On this Weekend Meanderings…Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, and side dishes, Bloomingdale’s dresses and a little celebration for Juliet up in San Francisco.
This week was busy with Thanksgiving prep and all.. I am so excited Griffin will be home Tuesday from college. I’m hoping we get a day with everyone to take a hike or walk. I love the days after Thanksgiving when the work is done and we can all just hang out! Do you not agree those are the best parts about this holiday?
Pillows at the Island
There were rewards for cleaning out the pillow/linen closet last week- I found some sherpa look pillows I had bought last year at Target. I had replaced the inserts with these from Amazon. I like them as they are feather and allergy free, but heavy and chop down like an expensive feather insert- and made in America!
The Balboa counter stools are 25% off now at Serena & Lily. They’ve been great if you are looking, we love them.
I like the pillows at the island giving it a little warmth. Of course as soon as the sons descend for Thanksgiving, these will be on the floor or thrown on the couch, but that’s okay.
This same pillow, iis no longer available, but I did find this pillow cover from Pottery Barn very close to mine, and is on sale now. They need inserts and have a zip opening. Remember buy a 22 x 22 inch insert for a 20x 20 pillow for a full look.
PB Teen also has a jumbo version of the sherpa pillow with a closed insert for a couch or a big chair.. Also I was thinking for our tiny Tahoe cabin.
Thanksgiving Tables
This year we are having my dad, and my sons, and so we are a tight little group. I still haven’t figured the whole tablescscape, but I sort of like doing it on the fly and see what inspires me the day before, from the yard or at the market. My mom was like that. She always made the most creative tables and I miss her so much.
This was mom and I at the first Thanksgiving Max and I hosted in 1999.
These are some past tables I have done over the years…My favorite was when I went all out for this tablescape for a blog collaboration. I loved the flowers which I bought at our local Bunches. They lasted forever.
Other tables…I’ve used pears with linen and old silver pieces, burlap and hydrangeas and apples..
Another year, I used this runner and white napkins and vintage napkin rings I found at a yard sale..
Last year I used a sheet, as it was the one thing I could find in the yellow color I wanted. I layered it over a white tablecloth and I don’t think anyone could even tell. I used some Satsuma Mandarins, which are just coming ripe here in California in late November and they gave the table some nice pop of orange.
The Glenna plates are one of my favorite things. They are from Anthropologie and look like Astier de Villette, made in Italy and can go in the dishwasher. I have to give credit to Cindy Hattersley who had them first and used them at one of her beautiful lunches she hosted. They are on sale now 30% off.
My Thanksgiving Menu
Our menu is turkey (thankfully Max is making it on the Traeger), rustic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce with walnuts, sweet potato casserole, rolls, and this persimmon and pecan salad I made last year..
I use a spring mix, fennel slices, toasted pecans, and persimmons with an Autumn Vinaigrette made with walnut oil, apple cider vinegar, a bit of mustard, salt, a squeeze of orange or tangerine, and a bit of maple syrup. The fennel and toasting the nuts really make this salad shine.
I am also doing a twist on Brussels sprouts with the addition of cannellini beans- a recipe from Molly in Maine. You can find it on this post of hers. ( You will adore her home if you aren’t already following.)
I already did a test run and we loved it. I could eat this just as a meal itself.
I also want us to try Juliet’s Apple Cider Aperol Spritz, which sounds like a perfect cocktail to have with some spiced nuts while everyone pitches in and helps with dinner. .. Isn’t it pretty?
It’s Juliet’s Birthday!!
Speaking of Juliet, It is her birthday today! Yesterday our friend Elizabeth, aka La Contessa corralled us together to celebrate at a tea at The Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It’s in the historic Garden Court and such a treat. Another friend -Laurie joined us, and we had a blast chatting and indulging in the scones and tea, and beautiful confections. Laurie sweetly made us all the prettiest bouquets! The architecture in this building is stunning…
The Palace was bustling with the holidays and I have never seen so many people out having fun in the city since the pandemic. This place is a San Francisco treasure and I would recommend it for a holiday tea, or anytime if you get the chance. I also wrote about it here.
Lovely Juliet defies aging, is super kind, and is always making me laugh. I knew we would be friends when I found out she starts her day with cinnamon toast and hot chocolate!
I was wearing this blouse from Anthro with a black pleated skirt I own.
Thanksgiving Dresses at Bloomingdales
I was at Bloomingdales the other day and passing through the dress department they had several pretty options by their in-house brand Aqua. I need something to wear to a lunch and an upcoming holiday gathering, so I tried a few on.
They are all good prices and were on additional sale. This pink and floral dot was what first caught my eye with it’s pretty color and styling. For $69 ( I think the sale is until the 21st), it’s very nice.
I liked this longer dress with smocked top for Thanksgiving too.
Then there was this option. I like the higher neckline and long sleeves, however this is a bit shorter. I wouldn’t be wearing these loafers, but likely boots or booties with these dresses.
I took the two shorter dresses home to try with boots and see if one might work. Bloomingdales dresses tend to run small, so I bought a medium in one and a large in the other. These have a ruching on the waist, which is easy to adjust, and comfortable to wear.
House of the week
I had to share this original California orchard farmhouse in the little village of Monte Sereno, which is adjacent to our town of Los Gatos. It was built in 1936 and has log cabin style, but instead of being dark it’s got lovely raised ceilings and big windows.
I love the picket fence and citrus tree giving it so much retro California charm. I can imagine someone strolling down this street in the 30’s to this house just as it is..Love the decor too. I don’t know if this is staged or the owners, but it’s cute! Oh and the stone fireplace.
And if you can’t get enough of charmers like me, check out this property called Crooked Pines in Carmel, that has some beautiful windows and spaces…
Annie is in Better Homes and Gardens!
If you missed it, our dear friend Annie, the brilliant creator behind the Most Lovely Things blog was featured in a big spread of the December Better Homes and Gardens or BHG. It’s a well-deserved and great piece about Annie’s craft ideas for a natural Christmas and more of her pretty home. She shares the charming crafts on this post, and I can’t wait to try them with some of the collected bits from our yard..
Two sales of note, Anthropologie is having 30% off most home and decor and gifts and is reflected on checkout until Nov 21. And Serena & Lily has their biggest sale of the year, 25% off everything use code GRATITUDE until Nov 30th. if you have been waiting on a special piece for the home.
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As it’s is Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for reading and opening my posts every week. When I started doing this weekly series with Juliet and Elizabeth, I wasn’t sure I’d have enough to write about or any readers. So far it has exceeded my expectations and been a joy to do. The best part of blogging though, is interacting with you all, and getting to know so many kind people from Northern California -and all over the world! Thank you for being here. I am truly thankful for you all!
And that is my weekend meanderings for this week. Please stop over at Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what fun they are sharing…and have a lovely Thanksgiving if you are celebrating.
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
Kim
On the last Weekend Meanderings savoring November, Thanksgiving outfits, a Pennsylvania mom and her farm, a Seacliff Beach home for sale, and a moisturizer you need!
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I just pinned the salad and the brussels sprout photos for later reference!! I remember your post on the Palace. You ladies look beautiful. Juliet always makes me laugh too. So happy about Annie’s article. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Mary Ann miss you and wish you were nearby so we could meet up in the city. Looking forward to seeing your pretty Florida Christmas. Thank you the Brussels sprouts are super good.. xo
Great post … I admire your effort with decorating the table for Tday. I’m happy with a fire going and lots of food on the table…not too fussy. We keep it chill as per my oldest. The apple cider drink would help with that. Yum. I do like to add a center something and love your choices. I have the same Sherpa pillows from target. Love them. I would love a dress similar to the ones you tried on but have yet to try one…they all look great on you and the color is very flattering. The pic with Mom got me … always miss my parents but more so around the holidays. Ok now I’m tearing up. Have a wonderful Tday with your family!
Aw Jackie I was tearing up writing my post. It is a hard time at the holidays when your parents are gone isn’t it? Thinking of you too. I don’t think the tables matter as much as the food and the fun of being with each other right? I love the chill..your oldest is right!
I kind of liked the color of these dresses too. If you get to Bloomies they look small on the hanger and stretch out because of the ruching. I was dubious..but they surprisingly work. Yay you have the sherpa pillows! They need to bring those back. Enjoy Thanksgiving with you family!
The Brussel Sprouts look delicious and have been Pinned for Thanksgiving and future Meatless Monday Meals. Love your blog; design, fashion, and a social conscience. Having someone take a stand on issues while perfectly styling themselves and their home is refreshing. I am wishing you and your family a treasured Thanksgiving.
Holly that is the kindest note. Thank you! Wishing you and your family a good Thanksgiving too.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with the family Kim!
Thanks so much Patricia! Wishing you the same.xo
Kim—this blog post was chock full of so much great content!! Loved reading it. The photo of you and your mom was so heartwarming. I can’t imagine not having my mom but I know our holiday traditions passed down from her will keep going and going. Thinking of you. Enjoy your holiday with your boys, Max and your dad. 🍁
Thanks so much Carol. Had to share mom today and like you said, I will be keeping her with me in my heart in all I do next week. Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving with your sweet family!
Beautiful post thank you. So lovely to see a picture of you and your lovely mum Kim, I love hearing stories about her, she sounds so wonderful thank you for sharing. Going to try that amazing salad looks so yummy. And your sons are coming home !! So exciting. I love hearing grown up kids voices back in the house, reclaiming the space. Total bliss 🙂 Have a happy Thanksgiving friend! And a beautiful “together” week.
Francesca, I know love the energy from the boys and taking up my space, and in my kitchen! Makes me so happy. Aw thank you, I had to share that pic of my mom. Hope you enjoy the salad. Have a great one too. xo
Kim,
Good morning friend, I love seeing your with your mom. Such a beautiful photo of the two of you!
And the photos of you, Juliet and the Contessa! Such a wonderful afternoon at the Plaza celebrating Juliet. Juliet is such a wonderful, kind and special friend. I just love her smile!
As for your try on session, the short dress looks beautiful on you! As does the long one but for winter I like the long sleeve, remember I am here in the South and we need sleeves in the late fall and winter.
Your tables capes look lovely. Sadly I took my fall tables cape down and it is full in Christmas on my table.
I have to find some persimmons, I want to make your salad and I have pinned the Brussel sprouts, my husband loves them.
ENJOY every minute with your boys, Max and your dad…they are what Thanksgiving is all about.
I am grateful and thankful for you my friend! Thank you for joining Juliet and I every weekend and for sharing your life, views and beauty with us. And even more important thank you for your friendship.
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth, Thank you so much.. Had to share mom.
Wish you were closer and could have joined us in SF. I am with you, I like sleeves on dresses in fall and winter! Thank you so much Elizabeth for the opportunity to do this with you two. It’s been a lot of fun and I am grateful! xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving, Kim! You and the Meanderings ladies always brighten my Saturday morning.
Sarah thank you… Your notes are always so kind! Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving. xo
Kim – a great post as usual. Oh to have a Bloomingdales or a Nordstrom.
Thanks for the brussel sprouts recipe. We are trying really hard to like them around here. The new kale.
I love seeing the Cali girls together in such a beautiful place. It is hard not to compare my 10 month old blog to all of yours, but I will resist that and continue my blogging journey! Happy Thanksgiving.
Gray thanks so much. We are all crazy for Brussels sprouts, the boys included. Not sure why, but we started with some good recipes, not the old school boiled ones.. This is a great recipe and I also recommend just throwing them halved in a pan with olive oil, crunchy salt, and topping wit a little grated parmesan when done!
I need to pop over to your blog. Have a great Thanksgiving. xo
I so enjoy your “Weekend Meanderings” …. I make a coffee as I know I’m in for a good read! What beautiful tables you’ve created over the years for Thanksgiving. I love your vintage table napkin rings… I found some a couple of weeks ago in an antique shop in Danville called Cottage Antiques that you may like to check out if ever up this way.
I will be adding the Garden Court in SF to my wish list. Wishing you and your family a happy thanksgiving!
Fiona, That is so nice to hear! And I read the comments with my coffee! Thank you about the tables. I just try to have fun with them. I have to get up to that Cottage Antiques. I love vintage finds. Hope you get up to the Garden Court soon and wishing you a great Thanksgiving too.
Kim,
Your posts never disappoint! Always a good take away! Could not believe the price point of those adorable dresses…they all look so good on you and I love the idea of a dress since it is one and done! Sadly, we are extremely challenged when it comes to shopping here in our little city or I would run to Bloomingdales if we had one! Our upscale shopping is a Dillards! Need I say more?
The picture with your mom is a treasure! I know you keep her close to your heart!
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being a bright spot in my day!
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen, So true about dresses right? One and done and you look put together. I know I thought the prices were good too. Shoot about the shopping and honestly I would not have bought these given the online pictures…. of extremely tall and thin girls wearing them! I would not think they could work for me..I still am an in person shopper for a lot.
Thank you I miss my mom terribly right now. Your comments always lift me up! Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you Kim for giving me so many wonderful recipe ideas and links for T-Day! Love your tablescapes. The photo of you and your dear mom was so lovely. It is bittersweet around the holidays remembering our loved ones who are no longer joining us at the table. We have the heartwarming memories and recipes to pass down. I love that! Xo
Karen thank you. Aw so true I have my mom and her traditions and her Thanksgiving cooking notes and she will always with me in that way. Thank you and hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving too. xo
Pillows look GREAT!!
Have I ever told you your LEGS are SPECTACULAR!
Just buy all the short dresses!!!!
I think designing the table scape is the funnest part of the prep!
Yesterday was lovely in the BIG CITY with you all!
Happy Birthday Juliette and onwards to those Holidays💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿
I have a ton of Persimmons this year and will attempt your salad!!
Stay Tuned!!
Xoxo
Elizabeth you are too kind. Tablescapes are my favorite..and eating! The cooking not as much. Aw thank you a ton for yesterday. I feel lucky to have been with you ladies and to have met darling Laurie! What a fun time that went way too fast! Yes persimmon bread recipe is on next week’s blog.. so hold on to those persimmons.. xoxo
Kim! I love this picture of you and your mom. Oh my gosh … you look exactly the same. I miss my mom too … it’s harder around the holidays, right? Anyway, your Thanksgiving tables … well, they’re just so inspirational. And you almost have me convinced to give persimmons a try! Those Anthro dresses are awesome … and I’m ready to move into that cozy cottage. I say that every week, and it’s true. I’m cuckoo for real estate. As for yesterday … thank you, thank you, thank you. Seriously. What fun. Getting to know you has been a delight and sometimes I swear we’re the same person … except you have better fashion sense. The Palace is such a special place and we’re incredibly fortunate to have it and so many other beautiful, historic hotels in San Francisco. They elevate any occasion from birthday’s to holiday’s … and make for special memories. Happy weekend, Kim … I can’t wait to see more about your family Thanksgiving. xo
Thanks Juliet. Had to share mom..I know you’re feeling the same. I loved yesterday and it’s so funny to get to know a person and find out awe have a lot of the same thoughts and traits! It’s been really nice and unexpected at this point of life. I hope you’re having a fun birthday weekend Juliet! xo
Missing our loved ones 💕 yes, the holidays and birthdays always bring a tear. Thinking of you and your tight knit family over Thanksgiving Kim. We don’t have anything like that here. Christmas is our big one! And as I usually do it in July, my other sister-in-laws rotate hosting it! So no tablescapes for me. I love yours though…. Very California Cool.. just like you!
And btw, I’m saving that Brussel sprout recipe !
Sarah thank you.. I know a lot oof people are feeling the same this time of year. That is so cool you do your Christmas in July and rotate… I think you’ll love the Brussels sprouts with the beans! xoxo
Hello Kim,
I just love love love the picture of you and your beautiful mother. Wow I sure do see the resemblance. You both looked so pretty in that picture. Where do the years go? That was a big deal to host your first Thanksgiving dinner. I’m with you about enjoying the days after.
Your tables are so natural and beautiful looking. You are a pro at it, snd it comes so natural for you. I’m sure your mother was a great teacher.
The long sleeved dresses are so pretty, sure you will look pretty in whatever you decide yo wear on Thanksgiving day. Enjoy your guys, Max and your dear Dad.
The architecture at The Palace Hotel Garden Court is stunning. I never get tired of looking at it. The Garden Court is just gorgeous. The ladies tea lunch honoring Juliet and the pictures are just fabulous. All of you ladies are beautiful. How thoughtful of Laurie to create such pretty bouquets. Flowers are not easy to transport.
Thanks for sharing the cottages/homes. Both are in such exceptional areas in CA.
Hugs xox
Katherine, Thank you about my mom. The years fly don’t they? Hard to believe that was 23 years ago! I know I miss my mom terribly. Gosh thank you that is so nice to say my tables look natural. I really try for that and I guess that’s kind of what I like. Isn’t the Palace Hotel stunning? I am awed by it every time I visit. Laurie is such a sweet person and talented with flowers! Thank you so much and wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving too. xo
Kim – a great post as usual. Oh to have a Bloomingdales or a Nordstrom.
Thanks for the brussel sprouts recipe. We are trying really hard to like them around here. The new kale. This one sounds good!
I love seeing the Cali girls together in such a beautiful place. It is hard not to compare my 10 month old blog to all of yours, but I will resist that and continue my blogging journey!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Gray thanks so much. We are all crazy for Brussels sprouts, the boys included. Not sure why, but we started with some good recipes, not the old school boiled ones.. This is a great recipe and I also recommend just throwing them halved in a pan with olive oil, crunchy salt, and topping wit a little grated parmesan when done!
I need to pop over to your blog. Have a great Thanksgiving. xo
Hello dear kim! Thank you for including me in your Saturday post! You are so generous!!
I always love the touches you add to your kitchen! The Sherpa pillows on the stools are just perfect! Warmth and texture!!
And I’ve always loved your tablescapes! Especially in the fall when you lean into the color of persimmons!!
You look darling in that dress!!
I sure wished I lived in the Bay Area… your birthday celebrations are so lovely!!
Annie so excited for you! It its so deserved and you had even more great ideas for the holidays. I wish you lived nearby too. xo
So lovely to see the picture of you and your mum … it brought tears to my eyes. I realise it’s especially hard at times like this and I know how much you miss her every day … sending hugs!
Your Thanksgiving menu sounds so good … everything looks pretty too.
You look great in all three dresses including the longer one but if I looked as good in short dresses as you do, I’d definitely wear them lol
Have a lovely week and I hope you can relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving prep etc as I know everything will be just perfect! 😍
Rosemary xxx
Thanks so much Rosemary. I do miss her terribly at this time. Thank you about the dresses. Finally enjoying the downtime and getting to my comments. Hope you’re having a great week too. xx
Loved seeing your tablescapes through the years. Great ideas.
Needing to sort out all my old pictures now that my parents are gone. I’d love to find one with my mom like yours. You look so much alike.
So great to see your real self! The Contessa is right, you have great legs. Wear the short shirts!
Thanks so much Laurie.. It’s kind of fun to look back. So nice to meet and I enjoyed my flowers so much. You are really talented. Hope your Thanksgiving was lovely!
The dresses all looked great on you. Love all the Thanksgiving tables. Henry is home from Chicago for the week which is a treat in itself! Thanks for all the great tips I have learned since reading your blog. You are a great inspiration and I look forward to reading every week.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Julia xox
Thanks so much Julia! I hope you enjoy Henry being home. Aw thank you so much! xo
Kim
Where to start? Your blog is always so full of wonderful tips and inspiration! The pic of you and your Mom was so special. I think the holidays bring such special memories and I miss my Mom so much. Her holiday was Christmas – but this time of year is when we pull out all the old family recipes and reminiscence on holidays past.
Your tablescapes are so beautiful – you have such a natural design sense! I definitely need to step my game up in this department! I remember my best friend ‘s Mom would set her holiday table a week in advance and I was always in awe of that.
It’s actually a great idea! Everything you shared this week from fashion to the gorgeous homes for sale were so great. Thanks so much for sharing these finds with us. I also loved the Mollyinmaine account. Some great recipe and menu ideas. I am vegetarian and my husband is a meat eater so it always challenging to come up with menus that keep everyone happy. Enjoy your family Thanksgiving and also the calm before the calendar page turns to December!
Hi Michele, Thanks so much. So true thinking about all the traditions makes us miss our moms even more. I like the idea of setting the table early too. Takes some of the stress out. My grandma used to cover hers with a big sheet after she set it, so no cats would jump on the table!
Molly has the prettiest account. I agree more and more of us a vegetarian or vegan and finding good options is sometimes hard. Hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving week! xo
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kim! Thanks for sharing my Brussels Sprout recipe! I am so glad you liked them! We have had it every Thanksgiving for many years now. And I agree — the beans make it almost an entree! Your salad looks delicious! So colorful! I looked for something to wear for Thanksgiving and am so glad I didn’t end up buying anything — we were wearing our parkas for our Covid Thanksgiving, haha!
Molly that recipe was the hit of Thanksgiving! I hope you are in the mend from Covid. So sorry you weren’t able to have Thanksgiving that you meant to. Hope you’re on the mend. xoxo
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kim! Thanks for sharing my Brussels Sprout recipe! I am so glad you liked them! We have had it every Thanksgiving for many years now. And I agree — the beans make it almost an entree! Your salad looks delicious! So colorful! I looked for something to wear for Thanksgiving and am so glad I didn’t end up buying anything — we were wearing our parkas for our Covid Thanksgiving, haha! Loved the picture of you and your mom. I sure miss my mom too.