#thanksgivingtable

Weekend Meanderings-Persimmon Bread and Holiday Gifts

November 26, 2022 By kimwheeler 26 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 Tablescapes, Side Dishes, and Bloomingdale’s Dresses

November 18, 2022 By kimwheeler 47 Comments

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.

Sherpa pillows on Serena & Lily Balboa counter stools in Mist

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.

Thanksgiving /fall table with straw flowers and persimmons

Other tables…I’ve used pears with linen and old silver pieces, burlap and hydrangeas and apples..

Linen tablecloth with pears and old silver

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.

Glenna dinner plates anthropologie on table

Thanksgiving table setting with satsuma mandarins

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.

Harvest Thanksgiving salad with persimmons, pecans and fennel

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.

Brussels sprouts with cannelini beans Thanksgiving side dish

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 Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

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.

afternoon tea at The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

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!

pumpkins at The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

Celebrating a birthday at The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

florals in the entry The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

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.

charming 1936 California home high ceiling

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!

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!

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.

Fall Tablescape Inspiration

October 8, 2020 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

Today I’m honored to join a talented group of bloggers on a fall table inspiration collaboration! We all came up with fun tablescapes to give you new ideas for autumn decorating and dinners.

With the cooler weather upon us I’ve started thinking about Thanksgiving and how it might be this year… With so much cancelled and not possible, it seems many people will do just a small immediate family Thanksgiving. Are you thinking of Thanksgiving or fall entertaining at all?

I’m really a unfussy person when it comes to table settings and I like a simple look. I left my black table without a tablecloth, as it is a great foil for those rustic warm colors. I found my steel and iron table in Ojai a few years ago and love it..

I knew I wanted to use two pretty striped fall toned throws. I laid one on a chair and folded the other in the center of the table..

I found these beautiful flowers ( I think they are called Caspia), and black vase at my local Bunches floral shop in downtown Los Gatos.

I love these napkins found on Amazon and a snip from my new olive trees, tied with black cord.

Aren’t persimmons pretty? My family likes them in fall salads and just sliced up for snacks.

I luckily had some golden drinking glasses that I added here to this harvest mix. I used my heavy stoneware Magnolia plates from Target and couldn’t decide if I wanted to use cream or black, so used both. The whole table is casual and easy. I didn’t iron my napkins, and wanted it to feel pretty, but not formal, a very California..

The grey woven placemats add in some more texture and the gold flatware a bit of sparkle. I bought this flatware last year at Crate & Barrel, but they have not worn well. I want to eventually replace it with a better quality set like this Fortessa set at Pottery Barn.

On Sundays we try to do a nice dinner and have my dad over. Max often does the cooking and I fuss with the table and make dessert. It gives my sons more time with my dad and I appreciate them actually sitting down long enough to have some conversation! Music is nice too and I love to make a seasonal playlist. This year there is a lot of the same all the time, so it’s nice to make things feel a little extra special some nights!

Now for more inspiration…