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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