As you grow older, do you find yourself becoming more sentimental? The things we have in our home, pictures, gifts from our loved ones hold memories. As I set my table for Thanksgiving, I pause to look at the things I have collected over the years. Every item I place on the table is etched with memories from past gatherings. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, kids giggling, couples gazing across the table. Thanksgiving is the holiday of love and reflection. Most importantly, we give thanks to the Lord for the abundance of blessings we have been given.
Setting your table with items that hold meaning, enhances your holiday experience. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:21.
We want to invite you into our homes to glimpse our treasured table memories.
Gigi Lori
I spent the morning setting my table for Thanksgiving. I ironed my tablecloth, pulled out the china and silverware. I found my crystal candle holders that I use for special occasions. I received them as an anniversary gift from my husband years ago. Like most things on my table, they have meaning.
I consider the time and thought I put into my holiday table as a labor of love. I look forward to the smiles and hugs from my family. It is the one day where we come just to spend time with one another, enjoy the food and, give thanks to the Lord.
This is what I love about this holiday, it is rooted in gratitude as written in God's word, "I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord." Psalm 116:17
However you set your table this year may the Lord's abundant blessing be upon you and your family.
Gigi Lori
Nana Alison
Do you have a special item that always has a place at your Thanksgiving dinner table? I have a lovely set of goblets that I inherited from my mom, who was an antique collector. She left me so many collectibles, but these beauties are among my favorites because of their shape and etching. They can be used for wine, water, or Harvest Punch from our favorite Thanksgiving recipes. I found some similar Fitz & Floyd vintage goblets on Amazon and they even come in different colors! Click this link to see them.
Speaking of wine, I have a suggestion for a fabulous red wine that pairs so well with turkey and the many sweet and savory side dishes that accompany it. Meiomi Pinot Noir is reasonably priced at around $20 and is widely available at almost any grocery store. It is light enough not to over-power the many different flavors competing for your taste buds. For those who are not into reds, most experts suggest a crisp Pinot Gris, sparkling wine, or Riesling. Look for one that has notes of apple or pear in the taste profile.
I'm so grateful for our readers and my fellow gigi's! I wish you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
Nana Alison
Mimi Jackie
Are you hosting and planning a Thanksgiving table this year? We’re going to be having our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at our home and I’m already looking forward to pulling out and using my gold flatware! In keeping the holiday’s special for everyone, it’s typically when we use our gold flatware to create a beautiful place setting for our gathering. The simple silhouette is perfect and creates a warm glow to my tablescape. I found my flatware at Cost Plus World Market several years ago. They do sell out from time to time but I’ve also seen them re-stocked, thankfully. If you’re looking for a new set for your table this year, you can find mine at this link.
Everyone has a place at the table and I always want things to be relaxed and easy no matter what level of effort I go to. I love the new memories that are made each year and I treasure the memories of years past! They will always hold a special place in my heart. For now, it’s safe to say that we’re all set to celebrate, so bring on the turkey, cranberry sauce and the love and laughter.
We have so very much to be grateful for today and everyday and I look forward to a special and memorable meal with our children and our five precious grandchildren as we give thanks to the Lord.
xoxo
Mimi Jackie
Gigi Susie
This is one of my favorite holidays of the year! The air is crisp, trick or treating is over and the Christmas craziness isn't in full swing yet. It is a time to pause, enjoy your family, friends, football and to give thanks for all we have and for all we love! I love the aroma in the kitchen, the helpers I have and how beautiful our Thanksgiving table is. Honestly, when I look at the growing table settings, it brings a smile to my face and I know how truly blessed our family is.
Getting married at the age of 19, I never registered for china dishes; however, I am fortunate to have both sets of my grandparents' china. When my children were younger, like most parents, I would reserve these special dishes to be used only for the holidays. My daughter, Meg, and I would decide which grandparents' china we would use for which holiday: Grandma Leacock's or Grandma Rubelsky's china! However, as a Gigi to four beautiful grandchildren, my thoughts have changed. I say bring out the good dishes to be used not just for holidays but just because: tea parties, birthday parties or a girls luncheon.
When I set the table with one of my little "helpers", it is a great opportunity for me to tell them about their Great Great Grandmas and the love that I remember receiving as a child from them and the love I have for each one of them. Last year, I ordered from Etsy these adorable name turkeys for each of my grandchildren - we have one more to add this year: Sophie!! My hope is that keeping their memories alive my grandchildren know how much they are loved by many generations.
These dishes are beautiful; however, more important to me, are the memories we create around the table with the people we love. Life is too short to save your "good" dishes for a special holiday. Bring them out and share their memories with your grandchildren. My hope is many years from now, whoever has these precious dishes will tell stories of how they set the table with their Gigi and they always know how much I love them - always!!! For those wondering, this year: our table will be set with both sets of china.
This year for me, personally, has been a tough year; however, I know how truly blessed I am! Thank you to all my friends and family!
Grateful, thankful & blessed!
xoxoxoxoxo
Gigi Susie
Lala Malana
My parents gave me some old antique ironstone dishes. They had been displayed in a hutch in their dining room for years. Some passed down from family and some that they had picked up at different estate sales and antique auctions along the way. One of their favorite pastime adventures. They knew I loved them and all the history that they held. Perhaps they had been on a Thanksgiving table somewhere far away and long ago.
Even though they weren't all passed down from our family, they hold a special place in my heart because my mom and dad knew I carried the same interest of days gone by and they were a gift from them. When I received them I tucked them away somewhere safe. One day while cleaning out my cabinets, I found them and I realized how much I would enjoy using them and sharing their history with my family. So now they are filled to the brim with all the favorite family Thanksgiving recipes. I know my mom and dad are thrilled that I am enjoying them and sharing a part of their memory at our family gathering.
Our Thanksgiving holiday changes from year to year with extended family and sharing the holidays. One thing that never changes are the special moments we have when it is our year. Just being together, catching up, eating way too much pie, watching football and seeing who the next Scrabble champion is. Making new memories and reflecting on the old. Creating new traditions, spending time with family and friends and being grateful for all the blessings in our lives. That is a perfect day!
Let Our Lives Be Full of Both Thanks and Giving
Lala Malana
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