Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

It's time to think about decorating for Thanksgiving soon. I am sharing our 2014 Thanksgiving Day with you today since I didn't post it last year. 

At our house we usually use the same dishes and have a similar menu each year. Makes it a little easier especially cooking the same favorites. The last two years I've served buffet style in the dining room. I changed a few things from the previous year which you can see here. I put the serving dishes in place ahead of time to make sure I have everything.

I don't know about you but I have to do as much ahead as I can. I want to enjoy my children and grandchildren so I set the table early. This year I decided to use a tablecloth instead of place mats. I had a grand time ironing it too! I actually talked on the portable phone to a friend the entire time it took to iron it which made the job much easier. I set the ironing board at the end of the table as I ironed so I could easily slide the cloth onto the table to avoid transporting and creating more wrinkles. Pic is before ironing.

 I also start thinking about flowers ahead and scout out what is available but  don't buy them until the day before so they will be fresh. The sunflowers never opened properly so I had to fill in with dried pods and feathers and greenery from my yard. I like the texture they added. 

The container I used was a china serving dish. It is amazing what you can do with a $12.99 bunch of flowers from the grocery store by adding things from your house and yard making it look like a $60.00 floral arrangement. For more needed greenery I added pittosporum from my yard . When you have a round arrangement it takes more flowers so I also added turkey feathers and seed pods to fill in. Looking at this pic I could have added wheat that I had also.

I washed all the greenery not wanting to bring bugs in the house. It is good to soak your oasis in water the day before arranging so it is soaked through and through. You can see the preparation and steps for making an arrangement using an oasis here.

Oops my candle is crooked!

I am so sorry I can't remember the blogger source of the pretty, "I'm thankful for," free printable. It added so much to our table.We have so many blessings we could fill the page.

 I couldn't do without my daughter helping in the kitchen.

 I love fresh Brussels sprouts fresh from the stem. We all noticed a difference in their taste.  I only see them available to buy in the stores around the holidays.

Turkey prep.

 Viola, turkey is ready after Green Egg magic by my SIL and husband.

 Menu: Roasted Brussels sprouts, Roasted Turkey, Cornbread dressing, Squash casserole,  Sweet potato casserole, Homemade Cranberry sauce, Pecan and Pumpkin pies.

Previous Thanksgiving posts here and here.

We were blessed to have my MIL and daughter's family together. It is sad to look at this picture a year later. We aren't sure if my MIL will be able to join us this year. I also wish my son and his family could be with us but they live too far away.

I began blogging at Thanksgiving in 2009, hence the name, Living With Thanksgiving. My daughter came up with the name and I knew it was a perfect fit for me because I truly desire to live each day with a thankful heart. My first post was our family Thanksgiving tablescape linked here. I just viewed this first post and am chuckling because there were only five little pics and no commentary, however, I remember how hard it was at the time. I could get choked up thinking about all my readers over the years that took time to comment. Aren't comments encouraging?
Learning blogging techniques, photography and sharing common interests with other bloggers have been rewarding experiences. I am thankful for the friendships and inspiration from other bloggers.  I haven't posted very much this last year but I'm still here and will blog when I can.

I am thankful for:
1. You, my readers that encourage and inspire me.
2. A forum to exchange ideas and common interests.
3. An outlet to express creativity.
4. Opportunities to make friends in the blogging world
5. A place to share parts of my daily life with family and friends
6. The Thanksgiving season when we can reflect on all the bountiful blessings      GOD has provided for us. I am thankful for our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

May we always be grateful and thankful people.

Linking to:Coastal Charm, AStroll Thru Life,Wow Us Wednesday,TablescapeThursday,Share Your Style Party, Foodie Friday, Thoughts From Alice.