Over the river . . .

  . . . and through the woods,

to Grandmother’s house we go!

Or so the song goes – but alas, we won’t be going to Grandmother’s house this Thanksgiving, and grandmother won’t be coming to ours :-(  My inlaws are in California at the minute and will be there during thanksgiving too. Last year (and the year before last) while they were away we celebrated Thanksgiving with our neighbors (my best friend Cheryl and her family). Cheryl’s mom and dad live a few doors away from us on the corner of our cul-de-sac. They have kindly invited us to have dinner with them the past two years. 

We love to do this and spend the day with them, but one thing Jason and I both miss is ‘the leftovers’! You know, the next day (or dare I say, even later that same night) making up another yummy plate of mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, gravy etc – it’s just so yummy :-)  So, this year I’ve decided I’m making Thanksgiving dinner even if it is for just us 3!  and we’ll probably pop over to our neighbors  for dessert time.  Remember it’s Kristen’s birthday that day too so it will be nice to just stay home and celebrate her too.

Yesterday I started playing around with the dining room table, to get it ready for next week. I always do this well in advance so I can see how things will look and if I need to purchase anything. I try my best to use what I have on hand and keep the purchases to a minimum. As much as I’d love to buy seasonal dishes and centerpieces I know it’s just not cost effective right now and Jason wouldn’t be too happy either!  So, using what I had here’s what I ended up with  . . .

here’s a view taken while I’m standing on the stairs looking down.

I didn’t bother with a tablecloth this year, I like the look of the wood and that is just a simple ‘paper’ runner I bought at Hobby Lobby last week. 

What do you think of the plates? Yes, they’re paper too! It’s a great way (cheaper alternative) to get that season look but not have to pay for the china that only gets used once a year! I’m sure we’ll still eat off ‘real’ plates but I liked using these just for the festive look. You can do the same with a Christmas table setting too!

I created a centerpiece just by using a cake stand, some silk flowers I have, votive candles and a few tangerines from the fridge – I love the splash of orange color!

And of course I had to take some shots later at night with the candles lit . . .

So, what about you? Have you set your table yet?  I’m sure Susan over at BNOTP will be having her usual Thursday Tablescape post this week. It’s been a while since I joined in but I think I will this week, and I’ll be sure to check out all the other great table settings too :-)

Have a wonderful day

hugs

Denise