Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ®

Whatever you do .   .   . don’t blink!  No really .   .   . because I’m seeing Thanksgiving, waving the warning final lap flag, like they do at the Formula One Grand Prix. Wait, come back .   .   . panicking is not an option on my beat .   .   . just your attention people .   .   . I’m here to get you to the finish line on time. Not only on time .   .   . but, when the spectators enter the winners circle you will look, and be perfectly calm, radiant, and the hostess with the mostest.  Breathe !!!

Now that I have your full, and undivided attention, we can move on to solutions. Let’s start with the bottom line .   .   . a place to put all the Thanksgiving fixings. My choice for this years soirée is shown in the close-up photo shot above. My cloth is a sage on sage leaf pattern, perfect for a Fall Thanksgiving feeling .   .   . even if our Southern California warm weather does not abate. If I have to, I will turn on the AC, in order to use my fireplace! Shocked, you say .   .   . people you are listening to Miss Atmosphere, remember. I then added the leaf shaped plate in a strong orange color for pop, sizzle, and total attitude of .   .   . hello I’m here, look at meeee! This plate is the perfect stage for a cluster of copper, gold, and bronze flecked votive holders to dance the dance of flames. Napkins are a combo of forest green, and popping orange, to play against the square plates under the first course glass bowls.

O k people, the time has arrived to pick your 1st layer for your table. Sorry! Excuse me .   .   . did I just here a chorus of voices saying .   .   . you think maybe this or that one .   .   . ah ah .   .   . sorry you think doesn’t count!!!  Have you even looked to see the condition of  ‘THE’ cloth, runner, fabric, quilt, and or paper you’re thinking about ? Not to over stress you .   .   . but .   .   . while your stepping out- of -the-‘last minute’- box, how about napkins as well. You are thinking of creating a mixed color palette right?  Hmmmm .   .   . Oh please pick something .   .   . tick-tock, tick-tock .   .   . Now this is where ahead of time will pay off! You are still living in the luxury time land zone, where you still have moments to gather your goodies together, confident in your selection. No rushing around on turkey day, looking for the tablescape fixings .   .   . ah ah .   .   .  no,no .   .   .  not my enlightened, sophisticated, party planners     .   .   . no siree !!!

This is also the time when dishes, silverware, and stemware should be pulled, checked for ready to go condition, and put aside. Yes this is THE fun and creative part .   .   . to mix place settings or not ? Hmmmmm .   .   . For the table shown below, click to enlarge, I opted for matching each dish layer, but not the color of glasses. The water goblets alternate between deep forest green, and a pale winter kissed orange sun. Short, cut crystal glasses will be used for wine.

Oh no .   .   . I haven’t forgotten the center of attention .   .   .  This is what ties it ALL together .   .   .The centerpiece is a very large old dough bowl bursting with faux pears, a ceramic gourd, gargantuan pine cones, Indian corn, dried leaves, and various branches found outside. To give the table a rich, warm, vibe, I added some of my choice vintage copper candle holders, and pieces of visual interest, along with tons of votives. Your center piece can start with anything from a bowl, basket, or a bale full of twigs. Again decide now .   .   . what you want to use for your center piece, and then add to that the day or two before .   .   . since I am sure you will have your table set to go a couple of days in advance .   .   .  right ???

A gathering of hearth, home, friends, family, caring, and sharing, is indeed what life is all about .   .   .

Don’t forget to trim all candle wicks to between 1/4″ to 3/8″ in length before burning. Worried about drips on your table .   .   . now is the time to search your stack of plates, and small trays to sit under candle holders.

MORE CANDLE TIPS NEXT TIME.

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the popular Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and…

All written, and photographs rights are by reserved by Tableofferings/Sharon Insul and are the sole property, not to be copied without consent © 2008

I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS and QUESTIONS  .   .   . sharons3@me.com

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