The Thanksgiving Table

I woke early this morning...Lots to do today, as you all know.... Final touches on the Thanksgiving table, and it is ready... It's 5am and I'm off and running....the TV is waiting for the Thanksgiving parade to start, fire is on, coffee in hand and I am ready to start cooking....Maybe the "others" will sleep long enough for me to get a few dishes prepared....AND then there's breakfast to fix.... At least I know I'm not alone this Thanksgiving morn! Have a Happy Turkey Day! Blessings to all....

                       It's 5am....and I'm putting on the final touches for thanksgiving dinner....

This table went together quite fast and I love the look!

 Each plate has a small salad plate in various colors of fall leaves...

 Our daughter is going to love my owl napkin holders. I better count them before she leaves....  :)))

 The box was Dad D's wooden tool box he used ...always! I'm grateful to have a wonderful memory of Dad with us on this day...We lost him almost 22 years ago, miss him like yesterday!

                                                            Love my country kitchen!

                            Oh... the fire is nice this morning! Coffee & Biscotti sounds good!

                                                    Each chair has it's own adornment!

 This  is the table I stained and distressed a few years ago....It was a blond wood with a white french country stain and an inlaid wood pattern on top....I love dark woods....Soooo furniture redo!

              Love the fireplace in the country kitchen... 2nd cup of coffee? Why...YES, I think so!

                                                    The kitchen window seat area....

 I love the fall...

 I have an Italian Country kitchen theme...

 My  kitchen door wreath

I love my Thanksgiving Elf... It's the Norwegian in me! :)

                                      Our wild turkey's have a Thanksgiving message for you....
                                                                       EAT BEEF!
XO

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A Special Birthday, A Mad Hatter's Tea...

One of my dearest friends (Heidi) granddaughter was having a birthday! Amara's Mama, Erika, had made an adorable centerpiece for the Alice in Wonderland birthday theme. It was so adorable I asked if I could share her photo with you!

 This centerpiece was made from a Toy Tea Party Set by Erika. I absolutely fell in love with adorable centerpiece. Too cute and super easy to make. Just some glue & imagination were needed to complete it!

When I saw the photo's from the party, I knew I had to share them too! So sweet and you can bet that Amara felt very special on her Magical Birthday! Bravo Erika for a job well done! ADORABLE!
A Magical Party to Remember with Style...

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Types of Flatware and Their Care...

Most flat wear is made of one of three materials. Stainless Steel, Silver Plate and Sterling Sliver. See below how to care for them...

(* All images are provided through Google Images.)

Stainless Steel :

Most casual flatware is made of stainless steel. The name, it's self, implies the meaning! Stain - less...it stains less than other metals and is perfect for daily meals. It is often labeled with the markings of 18/10 or 18/8. The first number refers to the percentage of chromium; the second number refers to the percentage of nickel.

Care :

Dishwasher-safe... even though it is hardy, it can be damaged by prolonged exposure to eggs, vinegar,  and acidic food. Use the minimum amount of detergent/soap. Avoid items that contain lemon. Do not wash stainless steel with aluminum , silver plate or sterling. Never let flatware soak over night in water. They may be polished with stainless steel cleaner or with a paste made of water and baking soda.

 Silver Plate :

Less expensive than it's sterling silver cousin. The metal base is usually nickel silver or or brass covered in a thin layer of 100% silver.

Care :

Dishwasher-safe; however you should opt for a gentle detergent. Never put stainless steal and silver plate together as the two metals react to each other. This could lead to damage on the flat wear; spotting or tarnish the finish. Avoid prolonged use of acidic foods, eggs or vinegar. You SHOULD hand dry the flat wear instead of drying it in the dishwasher. Never let it soak over night in water.

Sterling Silver :

A "sterling" mark on this flat wear should be 92.5% pure silver. the rest of the metal is usually an alloy of copper, which adds durability. The best thing you can do for your "silver" ware is to use it more often. This will mean less polishing in the long run.

Care :

This flat wear SHOULD be hand washed. A dish washer could be used, but the same applies as the above instructions under "Sterling Silver". Myself, I don't risk it! If your going to have "Silver" then enjoy using it, hand washing and hand drying the Silver wear. 

It is a form of art and beauty that adds to the "Bling" of your amazing table setting during special dining occasions.  

 Do everything with Style

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