Heart and Home Talks Turkey, and Wins Again!

It's another Tablescape Thursday, thank you Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch. I know there will be another gorgeous table setting to admire over at Susan's blog. She's so creative and never fails to amaze me with her beautiful tablescapes each week!

 I hope you'll indulge me one last look at Thanksgiving, before I start sharing all my Christmas cheer with you! I have run a little short on new things to show having been so busy these last few weeks with Mr. HandH's recovery after his surgery,  our frustrating Internet connection problems, and then getting ready for the Thanksgiving weekend. I did all the cooking for the eight of us, not a huge crowd, but still, a huge mess in the kitchen!
It was worth it, though, and my beloved brother-in-law did all the dishes. What a great guy!

I set a simple table, with green, gold and silver accents. Very understated, and  I think it looked perfect for the occasion.

I just used the everyday dishes, with hubby's Grandma's silver plate, and some clear plates for under the soup bowls, and my favorite green goblets.

There's the quilted table runner that I made, and as always, I used lots of candles in votive holders.

In my last post I showed you how easily I transformed these plastic gourds and pumpkins. They, along with the gold ribbon layed across the table at the place settings,  added a lot of shine to the table!

We had a wonderful afternoon, and enjoyed a great meal and lots of laughter as we shared our thanks around the table. We started with the letter "A" and went through the alphabet - it was touching to hear what the youngest among us were thankful for. (Everything from "candy" to "family"!)

Anyway, that's behind us now, time to start the marathon Christmas preparations. I've vowed to take it easier this year - I vow that every year! But this time I mean it!! It's been a rough year for everyone, we have had our share of disappointments, and yet we are so blessed that I don't think it's really necessary to go overboard in order to experience the spirit of the season. Spending time with friends and family, revisiting old holiday traditions, and creating new ones is what it's all about, right? So that's the plan for us this year, with a little bit less decorating, baking, shopping and stressing for me - and as a result less stress for everyone else in the family! What a great plan! But, I do love the decorating and baking. So I just might sneak a little more of that in...... 

Before I forget, and I can't believe it took me this long to share the news -- I'm proud and honored, because I've been awarded yet again, and I so appreciate it!  Liz, from Life at the Gables (way over in Scotland!) has chosen me to receive a fun award for my blog, as long as I pass this on to five blogs, and answer the following questions with one word. You know by now that brevity is not in my nature! But I did it.... here goes:

Where is your cell phone?  purse
your hair?  messy
your mother?  missed
your father?  loved
your favorite food?  spaghetti
drink?  tea
dream/goal?  travel
What room are you in?  office
your hobby?  blogging!!
your fear?  loneliness
Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Europe
Where were you last night?  bed
something that you aren't?  Barbie
muffins?  harvest
wish list item?  convertible
Where did you grow up?  California
last thing you did?  read
What are you wearing?  jeans
your tv?  old
pets? three
friends?  lovely
your life?  good
your mood ?  antsy
missing someone?  Mommy
vehicle?  Lexus
something you're not wearing?  shoes
your favorite store?  Wisteria
favorite color?  apple-green
When was the last time you laughed?  1:00
When was the last time you cried?  Monday
your best friend?  Jen
one place that I go to over and over?  ocean
facebook?  never
favorite place to eat?  home

There you have it. More fascinating things you never wanted to know about me! I will admit, that was kinda fun. Thank you very much, Liz, for thinking of me and Heart and Home. I really appreciate it. After careful deliberation, I'd like to pass this on to the following blogs. Come and get your award, ladies!

Blondie's Journal:  Jane has a city and country home (lucky!). She always has something lovely to share.
Welcome to Mimi's Garden:  Kathy shares her fun and clever thoughts with us
52 Flea:  Visit Laura for inspiring photos of beautiful vintage finds
Flour Power:  for great food and great stories, go visit Joyce
Rose Garden Romantic:  a lovely, vintage-y crafty place to find inspiration with Michelle
I hope you'll stop by to see these great sites, and when you do, you'll let all the ladies know I sent you!

These are the scawny neighborhood turkeys, out for a walk, now that it's safe for them again!

Okay then, that's all for now! Thanks so much for visiting, stop by again soon!
Until next time,
XO
Heidi