November 2, 2011

Thanksgiving Table: Letting Go of the Vision in My Head


When I was a new college graduate, living in Dallas, I loved throwing dinner parties. I loved sending out invitations, carefully planning the menu, setting beautiful tables and creating the perfect song list on my computer. I once turned my tiny studio apartment (with an incredible view of the Dallas skyline) into a dark, candlelit, floor-pillow bedecked, beaded curtained, Moroccan lounge. It was beautiful.

I loved the planning and preparation of these parties and would drive all over town borrowing dishes, serving pieces and silver from friends. I made a pact to myself that I would one day own 15 sets of dishes so that I would always have The. Perfect. Set when a dinner party was thrown. 

Fast forward to now. I do not (alas) own 15 sets of dishes. And, my husband would kind of prefer that I abandon that particular pursuit altogether. 

Sigh. 

My point? Sometimes we don't get what we want. Sometimes we have to do a whole lot of making do with what we have. And, what I have is a few sets of dishes, one being a black and white set of everyday dishes that don't really conjure up visions of Thanksgivings passed. If I chose the perfect Thanksgiving set, it would be earthy and give nod to Fall's harvest. But, you know what? I'm not going to let some black and white dishes (which I really do love, by the way) stop me from setting a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape. 

What dishes are in your stash? Set them around the table and design your details around them. In this table I've added my Christmas chargers to the black and white dishes. My fav chalkboard tray with a note of gratitude penned is a beautiful place for a simple red and silver arrangement and orange pumpkins to land. All of this sits on a burlap runner.

See? Thanksgiving can be any ol' color scheme you want! 


Make do. Let go of your fantasy. And, create something beautiful. 
Photobucket

19 comments:

  1. I loved your dinner parties!!

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  2. Gorgeous!!! I love how it all flows so well!!! Impressed as always!!!

    Aimee @ ItsOverflowing

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  3. Emily, I love dishes, too. Don't expect me to be able to tell you how many sets I have. Hmm, not 15 yet! Surprise! I just awarded you the Liebster Blog award. Come claim it on my blog page, www.helensdecor.com. Don't forget to collect your badge and post on your blog. Congratulations!
    Helen

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  4. @Jen
    me too, Jen! I need to do one for old times' sake!

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  5. Very cute table setting! I love the chalkboard thing too. Visiting from TT&J!

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  6. I think it's gorgeous and very Thanksgiving-y! I love the chalkboard AND the sentiment. Lovely!

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  7. I think your table is lovely! Black and white always add glamour and drama. New follower.
    Audrey at eleganteconomies.blogspot.com

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  8. Hi, Emily. Your Moroccan lounge in Dallas sounds so inviting. I like what you did with your black and white dishes. You really did a great job tying them into Thanksgiving...very creative!
    Christy @ toolsforkitchens

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  9. This table is inspiring :)
    Thanks for linking it to Totally Tutorial Tuesdays.
    Jessica
    http://myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

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  10. I really loved reading this post... and I admire your black and white along with that sweet little chalkboard. It's really quite nice! Thank you for sharing... I'll watch for more of your ideas ":o)

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  11. Just now getting around to Tuesday's Tasty Tidbit entries. You know I read this but I never commented. LOVE IT! Looking forward to Wednesday.

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  12. Did I mention that I featured you today?

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  13. I love setting the table for Holiday parties. Thanks for the great ideas.

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  14. نقدم افضل خدمات تنظيف الكنب بالرياض فنحن نملك افضل اجهزة التنظيف بالبخار لاننا افضل شركة تنظيف كنب بالرياض
    وبالمملكة واسعارنا في متناول الجميع
    افضل شركة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة


    شركة تسليك مجاري بالرياض

    اسعار غسيل السجاد بالرياض

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  15. اغلب المشاكل اللى بتقابل شركات المقاولات
    # عايز تعرف العهد اتصرفت ازاى واتصرفت حسب سياسه الشركة ولا لا
    # وعايز تعمل حد صرف لعهد للموظفيين ومايصرفشى الا لما يسوى العهدة القديمة
    # وتظهر كمان فى مخالصه الموظف لو ساب الشغل فى كشف حساب واحد
    وكمان مشكله انك عايز تعرف مكان كل اصل وعهدة مين ؟؟؟؟
    # وعايز تحصر كميات زى الحديد للقواعد والسملات والاعمدة والاسقف مجمع او كل بند لوحدة فى خطوة بسيطة ؟؟
    # مش عارف تحلل المصروفات و الايردات والموقف المالى لكل مشروع علشان تعرف مدى ربحيه كل مشروع عندك وتعرف تاخد قرار
    # عايز تراقب المخازن كلها لو عندك اكتر من مخزن او عندك مخزن لكل مشروع وتقيم المخزون فى اى وقت ؟؟؟
    # وتعرف كمان حجم المشتريات لصنف محدد او كل الاصناف وتعرف متوسط اسعار الشراء لكل مشروع
    برنامج محاسبة مقاولات
    برنامج محاسبة شركات المقاولات
    برنامج ادارة شركات المقاولات
    برنامج مقاولات
    برنامج ادارة مؤسسة مقاولات
    برنامج الاستثمار العقارى
    برنامج استثمار عقارى
    برنامج لشركة استثمار عقارى
    برنامج لشركة استثمار عقارى
    برنامج ادارة محطات الخرسانة

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