OVER THE RIVER, ETC...

Over the river and through the woods

 to Grandmother's (and Grandfather's)

 house we go...

So goes the old holiday song 

and it happens to have 

special meaning for us this year 

because our kids are

 leaving the beach 

and coming to the woods 

for Thanksgiving.

As I have said in the past, 

this doesn't happen very often.

 With their jobs, 

they don't always get the same days off 

so it is hard for them to get away. 

 It is easier for us 

to go to them.

  But, this year,

 it all worked out

 so we can spend time together

 here at the Cottage.

Right up front, 

let me tell you that we are 

not a fancy family.

 We would rather go

 to a casual restaurant 

where we can wear jeans and tennies

 as opposed to a 

fancy, dress-up place. 

 Don't get me wrong,

 we love good food 

but would rather be comfortable 

while eating it.

 My big night out

would consist of

 a trip to Home Goods,

 followed by dinner at In-N-Out Burger,

 in the car, with my dog. 

 That is what makes me happy

 and I don't apologize for it.

I don't go so far as to say 

I love to cook every day

 but if it is a special dinner,

 shared with my family, 

then I really enjoy it.

  I will fix a turkey breast 

and all the good stuff 

that goes with it.

 Nothing fancy, 

just plain old good 

meat and potatoes.

Before the food though,

 my first thought is setting a pretty table.

  Here again, nothing really fancy.

  My "good" china 

is made up of sets picked up at 

flea markets and thrift shops.

 Here I will show you

 three possibilities I might use 

to set a pretty table...

of course, 

there will be flowers,

 candles and fancy glasses 

to complete it all.

This china is my finest. 

 It is Royal Chippendale (England) 

and I bought it 

from an antique shop 

when we first moved

 to the Cottage...

...this set of dishes

 came from a parking lot sale 

a few years back.

  It is Tepco (USA)

 which was made for, and used in,

 restaurants

 around the 40's and 50's. 

I can remember going to places 

where food was served on

 Tepco with a western theme... 

...this setting is bright and cheery. 

 It came from Home Goods

 and that says it all.

Now, after showing all of these,

 because all of the above are

 my "good" dishes, 

I don't put them in the dishwasher. 

 Because we don't have the privilege

 of visiting with the kids all that often,

 I don't want to spend time doing dishes,

 so here is the actual table setting

 I have decided upon. 

 It will mostly consist of

 everyday pieces.

Starting out with gold 

could tell a different story,

 but not this charger. 

 It is plastic and 

came from the dollar store...

...this charger knocks it all up a notch. 

 It is tin 

and I ordered eight of them 

from a catalog years ago.

 I love the lacy edge 

that peeks out from under 

the dinner plate...

These dishes 

were a give-away 

from the grocery store 

that Tami worked at 

about 30 years ago. 

 The rolled edges 

add a little extra 

to the setting...

...these napkins 

are from a large set

 I picked up at a flea market 

once upon a time. 

They top off the settings

 with a black and white checked ribbon

 that ties in with 

the chair back covers 

and the window valance. 

 Further embellishments consist of 

a dried autumn leaf 

and a stem of wheat.

A simple centerpiece

 sits in the middle

 and persimmons add a little color there

 and at each place setting.  

This will be removed 

during dinner

 as the narrow table can't hold it

 and food, as well.

I will fight for 

the candles to remain 

during dinner, however, 

as I am THAT fancy,

 but the rest of the gang

 says they like to see 

what they are eating!

I ordered some blue velvet 

along with some red velvet

 that I don't have yet.  

You will see later 

the plans I have for them.

We wish you all 

a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving

 and hope you enjoy the time spent

 with your families and friends...

...and then

 I will be back with 

the beginning of this year's 

love affair with

 Christmas!

...Judy...

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