Blessings

 Gratitude: the state of being grateful; thankfulness.

via 

 via

I am most grateful for my beautiful, intelligent, creative, and lovng children. Each and every day they bring joy and meaning to my life.

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

xoxo,

Millie

Pretty Place Cards & Giving Thanks

 tumbaleena.tumblr.com

 blogs.babble.com

 decorology.blogspot.com

 hgtv.com

marthastewart.com

 newenglandfineliving.com

 laurenconrad.com

 brownpaper--packages.com

 s7d1.scene7.com

hgtv.com

newenglandfineliving.com

bhg.com

 adesignstory.com

marthastewart.com

 jennysteffens.blogspot.com

 remodelaholic.com

Links to entertain the kiddies...

paperglitter.blogspot.com

bystephanielynn.com

What are you thankful for this year?

 southernliving.com

What traditions do you have on Thanksgiving?

 Simply Vintage Girl

I procrastinated for so long that I am still not sure what I will do for centerpieces!  I'm thinking of going rustic and using tin cans wrapped in burlap and doilies or faux leaves tied with thick twine down the table with dried hydrangeas or whatever I can find outside tomorrow morning. It's pouring out today!  UGH! I'll use white votives - of course - thank you IKEA!  Placecards?  I think I'll write names on leaves or, on tag paper cut to look like leaves... But most of all I will  remember to be grateful for the gifts life brings...

 google.com

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for so many gifts that we often take for granted in our busy stress-filled lives on a daily basis.  Each day is a new chance to cherish  love and laughter with family and friends.  From my home to yours, I wish you each the happiest of Thanksgivings!

xoxo,

Millie

White Pumpkin Table Magic

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a terrific weekend!  Mine was fantastic!  We even had beautiful weather here in New England.  What more can one ask for in mid-November?  

As promised, here are some super easy unfussy centerpieces that begin with white pumpkins.  Pair with bittersweet, grapevines with leaves and grapes attached, with fall foliage, flowers, pears, Indian corn, hydrangeas or cranberries for a terrific centerpiece!

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

{source: Martha Stewart}

{source: bystephanielynn.com}

{source: Martha Stewart}

{source: Fine Art America}

{Source: via Pinterest}

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

{source: Martha Stewart}

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

{source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com}

And, a few ideas that don't involve white pumpkins, but are lovely just the same.

providenceltddesign.com

providenceltddesign.com

Here's a great link to a DIY printable project for the holiday that focuses on the day's true meaning.  Make a paper chain, or simply use as napkin rings...

{source:  silverboxcreative.com}

Have a wonderful day!  

xoxo,

Millie

Tablescapes and Wonderful Weekend Breakfast Ideas

via Pinterest

Happy Friday!  My favorite day of the work week!  As everyone gears up for Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping, and the holiday decorating season, I have some ideas.  First, easy decorating ideas with apples,  and secondly, menu ideas starring pumpkins to use this weekend and over the holidays.

Decorating with Apples 

planteatcreate.com

 With apples still in season (in other words, inexpensive) why not use them in your Thanksgiving decor? Surround punch bowls of hot mulled apple cider with an array of apple varieties - McIntosh, Granny Smith, etc.  For a centerpiece, put florist sticks through one end of the apple and voila!  An apple becomes a flower, ready for a vase.  Use your imagination!  Even a simple white bowl filled with apples or a crate-full is a thing of beauty.

kraftykat76.blogspot.com

great-wedding-articles.blogspot.com

cestlavegan.com

 source: unknown

Pumpkins!

ClosetCooking.com

Treat your family to a Pumpkin Party this weekend!  Oh yeah, I'm talking pumpkin pie spicy sweetness!   Surprise your family with delicious Pumpkin French Toast goodness for breakfast on Saturday morning and reap the rewards all day - Ok, so I'm talking mostly smiles, and if you're lucky, even a thank you Mom sort of thing - I get shivers down my spine just thinking about it! LOL!

Then, top off the pumpkin fest with a special treat on Sunday morning.  I'm talking drool-worthy my friends!  So, after the family returns from the local football, la crosse, or soccer game, after the dog-walk and leaf-raking,  or whatever the heck you do outside, warm them up with Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate served with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls & Caramel Drizzle.  Holy Carbs!  But, sooooo yummy good!  Your family will be so totally in love with YOU they may even put the cap on the toothpaste!

goodlifeeats.com

the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

desdemventana.blogspot.com

flickr.com

If your hubby is deserving, (haha) then make him a Vanilla Pumpkin Beer to sip while watching Sunday night football.  Super simple gals:

1.  Dip a beer mug rim in brown or white sugar mixed with pumpkin pie spice.

2.  Pour in a shot of your fave vanilla vodka - Absolut perhaps? 

3.  Pour a pumpkin ale of your choice (my personal fave is Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale or Blue Moon's Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale)

SERVE with a smile.  You can collect your rewards later...:)

happyhourwithbarbara.com

 Next week, we will focus on harvest tablescapes, easy  to  make centerpieces, great menu ideas and new family traditions to begin for the holiday!

Hope you have a GREAT weekend!

xoxo,

Millie

Thanks to Missie, Erica, Rachel, Wendi, and Lyndsay for the Pumpkin Beer drinking  girl chat last night at the Rustic Kitchen!  So much fun!