Everyday Living

Gratitude Changes Attitude

~ Decorating, Food & Entertaining

Looking through the lens of gratitude can refocus our thoughts and brighten our outlook. Since everyday living can often be very difficult, Paul reminded us how important it is to give thanks in all things.  Today’s setting serves as a reminder of a bountiful harvest of blessings. The two figures that are central to the scene remind me of all those who have gone before us, paving the way with sacrificial giving. We are all pilgrims on a journey. Traveling with gratefulness as a companion can certainly make a very bumpy ride a little smoother.
 
Two final thoughts:
Tomorrow is Veterans Day – find a way to say thank you to a veteran.
Thanksgiving is a few days away. We love this holiday, but hopefully we can make every day- a day of thanks giving.
 
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!”
Psalm 107:8
 
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The kitchen is “Our Refuge“.  Most of our everyday living takes place here!  We have an eight foot island that serves for casual dining, buffet, prepping station, etc!  The changing seasons are always reflected on the island!

I gathered a mixture of pumpkins, gourds, pods, and my collection of ceramic pumpkins

The pilgrims are the centerpiece–found these at Tuesday Morning a few years ago!

Close up of some of the ceramic pumpkins–I like the juxtaposition of the real and the ceramic!

I layered a leopard table square topped with a burlap square

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Love the acorns that V.V. (sister-in-law) gave me!

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The leopard square just adds the “wow”!  I love a leopard print and I do consider it a neutral in decorating and fashion!  The popcorn provides a seasonal nest for a pillar candle, and it is also seen here: Bon Voyage to Bon Appetit!

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Gold ceramic pumpkin and the real one!

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This autumnal display is warm & inviting–and serves as a reminder to us as to why we celebrate Thanksgiving!

“…give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬

final closer both (1)

Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup

Tablescape Tuesday: Peacocks & Feathers

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God…”
Luke 12:6

Peacocks–aren’t they just beautiful birds?!  Their iridescent tail feathers of green and blue, along with “eye” markings of blue, gold, red and other hues are gorgeous examples of the artistry of our Creator!  Since I love feathers and peacocks, this dinnerware gracing our tablescape caught my eye many years ago.   I love using it on a regular basis and its colors are so adaptable to every season!

This week, I really let my imagination run wild!

Table set for six!

The more layers, textures, and patterns used make for more of a visual feast!  I have collected “stuff” for forty years.  That is what makes it fun!!

The first layer is a cream color linen/cotton blend tablecloth.  Dinnerware pattern is “The Artesian Road Collection” by Tracy Porter and is hand-painted.  Although discontinued, it can still be found on the web.

I used my feather placemats over the cloth to add layers and texture.  What I love about this china pattern is the different colors and designs of each piece!

Notice the bamboo details around the edge of the pattern

Teal votives provided the perfect candlelight!

As a table runner, I used a teal scarf with a Greek key design that I bought last year in Rhodes, Greece.  Tip:  I often use scarves as table runners…so much variety to choose from!

Instead of flowers, I used peacock feathers!

I purchased the pair of old figurines from a friend.  There are no markings on them, so I don’t know anything about them–all I know is that I love them and they were inexpensive!  I use them on my family room mantel, but often move them to the dining table.

My friend, Brenda, gave me the peacock place card holders.  Aren’t they so fun?! They always receive lots of comments!

Feather napkin rings offer texture and drama!  I chose teal napkins to complement the peacock theme.

The stemware remains a favorite and was purchased at Tuesday Morning at a bargain!

The miniature vases holding the feathers are also Tracy Porter

The three tier dessert stand is the piece de resistance of the “Artesian Road Collection”.  It is holding delicious pears for this tablescape, but you can normally find it at home on my kitchen island!!

Thank you, my friends, for tuning in to our blog.  Your love and support have been a constant encouragement throughout our blogging journey!

I love when you comment!!

Blessings,
Pam

“…why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows”
Luke 12:7

Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , , Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined,Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup

Roadtrippin’ and Tablescapin’

~ Decorating, Food & Entertaining

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Psalm 100:4

Today is my ?? birthday!!

I am in awe of the mystery of mercy that my Heavenly Father has given me another year, another day, another breath.  I have already been celebrating  my birthday week with some great friends!   Tune in on Monday’s blog to find out how we celebrated the day.  If you remember, last week  I shared a partial tour of Patti’s home here: Everyday Living at Patti’s.   Today, I am sharing a Tablescape that I put together in less than twenty minutes while we were visiting. Patti has more china, silver, and crystal than Belk!  She has loved collecting through the years and her collection is quite stunning.  Also, stay tuned in the coming months for more from Patti’s house!

Patti’s French table in her breakfast room is set for an informal Thanksgiving lunch!

This setting is simple compared to most of my tablescapes, but simply elegant in my estimation!  I used faux garland that Patti had and mixed with real and faux pumpkins!

Yellow quilted placemats were used to bring out the color in the Spode turkey dinner plates

The sterling silver is the “Prelude” pattern by International and belonged to Patti’s Mother. This pattern was introduced in 1939 and still remains in the top ten most popular sterling patterns- a true classic!

Such a sweet story behind this ceramic soup tureen.  It was made by my Mother and given to Patti in the late 1970’s.  Patti and I both love having these beautiful treasures made by my Mother’s very own hands!

The coffee mugs are also by Spode in the “Festival” pattern

Gorgeous cobalt blue wine glasses were a gift to Patti by her friend, DeVota.  We love those kind of friends!!

Don’t you just love the cobalt stemware and how they play into the “wow” factor of the crystal chandelier?!

Thank you for reading and for being a part of our everyday living!  And thank you, this week, for being a part of Patti’s everyday living!
We always love your comments!!
Blessings,
Butch & Pam

“For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations”
Psalm 100:5

Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , , Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined,Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup