Tuesday, November 16, 2010

~THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS~

Good morning ladies. It's a beautiful day in Chicago. A perfect day to get out and do some Christmas shopping, which I think I will. Since I have sworn off decorating for Christmas so soon, and I had to stop buying fall things on clearance {I already have waaaaay too many things}, getting into the Christmas spirit by buying gifts sounds just like the perfect day to me. Look out.
Yesterday I went grocery shopping and picked up this bunch of spray roses, which were marked down. I love the blush color and they are so pretty to look at aside from all the browns and reds and golds of fall. I made a little vignette with some silver dessert cups that remind me that I have a ton of silver to finish polishing. Other than that, I think I am ready for Thanksgiving. I picked up my turkey yesterday {I have a big freezer downstairs}, and all of the trimmings. I also picked up ingredients for some baking, which I will start on and freeze. Each year we have a baking contest...the ladies bake and the men are the judges. No prize, just a lot of compliments. I haven't decided what to make, but over the years I have found that men love chocolate just as much as women and if it's combined with peanut butter, it's an even bigger hit. I'll let you know what I make.
I had daughter Emily and her boyfriend Mike over for dinner last night. This is no small feat since Emily is a vegan and I follow a low carb diet which includes a lot of lean meat. I made chicken {again}, which Emily skipped, a salad, potato pancakes, steamed broccoli, corn and dinner rolls. It turned out pretty well and I am happy to be entertaining a bit more these days.
I didn't take pictures like a traditional tablescape, but I wanted to show you the new dishes I recently bought from Ballard Design. I know I promised no more dishes, but I bought a complete set, service for 8, rather than bits and pieces that I frequently find at Homegoods or TJ Maxx. I needed a whole set of everyday dishes.
It is called Antique Beaded Dinnerware. Each piece is hand finished and has a light glaze. I love the footed bowls and the beading around the edges. I have hinted that I want the serving bowl and platter for Christmas. Hey, a little hinting doesn't hurt.
We have plans to go on a little jaunt Saturday morning to this Holiday Market, about 50 minutes away. I read about it on a blog. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures. Doesn't it look fun? I hope to do some serious Christmas shopping at this event, too.

So that is all I have today. I have to get moving if I am going to get out and shop. Have you seen the Salvation Army volunteers outside the stores yet? They always put me in the Christmas spirit. And Christmas carols on the radio. I love it!

I am linking with Marty from A Stroll Through Life for Table Top Tuesday. Have a wonderful week! :-)

95 comments:

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Your new dishes are just gorgeous! I had no idea that BD sold dishes.

I have an awesome peanut butter ball recipe that has rice krispies in it - no bake - but they are dipped in chocolate. Seems everyone has this recipe, but if you don't and would like it, please let me know. They are fabulous.


Have fun shopping!

xo
becky

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... your blush roses are so pretty, especially next to your silver pieces... sounds like a fun day of Christmas shopping... I always say I won't start decorating this soon either, but guess what I am doing today??? Love your new dishes, so pretty! And that little Christmas boutique sounds like alot of fun... have a good time today!... xoxo Julie Marie

Pondside said...

I like those new dishes - you'll have lots of fun with them.
I went to my first Christmas market on the weekend and did a little gift-shopping for things that need to be mailed away. I'm catching the spirit!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love those new dishes...they are wonderful!

High Street Cottage said...

Jane, the roses are just gorgeous. I love the little vintage silver bowls beside them. Have a wonderful day, tami xoxo

The Charm of Home said...

Your dishes and roses are gorgeous! I am interested in you Holiday show. Yes take lots of pictures! That sounds like a lot of fun.
Sherry

Kori said...

Sounds like you are going to have a great weekend! Love those roses, so gorgeous. My favorite color. Head on over and check out my Christmas giveaway if you haven't already!

www.blondeepisodes.com

Kori xoxo

Denise said...

Say, did I see placemats with leaves around the border? They look very nice.

You got a great set of new dishes. They'll go with just about anything.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love roses all year long, Jane! These are so pretty. I like your new dishes. I just got a set from CSN {to review} as a holiday, every day set. I just found a chocolate recipe on another blog that I printed it's a chocolate with walnuts and then a white chocolate with crushed up candy canes layered over top. Once it's set you can cut it. I'm gluten free and it seems like something I might be able to eat okay. {As long as candy canes aren't crazy like Twizzlers and have wheat in them!}

shannon i olson said...

I just love those silver dessert dishes! I love my silver but not the polishing! ugh. have fun shopping.

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~Just beautiful!!! have a a wonderful day my friend~*Hugs,Rachel~*~

Marigene said...

The roses are gorgeous, they are perfect with the dessert bowls.
Love your new dishes...the footed bowls are cool.
Christmas shopping gives me cause for a breakdown...I don't have a clue what to get anyone this year!
Have a great rest of the week, Jane.

On Crooked Creek said...

Blondie,
I am so drawn to your dishes. . .being a plate addict, myself, I nearly purchased those same place settings when we arrived On Crooked Creek! I enjoyed your blog today and will stop by again soon for a visit!
Fondly,
Pat

Lynn said...

Hi Jane! The roses are beautiful and I'm lovin' your new dishes, the beading is great! Happy Shopping:@)

April said...

Hey there Jane!
I really love your new dishes...they make me want to buy some myself! :) Ahh..ROSES...my favorite! Yes, Christmas is definitely in the air, isn't it? Enjoy your day!

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning Jane....Oh those roses!!!!!

Have a fun day shopping ... looks like you are feeling a little better and over that nasty cold....I'm so glad.

You are smart to get an early start on Christmas shopping....I have done it for so many years that the thrill of the hunt has long since disappeared...but when I do it for my grandson....my little child side comes back immediately!!! (O:(O:

Have fun,

Jo

KTW said...

The new dishes are lovely! What pretty tablescapes you'll be able to create with those. :)
The Holiday Market looks like fun! Hope you find lots of terrific deals and put a great dent in your Christmas shopping.
And you're absolutely correct: chocolate and peanut butter seem to be a real man-pleaser. At least around this house they are!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Love the dishes.. simple and vintage looking. Very versatile for table setting.

Olive said...

Love the dishes. They can be mixed with so many other patterns. Have fun!!!

Winchester Manor said...

Hello Beautiful Jane,

What beautiful roses my friend and I love the dishes! Have fun shopping and enjoy the Christmas boutique.

I'm off to find some chocolate and peanut butter...you made me crave it...thanks a lot! LOL

xoxo
Karyn

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I wish I was going shopping with you today! That thing on the weekend looks like a lot of fun too.
What a pretty table you set for Emily and her beau.
And the roses are just gorgeous!
Oh, and I found the twiggy lights at Marshalls. I think they were like $9. A lot less than in the boutiques where I first saw them.
I am so looking forward to our weekend away! Yippeee!!!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

Suzann said...

I hope you had a successful shopping trip today.

If I didn't already have a busy weekend planned, I would sneak away to that event you are going to!!

Suzann said...

I hope you had a successful shopping trip today.

If I didn't already have a busy weekend planned, I would sneak away to that event you are going to!!

Kerry said...

I love your new dinner setting Jane and those roses are so beautiful. I'm glad I'm not the only one with unpolished silver!

Pamela said...

Those roses are just gorgeous Jane!
Love your new dishes too!!
I have not started my Christmas shopping but I am enjoying all the Christmas carols!
Pamela xo

Raine and Sage said...

Stunning roses - so romantic! Your meal sounded delicious despite the dietary constraints. Beautiful new plates too. x

Lady Katherine said...

I just love the bead work on your new dishes! I have bought several sets, and the few dishes here and there. But then I find others I love. lol The meal sounds wonderful! Table set and family, what could be better! The roses are so lovely! You should linked to Tea Time Tuesday for your new dishes has cups.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Sounds like you are in a giving mood and are feeling the spirit of the season!!
I love your dishes, very pretty. I need a complete set too because I do the same thing by buying pieces here and there at Home Goods!

Have fun shopping.

hugs
Sissie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love your beautiful dishes and your roses are stunning. So pretty. Love it. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
Love the new dishes. I have seen them in the catalog and loved them. Also can't wait to see the delectable tidbits you will be creating using choc and peanut butter, my I am hungry. Enjoy the Christmas shopping and Happy Thanksgiving.
XXOO
Maryrose

Donna said...

LOVE the dishes lucky girl! It's a downfall of mine...dishaholism!! Yours are wonderful!!! I have dish envy...

La said...

Sounds like you had a great plan for a fun holiday shopping excursion. I hope you were able to find what you were looking for and at great prices. La

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane.....I feel like you...I am trying not to be in too much of a hurry for Christmas decorating myself. I don't know how I will feel the day after Thanksgiving but I am going to try and not give into the feeling too early. I also don't want too go overboard with how much I put out either. I love the new dishes! I LOVE china! I have not heard any carols on the radio yet but I have heard them in the stores...tha reminds me...I need to get a Christmas shopping list together!~Hugs, Patti

Cass @ That Old House said...

Jane, your new dishes are wonderful -- I LOVE the footed bowls. Love the beaded antique -- my mom's everyday flatware was Towle Beaded Antique. So classic.

As for silver polish, I always used Wright's cream, but last year I picked up a little jar of Wright's Silver Wipes -- premoistened cloths that are disposable when they get really icky -- and they work GREAT for things that aren't totally blackened with tarnish. They are quick, not messy, and wash clean easily --- no cream getting stuck in the patterns.

Even my girls, who did most of the polishing last year, liked them.

Love the idea of a bake-off! We all have our pie specialities that we bring for Thanksgiving; I do walnut pie.

Cass

Kathleen said...

Love those new dishes!
I don't like to hear Cmas music till after Tgiving, but the day after Halloween they already had it blasting!
I went shopping yesterday, I was in the CTS from 11 to 5. Then a 75 min ride home. Today I am wiped out!
It was toooo crowded!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
I love Morris! My daughter and I stopped there one whole Saturday a couple of years ago when returning from my cousin's house in St. Charles. We also hit the stores in Yorkville! We always take route 47 to St. Charles, which goes right through Morris. I wish we could go to that. Can't wait for the pics!

stefanie said...

what a beautiful table you sat! I love all the softness....and mmmmmmmm peanut butter and chocolate!!!

Amy Chalmers said...

Roses and pretty dishes make a girls heart sing! Love those dishes Jane!

Sandra said...

I think Christmas shopping sounds like a great event and so does that boutique you will visit on the weekend...I love things like that. Your vintage looking dishes are beautiful and will work with all seasons...and with all the other dishes you have already picked up!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Janie,
Love the everyday dishes you found, good eye!

You dinner sounds delicious, my hubby's a vegetarian so I know it's fun to try different things.

Love your roses, just the right hint of pink. I'm with you on the men and peanut butter, my husband loves it, me not so much. I know whatever you decide to make for dessert will be a delight, can't wait to hear what you make.

So... what did you find shopping?
xo~Tracie

Monica said...

One of the reasons why I am looking forward to the move, is to listen to Christmas carols while doing grocery shopping or on the radio ;) Nothing so charming over here! Love your spray roses.
Thanks for always offering a nice word of support, Jane!
Monicax.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Jane,

Those roses are completely gorgeous. I love their pink tinge. Mmmm....

Sarahx

Debbiedoos said...

So glad you had a great weather day and productive and fun. Love the dishes, and how nice to have your daughter and her BF over:)

Theresa said...

Love the roses and I am not decorating for Christmas yet either! BUT, I AM shopping:)

Love your new dishes! I shop at TJMaxx and they never have enough of the same design! Darnit!

Enjoy your trip this weekend to shop! Have a blessed day! HUGS!

Country Livin' said...

Hi Jane,
love the new dishes, very pretty and I agree the footed bowl is especially pretty. It's a blustery day here in southern Ontario, feeling like winter. time to start Christmas decorating.......thanks for the inspiration.
Trish xo

Jeanne Henriques said...

Beautiful dinnerware Jane...you have a great eye for beautiful things. I am sure I have mentioned that to you before. I was in a store today with Christmas music in full swing. I'm ready!

Jeanne xx

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hi Jane~
Your roses are lovely! I just purchased a bunch that look very similar!
Your new dishes are beautiful...I love the footed bowls, too!
I hope your shopping day was fruitful....I've started on mine but still have a bit to do!
Have a beautiful day~
;-D Kathleen

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Lovin your silver....even tarnished :) Hope you have lots of luck Christmas shopping :) Sounds fun!

Shellbelle said...

Oh, I just love your new dishes and I agree, footed bowls are wonderful! Since I've been MIA, I looked back and saw your new baking pan. WOW, I love that also. I would love to go shopping with you, you always find the coolest stuff and I love stuff, lol.

We haven't even planned Thanksgiving yet, so Christmas is beyond my scope of thought right now. Hmmm…love the baking contest idea!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful new dishes - I just love Ballards. ITA about men with chocolate and peanut butter. That combination always seems to be a hit.

Sue said...

I love the dishes and the roses make me want to run to Wal-Mart for my own bargain flowers. I don't have anything fresh in the house right now.

I googled the Holiday Market...3 hours and 10 minutes for us, but it looks like such a fun event...don't think I'll talk him into driving that far:)

Cass @ That Old House said...

Hi Jane!
I made a mistake about the silver cloths -- I said they were "Wrights" but they are not -- the ones I have used and been pleased with are by Carbona.
I think I got them in an Ace Hardware store. They are in a squatty little gray tub.
Happy Polishing.
Ugh!
Cass

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hi Jane! Im new to blogging and just found you! So glad I did! I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE your site! The dishes are BEAUTIFUL...and that Wreath...WANT! I have an interior design business and blog...im doing 14 days of xmas trees and would LOVE and appreciate if you would visit. Plus I have a GIVEAWAY through today!

*ENTER PAMPERING Give-Away Here *



blessings xoxokara

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

that sounds fun! and don't flowers just make you smile!:)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, I love your new dishes! They are wonderful. I know what you mean about bits and pieces because I have a lot of that in my cabinets. I need to have a sale, yeah, right! ;-) And I wish I was there to go to that Christmas market with you. I need to find runners for my table. I am in a bit of a fix. I have brought out several pairs that simply do not work. Now what? LOL!

Going to read your other post now. I spied a pretty wreath on that one.

I love chocolate chess pie. That was always a favorite with us. I have a recipe if you want to try it BEFORE Thanksgiving and see if you like it. Good excuse to eat chocolate! LOL!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane!! I love your pretty new dishes! Those roses are so pretty. Wish I could grow roses. Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

You have so many pretty offerings in this post. The roses are just gorgeous paired with old silver. So elegent!!!!!

I think you should surely go with chocolate and peanut butter!!! It is a real winner.
That or cheesecake. Now I want dessert!
Yvonne

Tricia said...

I love your new dishes, especially those footed bowls. The silver ones are great too.

A peanut butter and chocolate combo sounds yummy, I can't imagine how that could ever go wrong :)

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

The roses are beautiful! I think the soft blush is my favorite color for almost any flower. Your new plates are wonderful! They'll fit into almost any decorating style, from contemporary to traditional to cottage. I love homegoods and tj max, too! It's my favorite place to go when I NEED to go shopping, but don't have anything to shop for. I know I'll find something there.
Patricia :o)

bj said...

Oh, I love getting in the Christmas spirit by shopping, too. In fact, my friend and I spent this whole, entire day shopping. Had such a fun time, got a lot done and had a fabulous lunch.

I love your pretty new dishes and the pink roses...so pretty.

I won't put one Christmas thing out until the day after Thanksgiving. Well....SOMEtimes, we put our little tree up Thanksgiving night...:))

Stacey said...

I adore those new dishes of yours! Lovely post and thanks for stopping by my blog too!

myletterstoemily said...

hi jane!

i've had my eye on that same set of
dishes to take to the mountains. yours
look lovely. i'm glad you have them!

i'm also glad that you seem to be feeling
a lot better. woo hoo!

off to the mountains!!!!

love,
lea

Debbie Kay said...

Love those dishes. Those roses are beautiful

June said...

Jane I think I just fell in love with your dishes.
So you sound like you are almost ready for the big day. Oh how I wish I could say that. It will come together, somehow it always does.
hugs to you...

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

The roses are beautiful, and I love the little peeks we got of your dining room table.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jane!

xoox,
-maria

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Those dishes are so pretty! I hope you had a fun day of shopping. I started but barely made a dent on my list yet. Peanut butter and chocolate, sign me up! Can't wait to see what you bake, I'm looking for some new ideas for this holiday. My girls have really gotten into baking so I'm going to be doing a lot of that with them.

Happy Thursday!
~Michelle

Tommie Jo said...

I envy that you are Christmas shopping already! I have only just begun to THINK about it! I didn't know you followed a low carb diet. I do as well-Somersize. Which do you follow? Atkins?
I'm sharing our family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes over on my blog if anyone needs any inspiration! (not all low carb (; ~TJ

Designs on 47th Street said...

Love those new dishes! This was a fun and inspiring post to read. You are so ambitious and organized!! I am coming to your fine city tomorrow to visit my daughter (also named Emily!) :)

Donna

Barbara said...

LOVE your new dishes! I have been admiring those for quite a while. I don't need them but I sure do want them! :) I love your roses next to that lovely silver.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

How could I not have been a follower all this time. Seems like I always see your blog posts. Anyway, no matter how that happened, I am a follower now. I always love to see what you're up to, now I won't miss anything for sure. Have a super day!!! Hugs, Marty

Winchester Manor said...

Hi Gorgeous Jane,

Just wanted to stop by and say hello! Always so good to get a visit from you!!

xoxo
Karyn

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I have already tuned in to the radio station that plays Christmas Carols non stop! Makes Steve crazy! lol

Love those dishes!!

Lou Cinda

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hello Jane,
Your roses and plates are soooo pretty. I can't wait to hear what you have baked for the competition. Chocolate and peanut butter are my favorite too;) Have fun at your event. Can't wait to hear all about it. No, no Salvation Army just yet but soon, I'll bet.
~Debra
Capers of the vintage vixens

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the perfect way to spend the day! I did a little shopping myself....I just love Christmas time :)

Heaven's Walk said...

I'm loving hearing those Christmas carols on the radio already, don't you, Janie? Your plates are just beautiful - and the pretty feet on those bowls are drool worthy! lol! Hope you had fun shopping, girl! And I'm jealous of you going to that holiday show! It looks fabulous!!! :)

xoxo laurie

Natasha in Oz said...

Jane, I don't know how I would cope if I couldn't start decorating for Christmas in November! Since we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia this is the biggest Holiday of the year at this time of year.

I am not sure if I have been by to say a very big "Thank you" for your sweet birthday message. Your comment really meant a lot to me! I am so sorry it has take me so long to visit, but I had a great week celebrating!

I hope your weekend is fabulous!

Best wishes always,
Natasha.
xo

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Those dishes and roses, oh my, so pretty!
XO
Kristin

Ashley said...

Your dishes are so pretty! And so are the roses!

Debbie said...

Hi Jane...my first attempt to leave a comment got lost...
I really like your new dishes, and your Fall table looks great! LOVE those blush roses too.
I've got quite a bit of shopping done, and am glad.
Have a great time at the show this weekend.
Hugs,
Debbie@houseatthelake

Jacqueline said...

I too have said that I don't need any more and I am doing better than usual, but I have picked up a couple of things this year. It was fun to read you say the same thing. The footed bowls are my favorite too. I love the idea of a cooking contest. Our men would want to compete though, they are the competitive ones!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your new dishes are wonderful. Girl I haven't bought any dishes in soooooo long. I've been a "very" good girl. lol. Even went shopping the other day with my girlfriend and didn't purchase one Christmas thing.. now "that's" being a good girl...lol Your Thanksgiving meal is going to look wonderful on your new dishes. hugs ~lynne~

Hearts Turned said...

Those roses and your dishes are just gorgeous, Jane!

Hope you have so much fun shopping this weekend--looks like fun!

Thanks, as always, for the visit and your sweet words...

Hope you're having a wonderful night!

Julie

koralee said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you...ours is long gone so now I have been focusing on Christmas...must get a start on that shopping too..have a great weekend. xoxo

Anonymous said...

Love your new dishes, Jane!! I love the little bead around the edges! Ballard Designs has some great things... love'm! It sounds like you had a nice time with your daughter and her boyfriend. :)
Ooooh... the holiday market sounds wonderful... have fun!
Happy weekend to you!
xoxo,
Jo :)

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hey Blondie! Grrr! Im dyin for a new post...LOL! In the meantime I have a NEW GIVEAWAY for you!

*ENTER CUSTOM FLORAL Give-Away Here *

xoxokara

From the Old InkWell said...

Hi Jane, love your dishes. I'm really in to whites and creams these days. Thanks for visiting with me and your kind words. To answer your question, we are having company this weekend so this table setting is for them, but I will keep the same centerpiece for Thanksgiving. I set my other table too but will show that later. Have a great weekend!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Gorgeous new dishes my friend and love the roses!

Now...if you are game I totally invite you to come to our home and spend a few weeks with us helping out with the bath remodel! :)

Love to you~

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Hello and thanks for having me. I came by way of Rebecca's at A gathering place. I love your table.... no literally-your table. Just speaks farm house to me. I saw some of those roses in my local krogers and swore, pay day, some are coming home with me. They are gorgeous and I rarely splurge on myself but the color is devine.

I'm having a GIVEAWAY if you would like to come enter. Thanks for having me. Hug. Tammy

Kim said...

LOVE the new dishes Jane. Hope you did well shopping. I've been doing it from my computer and banged out a lot this week. I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and hope you win the contest. If you do be sure to share the recipe!
xoxo,
Kim

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, such a fun post, perfectly reminds me of your sparkling personality! Hope you had a good time shopping, it's not too early for finding that perfect gift.

Thanks for stopping in on my interview with Vicki, her book French Essence should be on everyone's holiday list!

xo Lidy

Anne Marie said...

Hi Jane! I'm hoping to make it to Morris tomorrow too...it all depends on a sitter...hope you go and have fun!!

xo+blessings,
Anne Marie

Barb said...

Hi Jane,

What beautiful roses and on sale too!
I am still thinking about Thanksgiving. i guess I need to get it in gear.

Thank you for stopping by. I always appreciate your visits. this has been a difficult week.

xoxo,
Barb

Leslie said...

the new dishes are awesome, but I love that table!!!!!

Have a great week!!!!!!!

candlelite in the winter is the best!

DanielleisNesting said...

I'm new to your blog. I love it! It's gorgeous! I'm so glad I found it.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Looks like I have to get a fresh turkey, I don't have mine yet! Wish I'd thought ahead.

The holiday market sounds great.Have a wonderful time!!