More Pictures --- Pumpkin Soup Bowls!! --- And Pheasants!!!

14 years ago

O K. I should be doing soooo many things that have to be done here instead of posting pictures. But, I don't feel like it.

I have issues with my internet provider slowing down or stopping my internet access if I Upload/download (whatever you call it) too many pictures in a months time. Out here in the country high speed service is only a dream.

If I disappear for a while, y'all will know I went over my limit.

After doing this tablescape and getting ready to post the pictures, I found that my table is lower on the left and is causing everthing to lean that way. So, please try to overlook that little problem for now. One of our sons leaned on the table years ago and broke the leg. DH repaired it and I never noticed 'till now that it is a weeeee bit crooked. I kept straightening stuff and finally gave up. I even stuck a saucer under the left side of the cross in some of the pictures because that really looked bad!

I included a cross because I am sooo thankful for the price paid there so we can have what we have now and in the future. And I wanted to include what is MOST IMPORTANT in my life on this 'Day of Thanks' tablescape.

It was a cloudy day and my dining area is in the middle of the house with no close windows for natural light. You should have seen my 'set up' with stools and lamps trying to bring some life to this without using a flash!!

This was the day I was babysitting precious 3 month old DGS for the first time and he sat in his little seat chewing on his little keys and watching Nanny do wierd stuff with cameras, dishes, etc. It's never too soon to pass down the "Tablescaping Addiction" to the newest generation!!!

See my "Pride and Joy"!! Thanks again, Jane. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!!

Finally, the silver pheasants get their moment of glory.

The first one was on the side of the table that got a little natural light from the den windows, the second was on the dark side, but both are nice and bright.

My 'peasant' pheasant wanted to be included with his richer relatives and I couldn't deny him!!

The napkin rings I fell in love with and bought at Burlington Coat Factory at least 2 years ago, on a whim. Finally had a tablescape that I could use them with.

Love my cheap Dollar Tree with a little candlelight.

A shot from above showing the cute little leaf dishes in the upper left corner that DH found at Macy's when he and DD did Black Friday last year and surprised me with them Christmas morning. He's a "KEEPER"!!

The gold colored glasses were Aunt B's. She said she never used them and I could have them. I treasure her 'hand-me-downs'.

I am sooooo proud of this centerpiece arrangement. Our church ladies had a chance to take part in a floral arrangement class at a neighboring church. I have no talent in that area. NONE. Period.

I know what I like. I enjoy other people's beautiful creations. I love it when someone else creates it, BUT I JUST CAN"T DO IT MYSELF. I didn't get the gene.

I walked around the room selecting the basket and all of the individual pieces that caught my eye and took them back to my table and sat down. Didn't have a clue what to do with them. The kind lady in charge came over and showed me how to wire items onto picks and gave me some ideas. I did what I could and she came back and showed me the little secret of tucking a little ribbon 'here and there'.

And this is the end result....

I'm so excited!! I've already bought some things to try my hand at another one. I hope they have another class! I sweated bullets doing this and I feel like a 'Proud Mama'!!

It is prettier IRL. My lack of light really doesn't let you see it very well. I'm not bragging or getting a 'Big Head', but I'm happy that after 55 years I took the plunge and tried something I thougt I could never do.

Y'all are such wonderful encouragers and I thank you ALL for the love and encouragement you've given me from the very beginning. I love you all so much.

OK. Enough of that before I get the keyboard wet.

DD came by to pick up Sweet-Pea and took one look and said, "Oh Mama. Too much stuff." So, after a little while I asked what I shoud remove to make it look better.

She looked at it again and said, "Nothing, it grows on you."

I love it!

And for the finale.......

A word to the wise......

Don't tear your table down until AFTER your have uploaded your pictures to the computer so you can see if your candles are straight. ASK ME HOW I KNOW.......

LOL

Betty

P.S.- With my long 'TO DO' list I may not get to post again until after Thanksgiving. I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving and hope you spend it with lots of family and friends. I am so thankful for you all.

Take lots of pictures to share!!

Love Ya!!

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Comments (25)

excessfroufrou
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Your time was well spent at your floral arranging class, your centerpiece is stunning. And of course the pumpkins and pheasants are stand-outs. I know what you mean about the to-do list, I off to mine now. Happy Thanksgiving.
Syble
judithva
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty,
OMG, that table is stunning, what a wonderful job you have done! The cross is a perfect addition..decor wise and spiritully too. I am sure your family must be soooo pleased! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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luvstocraft
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty, first off, have I ever told you just how much I always love reading your posts? They always are so "conversational" that I feel like I am right there with you! ;o) First off, a big pat on the back for your success in creating that beautiful basket arrangement! It turned out so pretty and I love it with the candles of different heights and that pretty cross. We all truly do have so much to be thankful for. Your pumpkin bowls are so pretty and I love all your leaf dishes too. You found two really nice pheasants as well, can't say which one I like best, think it's a tie. Thank you for taking the time to create this pretty table for our enjoyment. Know you will love every minute of Thanksgiving Day being with your loved ones. I'm sure glad you are part of the family here on the forum too. (((Hugs)))

Luvs
plainjane425
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty I agree your Table is Simply Stunning!!
I also agree with Luvs, that I too love your 'conversational' posts. I feel like your in the room with me...and I smile as I read.
You did such an outstanding job on that centerpiece. It's just lovely looking...nice tip with the bow. I love how you coordinated all the colors on your table, so perfectly.
Your pretty leaf dishes and the pumpkin bowls work so well together and I simply love those pheasants....they make the table so special looking. Each one equally nice.
I love the fact that you put the cross with everything..it's prescence is so meaningful.
I'm laughing at your 'To Do List'...I've done that many times with the candles..even forgetting to light them!

I'm so happy you got a chance to share your table with us.
It was well worth the wait.. Thank you.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving...

jane
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Syble, Thanks for the compliments. After seeing all of your beautiful creations, (not to mention that awesome kitchen) your compliments mean a lot to me.

Judith, Sooooooo glad to see you back! I've missed you terribly. Alfred and I have wondered and worried about you.

I am happy you like my tablescape. I used to study your's for hours trying to absorb some of your talent through the computer!! You spent so much of your time sharing, teaching, and encouraging everyone here. I tried to remember what you said.... layer, layer, layer!

Maybe we can get some more lessons when you feel up to it.

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear One. I wish you every Blessing.

Luvs, I had to laugh when I read that you liked my 'conversational' posts. I was the Baby of 7 children and they were always saying, "Shut up!! You talk too much!"
I'm happy y'all let me ramble on and on, here!!

I didn't realize I talked so much until I got sick and didn't feel like talking and it was soooo quiet. I would ask Alfred why he was so quiet and he would say he wasn't any quieter than he usually was. I just hadn't noticed before because I was blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!!

Like Jane's goose on her tablescape!!

Thanks for all of your sweet comments. I often wonder if you ever feel down, because you are ALWAYS so sweet and encouraging to EVERYONE here. Always a kind word to make others feel good and help them along on their journey. Many Happy Thanksgiving (((Hugs))) back at you, Sweetie. Hope you have a WONDERFUL one.

Betty
dining_delight
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty,

I seem to be only lurking here now and again these days with little time to coment but just had to take a minute to tell you how wonderful your TG table looks. Everyone has already said how well everything goes together and I echo that. Those pumpkin bowls with the green look wonderful. That cross is the perfect touch and adds so much meaning - I too am thankful for what it represents. Your arrangement is something to be PROUD of - beautiful in its simplicity and natural tones. I also want to say, that I too, LOVE reading your posts! They never sound like "blah, blah, blah" but rather are so interesting and funny. You give us "the story" behind your tablescape rather than just where you got things and how much they cost. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

DD
mary_ruth
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I see why you are happy with your tablescape! VERY NICE! I like the combination of different elements that just say 'FALL'! Good show!
dreamgoddess
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty, your table is stunning! The pheasants are to die for and I'm soooo jealous of your pumpkin bowls. I want a set of them so bad, but haven't been able to find any.

If that's your first try at doing a floral centerpiece, I'm floored. It's gorgeous! I would love to take a class like that. I bet it was alot of fun.

By the way, where did you get your pheasants if you don't mind my asking.
Purplemoon
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh my, Betty, I am darn near speechless! What a gorgeous table, and centerpiece! Its a good thing all the others said my thoughts so well since I can't find the words, other than I feel the same way as they do. About everything.
I will add one thing, we all KNOW that Alfred is a keeper!
LOL

Have a very, very Happy Thanksgiving.
hugs from the heart,
Karen
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Jane,

I think I was posting the same time you were this afternoon. Then I had to run errands and didn't know you were here! I love the idea of being able to make you smile.

The pheasants caught my eye the first time I saw them, but they were pricy and I was too tight to buy them. But I just couldn't get them off of my mind. I would go by and 'visit' them in the store! LOL
After I saw how much they went for on Ebay, and talking with Alfred, I went back and bought them. I'm glad I did.

I've been wanting a cross for a long time. I found this one at TJ MAXX. I actually wanted 3 glass crosses of various heights for my table this past Easter, but never found them. Sooner or later I'll get lucky.

I don't usually light the candles because of my allergies. DS talked me into lighting the candles for the Halloween table and I liked it so well that I may do it more often. I will just turn the exaust fans on until the smoke goes away when I put them out.

I had so much fun at the floral arranging class. The lady had brought lots of stuff and had everything laid out when we got there. You could just wander around and pick what you liked. What was so fun was the variety we ended up with.

A red bucket with a Christmas arrangement, a low-slung wide basket with a beautiful tall arrangement for fall, even a low tray with birds playing in glittered branches. We all stood around when we finished and just talked a while. It was so nice to get with a bunch of ladies and learn to be more creative.

The instructor had retired form the florist business and had lots of interesting stories to tell about things she had made. She even had bulletin boards set up with lots of pictures for inspiration. I can't wait to do it again.

Thank you again, for the pumpkin bowls. I will treasure them always. They really made my Thanksgiving special. I already have them in another tablescape. This time it's a bit rustic.

You are a Special Lady. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

DD, Thank you. I'm always going back and looking at your tablescapes both inside and out. Your tables for 2 are my favorites. I can't wait to see what you do to top last weeks TT you posted. Now, THAT was Stunning!

Mary Ruth, Thank you. I've been hoping to see some creations from your new place. I so enjoyed all you shared from your beautiful home. Both you and your DH are soooo talented. I shared the mantle extention you had your DH make for you with my DH. You know, everyone can use more room there! Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Dream, I wanted a set of those bowls for sooo long. There are no CTSs anywhere around here. I NEVER would have gotten them if Jane hadn't sent them to me. It was a wonderful present to start off the Holiday season for me! What a Sweetie she is!

I would love for All of us to take a class together (even though y'all don't need classes). It would have to be at least a long weekend.

Can you imagine?

It would be better than the crazy 'cyber' bus shopping trip that they had going a while back. This would be the real deal and we would laugh 'till we cried! Of course we would have to shop at least one day. What a blast!

I remember when I first found this forum, I was working 3rd shift and would spend hours looking at all of the beautiful tablescapes you created. Such talent! I hope you don't leave us again after Christmas. I've missed you.

BTW, I came home from church tonight and saw your Thanksgiving tablescape and about SCREAMED!

Aunt B had ONE of your pink glasses. Just one. I fell in love, HARD. She has no idea where she got it. And I haven't been able to find any more or any info about them. I took that one to every antique shop, GW, TS, and SA around and have everyone looking for them. Tell me everthing you know. QUICK, before I swoon!

Almost forgot... my pheasants were the only pair I saw in an old hardware store here in town that a lady turned into an antique gallery. She travels all over and probably can find you another set. I would be more than happy to find out for you if you would like. Just let me know. I think I paid around $50 which was a little pricy for me, but the one other set I found online went for much more. I probably wouldn't have bought them, but I talked about them for days and I think DH encouraged me to buy them so I would shut up about them. :o) Don't 'cha love it when that happens?!?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

LOVE Y'ALL!!

Betty
yachter123
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty, PICTURE PERFECT is all I can say about your table.

I need to go tweak mine more now!!!!!

I see we both had the same idea to use flowers for our napkins. I just love everything about your table, it looks like it should be in BHG magazine!!
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you, Karen. I don't know how I missed your post earlier.

I hope your day was the best ever.

I'm cooking dinner tomorrow for our Thanksgiving. Nothing fancy. All I have left to do is cook the turkey, ham, and rice pudding, and set up another table. I think the final head count will be 10.

Don't laugh, but I finally got all of the Halloween stuff put away this evening! Nothing like waiting 'till the last minute.

I usually rush around getting grumpy and making Alfred and Terry crazy trying to have every corner of the house spotless.
Not this time. I don't have enough oxygen exchange yet to get excited about dirt!! I don't think the house will kill anyone, so I'm going to relax and enjoy my family and friends!

Lori, Now don't go giving me a 'Big Head'!!

And I went and looked at your Thanksgiving table. DON'T TOUCH IT!! It is PERFECT! I want to hear what all of your GKids said about it.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Betty
phonegirl
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty,

Happy Thanksgiving, your table is stunning and I love so much about it that I don't have time to type that long. I could comment and never quit. You are so fun and your posts are a riot. I just tipped my head alittle to the right and it all looks straight, I mean, great.LOL

We did have fun with the bus and I think it made all of us loosen up and enjoy time spent here even more. I can hardly wait for things to slow down so I have time to play more. Looking forward to your Chirstmas decorations, dear.

Punk
plainjane425
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Don't ya just love reading her posts???!!!
I do cause she makes me smile ALL the time...she's what I call 'The Real Deal'..
Coming from NY.. you don't find too many and if you do...
you're wondering if they're for Real or Not...lol

Betty you're Priceless..

jane
imsarahmiley
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Happy ThanksGiving to all. I like all the things, I like lamp most, dining table is also good.
Thanks for sharing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Artificial Christmas Tree
jeannespines
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
OH MY, the table is beautiful ... love everything...especially your wonderful newly created centerpc & the pheasants! TFS! Jeanne S.
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hey Girls,

Y'all make me feel so much better with your sweet compliments.

I went to the Dr again today. My lungs STILL have a lot of congestion, especially the right one. I got another antibiotic shot and have to go back tomorrow for another. Man, I can't get rid of this stuff! It has settled in for a long winter's nap or something. Keep me in your prayers.

We ended up with 9 for dinner.
After dinner we sat and talked and talked. The men went to the den and the women went into the living room. It was so nice to be able to just sit and catch up.

Punk, Why didn't I think of that! Just tilt my head a little. LOL

Christmas!! What chu mean Christmas? I just started fall today!! Don't rush me!! LOL

Jane, Come on down here a while, Girl. We'll sit a spell and share secrets.

On second thought... Your house is prettier... I'll come on up there. :o)

Christmas.

Did she really say Christmas?

Already?
phonegirl
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty,

I sure hope it hasn't settled in for a long winter's nap. We want you to be able to come here with all your wit and feel wonderful. If this is what you are like and don't feel great, I probably couldn't handle you feeling great.LOL But I'm sure willing to try!

It sounds like you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. Did everyone just love your table? I'm going to try to remember to put some of my centerpieces on silver like you did your basket. I just love the green candles with the off white and orange ones. Nice combination and the colors are so different and soft.

I did say "Christmas" but like I said to Karen, only do what you feel like. We will enjoy what comes our way.

The sun just came out and I need to get out there so gotta go play in the sewer. YUK,YUk,YUK Hows that for inspiration? I'll try to come back later. It's a dirty job and someone has to do it! Wish that someone wasn't me in this case.

Punk
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Punk, I was just joking about Christmas. I'm one up on everyone, anyway. We had bought a new prelit 7' Christmas tree after Christmas the year before we bought this house.

The first Christmas here we put it up in the living room and it is now 4 years later and it is still up!! So I don't have to put up the tree!! It's so fun because if I find an ornament I like - I just buy it and bring it on home and put it on the tree, even in July!! DD has forbidden me to put any more on it. Says there is TOO MUCH STUFF and the tree is going to fall over from the weight!!

The living room is usually off limits to the GKids unless I am in there with them because of the ball and toy throwing (I get crazy and throw ball inside with them when it is too cold outside sometimes, Shhh, don't tell Alfred.) and the fact that I store LOTS of dishes and accessories behind the sofa. (Everyone else likes the den better and goes there to hang out anyway, so the living room is my sanctuary.)

I also have 2 china cabinets in there and one is a beautiful antique that DH's Aunt B had given me when we moved here with the curved glass. (They used to sneak in there and hide when playing hide-n-seek until I found out and made it off limits !! Just think of the damage possibilities. Shivers!)

Before we moved here we had lived in a single-wide trailer for about 3 years. Just imagine trying to raise 4 young children, 3 boys and a girl in a single-wide. (Long Story) His older 3 had grown up and left home by then. My DD was grown and married before we married. God knows what he is doing when he doesn't let us see into the future. We would never do what he wanted if we could!

No storage, no privacy, no sanity.

Needless to say I had great gardens because I couldn't stand the chaos inside!! If I wasn't at work, I was outside daylight 'till dark. Sometimes after dark. Poor Alfred would open the back door and holler out, "Honey, don't you think you ought to quit for the day?" I would holler back, "In a minute." and keep on planting peas by flashlight!! LOL

So when we moved here the living room became my refuge. It is where I start my day with my cup of cappaccino,(sp? I just drink it-I don't spell it!!), my Bible study, and LOTS of prayer. I would go in and turn on the tree and sit in silence. Ahhh.. Every woman should have a refuge.

I followed Judith's example and my tree is definitely a ' more is more' tree. I started with a bird theme and it grew from there. The color scheme is mostly blue/white except for the birds and a few sentimental items. I still want to order some crystals to give it some more shine.

If I ever solve my storage issues and have a nice place to store it, I will put some strings of white lights on it when I put it back up. Now it just has colored and is darker than I would like.

I will try to do a post with some pictures as soon as I go buy a new memory stick for my camera.

I'll do a separate post for the Thanksgiving 'tables and tales'!

I'm feeling some better, now. I will need to get a few more shots to kill all of the infection. Then I'll be as good as new. Thank you for your concern. I love my family here at C&H forum so much.

The sewer? What's up with that? Sounds like your life is even more 'interesting' than mine used to be!

Details, Girl! Give me details!!

I don't know what you are using for energy, but please share your secret!

Betty
phonegirl
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh Betty,
What am I doing here. I just can't get enough of you!!! Your story was so fun to read. It reminds me of my DM with all of us kids growing up. She had beautiful gardens and sold produce for the same reason as you. I thought we were all little angels but I found out later that was not the case.

Your absolutely right about God knowing what he is doing when he doesn't let us see into the future. After DM's death, I found out I had a little sister who I never knew about. Didn't know I had skeletons in my closet until then. I had grown up with 6 children in the family. I lost all three parents in 5 weeks so what a trying time.

You have followed Judith's examples well. I want so much in life and just can't do it all right now. I would love to see your tree. I can't imagine having it up for 4 years and you've kept decorating. No wonder DD says NO MORE.

I think we need to get together and just visit. Maybe you should email me and give me your phone # so I can call you and talk. I am going to be pretty busy for the rest of the month.

I will be leaving on my first trip to Vegas and will have to have everything caught up at the businesses, home and rental before I go. Then upon return it will be crazy trying to get all my shopping done and caught back up at the offices. I live in a whirl wind and hope it never turns into a hurricane.LOL

We got the sewer blown out and now we have to replumb the dishwasher. Culligan came out and ran it through the garbage disposale so now the Dishwasher doesn't work. I just remembered I need to call Bro so will talk later.

Enjoy hearing from you and hope your feeling better all the time. Let us know. Punk
jaybird
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You did a beautiful job on your table!
I am so thankful that things are better for you at the moment! You and Alfred give each other a hug from me!
J
bettyd_z7_va
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Punk, I wish we lived closer. We could get together and shop while we talked!

This month is going to be extremely busy for me, too.
I will be emailing you. My email address will be Alfred's so don't scratch your head when you see you have an email from a strange man!!

I just found out that our next floral class is next Tuesday night. Woo-Whoo!! I can't wait! I want my DD to go too, but she is not too interested. Says she doesn't 'Do' flowers. I told her to try it this one time and I promised that if she didn't like it I wouldn't worry her to go with me again.

We leave either Tuesday night or early am Wednesday heading to Parris Island, SC for our son's Marine graduation. I will be MIA for the rest of the week.

I told DH he needed to buy me a lap-top so I could keep in touch and not have severe withdrawals, but he just laughed!! (He knows we have to buy Santa Claus and get all of those GKids' presents.)

Maybe after the first of the year and we get all of our eye appointments and such done, I will buy myself a good lap-top.

Have fun in Vegas. I've never been. I don't want to fly, so we don't venture too far from home.

How hard for you to lose all of your parents so close together. I thought it was hard losing both Mama and Daddy within 18 months.

Glad you got the sewer issue fixed. Maybe that will be all of your emergencies for the rest of 09.

Gotta run. Taking my neighbor for her chemo.

BTW I'm feeling better. Thank God!!

Jay, Thanks for those compliments. Coming from you with all of your talent, they mean a lot. I'll give Alfred a hug AND a kiss and tell him they are from you!

Missed you when you were gone.

Betty
mary_ruth
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
betty,
We are in a temporary apartment right now, and I do not want to nest too deeply. Most of our stuff is in storage now, and we are waiting for DH to transfer to Florida with his job. We have gone down already to look for a house. We found one I love, BUT hiring and transfer freeze took effect. We have to wait till January now. HOPE it happens soon, I am getting very restless!

I I have to live vicariously through all of you this Holiday season! And I am watching Judith's holiday progress. FUN!
Playing with my new camera too, Judith had tons of advice for me and taught me so much I do not know if I can remember it all! What a great source she is and so generous to share what she knows! I will miss living near her!
Purplemoon
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Well Girls, I sure am enjoying all the 'chat'. I love learning more about each and all of you! The stories, whether happy or sad, are the fabric of your lives and made you who you are today. You are such special people in my cyber world (heck, make that in my REAL world) that I find myself wanting to know you better.

hugs, Karen
plainjane425
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Betty...have a wonderful and safe trip to see your DS's graduation. Give him our love and well wishes and a great big Thank You for what he's doing.

I wish I were closer too.. I'd drop by for a big cup of tea, and a nice long chat..and I'm sure some great fun.
Karen...Punk... I'm cranking up the Bus!!

jane

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