~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! :-)