Friday, November 25, 2011

A Thanksgiving Retrospect

Looking back on Thanksgiving Day, I realize how impromptu the preparations were, both the table and the dinner.

I finally set the table a few hours before dinner using the same plates as last year, and flipped the tablecloth over to the reverse side.

I took the tired succulent arrangement off the kitchen table and added small birch candles in the spaces where some of the plants were struggling. Voila! An unexpected Thanksgiving centerpiece.



I like how long and low it is, allowing for conversation.

Although the table was set for twelve, we ended up having fifteen!
We all managed to fit.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the turkey was sitting in brine.

With so many cooks in the kitchen, the dinner somehow made it to the island for an informal buffet.

Besides the classic turkey...

...we also had ham.
We have never had ham before, but it was a real hit.
Thank you Rachel for requesting it. It will probably become a tradition in our house now!

One holiday down, check that box.
Looking forward to Christmas now!
I'm thinking that succulent arrangement works even better for a Christmas centerpiece, don't you?

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20 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Looks like a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours seemed more "low key" than usual. I've been too sick with allergies to stress out about the holiday....maybe that's a good thing.

The enchanted home said...

So elegant and beautiful! You did such a lovely job, hope you were able to enjoy yourself and got to relax a little today!

Rebecca said...

Yes, the succulent centerpiece is def. a "keeper" with many variables possible. Can't wait to see how you incorporate it. The table is beautiful. I can't imagine a reason for spending any more time that you did when you get these kinds of results. Don't you love the way there's always room for 1 (or 3) more???

Kathysue said...

If you had planned for months it could not have been any prettier!! I love the succulents with the birch!! So glad you had a wonderful day with your family. Ours was a really relaxed kind of day and we too had a great day. Now onto Christmas, I am so excited..... Fa-la-la ♫♪♫♪

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your tablescape looks fabulous. Love the linens and the succulent centerpiece is just perfect. I also like the two tall candlesticks. Beautiful room and dinner sounds amazing. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous tablescape...I love the 'Old World' feel/look!
And the food...fabulous,especially the ham! Ham is one of our choices also. Thanks so much for sharing your Table with us...Hope you have a beautiful weekend! All the Best! Loretta

Anonymous said...

Hi Delores! Oh, it looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Your table is beautiful and I just love seeing your pretty dining room. Your food looks wonderful too! I always roast a turkey but ham is my favorite. We just had 4 folks and I had both! :)
Your bathroom redo looks marvelous!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Delores, what a beautiful table!! Sometimes, impromptu works best! I think the succulents would make a lovely centerpiece for Christmas, as well. There are so many different ways that you can go with that one! You always have such pretty tables. Thanks for sharing!

D. Jean Quarles said...

Such a lovely table. Dinner looked delicious.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

We always have turkey and ham. My darn turkey decided to play games with me yesterday. It would show that it was done, but wasn't. This happened twice. We ate two hours late. I think I will never roast a turkey again.

Marlis said...

That was weird.. don't know if the first comment took or not.. your tablescape is wonderful, warm and inviting. I love the succulents down the table. It makes a grand statement along with the fabulous candleholders! Those dishes are absolutely my favs.. and the food, well it looks like it was certainly wonderful! Happy Thanksgivings.. and on to Christmas!! xo marlis

Sarah said...

Delores, impromptu is sometimes the best. I'd say it works for you! You have style with anything you do. I think this table is gorgeous, and the food looks fabulously delicious. I like the candles mixed in with the succulents. Thanks for sharing!

quintessence said...

Despite the last minute preparations, I think everything looks beautiful AND delicious!! Although I'm not a big ham fan, my husband and kids all love it!

Karen said...

Everything looks beautiful-including the food. Love to know what was in the salad, it looks so yummy.

Just Spiff It said...

Your table is gorgeous!! I love your plates and your centerpiece.

Rettabug said...

Very, very pretty Delores! I love how long & low the centerpiece turned out & the juxtaposition of the extremely tall candles was wonderful.
Looks like you had a wonderful holiday, surrounded by lots of family & friends.

fondly,
Rett

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Everything looks beautiful. Love your table cloth. It makes everything look warm and inviting.

Anonymous said...

Anything would be beautiful in that room. It's perfection!
xo Dianne

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Looks beautiful and the food looked yummy! We had turkey and ham too!

Dovecote Decor said...

I'm still here. I have that china with the pomegranates and have filled in with modern versions as well. If you look at my post, before my last one on Paris, you will see a very similar Thanksgiving flower arrangement.
Best,
Liz

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