Monday, November 17, 2014

THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE & MANTEL AND MEETING A BLOGGER/AUTHOR!


I did this tablescape last week before we took the Arctic plunge (you can see my door is open).  I'm just fiddling with ideas for Thanksgiving.  We will be having eight for dinner and then I'm not sure how many in the evening for wine and dessert.  So you see, a lot will be edited from this picture if we want our forks to go from plate to mouth!  




I am using my everyday dishes from Ballard Design, that are really showing the chips.  And old mismatched silver that has to get a good polishing before the big day.  The brushed antiqued chargers were a sale score from Sur la Table and may still be on their website.  I used a scarf for a table runner and a few candles here and there.  

Can you see the little green pumpkin on the right?  My sweet friend Jody from Rooted In Thyme makes the cutest pumpkins and I recently acquired a few.  In the pictures above see if you can spot the green velvet one and another in orange knit.  As a really nice gesture, she threw in a little sock snowman!  Please visit her blog and Etsy shop.  Her stuff is so cute and creative! :)




I still have the banner from Carol up.  I went looking for the "Thankful" banner I made last year and somewhere, somehow, the "l" fell off! lol! I have to locate the stencils and get to work!  Carol's banner is timeless. :)


I was able to drag The Husband out Saturday to a big craft event put on by Three French Hens.  It takes place about an hour southwest several times a year.  I went once many years ago.  It's much bigger now, set up in four different buildings and outdoors, much like a French market.  There were a lot of vendors with vintage items.  And there is nothing better than Christmas vintage!




I had the pleasure of finally meeting this girl who I have "known" about since I started blogging.  Jennifer Rizzo is one creative and successful blogger and she just had a book published.  She was there signing them and meeting and greeting people.  Is this not a dream come true for Jen?!   She has an Illinois blogger get~together every spring and for one reason or another, I've never made it.  This was so cool!




Several blogs I've come across  have been raving about this book and I heard it flew off the shelves at Amazon.  Better grab one while you can and you might want to get an extra as a gift for someone you love!  Thanks, Jennifer, I know we will meet up again!

Again, thank for all of your well wishes.  My cast comes off tomorrow and I'm feeling pretty good.  Still using up those veggies I chopped...tonight it's vegetarian chili!  I'm going to fiddle a bit more with the tablescape and I actually did start two different Christmas crafts and I'm tweaking and working on a third. I'll share next time.  I just polished off two big mugs of green tea while I wrote this and now I may just snuggle under a throw with the dogs before I start dinner.  Have a great week! :)

Jane xxx


52 comments:

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Your tablescape looks great Jane! How clever of you to try it out before the big day. Perhaps I should do that, as we're hosting that day, too. Isn't it fun to entertain family? I do enjoy it and I know you love it. So happy you got to visit French Hens and meet Jennifer Rizzo. I've always heard great things about that market and Jennifer's book looks amazing.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your home looks so lovely with the cozy lighting and pretty tablescape, Jane!
I just got my copy of Jennifer's book...it's wonderful! I was able to meet her briefly at Junk Bonanza several years ago!

Kelly said...

Your table setting is so pretty! I love the big pumpkin in the center. Pier 1 is a great store for dishes. I love looking around in there. The place that you met Jennifer at looked fun! I keep meaning to find that book and flip through it. I heard it was at Costco. Need to go check it out!

Melanie said...

Your Thanksgiving tablescape will look just fine, no matter what you decide ~ you always make pretty ones. I don't know how you are blogging with a cast on your hand...I have a huge soft cast on my hand (all the way up my arm) right now and this typing is taking me so long. I've met Jen at the Midwest blogger's conference. She is very sweet.

Jenny S. said...

Jane...good luck having your cast removed tomorrow. Then you should go treat yourself to something special. You've been a brave girl!

Jenny S. said...

By the way...Who's the guy in the back ground? He is smiling for the picture too! LoL

It's me said...

Almost Christmas..!..happy new week Darling.....love Ria...xxx!

Rita C at Panoply said...

How exciting, Jane! Cast coming off, meeting Jen, and your table, btw, looks terrific. That one photo (the one with the green pumpkin on the side) looks like the cones are shaped like a turkey! Did you do that on purpose or did it just happen that way?

Unknown said...

Jane, look like you are ready for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see all the yummy dishes soon. I know you will be baking something very yummy. I love meeting blogging friends too.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Glad to hear you are doing well, Jane. You'll be back to your old self soon enough -just in time for the holidays in sounds like. Yeah, I'd rather take the cold without the snow! : ) We got both and today it is frigid. We will be lucky if we leave the teens today. Love your mantel. That window is great!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I spend more time on my tablescape than my dinner. It has to be "perfect" and different than the year before. It is my pride and joy. I do get some of my ideas from places like a Pier 1. I love the colors and sparkle they use.

Theresa said...

Love those beautiful tablescapes:) Continue to heal dear friend and you'll be good as new soon! Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Lynne said...

Everything about your table is lovely, Jane! Jody is another jewel in the crown of blogger brilliants!

My Ballard dishes are a chip fest as well. The kids bought for me them three Christmases ago. We are all disappointed in the quality. I am back to using my everyday Denby once again. (Only 3 pieces broken in 41 years, and never a chip...)

Since I am having my second eye surgery on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Chrislyn is hosting this year. I am in charge of the greens and Mr is the wine steward.

I would love to travel to meet some of my favorite mid-west bloggers one day. I know you and I have both been inspired by Jen over the years. I am so pleased that her book has sold well. I think it is out of stock at Amazon at the moment! BRAVO JEN!

It sounds like your weather is like ours...or vice versa. The static electricity has Holland Grace and Ben's hair standing on end. They look like little winter waifs!

Just adding the thought that you will have a grandbaby at your holiday home next year! I promise her presence will kick the joy up a notch or 1000000!

As always, I wish the best of blessings to the "B's"!
~Lynne
w/L

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your tablescape looks wonderful! How great that you got to meet Jen in person. I adore her. Glad to hear that you hand is doing well.

Sonia said...

Oh so pretty. Love your layers of dishes! Your mantel is beautiful too! We are 20 degrees this am and the snow has almost melted. So cool that you met Jennifer Rizzo...I'll have to check out her new book! Thanks for sharing!
Miss Bloomers

Mary said...

SO glad your hand is getting better Jane - know how you need that one especially - and with all the tablescaping and decorating ahead two hands are definitely better than one!

Table looks inviting - I'd love to be flying in to join the crowd! We'll be eating out this year as I cannot cook this time - will be finding out more about required surgery this week.

Know you and A must have had a ball at the Christmas shindig - I'm off Thurs. night to SuzAnna's and the Vintage Village for the annual big Holiday Open House party - I've already noted a few things I might just bring home for the house. I will try to start decorating immediately T-giving is over - lots to get done., and now it's turned so cold it feels like the holiday season is here.

Take care dear friend, be well soon.
Mary x

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh yes Jane, I can believe how cold it is. :>( I think it's supposed to warm up a bit by the weekend though! Your table looks beautiful! I have so many people coming for Thanksgiving I just don't have room on the table for much more than some candles and a centerpiece. I'm still trying to figure out where to put everyone, lol. But I know we will all squeeze in somehow and it will be wonderful as always. That market looks so beautiful and fun! I am planning on getting the Christmas decorating started this week, early I know but we are having Christmas with our out of state kids over Thanksgiving so the house has to glow!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Pretty table and mantel and christmas market and book! And how nice to see Jennifer there.

Very cold and windy here as well. I think our wind chill is below zero.

Glad your hand is feeling better !!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Pretty table and mantel and christmas market and book! And how nice to see Jennifer there.

Very cold and windy here as well. I think our wind chill is below zero.

Glad your hand is feeling better !!

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... I tried to comment earlier and for some reason it would not take it?... hope this one comes through... your tablescape is so pretty and I love your little velvet pumpkins!... do hope your hand is better now, and that you are able to do things a bit easier... how fun you got to meet Jennifer!... I looked for her book on Amazon and it is sold out... I will check Barnes and Noble today, it looks so fun!... also love all of that vintage Christmas you showed... I get sooo tempted to buy more each year, but as you know, I have more than I can use!... bitter cold here too with more snow coming the end of the week... I am making the best of it this year though!!!... (trying, anyway!)... xoxo... Julie Marie

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, love how your table setting looks, beautiful. I also love your mantle, you always do such a great job decorating. The velvet pumpkins are so wonderful to.Blessings Francine.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Your tablescape looks lovely! Pier 1 is definitely my go-to place for dishes. I got several items for my plate wall there this summer. I like how they email me coupons too. :) How neat that you got to meet Jennifer!!!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

It's cold here but not THAT cold! Love your chargers.
Blessings,
Cindy

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Really cold here, too, in downstate IL! I love the look of your blog and your tablesettings!

Beth said...

Glad you are feeling better, Jane! Your table looks so pretty! Sounds like you are looking forward to Thanksgiving and a couple of gatherings. Enjoy! :)
Hugs, Beth

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Jane so good to read that you met a long time friend and that you had the time to do this tablescape. Gosh, and to think, I put things out the day of without a dry run! Cold here tonight too...17!!...:)JP

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I've got to get that book by Jennifer Rizzo. It looks fabulous and I need some inspiration! Love your Thanksgiving table scape. You are also making me want to head to Pier 1. They always have the best Holiday stuff.
I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. Love the picture of you...you look gorgeous as ever!

hugs
Sissie

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Hello sweet Jane,
Us too in Philadelphia, in the teens, freezes the lungs and absolutely no snow ... which of course would be fun!
I love that "sparkle gives off the essence of luxury" wonderful statement.
Cute photo of you and JR. So today I too polished my Grandmoms silver for our dinner guests this weekend. I guess I'll try out that great quote and give off the illusion of luxury!
Stay warm and take care of your hand,
xoxo

Doreen@househoneys said...

I had to laugh about your hubby buying all the food after you 'dragged' him there! And you were so good! Lol

It's cold here in Massachusetts too. It's this solar vortex thing I guess. I'm sitting by the fire right now. I went downstairs a little while ago to do some work on the computer, but it was too cold so that's that.

Glad your hand is on the mend. Before you know it, you'll be good as new.

XXX

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane your table and mantel look fabulous!! It got very cold here too...it feels like January not November!!

JoAnne said...

I really like your table setting, Jane. It looks really pretty with the wonderful wood of your table. Illinois has the greatest shops and craft fairs - I think I live in the wrong state. So glad you're feeling better!

Free Art Printables said...

It was so great to meet you too Jane! I am glad we finally did after all of this time! Your table looks beautiful and ready for all of your guests!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, I used to work in the corporate office at Crate and Barrel in Northbrook. They said that high-fired china doesn't chip, but low-fired china does. It is very difficult to sell any of the vintage porcelain china sets in the shop, but they don't chip, that is for sure. I think your pine (?) fireplace mantel is wonderful and my favorite thing is the window with the leaves on it. It looks like the leaves are whipping by in the wind. When I woke up this morning, in was 10 degrees in Richmond, IL. Ehwwww, boy.

Carla from The River said...

Fun Thanksgiving ideas. I am in charge of the place settings each year. I have a fun idea for this year. I want to finish making them this weekend. :-)
I just love the glitter acorn idea in the book.

Stay cozy!

Bluebird49 said...

Oh--so glad the cast will come off before Thanksgiving week arrives!
Your table looked lovely. It has been at least 25 years or more since I've been in a Pier 1! Shocked? Ha--I knew you wouldn't be!

Seeing the kidney doc tomorrow, and am dreading it, plus getting out in the chilly air, which is nothing like "your chilly" is. Oh well---I dread just any doctor visit, it seems. :( Will just be filling out forms and answering questions tomorrow, I'm sure! I'll be in touch, dear Jane!

Poppy said...

Hi Jane,

So glad the cast will be coming off soon, so you'll be well 'armed' for all the festivities that are fast upon us! But, I can see that you're already on it, despite being 'short-handed', managing to create such autumn ambiance with your pretty tablescape and fireplace mantel. How lovely that both vignettes are accented with blogging buddies' beautiful creations!

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!

xx
Poppy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Jane,
I am freezing my butt off up here in Wisconsin. Man it's too early for this stuff. Your table is going to be quite lovely and I love your mantle too.
And how fun to meet the blogger/author. Sounds like you and Al had a fun day out. We went to a movie last Sat. nite and that's about it for us.
I started decorating for Christmas very slowly. We have the snow and so I figured why not. I am trying to get a Christmas list planned but so far I haven't come up with much. Oh I would love to go to Galena again at Christmas. We need a winter plan. Say hi to Al and I am sure hoping your hand is healing well.
Hugs friend,
Cindy
p.s. When is the new grandbaby due again?

Traci said...

Wow! That is soooo cold! We've had a cold snap here too. It was 29 this morning & earlier in the week 25. I absolutely HATE IT!! Sending good thoughts & prayers on your hand!

Lulu said...

I was at Pier 1 yesterday and couldn't believe all the Christmas goodies. I was so tempted to buy new things, but I had to remind myself I have no place else to put anything! Still it doesn't hurt to look. I'm glad your hand is getting better and I hope it's ready for you to lift those heavy pots on Thanksgiving.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

You table is lovely Jane. I like all the decor. I am so happy that you will be getting your cast off. I think this surgery went better that the other one. You don't sound like your in pain.
I have been watching the news and see how bad your weather is. I probably would never go out only if I really had to.
Sounds like your going to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of great food.
Take care of your self, dear friend and have a Very Happy Thanksgiving.
Mary

Susie said...

Blondie, I almost missed this post. You sound like me wandering around in a daze. That's how I feel sometimes when there is so much to look at and desire. You are such a pretty thing,Blondie. I have heard of Jennifer since I have been blogging. She's a sweetheart. What a great thing that you got a book . I would have bought extras also. Hope your Thanksgiving is full of love and fun. xoxo,Susie

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Jane, Your holiday tablescape looks so beautiful!! I'm so happy your pumpkins arrived in time for Thanksgiving. They look so pretty on your table! I love Pier 1 too and will share at tomorrows party some new copper mugs I purchased there. You have done a wonderful job decorating with your cast on, just think what you'll do after the doctor removes it. You have inspired us all!! I'll have to buy Jennifer Rizzo's new book. It looks like it has so many creative ideas for the holidays, can't wait! How exciting to have met her!! Your mantel looks so pretty too!
Hugs, Jody

Sylvia said...

Dear Jane, thank you for your warm words on my cards. I truly appreciate your support. You have to be sure, your Thanksgiving table setting looks beautiful - love the color palette. Perhaps, because I am all about tradition at Thanksgiving. And speaking about this celebration, I have to admit I am pretty happy with the fact that here in Canada, Thanksgiving day comes early, and gives us time to really enjoy the decoration. How wonderful that you met Jennifer Rizzo; now I am convinced I have to get her book :)

Wishing you a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration!

Leslie said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! Everything is perfect. I bet the craft fair was fun.. so many great things to see. The book sounds great, I will look for it.
Have a great day!!!

deb said...

beautiful holiday table setting jane ~ love the colour scheme.
we have already celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada, so it is all Christmas mode at our home :-)
hope your hand is on the mend xo

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane, you set a lovely table, girl! Your home looks so warm and cozy, I want to come over and take a nap! I will look for that book by jennifer, looks awesome. My daughters both love crafts so it's perfect. thanks for this post! xx Nancy

Leslie Harris said...

What a lovely tablescape Jane your home looks so cozy! I'm glad your cast is coming off just in time for the holidays. How fun to meet Jennifer. She's so talented I need to check out her book.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I have two of those gold plates from Pier 1. I tend to buy two plates at a time.
Brenda

Anonymous said...

your table looks beautiful, what a treat to meet up with fellow bloggers, I will visit that blog for sure. I am so glad your hand is doing so well, I was just checking on you and realized I missed this post, take care,

Elaine said...

Glad you are feeling better. You should be much better by Thanksgiving.

You must have such restraint. If I went to that French Hens Market I would have spent my paycheck!

Love the tablescape. I recently did mine for the Harvest Dinner. Always fun to use my Fall items to create a tablescape. I love Sur La Table too!

Have a great weekend and stay warm! We are mighty cold here too.
I will still go out. I have a 3 day weekend!

Gypsy Heart said...

Your table looks beautiful! The pumpkins are darling...will have to check out her shop. What a great experience to meet Jennifer! Her book does look amazing.

I would have probably still been at that fair ~ so, so many goodies.

Glad you're doing better!
xo
Pat

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