we gather together...

When I was a little girl, my favorite church hymn was "We Gather Together". There is some distant memory of standing with my family, next to my father, singing that song. Gathering the people I love around our table is one of the happiest things that I can do. This year has been difficult in many ways but oh, we have so much for which to be thankful.

Our celebration for Thanksgiving will be a little small this year but we have some big birthdays to celebrate a week later.

For those interested in the table, I was surprised to find myself putting my brown plates on a turquoise tablecloth. We had a big soup party last week. I used my turquoise cloths with pumpkins and bittersweet. I just couldn't get beyond how much I liked the turquoise and orange together.

This is just the kind of table I like, mixing styles and elements. I always like having some nature on my table. This time, pumpkins and bittersweet. We don't have bittersweet in the desert but etsy does.

I like having the linen tablecloth rumpled but mixing it with the Delamere china. I have used a haphazard collection of vintage silverplate flatware.

When I saw these "Gather Together" plates at West Elm, I could not resist. They brought back such wonderful memories. Shanna Murray, I am a fan.

The weather tomorrow is supposed to be perfect. There is nothing I like more than enjoying our Thanksgiving dinner outside.

I can't wait for a taste of the stuffing. We may have to get a fire started in the fire pit by dessert time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I will be counting my many blessings and be grateful.

Joining Kathleen at "let's dish" and Susan at "between naps on the porch" for more holiday table inspiration.

in praise of the nandina bush...

On Thanksgiving Day, the berries were a bronzy orange, perfectly paired with pumpkins and leaves from our eucalyptus tree, a last minute decoration on our outdoor table. {Excuse the quality of this hastily taken photo, taken in the middle of dinner.}

When ready to decorate for Christmas, the berries were turning a pretty red. They were in bowls filled with pine cones and in this rustic box made by my husband. When I needed a little extra greenery, I just snipped a few branches. You can see those Thanksgiving eucalyptus leaves turned a silvery, snowy color.

Now the holidays are over. We are slowly getting things put away, ready to enjoy the lovely simplicity that is January. The nandina berries continue to make me happy.