On the heels of Thanksgiving, before rushing headlong into the Christmas Season as I usually do~ I’m lingering at the table with a warm palette of neutrals and a touch of soft gold. . .enjoying the last few days of November.
I found this 222 Fifth, Gold Leaves pattern at T. J. Maxx several weeks ago~ there were only a few pieces remaining which suited my purposes and table for four.
I decided then that these dishes would provide a gentle transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas~ with the blending of the acorns & oak leaves on the salad plates together with the pine cone sprays on the dinner plates.
I’ve always loved organic materials at the table . . . flowers, birds’ nests, greenery. . . pieces of the garden and in this case, remnants of fall with the dried leaves, acorns and bloomed grasses. . .
A pheasant feather, gold dipped pine cone, soft grasses along and some pieces of evergreens~ Leyland Cypress & pine~ are tucked between the dinner plate and placemat for a seasonal embellishment along with an oak leaf and acorn. . .
A bit of sparkle and a soft glow provided by the votive holders and beaded placemats, are precursors to the glitz and glamour of the season. . .
My matelassé coverlet is layered with two wool blend throws in a tan and white plaid pattern, also found at TJ Maxx recently, for a little added warmth and soft color~
Mikasa’s French Countryside goblets with their graceful silhouette and flatware from Target with a hammered surface add additional softness to the table.
A lidded tureen~ adorned with an oak leaf pattern on one side and pine cone spray on the opposite~ is filled with greenery, a found bird’s nest filled with blown quail eggs, pheasant feathers, grasses & gold pine cones & oak leaves. . .
After searching for acorns & oak leaves, I found myself foraging along the aisles at Target~ delighted when I found these votive holders~ the hob nail-like surface echoing the detail & texture of a pine cone.
A little seed of an idea germinated with the advent of the Christmas Season. . .
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I decided to share a little dish love as a gift as I approach my two year blogiversary in January.
A gesture of thanks for your generosity in taking your time to comment and for those who follow. . .
Which still amazes me and I am extremely thankful for :)
This giveway includes four 3-pc place settings, tureen, and this 50 x 70 inch wool blend plaid Lauren throw~ to be given to one winner.
No Tweets, Facebook Likes, or Following is necessary to enter. Just let me know you’re interested in providing a good home to these dishes & cozy throw in your comment to be included in this giveaway and I’ll throw your name into the tureen :)
Winner will be announced on December 10th.
This giveaway is now closed.
Congratulations to Sarah from Hyacinths for the Soul!
Thanks so much to ALL for your encouragement,
visits, and kind comments!
Wishing you the Warmth and Blessings of the upcoming Christmas Season~
A Gentle Transition Table Details:
Plates & Tureen/Gold Leaves by 222 Fifth/ T.J. Maxx
Goblets/ Mikasa French Countryside/ Tuesday Morning
Placemats/ Kohl’s
Tealight holders & Flatware/ Target
Napkins/ Pier 1
Lauren Wool Blend Plaid Throws/ T. J. Maxx
Thank you for your visit, I’m joining:
-
A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday~
-
Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday~
-
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday~
-
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays~
It’s like girl gone wild!!!
Happy Blogoversary!! I’m so glad you found blogland. You really should be working for the magazines. I saw the dishes in TJM’s, but never saw the serving pieces. They remind me of something W. Sonoma would sell. Love the wool throw. I’m going to look for that today.
Mary – Mary – Mary – thank you for this post 1) for enjoying the harvest season to its fullest, 2) this fabulous giveaway. Please put my name in that tureen! 3) And for keeping it simple – no FB, Twitter, etc. I am a follower via email. xo
BTW, you scared me with the title of your post. I thought you were transitioning away from blogging. Glad you’re not!
Mary, your posts only get better with time, if that’s possible, since each and every one is a masterpiece. It’s such an escape to come to your blog and see the beauty there, time after time. Your integrity in blogging is a delight as well, no commercialism, just pure eye candy. Congratulations on two years. I honestly don’t know how you do it and when did you say the book was coming out??? Jackie
OOh this is a delightful table. I love the transition items you chose. So perfect! The colors are elegant and earthy, warming and welcoming. Totally love the centerpiece too. Yes yes, so very interested! These pieces would look splendid on our tables, indoors and out! thanks for a chance at your most gracious giveaway! xo marlis
You’ve done it again! Another fabulous palette. Thank you for reminding us to savor the last days of November. My favorite time of year is autumn and I would love that plate set and blanket. Please toss my name into the tureen!
Hi Mary,
You shouldn’t be surprised that so many people love your wonderful posts! You are such an inspiration — and your photos are very beautiful. So — thanks for that eye candy! :)
Thanks also for the chance to win such goodies. If it’s okay to participate as international blogger, please count me in.
Greetings from Germany,
Birgit
Love, love, love your tablescape. I passed up these dishes (what a mistake) and now you are giving me a second chance to have these on my table. Bless you, my dear! Peggy from PA
What a beautiful tablescape! I admire your ability to see things in the stores and build a beautiful table setting from different sources.
Can’t wait to see your Christmas ideas!
Elaine
Oh my goodness, you are a woman after my own heart! I too try to savor EVERY moment and EVERY day and not get rushed with the pack into the next thing and the next thing…there are too many lovely things and moments each day to enjoy! Clearly you feel the same way by lingering in the month of November, enjoying fall…prior to the onslaught of the frenzy of the holidays! I LOVE your taste, your posts and this give away! (and I have never won anything in my life and not for a lack of trying..LOL).
Regardless, thanks for the eye candy and the soul soothing posts! I love them all very much! Kim
I am always adopting wayward dishes, so would certainly not only give them an excellent home, but would actually use them. As for the throw, my husband needs this desperately. His ribs break spontaneously unfortunately, the result of radiation in that area of his body. As a consequence, he can’t lie down in bed, but sleeps sitting up on the couch (poor thing) and despite my covering him up with various throws, he’s always cold. This would not only match the furniture, but be so very welcome.
What a GREAT Tablescape!! ABSOLUTELY love these dishes and the wool throw with them!! Please include my name in the giveaway!! I’m an email follower!
Oh, goodness. I loved this tablescape. I love nature and the more natural the better! Love the gold … just love, love, love this post. A visit with you is always a pleasure to behold! What a generous give-a-way, too! A lovely gift to us for the holidays. Happy, Happy!
I would love to put these in my home. Thank you for your giveaway!
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
At the risk of being “repetitive and redundant” as my husband often kids…one more beautiful, beautiful ‘scape, Mary. I was immediately drawn to the colors–or barely there colors. I am in love with these dishes, but before you mentioned the throw and the votives I was already thinking that they all need each other, then learn of your generosity in including the beautiful throw in too! Happy blogiversary, Mary. You should not be amazed by the comments you’ve received over these two years; they are all well deserved.
I would be delighted to give these beautiful dishes a warm and comfy home.
Happy holidays to you as you step into December. I can’t wait to see what you present to us!
I like your idea of lingering in the fall a little longer, and your tablescape makes one want to linger. I would love to have these beautiful dishes. Thanks for the opportunity.
Mary,
I love how you forage at Target! This table has my name written all over it. I even have the goblets already! Happy blogoversary! Please count me in your generous giveaway!
This is beautiful :) I would love to be entered into your contest. Thank you for your wonderful ideas!
Your tablescape is just gorgeous. The dishes are so beautiful and you have paired them so nicely with the natural elements and those adorable hobnail votives. I was admiring the tablecloth and was surprised to learn that it is a throw. What a great idea. You have a real gift for setting beautiful tables and I’m glad you share them with us.
You are offering a most generous giveaway and I’d be happy to have the opportunity to enter. Thanks so much.
Mary, I love your idea of a transitional table. I struggle every year after Thanksgiving, because mentally and emotionally I am not ready to enter Christmas mode. Those dishes remind me of the first snowfall that mixes with the dried leaves on the ground. Your photos are beautiful, as always. I would love an opportunity to enter your wonderful giveaway. Thanks for sharing your beautiful (and gentle) table with us.
Mary, you have become my therapy session! When I want to immerse myself in beauty! We are the blessed ones, having your gorgeous blog around for 2 years! Congratulations!
Please enter me in your cozy and lovely giveaway!
Here’s to many more wonderful years!
You are truly a blogging role model!
Yvonne
Never, would I have thought to use the tops of acorns for decor. I am delightfully inspired every time I visit your blog and thank you for sharing your talents with those of us less endowed. :)
This is a beautiful blog. I have just found you, and have been totally enjoying myself. I would really like to be entered into your drawing. This will make a wonderful table.
Oh my gosh! What a beautiful post and giveaway!!!! I wait for a new post weekly from you – your photos are absolutely beautiful and your table settings/recipes always inspire me. And no one could love dishes more than me, except possibly you :-)
What a lovely table setting you have and how what a kind gift. I would just love to join your giveaway, thanks so much and many blessings to you!
God Bless
~ Marie
I recently found your blog and so glad I did!!! Love, love, love it!!! Please enter me into your drawing. Look forward to seeing more.
Mary, when I saw the first image of this gorgeous setting my heart skipped a beat. Truly! As I read I wanted to rush right out to TJ Max to see if they might have any of these glorious pieces. Then as I read about your amazing gift, my heart skipped once again. Please add my name to all the others who will most certainly want to be included. Like you, natural elements used about our home make my heart sing with joy. I do think this table is one of my favorites, but I think I find myself saying that to you with each new setting. You continue to amaze, my friend.
I’m keeping both my fingers and toes crossed that I might just be the lucky one. ;-)
Thanks! ~ sarah
This beautiful table setting is the calm before the storm. As you know I love the natural materials as well and you have created a the place for a relaxing and calming meal. So yes I would love to win this giveaway so I can do a table just like this one! Carolyn NC
Wow Mary, this is truly gorgeous. The dishes & tureen remind me of dishes in Tuscany with the golden color & designs. I agree with everyone that two years have passed quickly & you are truly an artist in residence. I would indeed love to have my name in the tureen for the drawing, what a lovely idea. Love, A
These dishes are gorgeous. LOve that gold leaf pattern
What a lovely table you put together! I was almost ready to head out the door to TJMaxx knowing that I’d never find them at our store, which has become a big disappointment to me lately, when I saw your giveaway. They would find a very good home here. Wonderful giveaway!
What a wonderful giveaway!
Happy blogversary. I always enjoy my stop here…
I would love those gorgeous dishes to add to my collection…
You know I would give these beautiful dishes a loving home! I have to admit that I saw them there and wanted them too, but I am trying to work on my addictions! Now if I won them, that would be a different story.
You work magic with every table that you do. I love the votives and the candlelight. Those along with the beaded placemats makes these dressy enough even for Christmas.
Oops, I forgot to say Happy Anniversary! I just kept talking too long!
I would love to offer your beautiful dishes and throw a good home. :-) I recently decided to start collecting throws and the first two colors on my wish list were a soft beige and forest green for the holidays. When I saw your beautiful throw, I knew that was exactly what my imagination was looking for. How funny and what a wonderful giveaway.
Your tablescape is amazing as always. I just love the way you put things together. The natural leaves against the gold design on the plates is so beautiful.
A gorgeous table!
I’ve only visitied you on Alphabethursday posts but always love what I read and see. This post is all warm and cozy. Although I’m not so lucky, you can toss my name in the tureen. Whoever wins will be blessed with beauty. I’m also a new follower so I can see you more than once a week:)
What beautiful imagery!!
What a beautiful tablescape. Your photos are the be Count me in on your giveaway..one can never have enough dishes!
What a wonderful giveaway. Yes, please put my name in the tureen. I’d do my best to set a beautiful table like you do!
I am sure I could find a great use for the dishes and throw. They are so beautiful and would go well with my decor. Just lovely!! Thanks so much.
Mary L
Came over from Alphabe-Thursday. Love your table sitting. These would look wonderful with my plain white dinner plates with a gold rim. The set is not complete, it was second hand and given to me. We manage with them on Thanksgiving but after seeing these I think I could look for something like this to add to the table.
Mary, this is such a beautiful and generous give away! When I looked at your tablescape I kept saying to myself that this dish pattern is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, as it could be used as holiday dishes from Autumn through Christmas, and they would be perfect for a rustic natural setting any time of the year.. I love the pine cone,oak leaf and mulberry motif and the way you accented them with natural elements. The Lauren throw is scrumptious! I would be thrilled to win this give away, but even if i do not I’m equally thrilled to visit you blog and see all your wonderful posts. They are each a wonderful gift waiting to be unwrapped.
Hugs,
Pat
I love the pattern on these plates! What a lovely gesture and your blog is always so fun! I enjoy following you here and so appreciate all the beautiful effort you put into your posts. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to be part of it!
Your tablescapes are always my favorite. I promise the dishes will have a good home here. Congratulations on your blogiversary.
I love the transition from fall the Christmas in your setting. What a beautiful table!
Oh my gosh Mary!! This is gorgeous!
Oh Mary, your tablescape is absolutely gorgeous. I love the china set with natures beautie of pine. The color looks so pretty on the white background. Your touches of little pine cones, candles and the centerpiece are the beautiful finishing touches. What a wonderful giveaway. I sure would love to have a set like this to use between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Have a great weekend.
~Emily
Hello – This table is very serene. We live in an area with many oaks and this just seems an appropriate nod to them and the rest of the woods. I would love to play with the dishes and the throw. I enjoy all the inspiration and ideas from your blog. Thanks for the opportunity to enter on behalf of you blogging anniversary. Congratulations, Kathy
Mary, The elegance and serenity of this table setting really shined through! I love those dishes and the Ralph Lauren throw…very neutral and very pretty.
Mary, Mary, Mary ~ I think I tell you this about every single one of your magnificent creations . . . your exquisite taste, talent and creativity know NO bounds!!
I love everything about this one ~ it’s such a beautiful transitional table, perfect for this time of year ~ the colors and all the the elements you’ve chosen compliment each other so perfectly. I live in the wooded forest with oaks and pines (& cones) all around, but I never would have thought to combine those elements so beautifully as you have done. *sigh* Very, very nice.
Happy Blogging Anniversary ~ and I wish you many, many more! xo ~m.
Mary, I was already in heaven immersed in each and every picture of your FABULOUS table… AND THEN.. as i scrolled to the bottom to savor every word, color, texture, I see that you are SHARING your amazing finds with one lucky follower…. you are not only VERy talented but so very generous also.. thx for sharing your design talents…
Mary I think your tables are the best inspiration in blog land for me! They always leave me wanting to see more, sit down at the table and enjoy the moment. I am loving these dishes so much and now to see that you are doing a giveaway for your Blog anniversay…amazing. Please throw my name in the tureen as I would give these a warm welcome! hugs, Linda
Ooooh that plaid is so warm and inviting. I too did see these dishes at TJ Maxx – you’ve displayed them so beautifully!
Happy Blogiversary, Mary! Oh, wow…I saw those dishes a few days ago at TJ Maxx, but the young lady who was looking at them at the same I was DROPPED one of the plates!!!! I just about sucked all the air out of the room!!! There were only 4 to begin with, and she destroyed the 4th which rendered my potential purchase null & void! :-( Yes, she’s still alive, but only because I was feeling generous that day! :-) You created a magnificent tablescape with them, and I would love to be included in the chance to win the set and throw!
The leaf place cards look fantastic!!! I have tried to learn calligraphy for years now, but to no avail. What a wonderful talent!
Fabulous table, Mary!!! Have a great weekend!
Another beautiful table! And how generous you are to be willing to part with these lovely dishes and throw. Oh, yes, I would be more than willing to give them a home! :)
Elegant in every way and so, so lovely!
=)
My post today: Divine Nature
What a gorgeous table-scape. Warm, elegant, & simple all at the same time.
I would LOVE to give these dishes and throw a good home. They would be welcomed and cherished!! I LOVE your blog, your tablescapes are beautiful!
Gorgeous colors and gorgeous table, Mary.
Of course I would love to give those dishes and that wonderful throw a good home. Please toss my name into the hat!:-)
What a find for you Mary! The china is so classically elegant in its soft colors and design and you have showcased them beautifully with natural materials.
I could see them being comfortable in our log home :o)
Love your style- always look forward to your posts!
How did I miss these at T.J. Maxx? Would find a lovely home on my oak farmhouse table. Your tablescapes are such inspiration!
I would love to give a happy home to your plates and throw! Love the elegant look you created with those pieces. I look forward to each of your beautiful posts, such a visual treat. Happy blogiversary!
Wow! Sign me up for this give away! :)
Gorgeous table, of Course!
Thank you for adding this pretty post to Fresh-Cut Friday!!
Merry Christmas!
~Liz
Beautiful table, Mary…those plates are gorgeous and I would love to give them a nice warm home…
Happy Blogoversary and many more!
Congratulations on two years of blogging! I don’t know how you always create such beautiful posts. You never disappoint and you are always an inspiration. Your taste is exquisite and your photos gorgeous. I love this post for several reasons because it causes us to sit back and enjoy the present and not rush the future because that is going to happen anyway. I also love the soft autumn palette and natural and organic elements used with beautiful pieces for a gorgeous tablescape. Beautiful!
Yes, please include my name in the tureen. I am an email follower. But the most important thing is just to congratulate you on your beautiful blog.
My most heartfelt congratulations on your blogging anniversary Mary!! I cannot explain how very much I enjoy coming over here to look at your gorgeous table displays….and, of course, the occasional bichon glimpse!! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talent with all of us!! Cheers!!
Jeanne
SHE and I just love your blog and I’m sure you have lots and lots of reads but we wanted to make sure even more people have the chance to read and enjoy your beautiful writing. We are passing along the Liebster Blog Award. Here’s a link to our blog where we tell our readers about you: http://thedantediaries.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/im-totally-barkless-really/
Congratulations on your wonderful milestone. Please enter me into drawing for your serene selections. Cheers!
I am always in awe at each tablescape you do. This is a most generous giveaway, Mary! I would love to have my name in the tureen.
As always you make me drool with every tablescape you make and this one is no exception, it’s gorgeous! The dishes are beautiful in that soft pattern, just so lovely. What a wonderful and generous giveaway, wow! Congrats on your milestone, that’s great and thank you so much for the giveaway chance. I’ll be crossing my fingers tight! Lots of hugs and have a great Sunday. FABBY
Mary, I’m back again visiting from Seasonal Sunday. Just adore the gorgeous details of this post. I can’t get enough of this beautiful table.
~ Sarah
I love this tablescape and all the organic elements that you added. You’re right – it’s the perfect transition from all the vibrant colors of fall to the festive decorations of Christmas. It truly represents late autumn. A very generous giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win!
Hugs, Cindy
This is such a great table. I looked at those plates several times and was so tempted. They are so neat. And… I so love the layering. Great to have yo be a part of Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
Your so generous! I love the dishes! Thanks for a chance to win them! It is all very beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Oh my goodness – such a beautiful table and such a lovely giveaway! The lucky winner will only have to go back to this post to know how to use the pieces for the most beautiful transitional table!
Simply beautiful….everything looks so nature inclined yet so elegant!!! Happy Blogversary and many more!!! Thank You for the givaway…so generous of you!
Wow, this is simply stunning, too!!! I cannot believe you found those lovely dished at TJMaxx…. They are so elegant! I love anything with acorns and oak leaves…lovely motif, I think! Again, linking over from Liz’s.
~Ricki Jill
What a beautiful table. Very calm and inviting. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Hope to come back and visit again and again. Have a wonderful week!
Hi Mary, what a beautiful, beautiful post, what a quiet relaxing time of the year, now the rush and push is on.. hugs ~lynne~
You can visit any time and decorate! I love the transition! Thanks for a chance at your wonderful giveaway ;o)
LOL, Mary, you know I live vicariously through your posts! Your transition tablescape is so soothing. I looked at your throw and thought..that looks just like the RL one I saw at TJ Maxx and didn’t get.. When I went back to look for it a couple of days later…yep gone! I especially like the arrangements with the bird’s nest, grass plumes and sweet gum balls.. So pretty.
Please, throw my name in the tureen for a chance at your beautiful and extremely generous give-away.
Have a great week,
Babs
Another truly beautiful tablescape! Your creativity just amazes me and I am ever thankful to have found your lovely blog!
The giveaway is incredible! Oh, my goodness. Please enter my name as well. Thanks!
Love your blog and the inspiration therein. Beautiful dishes, I love them. Great giveaway, thank you!!
Mary L
All your photos on your blog are absolutely stunning and elegant, yet so serene and comforting! I love your use of natural elements and fresh flowers in all your table settings- there’s nothing more gorgeous! You are my favorite tablescape blog in blogland!! I’d love to be entered into your generous giveway. A faithful email follower.
luv, luv, luv your table settings and this is no exception! Fall is my favorite season and I luv, luv, luv Thanksgiving and always feel like it’s the forgotten holiday. These pieces are a wonderful way to make the transition to the winter months!
OMGoodness, what a FABULOUS giveaway!!! I would LOVE to give these items a VERY loving home!!!! Please throw my name in too!!!! LOVE that throw, so soft and warm looking. The dishes are to DIE for!!! Thanks so much for the chance! You are wonderful:):) XO, Pinky PS, thank you so much for not requiring 100 steps to enter!!!!! That makes me a little crazy and I actually don’t enter some giveaways because it is just TOO MUCH!
As always, your photos are stunning…they just draw me in! Congratulations on your 2 year blogging anniversary!! I would LOVE the chance to win the gorgeous prize. I appreciate the opportunity,Mary!!
Love this tablescape!!! Love everything you do! I would LOVE to be included in this drawing and how nice would it be for me to win, the 10th is my birthday! :0)
Oh my gosh pinch me, this must be a dream. These dishes are so incredibly beautiful. I can’t believe you are giving all them and the beautiful throw to one lucky follower. I love your blog and feel that you have such a givt. Both with your decor and your wording. Always am at awe when i visit. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
What a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing such a great giveaway. Lovely dishes.
Your tablescapes are the most beautiful I have ever seen. I love your blog and try to use your wonderful ideas when I can.
Please enter me for the drawing or just invite me to dinner….lol ;)
Hi. My name is Jenny and I am a dish addict.
I know this for sure because I’m cleaning out my cupboards and I think I have run slightly awry of normal!
However.
These dishes would be too enticing to pass up so I’d love to be entered into your giveaway.
Happy Blogaversary.
How lucky we are you found this means of sharing your design talents!
You definitely need your own TV show…and I would DVR it for every single episode!
Thanks for a delightful stop for the letter “D” this week.
A+
Love it~ Mary, you continue to amaze me. I should know by now that you can pull tablescapes from a well stocked and fertile imagination. Your creativity is boundless!
I would love to have my name in the tureen, but if my name is picked, shipping would be a bear!
I’m on the mainland for several weeks…..
I just had an idea! Put my name in and if my name is chosen, I will have you send them to my niece in Greensboro…. ;-) She would love them!
I am a loyal follower of your posts. Your tablescapes provide me with so much inspiration for my home. Your creative instincts with your ability to pull these tablescapes together is amazing. I would love to provide a home to the beautiful things in your give away!
Beautiful!! Thank you for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
Thank you for hosting a great giveway! The dishes and throw are beautiful! I’d love to give them a good home, if chosen. :) I appreciate a giveaway where we’re not required to jump through a lot of hoops to participate! Thanks! ~~Rhonda
Love the dishes and your table setting. Your my kind of gal. Enter me in the drawing please.
Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous table you have set. I love all of the natural elements. They compliment the dishes so well.
I really love this tablescape. It is indeed warm and cosy. Love everything from the throw to the dishes to the placemats to the organic embellishments on the table. Lovely!
Hello!!! I found three of these dinner plates and a salad plate and now I am desperately seeking 1 more dinner plate and three salad plates! My husband and I just bought a cabin in northwest Michigan and while most of our meals will probably be outdoors and informal, I don’t like paper plates and LOVE to set a table! These will be PERFECT for fall meals around the fire or on the porch with a wrap and cozy sweater. I found mine at TJ Maxx also and have everyone I know hunting for them! Do you have ANY idea where to get the four mentioned pieces? Desperately seeking 222 Gold Leaves. :) LOVE your blog. The “Things you love” list…..it’s identical to mine. :)