Happy Tuesday dear friends. November holds within its thirty days a special day to count our blessings!
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Psalm 100:4 (ESV)
I am excited to join thirteen table stylists for a Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my lovely friend, Rita from Panoply! You will find all of the links for tabletop ideas and inspiration at the bottom of this post.
Thanksgiving always evoke memories and I cherish each one and tuck them into my heart for safekeeping.
I chose an autumnal tablecloth that has been in my stash forever. Many years ago I hosted a table for a special ladies event at our church and I remember using this cloth. It has served several times for our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. If only this tablecloth could talk!
I love traditions…the Spode Woodland pattern always makes an appearance on our Thanksgiving table. Our family expects to see birds like this Pintail Duck that are depicted on each plate. Seeing the beautiful faces around the table brings me such joy! There is one less face this year, but the memories of my sweet Daddy will be shared. He loved Thanksgiving! I will never forget the first year I hosted Thanksgiving after my beloved Mother had passed away. She was the best cook ever and no fabulous restaurant has ever come close to her amazing Southern meals, not only delicious but made and served with love. Her dressing(not stuffing) was legendary among family and friends that were guests at her tables. She had no recipe for dressing, but I watched her make it many times. I was a bit nervous attempting to prepare it for the very first time. I received the highest compliment from my Daddy when he took his first bite. He said you got it perfectly, it tastes just like Nanny’s!
For the centerpiece, I used my Monday Morning Blooms flower arrangement placed in a pheasant and floral cache pot! It is a memory of the years I frequented the Atlanta Merchandise and Gift Mart for my clients. I remember on one occasion going by myself to the cash and carry market. I found a large and gorgeous painting at a bargain price, the only problem was I had to carry it with me, no shipping. So out I go to the parking deck. I walked for at least twenty minutes trying to locate my van, stopping several times to sit the painting down to rest my arm. I was getting frantic when I finally found my van. That memory served me well, I never tried that again!
I have never shown this elk plate, it is the first time to be used on a table. A few months after purchasing the Woodland plates, I was perusing Kevin’s catalog and there were these gorgeous Spode larger game animals. I bought the set and they are hanging on the wall in my kitchen. My memory involves a special train trip to the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. We enjoyed a stop in Jasper with an overnight in a rustic cabin! We were dressed and ready to walk for dinner. All of a sudden it sounded like a demolition crew was tearing off the front porch of the cabin. We had been warned that it was elk mating season and that caution should be used when getting outdoors. Two large bull elk were battling it out and at times hitting the porch columns. We called the resort for a ride to dinner, knowing we couldn’t walk even though things had settled down…or so we thought. When our ride came we realized as we were approaching the car that a bull was approaching us. We did manage to jump in, close the door and tell the driver to move quickly. He did so, barely escaping some serious vehicle damage. An exciting memory no doubt!
I kept the table simple, using antlers from deer sheds and faux deer antler candle stands!
The amber glasses have served me well through the years. They were purchased for the ladies event table from my favorite department store in our small city. Unfortunately, the store closed many years ago! My beloved Mother and I would shop often, especially at Christmas. Do you remember when stores would wrap your gifts for free? Now you can’t even pay to have them wrapped!
My favorite of the bird plates, the pheasant!
“Memories pressed between the pages of my mind…”
Written by Mac Davis, Billy Strange
Sung by Elvis
Feather placemats were purchased the same time the Spode ‘woodland’ plates were bought. They have not failed to make an appearance for Thanksgiving since their purchase. They seem to say it is autumn (my favorite season) and provide rustic and natural texture to a table!
Not long after we married, Butch started duck hunting with a dear friend. That friendship began fifty one years ago and is still maintained even though the duck hunting has stopped. This plate depicts a male and female wood duck!
Our son and daughter-in-love were married in October (13 years ago) at a beautiful wedding venue in an apple orchard. The gold napkins are from their wedding reception held in a rustic barn on the same property. Needless to say the napkins have significant memories of that October day they pledged their vows before God, family, and friends. They have given us four beautiful grandchildren that we adore. Memories are being made almost daily as they live only a short golf cart ride down the hill!
I was attempting to finish photographing my table on Saturday morning. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the fog outside the front windows of the dining room. We normally have a view of the Appalachian Foothills, we could barely see past the maple trees in the yard!
Not a bird plate, but mule deer. Although we see deer almost daily in our pastures, we will never see this deer because it isn’t native to the Southeast. They are native to Western North America. They derive their name because they have large ears like that of a mule! On trips out west, we have spotted them many times!
This Thanksgiving will be hard without my sweet Daddy! He loved everything about the day and it was a joy to prepare the dishes that Mother had made. Daddy loved being here with all the family for Thanksgiving. He sat at one end of the table opposite Butch. Our son will fill that chair this year. We will laugh, share memories, tell stories, and I will shed tears because I miss him. But, I know where he is, and I will see him again!
Butch often sees mallard ducks on his walks at the Wildlife Park. A green iridescent head makes the male mallard easily recognized!
I hope you will visit the links below for beautiful Thanksgiving tabletops!
Panoply – Thanksgiving 2025: Every Day’s A Gift
Home is Where the Boat Is – Thanksgiving Greetings
Hyacinths for the Soul – Turkey Trot Time
Everyday Living – A Thanksgiving of Memories
Life and Linda – A Silver and Gold Thanksgiving
Pandora’s Box – A Thanksgiving Breakfast
Me and My Captain – Gathering Together Celebrating Thanksgiving 2025
My Thrift Store Addiction – Copper and Velvet Vintage Thanksgiving Table
The Cat’s Whiskerz – A Warm Thanksgiving Tablescape
Olla-Podrida – Over the River and Through the Woods: A Magical Thanksgiving Table
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Thankful for You Tablescape
Dinner at Eight – A Casually Elegant Thanksgiving Table
Red Cottage Cottage Chronicles – Elegant Thanksgiving Table
Mantel and Table – A Copper and Black Tablescape: Beautiful Fall Style
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments.
Wishing you a beautiful season of Thanksgiving. Let’s not forget the Giver of our blessings during this season, but more importantly may we never forget that He is the Giver of life and every good and perfect gift comes from His Hand!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Thank you Pam, yesterday and today’s posts are so memorable and lovely…
All of your love, memories, and stunning style truly touched my heart. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, and so greatful for the warm memories of your daddy that you’ve shared with us over the years. May those warm memories comfort you and your family around your beautiful Thanksgiving table.🧡
Sue, your comments are heart warming! Thank you 🧡
Good Morning Pam, What a beautiful table! I’ve always admired your Spode Woodland and your Monday Morning Blooms flower arrangement makes the perfect centerpiece for your table. I’m smitten with your beautiful tablecloth and especially love the border! I had a few similar experiences when I shopped the Atlanta Merchandise Mart and the cash and carry section…it was a workout hauling purchases out to car to the parking deck! I know Thanksgiving will be hard this year without your sweet dad. Seth in his chair is fitting with your daughter-in-love and sweet grands at the table. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy Tuesday 🦃🍂🧡
Good Morning, Pam.
I felt a sense of warmth this morning from you after reading all of your memories. Each one was such a comforting feeling. I know it is the same for you.
Your table is stunning. I am swooning over the tablecloth. The print and the border are perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Your Spode Woodland dishes are such a beautiful presentation. Then add the feather placemats… perfection!
I always enjoy your glassware on your tables. These goblets are the ideal addition for your Thanksgiving table.
But your centerpiece steals the show! I loved it yesterday, and I still love it. It’s stunning in that cache pot.
Lastly, I love both table shots looking out your windows. I still could see your gardens in one. And the fog in the other was incredible.
I know the stories told and the memories remembered at the table this Thanksgiving will carry you through. And Seth sitting in your Daddy’s chair will be an incredible honor for him. I will keep you in my prayers, dear friend. Hugs.
Enjoy November!
Dearest Nancy, thank you for your sweet comments. It will be different but we are grateful for God’s grace and goodness. I cherish all the memories and the opportunities to make more 🙏🏻
What a great post, Pam! So many memories wrapped up in your beautiful table. That’s the beauty of collecting dinnerware, glassware, and setting a lovely table. You remember the times you were traveling and bought things, with your mother shopping, and it makes it so much more important. I’m sorry about your dad. It is really rough those first holidays after losing a parent. You really outdid yourself here.
Dearest Pam, what a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing all these precious memories. Even though those of us left behind feel sad about their absence, our precious parents are in Heaven enjoying a feast we cannot even begin to imagine. My mama made dressing too! She laughed every year telling the story when I was 5, she reached in the turkey to pull out the giblets and I threw up! She couldn’t believe it when I started teaching the poultry techniques lab where we processed chickens in the abattoir (and bbq’ed them!). Hope you get to enjoy every moment of those gorgeous fall weather.
Sweet Roxanne, that is a funny story about the giblets! I know our parents are rejoicing in heaven, and we cannot even imagine the joy! It is going to be 76 degrees tomorrow but sunny! Enjoy your week!
What a beautiful table filled with beloved memories! I almost forgot to look at the table, as I was so enthralled in your stories. What a wonderful, heartwarming compliment from your father. Living in Canada the Elk story made me chuckle, although I am well aware to steer clear of Elk and Moose! Your table really is a stunner. It is elegant and cozy, which I adore. The rich warm colours and patterns lead your eye around from place setting to place setting, stopping to admire each individual piece. I love the feather chargers and the amber stemware. The photo of the foggy day through the window just adds to the ambiance! I thoroughly enjoyed touring your table today!
Your Thanksgiving will be a lot different this year without your sweet daddy, but oh the memories you have of your times with him. Your table is beautiful. You’re teaching your grands to be great hostesses as well. In years to come, they too will cherish the memories around your Thanksgiving table.
Rachel, thank you for your sweet comments. We are creating new memories every day and I am so grateful!
Loved this post! So many memories you have shared and I read with interest. Your tablescape is beautiful and I wish you and your family a warm and Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi Pam! The fond memories you shared are so touching. I really love your colorful tablecloth and your elk plate is very majestic! It is a pleasure to visit your charming table and I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving, Cecilia – My Thrift Store Addiction
You have wonderful stories to go with your treasures! I adore your amber stemware and your centerpiece is a work of art. Wishing you a grateful and happy Thanksgiving!
A beautiful table with fond memories. Your tablecloth is lovely and looks stunning with your beloved Woodland plates. I too love the Spode Pheasant plates. Your Monday morning blooms look so pretty on your table. A warm inviting table to embrace our gratitude. Always a pleasure joining you.🍁🦃🍁
Pam, from that gorgeous tablecloth to the place settings and all the memories spoken, your traditional Thanksgiving holds so many similar thoughts and memories as mine does, especially this year. My mother, like yours, made a dressing, and several (if not all) of us girls replicated her unwritten recipe. November hits a melancholy note in feelings without the loss of loved ones, but I hope your family will truly share in the gratitude of being together and remembering your sweet Daddy. Your Spode plates are gorgeous, and I love the natural deer sheds as are the candlesticks on the table. Your MMB arrangement was gorgeous yesterday and today as well.
Pam, thank you for being a part of this Thanksgiving blog hop. Each of you participating are gifts to me.
Pam, Your table is gorgeous! I love all the fall elements incorporated on your Thanksgiving table. Your use of feathers and antler sheds makes the table really pretty and more masculine for the males in the family who may have collected them on their treks into the woods. I love your Spode plate collection. They are beautiful! Amber glasses are definitely for fall.
I know your sweet daddy will be sorely missed. The first year of holidays is always challenging. Sweet memories, remembrances shared, laughter over funny stories and a few tears are all normal. We know all of you will have some special stories to share. Seth moving into the end chair will be different but is the natural progression of life. It’s a blessing that your family all live so close. It allows for many more memories to be made.
Your sweet, heartfelt remembrances you shared on this post were all enjoyable. I can just see you both jumping into that car and escaping the elk’s wrath. The West has so many interesting animals and mountains.
It was so sweet of your daddy to compliment your efforts that first Thanksgiving you made the dressing. He was so proud of you! He would have been proud of you regardless, but that memory is precious.
You bought some beautiful things at the market. I can just see you lugging a heavy picture and looking for your van. That was probably before car remote controls where you could cheat and find the car with the panic button! 🤣
This was a wonderful post filled with lovely memories. Take care. Clara ❤️
Thank you sweet Clara. Your comments are always thoughtful and loving. I am glad you enjoyed my memories. The blog is a sort of diary for our grandchildren. Sharing memories by writing them rather than just telling them orally will hopefully be enjoyed by our grands in the years to come.Yes, there were no remote control keys back in those market days. Enjoy this wonderful season of Thanksgiving 🧡
Pam your thanksgiving table is just beautiful. Love the traditional look. The view out the bay window to all the fall colors is amazing. All the memories you shared are so touching. Have a great new week. Hugs. Kris
Pam, I smiled at the story of your mom’s dressing and your dad’s comment. Family is so important, keeping those memories tucked close within our hearts is what keeps me moving forward. It’s those memories and the love shared that give me focus on the gratitude of lives well lived.
I’m a fan of the Spode Woodland series. I have a few of the plates, and admire your beautiful collection. Your table is ready and waiting for your precious family. I know you will be sharing sweet memories of your parents and other that have left you.
As I said on yesterday’s Monday Morning Blooms, your flower arrangement styled within the gorgeous pheasant pedestal cache pot is stunning! Fun story about the Atlanta Gift mart. Clients? Did you have a business I don’t know of?
The linens and other details of this table are very elegant, the perfect backdrop for that beautiful arrangement.
Happy Autumn! Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful for your friendship over the years. You continue to inspire me, my friend.
As always, your table is splendid. I can’t imagine doing Thanksgiving with any other dishes than the ones I’ve had for years, as you do with yours. That’s just part of tradition and one of the best parts, in my book. I love those little candleholders. Very simple and elegant and it all looks beautiful with your lovely cloth and flowers, which you do so well. Splendid, Pam.
Jeanie, thank you so much for all of your visits and sweet comments. I do treasure traditions! Enjoy your week and Happy Thanksgiving!
Your table is so full of beautiful pieces that all speak of Thanksgiving. I’m sure that each member of your family will have special memories when they sit down at your Thanksgiving table.
Thanks so much, Karen! Wishing you a wonderful season of Thanksgiving!
My dear sister in Christ. I love that you have memories of your lovely table pieces…as do I. I may not remember what happened 5 minutes ago, but I vividly remember when, what and where of my table settings. Especially family memories. I know you will miss your sweet Daddy, but life moves on and it is fitting that Seth and Butch will now “head” the table. I adore Thanksgiving because I think it is a Holiday that one moves through quickly and that makes me sad because it is such a beautiful time of year and because it reminds us to be thankful for everything. As Romans 8:28 says…be thankful in all things. Sometimes that is difficult when we have a crisis in our lives: but I knew when I went through Pancreatic Cancer, that it was a time to be thankful too. Yes, I can say I am thankful for that period of my life as it caused me to grow even closer to our Savior….and so much more. Happy Thanksgiving My friend. 🙏🏻🍁🐿️🍂🙏🏻
Pam, your tablescape is gorgeous. Have a blessed November.
Thanks so much Michele!
Now that I have feasted my eyes on your elegant tablescapes, I’m inspired to set a thanksgiving table with love!
Thank you Mary! Happy November!
Pam, this is all just so lovely. Your tablecloth may be old but it is stunning to me with all the gorgeous colors in it, and I imagine if it could talk, it would tell the most amazing stories – just like the memories you shared. The pheasant footed cache pot is beautiful with the autumn colored flowers and those napkins from your son and DIL’s wedding are just perfect. I love the deer sheds and the antler candles. I know you will miss your sweet Daddy this Thanksgiving (and may shed some tears) but I hope that you will still laugh and share stories in his memory. Thanks for the beautiful post, my friend, and happy November, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I so enjoyed being in your dinning room today. Looking out your window at the fog that gives everything a quietness like nothing else. Your many different patterns of china lets me know I’m not the only one with that “problem”. Just today I was sorting out the different patterns for the coming holidays. My China cabinet long ago cannot hold all of the china. Basements come in handy for lots of things including china. I enjoyed your sweet memories of your mom and dad. For many years I made my sweet husband his favorite dressing at Thanksgiving. I’m sure your mom’s recipe will be loved again this year.
Thank you for visiting as always. You are correct in saying that fog gives everything a quietness. It was foggy this morning, but bright sunshine now. It is going up to 76 today. Alice, I hope not to add any more dishes to my cabinets. I don’t need any more china. Yes, I will be making Mother’s dressing, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. Will you be home at Thanksgiving?
Yes I’ll be at home. Air travel is looking like getting to your destination is painful. I’m safest at home with Pepe. I will have a couple here to cook for. And as you know that empty chair at the table still hurts.
Thinking of you during this Thanksgiving season, my friend!
Spode Woodland has always been one of those patterns I always loved but seems it was always out of reach. You do it justice Pam, stunning! Everything you do turns into a breathtaking inspiration for me. Your tablecloth with so many memories is lovely and the gorgeous amber stems are perfect or the season. Our son married our lovely daughter in law in October. Like you we loved the autumn season for the wedding. Hope you and Butch are enjoying this lovely season….
Thank you Emily. October and autumn is a beautiful time for a wedding! Autumn is my favorite. We are seeing color and we didn’t think we would! Happy November!
Oh Pam that gorgeous tablecloth caught my eye right off the bat! I love the traditions of Thanksgiving too. It must be so fun for your family to find their favorite birds each year! Wow – you don’t want to mess around with elk, you’re right!! Good thing you escaped unscathed! That IS an exciting memory, and how fun that you have a plate to “commemorate” it! Your flowers are once again lovely, and your photographer’s eye undimmed – I LOVE the photo of the fog out the window. Just beautiful! I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving, remembering your Daddy, and sharing these wonderful times with your dear family!
Oh my Goodness, Pam!! I am in love with that tablecloth!! it is gorgeous!! and you have set such a beautiful table to compliment it especially with the fabulous flowers! I love your stories, although the elk encounter was must have been pretty scary at the time – it will always be a great story and memory!! My dad and uncle’s were hunters – so your table brings me back to the Thanksgivings when I was a little girl and all the men would be out hunting in the morning. I hope your dressing comes out just as good this year. We will be missing my sister this year at our table and she was the one that made the dressing in our family – so like you – I am hoping I can do her justice! If not she may give me a sign from heaven ❤️ Blessing to you and your family this Thanksgiving. 🦃🧡
Thank you Ann. I am so sorry your sister passed away. I know she leaves an empty space around the table. I have confidence that you can replicate her dressing! Blessings dear one.
Such a beautiful post Pam, I love all the memories you shared here especially about your Mother & Father.
Yes all the ‘firsts’ are difficult after we lose our dear loved ones our loss is magnified at those times, how grateful I am that we will see them again.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer 💕
Thank you Jennifer. Yes, I know I will see them again!
Blessings sweet friend💕
Sweet Pam,
My prayers will remain with you as you and your precious family celebrate your first Thanksgiving without your sweet Daddy. My heart aches for you. I know that you celebrate in faith and carry on the traditions for those 4 littles ones!
There’s so much to love in this post, Pam. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I couldn’t wait to return to this email to share how much I love this post and how I’m praying. From the song lyrics, amazing tablescapes (the tablecloth, simple rustic designs and precious plates), and amber stemware (always my favorite). Fall weddings and celebrations are such a perfect time to celebrate our gratitude!
I’m so grateful for you (and Butch) for your continued prayers and support. Upon my return from K.C., I’ve been a bit under the weather in recovery. I did have my last scan Tuesday evening, here in Spfd. I’ll be updating everyone soon after I’m rested up.
I love you and pray daily for you!
❣️❤️🦃🦌🫎🎶🙏🏻
Karla, you are truly a trophy of God’s amazing grace. I appreciate your visit when I know all that your journey entails. Sending prayers always for you 🙏🏻🧡🦃💛🍁🙏🏻
To you, dear one, and all those missing beloved ones at the Thanksgiving table, your message of
hope through the promise of reunion is such a comfort. Cannot help but miss Sweet Daddy’s
presence, but Thanksgiving with his life’s love will be glorious. Your table spells tender care and
welcoming. Thank you for providing such inspiration and fellowship that warm the heart and
bring awareness of the Lord’s reasons for Thanksgiving.
Thank you dear one! We all have much to be thankful for!
Such beautiful memories to have and share, Pam. I am sorry that you are missing your father so, but know that he is looking down on you with a smile. Love that you have so many stories to go along with your treasures. Sending you much sunshine, your friend ~ Suzanne.
How sweet and thank you my friend!
Pam, I certainly agree that cherished memories are an essential part of Thanksgiving — as is making new memories to add for future celebrations. Your table does both, which makes it extra special! I love to see the return of your Woodland china and those gorgeous feather placemats. They make a perfect pairing for any fall table. The tablecloth with its rich colors is a wonderful backdrop for the place settings and the striking centerpiece. I love your elk story! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Dear friend – your tablescape brings back memories of family Thanksgiving meals that came with every vegetable known to man and more food than one could possibly eat. Recent years have found us doing simpler meals yet the fellowship around the table is just as rich – and maybe more so because we haven’t knocked ourselves senseless in preparing a feast.
Weekend blessings to you, Pam.
Sweet memories are beautiful blessings!
Pam, your table is beautifully decorated for Thanksgiving… Pinned a few photos, of course. I still really like the color your dining room is now painted. Everything is so very pretty!! And, yes! You will see your father & mother again. <3 I'm so sorry that he passed and I know it has been a tough first year.
We have photos revolving through on our refrigerator's screen which Mr. Ethereal put up as a surprise for me when we first bought it. (Charles worked for Samsung when we first came to Texas.) I see my mom & dad there everyday and feel their presence, as well as my father-in-love. Somehow, I don't think we ever get over missing them.
But back to your table and happy thoughts! 🙂 I love the stories about finding each piece of dinnerware you have! We were married in October, too, now 38 years ago. One of our engagement party photographs also lives on the refrig display. 😉 Spode makes just beautiful tableware… I added four HobbyLobby brown transferware dinner and salad/dessert plates to my stash this year. They pair nicely with the Johnson Bros. winter scene plates we use for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. They will go on the table next week, of course.
Thank you for the lovely time reminiscing! Here's wishing you & Butch a lovely Thanksgiving,
Barb 🙂