#thanksgiving

Weekend Meanderings-Persimmon Bread and Holiday Gifts

November 26, 2022 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings- a fantastic persimmon bread to make for family or gifts, my Thanksgiving table, and gifts to grab now.

How was your Thanksgiving? We had a cozy low-key one with my sons and dad and we had a nice walk after the dinner. After three days of cooking, Max and I came to the conclusion that next year we are doing something else.

It’s about the 24th year we hosted, and except for my dad, we realized the kids aren’t crazy about Thanksgiving food. We really do it for ourselves and we started thinking, maybe we don’t need to! Next year we will either go someplace for a few days with all of us, or order some dishes to bring in. Have you changed your Thanksgiving traditions or is your family still keen on it all?

The best part to me is Friday and the weekend after! We were blessed with some gorgeous weather and did this hike at Aptos I wrote about here, in June, and grabbed sandwiches. I love having us all back together in one spot and I try to enjoy every second with the guys. Griffin goes back to school in Utah on Sunday.

Look what a beautiful day it was at the coast in November. It was in the 70’s.. We took a few snaps I hope I can use for my holiday cards.

Persimmon bread

I know I’ve written about persimmons a lot and I swear I am not being paid by the persimmon board!

I just love the look and taste of these very seasonal gems, so I was excited when a friend recently brought a loaf of persimmon bread to a tennis gathering.

This recipe surprisingly uses the Fuyu varietal, the most common persimmon I see around here which is pumpkin shape and kind of squat. It is also firmer and better tasting. This is my friend Adriana’s recipe… I changed it slightly with a bit less sugar.

Adriana is one of those cool people who had a very international upbringing growing up in Mexico City and attended the German school there before coming to America for college and Silicon Valley for work. She has baking talent. One thing I like about the tennis group at our humble club, is the chance to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t. It’s wonderful to make new friends at this stage of life. I adore our group of women!

Persimmon Bread

A delicious and dense and sweet bread to enjoy in fall and winter. Perfect to share as a gift, bring to a gathering, or just with a cup of tea on a wintery afternoon. This recipe uses the smaller Fuyu persimmons, that are all over Northern California in late fall and winter.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Ingredients

2 C sugar
3 C flour
4 eggs
1 C canola oil
1/2 C water

1 C persimmons pureed (Fuyu)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground clove
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 C walnuts or other nuts (optional)

Instructions

Chop persimmons into large pieces leaving out hard core bits and tops. Puree persimmons in a blender or food processor until liquidy, with the water.
Mix together sugar, spices and then add in whisked eggs. Add in oil and puree mix. Mix flour, salt and baking soda together then gently mix into wet ingredients. Fold in nuts. Spray two loaf pans, and fill pans 70% full.
Top with more walnuts, or a light sprinkling of sugar.
Bake at 350 F, 50-60 minutes. These also freeze well for later use!

Keyword persimmon bread

My Thanksgiving Table

I’m a bit of an impromptu person when it comes to holiday tables. I like to see what inspires me in nature and what is available in the grocery and such. I went to a local home store, Home by Ling Interiors, in Los Gatos, and found a cute dark green striped tablecloth that looked just like my kind of thing. I took it home and stopped by Bunches florist, also in town, and saw these pretty straw flowers and eucalyptus, and thought bingo those will pull my table together.. with my yellow napkins and candlesticks from Juliet..

I ended up using the big arrangement later on the sideboard with the pies and making small bouquets in my Glassybaby votives for the actual table intermingled with clear votives with tea lights.

The pies were my favorite part and Jackson and his girlfriend Kristin made an apple pie that was as pretty as it was delicious! Max made a pumpkin and I made a pecan pie with satsuma tangerine in it…

Gift Ideas

I know the holidays are upon us so I will post gift ideas every weekend post in December. I always need ideas for female friends and relatives. Below, a few things that caught my eye and I will add more as I see them..

These Ugg Shearling Slides are on my own wish list.

Cute flannel pjs here and here.

Some modern cool small X demi-fine earrings in gold or silver for your younger, hip relatives or friends.

Anthropologie has the most darling mug and plate collection called Holiday in the City Paris, San Francisco, New York, and London are some of the cities. They also have dish towels and candles, wrap and puzzles in this theme. The little mugs each say something, the San Francisco one says ‘Peace, Joy & San Francisco’

By Terry Rose Lip Balm, is a treat and a nice gift for a friend or relative in these winter months!

Deeda Blair’s book Food, Flowers, and Fantasy is on my list and people say it’s a great. Deeda Blair shows how she lives simply, despite having an extraordinary life- and some great recipes.

This Week’s Home for Sale..

I noticed this pretty house when I was looking a few weeks ago, and honestly can’t believe it’s still listed. It’s a late 40’s charmer in the heart of Willow Glen. I adore the big windows, and how the home is situated – taking up a large corner ( 1/4 acre) lot, and is wrapped around a yard. It just needs a new kitchen, baths, and a few updates, but has location and curb appeal in spades..

Holiday Blog Posts..

This Wednesday I’ll have a special post joining some new blog friends on a holiday home tour… If you subscribe, you’ll also get a special holiday outfits edition of our Signature Style, and a hometown holiday traditions post -in addition to the regular posts in December! Kind of fun. If you haven’t yet subscribed to the blog, and would like to, you can sign up here.

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 weekend!

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Kim

Last weekend’s post was Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, and side dishes, Bloomingdale’s dresses and a little celebration for Juliet up in San Francisco.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Thanksgiving Outfits & a Great Moisturizer

November 11, 2022 By kimwheeler 32 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings…savoring November, Thanksgiving outfits, a Pennsylvania mom and her farm, a Seacliff Beach home for sale, and a moisturizer you need!

How has your week been? My dear dad turned 83 this week and our oldest Jackson will be 24 today. We have been doing their birthdays together for a long time and tonight we are going out to dinner. A few years back they went to Las Vegas with all the guys in the family and celebrated turning 80 and 21! I love that they are so close and enjoy celebrating together.

The time change kind of had me dragging this week and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten more carbs! Anyone else feel that way? I felt like I needed comfort food with the rainy days, the election, the dark afternoons..and we also got our Covid and flu shots.

Gosh I am glad we are moving on from this mid-term election cycle. I am so ready to think about other things. I need a good book, a show, and to check out a bit. I began White Lotus season 2 and it’s pretty fun. I will start The Crown this weekend I hope.

The best news to come out of this election is that the youth vote turnout was huge and in some states-350% more than normal. This is so exciting to know the younger generation is getting involved in democracy and not getting complacent. It bodes well for the future. More on this article.

Novembering

I stopped over at Pottery Barn this week to check out the Christmas decor, but came home with the white ceramic vase instead… I love this and popped a fern in it. In a few weeks I will put pine branches with pinecones in it..My heart is still in November right now.

I love the leaves and the crisp air now. It’s perfect for walks. This is a good month for making soups and for sorting out your sweaters, indulging in a new pair of slippers and pjs and curling up on the couch with a soft throw and a good book.

I did manage to clean out the linen closet, purge old sheets and bedding and pillows. I wiped everything with a nice lavender spray and what I didn’t wash, I ran through the dryer and refolded. I put some sachets in with it all. I also washed and folded all our summer throws. Everything is organized and fresh. I was a good use of a rainy day.. and I wanted to get off Instagram for a while.

To be honest, I was feeling some anxiety seeing so many people having trees and decorations for Christmas up already. I’m not there yet and am really thinking about Thanksgiving..

Thanksgiving/ Fall &Winter Casual Dresses

This is about the time I start thinking about what I want to wear to Thanksgiving..Even though I am hosting, I do want to look nice.

I choose this sweater dress because it looks comfortable and pretty. This is a very California Thanksgiving vibe. I would absolutely wear this dress with the clogs or loafers and later on with cute sneakers…. I love the chain on this bag (extra 30% now), and the hoops. Another look would be to pair this with a plaid jacket and boots for a polished daytime feel. There is also this cute sweater dress I considered.

I love autumn shade dresses for fall and this is lovely. I would pair it with booties or tall boots. It can transition to everyday with slides or Birks and a big sweater on top. I liked these black earrings with it as they picked up the black on the sherpa bag strap. You could add a big black wrap over it for a night out. The peasant look of the dress together with the bag, gives it a bit of a Boho feel…. These boots look flattering, are marked down and extra 50% off with code SALEONSALE. I can see them being a great closet staple.

Ruth McKeaney

This week I really enjoyed Ruth McKeaney, and her home Hillside Farm, on Homeworthy. Ruth and her husband flipped many homes when they were young and learned as they went and did the same with their beautiful historic property, a 305 year old farm in Pennsylvania.. Ruth has also raised five children and her story is about creating a space that is cozy and uniquely yours, with salvaged and found objects and personal art. I love her pretty and personal look in her home…

She also has a book called Hungry for Home that I just ordered. It has so many great reviews and perhaps the best said ‘Ruth reminds us that your own home is the most amazing place to be.’ That is lovely. You can also follow Ruth’s Instagram here.

The perfect winter moisturizer

My skin has been feeling dry and not so great since the heat has begun coming on and the cold weather has descended on us. A friend recommended the Hydraboost Moisturizer from Blue Mercury when we were there last week and I can’t believe how much I love it. It feels so soothing and leaves a nice look to my skin. I love having a local Blue Mercury and their in house brand M-61 is very good. I’ve been happy with all have tried.

House for Sale of the Week – at Seacliff Beach

I saw this beach house above Seacliff Beach and I knew it had to be my house for sale of the week. Look at those views and windows and light! I love seeing the fog and the hills right outside. The plants in this place look pretty happy too.

That is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here and I hope your weekend is great!

Kim

On last weekend’s meanderings..cozy kitchen lamps for the dark months, the best hummus to make, a Thanksgiving guide book, Chanel style jackets, and Carmel homes to dream about..read that here.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend Meanderings- Cozy Kitchen Lamps, Chanel Inspired Jackets, and the Best Hummus

November 4, 2022 By kimwheeler 31 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings…cozy kitchen lamps for the dark months, the best hummus to make, a Thanksgiving guide book, Chanel style jackets, and Carmel homes to dream about..

How has your week been? With Halloween done, some people are already thinking about the holidays. I’m not quite there, but Max and I got our Thanksgiving book out and checked on what we cooked last year, and put our turkey order in and made a preliminary menu..

About December…I am not sure I am ready! I just want to enjoy November. Is everything rushed or am I just being lame and waiting too long to plan for the holidays? Maybe with our artificial stop at Thanksgiving that other countries don’t have, we are at a disadvantage and could be prepping and enjoying more of the holiday season? I am conflicted, which adds to my perennial procrastination and living on the edge as Max says I do.. Sounds cooler when you’re younger!

Foraging for decor..

Have you been foraging the yard for home decor? I trimmed my olive trees in the front and brought in a bunch of the branches in. I am loving this look for November with a few little pumpkins until Thanksgiving..I also do this closer to the holidays with branches with berries and conifers.

Go check out your yard for ideas!

Other November happenings…

Kitchen Counter Lamps

The dark season is upon us, a week or so ago, I realized the kitchen is especially dark in the mornings.. It’s that time of year when I put a counter lamp back up..

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of overhead can lights. We have a thousand as they are mandated in new homes and renovations. That doesn’t mean I use them. I like pretending my home is like a cozy inn, or a pub.. I reject the surgery center lighting! I’ve used it to look for lost items and clip the cat’s claws..and that is about it. I use some caps near the sink to wash dishes.

Anyone can use a little lamp on the counter, and I’ve gotten them for both of my son’s kitchens. It’s nice to wake up and switch on a soft little lamp while you greet the morning and make your first cup. ( Note look for lower wattages on these, not some bright LED, which defeats the purpose.) After the kitchen is cleaned up after dinner, I switch off the pendants and click on the lamp..It sort of signals the relax portion of the evening when we read our watch a show.

If you don’t have a kitchen lamp, I recommend a smaller size lamp, away from water if you can. A corner under a cabinet for the perfect spot..Here’s a few that stood out to me.. Links in photos..

The cute Como lamp with a scalloped raffia shade is darling for under a cabinet, in white, chartreuse and three other colors, this Faris Ceramic lamp is a bit bigger, the Carmen Lamp is smaller and comes in a lovely white grey or white glass that looks like stone. I love this Anthro Rattan lamp with a cool shape and also love this little one from Target.

If you are worried about hiding the cord, or have a very small spot like near the sink, consider a cordless version..They are quite popular now and you can see them at charming restaurants and bars.. Options are here from from Amazon, in a cute wood, and here in a white/wood look. These are great for outdoors as well, or place a couple in the center of a dining table for warm feel.

Sam Sifton’s Thanksgiving

If you are just taking over the Thanksgiving duties, or need to some inspiration, I recommend Sam Sifton’s Thanksgiving. This treasure is filled with great stories and recipes and even room for notes, so you can look back on what worked or didn’t. No matter what you think, you WON’T remember the details of previous years meal! Max always say, oh so glad you wrote notes afterwards.

Sam is the founder of the NYTimes cooking and this book goes from planning- up to how to clean up right. As someone in comments sad, ‘this is not the meal for innovation’, and I could not agree more. Not that these menus don’t have any cool variations, but Americans generally want the classic meal. We do our variations on green beans and the mashed potatoes and pies, but we try to keep it to the crowd pleasers and this book will inspire you as well as be enjoyable to read.

Easy Hummus

Max and I have been getting into a routine with our meals and the empty nesting thing. In an effort to eat better, we have been getting a bunch of veg -mainly carrots, celery and peppers, and cut them all up on Sunday and store them in containers for easy grabbing.

I have started making my own hummus to go with it, and we have snacks all week this way. I’ve experimented with different hummus recipes and this one from Love and Lemons is a hit. It is light and flavorful and is super addicting.

This is mine above, from Halloween night.

I make this in my Cuisinart, but you can use a blender too. I like that this calls for canned chickpeas and I find the Italian brands to be the best. I top mine with a drizzle of good olive oil and toasted pumpkin seeds and a bit of paprika. I also like a little extra fresh lemon juice in the place of one of the teaspoons of water. You add water at the end so take your time to make it fluffy, but not too watery. Once you get the hang of this, you’ll never go back to store bought!

Chanel Style Jackets at J.Crew

I’ve been jacket obsessed this season, and the Chanel look jackets are all over now and I adore them. I really like them dressed down in a modern way with denim. Throwaway chic if you will..

The Chanel style jacket is always collarless, sometimes with pockets, and often short, but some can be long. Tweeds are the traditional fabric they come in..I found that J.Crew has a lot to offer in this category and I thought I’d share. Other good places to look are your local consignment.

They call their version of this jacket ‘The Lady Jacket’ and they have offerings in quilted leather, in denim, in a black (and pink) boucle, and knit red (also cream and grey). All so cute!

There is also this casual puffer version and more… All their Lady Jackets are on this page. I also saw a lovely quilted faux leather version in Plus size.

California Homes of the Week for Sale..

There’s less homes on the market now, but I found this great Carmel thatched home that’s walking distance to the beach, and trails. Just as soon as I picked it, I saw it was pending!

I knew the price was pretty good for beach proximity, updated kitchen and baths, and it has a sunny location. It’s cute so I’m sharing it anyway. I LOVE this place and the size and proximity to Carmel River Beach.

If you want something more under the radar, check out this Big Sur cottage with it’s own potter’s studio nestled in the forest…

Speaking of California homes, have you seen this Mid-Century Gingerbread House at World Market? I have to admit it’s pretty cute.

This was also Signature Style week with Cindy and Sarah and our topic was, ‘Does Your Home Reflect Your Personal Style? It was fun to think about and you can read it here.

On that post, I got a few questions about my home pieces and my kitchen runner. I noticed along with other rugs at Serena & Lily, my runner is on sale and also another I love -the runner version of my Alamere rug I have in the dining room…

Juliet, Annie, Cindy, Mary Ann, and Sherri Silver all did an autumn progressive party themed post with so many great ideas. You can start at Juliet’s who did the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz cocktail..Doesn’t that sound perfect? I think it will be our Thanksgiving drink.

VOTE!

This next week’s election is so important. I hope you all will vote and help those in your family – the younger ones especially, get to the polls. I also think it’s kind to check with older neighbors who might need a ride or help filling out their ballots. I made sure both my sons did their ballots this year, even though they are distracted and busy. We need those young people more than ever, so please engage and encourage them. In 2020, half of all young people 18-24 voted, a marked increase from previous years, so it’s improving.

It’s great to sit down with the younger people and talk about the options. If you don’t know what to vote on something, it’s okay to leave it blank. My sons did not know that..

If you live in California, you can register to vote up until election day! You can even walk into the polling place the last hour if that is what you need to do. They will give you a provisional ballot, that they will verify later. I love that. Everyone can get their vote in ! I sent ours via the mail and already got a confirmation it was counted last week.

That is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here and I hope your weekend is great!

Kim

On last week’s meanderings, ideas for persimmon season, autumn napkins, two fall casual outfits, and a untouched 1973 Aptos home for sale that’s a gem..

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Ideas for Thanksgiving Tables and Outfits

November 16, 2021 By kimwheeler 19 Comments

While everyone seems to be full stop headed for Christmas, I am still in a Thanksgiving mindset and thought I’d share here some of the cutest finds I’ve seen for your Thanksgiving table. I also found some adorable dresses and tops if you’re looking for something to wear whether you’re hosting or a guest.

Let’s begin with tabletop shall we? This is always my favorite part of Thanksgiving hosting. I came from a mom and grandmother who both loved creating a unique table. My grandmother, (dad’s mom), was very old school in her love of classic tables with china, silver and all the special pieces. My mom was more of a casual elegant type, using a lot of natural materials and plants always in her tablescapes. I appreciate both approaches and love beautiful plates and glasses and also adding in natural elements to give a California vibe to our table.

Below a few of the tables over the years..

I think it’s good to forage through your cabinets and see what you can pull together for your Thanksgiving table a few weeks prior. That way you can see what looks good, what has seen better days and can be pitched, and also what vintage things from family can be mixed in with the newer. I did this one year with silver flatware from my grandmother and modern white plates and glasses. Pears and olive branch clippings were my natural bit that year.

Other times we have just foraged the yard for clippings and water tumblers have often made the best vases like these tortoiseshell ones with yard berries and mums, we used one year.

Another year short clear glasses worked well with small hydrangea clippings.

Another thing you can do is try throws, quilts and fabric remnants as tablecloths. I can’t sew well, but I know how to go to the fabric store and make a piece of cloth work on the table. Many times I’ve just folded the ends or ironed them down and it looks great. The important thing is to get creative and find what inspires you.

The tablecloth below was an old remnant of my grandmother’s. I saved it because she made herself a dress of this same fabric in the 70’s that I remember her wearing. It was a last minute idea for a tablecloth and it worked! Grandma would have loved it.

I love pulling a fresh mix of plates and glasses together each year and usually add one new element of some kind. Last year it was water glasses, which are no longer available, but I am obsessed with these beauties from William-Sonoma. These Vintage Etched Water Goblets come in sets of four and are a very good price. They have four colorways, but I am loving the clear and the pink especially. These would be a gorgeous addition to anyone’s tabletop collection!

I do appreciate good flatware. A few years ago, we finally got a new set after 25 years of living with the wedding service that was looking pretty beat. With boys doing the dishes and spoons going in lunch bags that never made their way home again, it was time. A year later, I bought another set. The cost of a flatware set is pennies if you think about all the days, and years they are used! Currently, I am obsessed with the brand Fortessa which seems to have the perfect weight and feel to their pieces and modern styles. I have had the bamboo looking Royal Pacific set on my radar for a while..

I also love the classically mod Arezzo Pattern in a chic black, a burnished gold, or silver.

Don’t you like the fun way these napkins are tied with the flatware above? Another idea!

If you need a whole lot more flatware- Williams-Sonoma also has this pretty set for 12 with a caddy at a good price.

How’s your plate game? Mine consists of a mix of stoneware and my original English pattern strawberry white that is no longer made. I’ve loved this Glenna Pattern that my stylish friend Cindy Hattersley has and it’s been discontinued until recently when it miraculously showed up again at Anthropologie. It’s in my cart as we speak. It’s simply lovely and has an organic feel and look that I really like.

Anthro also has some nice napkin sets that aren’t crazy expensive.. I like this Crossweave Napkin that comes in sets of four, in rust and this olive green which strikes an elegant, but Boho feel..

This is a pretty jacquard Target offering..

Serena & Lily has some of the nicest linen napkins and the price is good for linen, at about $11 a napkin if you buy in multiples. Love the color choices..

Serena & Lily are having their Tent Sale on now with a lot of good things like linen sheets, my favorite linen pjs, the cute wooden step stools, and so much more good things marked down! its a great time to get a few home items.

Target also has a new Stoneware Glazed Plate in their Magnolia collection..

Are you looking for fun plates? I love this stoneware by Jen Hewett Brown at World Market. You can use them all year and they would be perfect with a natural table look.

These Buffalo Check Napkins at WM would be pretty on a white plate or a black dish. Lot’s of options with it.

I dig a cotton smock and this is perfect for over your nice clothes on cooking day and comes in many colors. I can see customizing this with some trim and gifting it to all those cooking that day.. or for a hostess gift!

While we are talking about World Market, I love this dining chair, so stinking cute and has good reviews too. Sometimes all you need is new chairs to freshen things up, not a whole new dining set.

Another find is this Aldo Napkin with colorful gourds by Pottery Barn and it is on sale now..

The Braided Charger/placemat is also cool and would add texture to your table.

Crate & Barrel has much for Thanksgiving and I really these Mercer Dinner Plates that come in sets of eight. A good buy at $45.

And how about these Grateful Napkin Rings? I’d add a little sprig of some greenery like a cutting from an olive tree or rosemary tucked in with it.

These Forest Walk Plates by Juliska are the thing if you want something fun and fall feeling. I can see layering these with some other plates for an eclectic mix!

And these pheasant salad plates would give a Ralph Lauren look on top of a vintage larger plate…

The Cane Napkin Ring is a good choice for Thanksgiving and all year..

Now let’s talk Thanksgiving day outfits. Some people like a relaxed Thanksgiving, and other dress up..I like something that looks nice and feels comfortable.

I like this Mocha Stripe Dress, which can be dressed up or down and would be cute with boots.

This Tiger Mod Dress is fab and has a retro feel..

This Frances Dress from Tuckernuck is another great one in the olive color!

Hosting at home? This J. Crew Relaxed Sweater Dress is adorable and Iooks so comfortable. That’s my kind of Thanksgiving look. And it’s on sale now with code FRIENDS.

They have this version of a sweater dress too.. Both are highly rated and are a nice choice for casual chic holidays.

Other options.. This tiered mini dress.. It could do double duty as a tunic.

This is a great patchwork maxi dress..

Target also has a version of the sweater dress in cream, grey and this autumn color…

This maxi dress with owls and fall florals is lovely!

A few cute tops that could work on Thanksgiving…

This poncho is so cool and I love how they mixed it here with a lace t shirt.

This Fringe Sweater is a fun one for the season..

I just think this Reindeer knit is adorable.

And lastly this Tinsel cardigan is a fun piece that could be worn many ways- and comes in a dark navy also.

Hope this gave you a few ideas to run with!

I love Thanksgiving. Enjoy November and this season.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

P.s. This Burnt Bamboo Flatware, I have had for years and use in the summer and in winter, is on sale now at Horchow at a great price. Another one to consider..

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Thanksgiving Thankful

November 25, 2020 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

How is your Thanksgiving going today? I saw this pillow above and I had to get it for my entry as this is our year in a nutshell isn’t it? Making the best of it right? I didn’t know what to write about at the beginning of this pandemic. I never thought we could still be living with Covid at the end of the year, but November has finally brought us some happy news. The vaccines coming are hugely effective. There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel we’ve been living in all year! I am feeling especially thankful right now for that and the election and frankly 2020 being almost over.

We were so busy this week getting things ready for Thanksgiving and having Griffin home now for two months (yay) from University. I have just finished The Queen’s Gambit which was fantastic acting and of course I loved the clothes and the sets. I loved the vintage Kentucky home the main character lived in. I’m now into The Crown, also a good diversion, but being a hard core Diana fan, not sure how much I like some of the acting and Charles and Camilla are getting me angry all over again. I have come around to liking Charles again the last decade, but boy did he mess things up. I know the family (or the firm as they say in England), had some hand in that too.

One other show Americans may not have watched, but I am now recording on PBS is Escape to the Chateau. I man obsessed. An English couple sell their two bedroom flat in Essex and buy a 19th century French chateau that they renovate and fix with a limited budget, but a loads of talent and creativity. Dick the husband is a Lt. Col. and handy with everything and Angel is just the most creative designer whether it’s interiors or events that they host. I love their darling children and the last episode I watched Angel had created the most beautiful Christmas table I have ever seen. A fun an inspiring show with just lovely people!! Any other good recommendations for shows you all are watching?

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving with family? Are you doing small? A young guy who helped me at the store told me he ordered his own Safeway dinner because he didn’t want to endanger his mom, as he works with the public. I thought what a loving son. So many are doing the right thing this year and it seems easier now knowing this might be over sooner than we thought. Last year we had thirteen people for dinner, but this year just five, us plus my dad. This will be the year we did what we all had to. It’s not going to be much longer friends. WE CAN DO THIS!

I made a quick trip to Crate & Barrel on Monday to check things out and get some table ideas. I am always inspired by their beautiful store and how they have Thanksgiving and the holidays set out. I came home with this runner and this long wooden centerpiece bowl.

I foraged in the yard for olive branches and leaves and added my small pumpkins from Halloween. These vintage napkins rings from an estate sale, kind of work with this mod runner, the black plates and white napkins. I will add some votives to the table and blankets to everyone’s chair as we will be outdoors.It’s going to be a little chilly, but we will make it fun I hope!

Max and I did a lot of prep today…

We made ahead the sweet potato casserole, the cranberry sauce, the pies (one pumpkin and one pecan), a new recipe of California inspired Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing from Sunset magazine, and Ina Garten’s version of Chez Panisse’s spiced nuts for the appetizer. Tomorrow we will do the mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts and the bird on the grill. The challenge is figuring how to get it all heated and cooked at the same time isn’t it??

I’m so glad Max like doing the pies and is a great help in the kitchen! I could not do this without his help.

I hope you all are hanging in there this year. It hasn’t been an easy one for so many. I am thankful to all of you for your kind and thoughtful comments all year…

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Kim

P.S. I’ll be back this weekend with some Black Friday deals and ideas to help with your holiday shopping.