With daughters grown and creating their own traditions, the hubby and I have few left. Thanksgiving is the one we hold on to, and when family gathers around our table my heart is full.
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving at our table without a centerpiece featuring dryer hose pumpkins. I don’t know how many years they’ve been used, but it’s a lot.
Every year it is a challenge to think of some different way to present them. This year turkeys and magnolia leaves are thrown into the mix for a simple creation.
As for dishes, nothing replaces the Della Robbia pieces which now could qualify as antiques. Thanksgiving is the only time they come out of the cabinet, and my hope is that some day they will grace a daughter’s or maybe a granddaughter’s table.
Most years I add something new, but not this one as I am working very hard to pare down rather than add anything to full to the brim cabinets and drawers. That said there’s something special about pulling out those old familiar things.
What will make this table different from most are the people who gather round. We are a small family which makes each person so very special.
Like the rest of you I am thankful for family and friends. Additionally, I am so very grateful for each of you who take time to follow my musings. You are the reason this blog continues. Wherever you are, I wish you a most happy day.
The first thing, my favorite, is setting the table which means bringing out the dryer hose pumpkins and the Della Robbia dishes. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving at this house without them!
The challenge is thinking of some new way to use them each year. Hmmm, how about mixing them with some almost real pumpkins, a few fall leaves and some green apples?
As I add each piece to the table, I am overwhelmed by memories.
Some memories are of people who are no longer with us and whose chairs have been filled by new family members.
Other memories are of years when our family was a little out of sync. Those may not be the most pleasant, but they, too, are part of our Thanksgiving story.
As every item is brought out, I think of where it came from and who brought a special little treasure to add to the table.
Most of all I think about all that my family has to be thankful for which is reason enough to put all else behind us.
As I hold on to those few things that are repeated year after year, I find myself hoping that when daughters take over this holiday they might hold on to them, too. 
With the table done and reflections safely stored, it’s time to move to the next step, thinking about what is needed from the grocery for the familiar favorites that will be on the table.
For the hubby and me, Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. Maybe that’s because it’s the only one where the family still gathers at our house, and each year we hope that all of our small brood will be at the table.
Most things stay the same from the table setting to the menu. Out come the dryer hose pumpkins that have been a centerpiece mainstay for oh so many years. 
The trick is to create a little different look each time they appear. At some point, I may have to start repeating!
Most years a little something new is added. It may be a placemat
or glasses or napkin rings.
Some months ago I purchased this inexpensive flatware thinking the colors and shape were fun. It never occurred to me that it would be a great match for the Thanksgiving dishes, but here it is. Carson of Downton Abbey probably wouldn’t approve of the arrangement, but it adds a bit of jauntiness.
The table is ready
and how I look forward to having family gather round.
Thanksgiving is the only holiday the hubby and I still host as daughters have taken over the rest and create their own traditions.
Here not much changes from year to year. Dishes are the same
and for years dryer hose pumpkins have been arranged one way or another for a centerpiece.
This time some of the pumpkins are in a box that belonged to my much loved mother-in-law. In spirit she is always with us
as is my mother whose flatware is at my place. Why I kept only one place setting is totally beyond me.
Most years there is a little something new just because!
