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Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Fourth Thursday



How can Thanksgiving be only three weeks away? It's already time to start thinking of what to do with the table.



I have often used my Noritake plates for holidays because they are more formal. But one good thing about them is they can mix with the brown transferware dishes that are perfect for Fall.



It's nice when there's a smaller group to allow for a sit down dinner and the table can be arranged before hand. We almost always serve the food buffet style anyway to assure plenty of room on the table for settings.


I'm a big one for mixed china. A tradition that I have held for many years with my family. Is that a sign of a lack of commitment? Probably so. But it's a lot of fun, and makes for an interesting table.



Sometimes each place setting is different.







There are so many gorgeous patterns out there!





These are just a few of the variety I have to choose from. . . . 







Making a centerpiece vignette can become a tradition too. I like this woodland theme, for instance. 




I have some pieces that really only get used on the table in Fall. But sometimes I stick with my beloved white schemes.








More often than not, it's a big crowd we're serving, and it's best not to fuss. That's when the eggs are all put in one basket, so to speak. A banquet is set on a side board and the service on the table.




Some years we have a Thanksgiving Brunch the weekend before Thanksgiving so that the family can still get together through all the obligations to in-law's, Ex's, and traveling complications that are so much a part of modern life. For awhile it was a tradition to rake leaves after the breakfast. Kids young and old really enjoy it, believe it or not, and it's a great way to work off a heavy meal!



A buffet set up is so nice because it can be as plain or fancy as the time or mood allows. But simple can also be lovely if you use your special things. . . .
















Holidays aren't always bliss. I've had years that took a bit of getting through. You probably have too. But a little effort can spread the joy for everyone gathered at the table. And that's what it's all about.
I hope you're looking forward to a nice celebration!
Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline



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20 comments:

  1. I love your take on entertaining for Thanksgiving! It is all about cozy, comfort and a not forced beauty! Can anything be more lovely than mixing familiar dishes? I think this post is inspiring!!!!
    I can see there will be no harried and hastled at your home for the holidays! Kudos to you!
    xo Yvonne

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  2. Absolutely love the idea of a breakfast before Thanksgiving then having everyone help rake the leaves:@) Very pretty dishes Jacqueline, love the full set with the flowers and "crackle" detail-enjoy your prep!

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  3. I love all of these dishes, but especially the brown transferware. I have a friend whose family tradition is raking leaves after the Thanksgiving meal-I guess it helps work off some of those calories though.

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  4. You have so many pretty dishes! I love the cup and saucer that looks like crackled glass. I think I spotted some Johnson Brothers in this mix.
    Betty

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  5. Everything is beautiful here ...and there are so many gorgeous patterns indeed ...I also like to mix china and love the eclectic look. When you wrote " these are just a few ..." I was like "what ?!!"...No doubt in my mind you will create a gorgeous styling setting for Thanksgiving dinner , or brunch :)
    Wishing you a thanksgiving celebration filled with happiness,warmth and togetherness .

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  6. I just love all your pretty transferware dishes! What a beautiful collection and you make the vignettes look so lovely. Blessings, Pamela

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  7. your post was about what beautiful dishes to use for the holiday and mine was which silver shall I use!

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  8. I really like your thinking of using mix and match and a buffet dinner. I'm so darn regimental with everything matching and the food dishes placed on the table there's never much room left for table decor.
    Although in Canada we've already had our thanksgiving, you have inspired me to do something different for the next gathering.
    Judith

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  9. Gorgeous chinas to mix and match and I adore brown! I'm inspired for my Thanksgiving table, I will set a buffet in a different table and the formal dining table all set for my ten guests. I love your vignettes and some of the transferware I saw at Martha Stewart's and drooled, I'm so glad you have it. Hugs, FABBY

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  10. Oh yes, Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. And it's definitely time to start the preparations. Your posts are always so inspiring. I don't have many dishes and transferware to choose from, but I can get some neat ideas from you like the loaf of bread on a lacy towel (it looks so pretty).

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  11. Hi J,
    It is great seeing all your great fall china, I don't think mixed lacks commitment, just appreciation for all the lovelies:-) and it's fun for everyone to have a favorite:-) I have enormous dish lust for those birds, birds are hard to find! After breakfast raking is genious, if anyone wants to practice I have a bajillion falling right now :-))
    Hugs
    B

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  12. Hello Jacqueline,
    All of your dishes are perfection for Thanksgiving. I have just recently started thinking of the menu for the day.
    Your mercury glass candles are lovely. I love mercury glass.
    Blessings~

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  13. Oh, what a beautiful post! I love your pretty dishes and everything you've arranged here. Your blog looks like a magazine! I love it.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  14. beautiful post and I love the buffet idea. gorgeous

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  15. I would love a sneak peak into your dish pantry... you have such beautiful things, and use them in such creative ways. I always look forward to your posts.

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  16. Each passing year, I become increasingly infatuated with brown and white transferware. You have a glorious collection! Played against your white, you can't go wrong! Loved your take on family and Thanksgiving...quite diplomatic. Raking the leaves is a great idea. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Cherry Kay

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  17. So in love with this post! Gorgeous inspiration. I am hoping to get my tablescape post up before Thanksgiving. I really think you'll enjoy it so stop by and have a look!

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  18. I love all of your different china patterns. You are right it makes for an interesting table! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. thanks for the beautiful inspiration.

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  19. Love, love, love your transferware!

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