam! What a delight to join you in your darling Sunshine Cottage for tea today. Your table is just lovely, the colors are so warm and inviting! Your tea pot is such a beautiful and fun piece, just right for this time of year. I bet your girls love having tea parties with you there.
Like you, I am so grateful for many things, but mostly God’s blessings and my family. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving friend. Thank you for inviting me to your tea time with Mary this month. Xo Lidy 🧡
Thank you, Lidy. The girls are always asking when we can have another tea party. God is so good and sends His blessings. It is always a pleasure to welcome you for teatime! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend 🧡
The Sunshine Cottage is such a special place to relax and sip a cuppa, and it looks beautiful decorated for Fall. The tea table is lovely with the AC cloth and the wonderful F&F teapot! Pumpkin Spice tea is the perfect choice and all the treats sound yummy. I know it is difficult these days with your Dad housebound, but it’s so great that he has 24/7 care in his home. I know you will miss your normal Thanksgiving, but at least your son’s family can celebrate with you on Friday. I am so grateful for my family, especially my son, who takes such good care of me, I thank God every day. I love your velvet pumpkins. I have sworn off buying anything new, I have 2 houses full of “stuff!” Enjoy these last few days of November, time is flying!
Thanks so much, Jenna. We live so close, we must meet soon. I know your family is very special to you. Your son is amazing! Yes, November is flying by!
I am gob-smacked by your Autumn tree, dear one, and that lovely wreath on the wall is a plus. I sit nestled in my corner of our tea party by the window and melt at the sight of the beautiful table covering, settings and appointments. You have such an eye and generous heart, Pam dear. I am confident we all would agree that yours and Butch’s friendship has become a mainstay in the quality of our lives and one to be counted with the blessings of the Season. May Sweet Daddy’s Thanksgiving be all you have planned and hoped and may he be especially blessed by a day of comfort, joy and renewal. I am grateful that although I am flawed, the Lord sees me as worthy of His Love and Blessings and has provided an embracing cocoon of loving family and friends to soften my days. So true (thank you for that) “all that I need and more than I deserve.” Blessings to all as we gather together…..
Mary, your sweet comments are heartwarming. I wish we could share tea in my little cottage. I count our readers as friends. You all are a part of our lives. I love reading what you are thankful for…His love, a loving family, and friends. God is good and faithful! Love to you my friend!
My sweet Pam….I am so thankful for God”s Grace and His love for me… so undeserving am I.
I am thankful He chose me and that I came of my own free will into His presence. I am so thankful for His healing of me…and I praise Him in advance of healing our country. Psalm 107:20.
Your Thanksgiving meal will be so wonderful with your dear father and your menu sounds wonderful. Yes, times change and we adapt though sometimes we go struggling at the bit. But as the saying goes this too shall pass and you will have a new norm. I have always said Holidays are but a date on the calendar and celebrating with loved ones are special and know no certain date. Your Thanksgiving dinner with your son and family on Friday will erase the calendar dates. Hold your father close for far to soon our loved ones will be with our Lord. But praise God, we will unite with them again where there is no sorrow or pain.
I am anxious to see what plans you have for the Sunshine Cottage…it is already adorable and so cozy, I envy this cute little building in your gardens and the memories you have made with the grands.
I am also envious of your AC linens…they are stunning and yes I am so glad the F&F pieces are becoming collectables. I hear you on the cutting back of purchases but find myself ignoring my common sense when I see something I can’t live without. LOL
Luv you in Christ my friend
Thank you, Kari. I love your radiant testimony of God’s grace, it truly is amazing! I visit with my sweet Daddy every day. He is such a joy. It is hard to put the brakes on collecting, but someday our son and daughter-in-love will have to sift through all of this stuff. I can hear my son saying where did Mom hide all this stuff?
Love to you, my friend!
Dear Pam, you know I feel your heartfelt gratitude for having your dad close by, spending time with him, sharing his favorites. Pumpkin pie is ok, but not my favorite either. Monnie is the one who had to have pumpkin pie, so I always made him pumpkin pies during the holiday months. My Thanksgiving is uncertain, as my sister is now also homebound on transitioned to hospice. The season of gratitude is my favorite even though ironically we had to say the final goodbye to both our mom and dad at Thanksgiving, dad in 1972, and mother much later in the 2013. So Thanksgiving took on a very special significance early in my life.
I’m most thankful for my marriage and life I lived with Monnie. My family and friends continue to be a constant source of my gratitude.
Thank you for this beautiful tea with the special pieces set out just for us. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sarah, you always find beauty no matter the circumstances surrounding you. Saying final goodbyes is always hard, especially at the holidays. Nancy remains in my prayers. I love that you shared those people that you are thankful for, the sweet life you shared with Monnie touches my heart. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Grateful for such beauty and inspiration. Grateful for your friendship and encouragement! Gorgeous tablecloth and stunning dishes. God bless you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, sweet friend! Your comments warm my heart!
Such a lovely table for tea in the beautifully decorated Sunshine Cottage. Can’t wait to see what changes you have in mind!
Thank you, Carole. Happy Thanksgiving!
How I adore your sweet cottage Pam. I know you give thanks for such a special place I’m sure you enjoy sharing with those special in your life. I am so sorry to hear of your sweet daddy now homebound. But what a blessing it is to have him of sound mind still requesting his special treat. I know it will be a different celebration this year but all of your family will be celebrating and I’m sure that brings you great comfort. I give thanks knowing my loved ones are healthy and have what they need, whether they are here or celebrating with their families. I love your pretty autumn setting and your pretty pumpkins. I’m working on a setting using my pumpkins and I’ll enjoy that until Thanksgiving. Thanks for such a sweet and inspiring post. I’m thankful for you dear Pam and Butch. Happy Thanksgiving…….
Emily, you are so sweet. It is a blessing to have my sweet Daddy. He has adjusted so well with his caregivers, and they love him. I know your setting using your pumpkins will be beautiful. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!
Oh to have a small cottage to live and play in. A table by the window and a comfy chair by a fireplace to read a good book or enjoy a beautiful magazine. Who knows that might even happen if I pray hard enough. I love color and you have every color known to man in your cottage. It is wonderful. I do not have a favorite but as usual I love the things purchased or given long ago. This is the first year in 63 years that I haven’t cooked a turkey. I’ll be at home where the turkey is already shopped for and prepared.
Alice, your heart is full of love. I wish you could have tea with me. I know we could talk for hours. I know Thanksgiving will be different for you this year. You are in my prayers🙏🏻
Good Morning Pam! I was away from home all day yesterday so I am late for tea.
Your table is so beautifully set with AC linens, Spode Woodland dishes and that beautiful F&F Turkey Teapot! I would love some pumpkin spice tea poured from that teapot.
As I sit sipping my tea I gaze at your gorgeous fall tree. I bet the girls enjoyed decorating it. Their decorating skills are superb. You have taught them well!
I am sorry too hear about your Daddy being homebound but I am so glad he is alert. I am sure he is looking forward to your peach cobbler. You and Butch get to have several Thanksgivings! How fun will that be! It’s a new way for you and I think it’s wonderful.
I can’t wait to read about your new addition to the Sunshine Cottage! 😊
Oh, and I am thankful for all my blessings. God has given me so many! You are one of them! Thankful for our virtual friendship.
Thank you for having me for tea today. 🥰🦃
Thank you, Nancy. My Daddy loves his caregivers and they love him. It has been a blessing. I am thankful for our virtual friendship. You are always invited for tea!🧡🦃
Oh Pam, our holidays are changing as well. We lost my MIL earlier this year, but she had been homebound for 2 years and we shared simple holiday meals at her home, at first all the grandkids and great grands would visit, but that got to be too chaotic for her. So we would take turns visiting over a few days time and that seemed to be better for her. This year I made her ravioli recipe and got it into the freezer early for Christmas. Express your love to your family all through the year, and be flexible with the dates and time for holiday celebrations. We plan to see my brothers and their families the Sunday before Christmas and my husbands siblings and their families the Monday before Christmas. We’re the seniors now and our families are growing. We are so blessed that we all live close to each other. Traditions evolve!
Thank you, Cathy. My Mother passed away 17 years ago. My brother and I have taken care of Daddy’s meals all these years and are thankful that we live close enough that we can. I rarely miss a day going to his house and spending time with him. My son, daughter-in-love and 3 grandchildren go every week and take a meal and sit down with him to eat. We have had to be flexible, but I find joy in serving my family. They are a blessing from God. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Thank you for saving me a seat at the table, Pam! I’m happy to have some tea and treats and look at that gorgeous teapot. You’re so fortunate to have your sweet daddy and to share a special meal with his favorites.
What am I thankful for? Of course, like you, I am grateful for my family and friends, and as I get older I’m so very thankful for my Faith.
Thank you for all your inspiration that you share, Pam.
Kitty, thank you for dropping by. I am so thankful to have my Daddy, he is precious! We have so much to be grateful for 🙏🏻
That pheasant teapot caught my eye–so unique! How your grands must love the Sunshine Cottage with its seasonal decorations brightening every corner. And how delightful for you, Butch, and your dad to share a traditional southern Thanksgiving. (You’re a stellar daughter, Pam, to provide it.) As for one blessing to be thankful for: a worship experience last weekend at a chorale concert in which our D-I-L sang. The music moved me to tears as I reflected on God’s goodness and faithfulness. My heart was so full, the joy overflowed through my eyes!
I enjoyed our tea time together Pam! I’ve never tasted or heard of Pumpkin Spice Tea here in Australia but it sounds delicious, with Honey Spoons & a slice of Cranberry & Peacan loaf, yum!
Seasons in life change & change can be difficult for us. I’m delighted you still have time with your dear Dad & that his mind is sharp, that is such a blessing for as your quote from Spurgeon above says ‘Thanksliving’ is the way to live.
I’m grateful for, first & foremost my relationship with my Heavenly Father through Jesus, & to be able to live my life giving thanks to Him even in the seasons of change for His kindness to us is boundless. What a wonderful daily blessing that is! And Thanks living is a great way to explain it!
I pray that you have a very special & precious time with your Dad this Thanksgiving sweet friend.
Blessings, Jennifer 💝
Dear Pam,
Your autumn tea table is beautiful in your Sunshine Cottage! The twinkling tree in the background is a delight and of course your table is gorgeous – so warm and welcoming. There are so many things to be grateful and thankful for. My mom is the same age as your dad and she is in care now too – I’m actually very thankful for that because I know she is safe. She is kind of the opposite of your dad in that she is so physically healthy and able but has dementia. She is easily overwhelmed so we have had to adapt our family gatherings to less people at one time but the grands are so awesome with her. Our Thanksgiving was awhile ago now, but I love love the idea of Thanks-living. I have so many things to be thankful for that they are too numerous to list. Your Thanksgiving might be different this year but it will be just as beautiful as it was before. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family my friend!!
I am so sorry to hear of your dear Daddy’s declining health. I surely understand. My Daddy has been in heaven for over 24 years now. I still miss him so much and my mom, who has been gone for over 12 years. Precious memories of them are ever with me. I am so glad you got to spend Thanksgiving with your daddy, and even though it was different this year, you will never regret each moment spent with him. Life is so hard sometimes. This year has been difficult for many of us, and just a while ago, as I hung ornaments on our tree, I cried and thanked the Lord so much to still be alive to see another holiday season. I love life and of course we always want to stay here as long as we can to be with our loved ones. May God keep us always aware of how very precious each moment really is. He is ever faithful.
Thank you, Cheryl! I am so very sorry you have had a difficult year. But, I know the Lord is faithful and He meets all of our needs!
Pam