American Thanksgiving and St Andrew’s Day are just around the corner (November 26th and 30th, respectively), so when the November Create & Share challenge was announced, I jumped at the chance to create a tablescape in honour of these events. Since we Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, I was eager to have another excuse to break out some lovely table setting pieces, and allow my imagination free reign.
Many of the items I used in this setting have family significance. The silver tray was a bridal shower gift from my mother’s family. The silver bowl belonged to my grandmother. (You can see it used for a floral arrangement here!) The napkin rings were bought at an antique store on my first trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake with my then-boyfriend-now-husband. The tartan runner is the MacLeod tartan, which is the clan my family belongs to!
The centrepiece is possibly the simplest element to create. All you need is a large round tray and some kind of decorative bowl or vase. Place a pillar candle in the centre of the bowl or vase, and surround it with pinecones. Then place the bowl in the centre of the tray and surround the bowl with more pinecones.
Told you: simplest centrepiece EVER.
What would St Andrew’s Day be without a wee dram? Sadly, my parents had no single-malt to hand. They DID just move, though! (And my father assures me that this state of affairs will be quickly remedied.) In case you are wondering, the little blue and green ceramic bowl is called a Quaich, and it is traditionally passed around (with Scotch in it) at Scottish family gatherings. We even used one at our wedding!
Of course, this table setting is not confined to St Andrew’s Day or Thanksgiving alone. It is perfect for any fall or winter gathering, and could last well into the new year!
Now it’s your turn to “hop” around to see what the other 14 bloggers have created for their fall tables. Please take a moment to look through them – there is some lovely inspiration to be found!
And in case you’re wondering: we DID sit down an enjoy a wonderful meal together after the photo shoot! My father made a mean mushroom soup, and my mom cooked a lovely pork roast. Heaven! But the best part was sharing a meal with the people we love.
That’s what these holidays really are all about, after all. In a world being shaken daily by violence and hatred, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be able to gather, safely, with our loved ones. After a week filled with images of horror from Paris and Beirut, I am so thankful that I am to be able to sit down to dinner with my loving husband and parents.
So regardless of what, where, or when you celebrate, be mindful of those in our greater global community who are suffering. They need our compassion, our kindness, and our prayers. Think not only of those killed or wounded in these horrifying acts of violence, but of the families fleeing their homelands where this sort of violent act is a daily occurrence.
Pray for a world where we can all gather at a table in love, camaraderie, and peace.
*****
Here’s where I link up each week:
Mondays: Merry Monday, Monday Funday, Inspire Me Monday, Show & Tell, Lou Lou Girls
Tuesdays: Tell ’em Tuesday, Two Uses Tuesday, Tutorials & Tips, Tuesdays with a Twist, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Treasure Box Tuesday
Wednesdays: Pin Worthy Wednesdays, Work it Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Welcome Home Wednesdays
Thursdays: Think and Make Thursday, Handmade Hangout, Weekend Re-Treat, Favourite Things, Artsy Fartsy Link Party, What to Do Weekends, Friday Features (Thursday)
Friday: Fiesta Friday, Feathered Nest, Link Party Palooza, Friday Favourites
Saturday: Share it One More Time
Sunday: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Silver Pennies, Sundays at Home, That DIY Party, Frugal Crafty Blog Hop, Share the Wealth Sunday, Food Stars
Monthly/Recurring: Great Blog Train, Sunday Brunch, Before and After
A beautiful table and a beautiful post! Peace on Earth!
Thank you so much!
I love your silver tray and bowl! It adds the perfect touch to your table and your pinecones place holders were genius!love!
Thank you, Jess! I love using those pieces because they remind me of loved ones.
I love it! So unique and I love your story telling! The pinecones are a wonderfully simple idea!
Thank you, April. I love adding pinecones to my holiday decor!
The table is lovely along with your sentiments. Nicely done.
Thank you, Sharon!
I love how so much of the elements in your table have significance to your family. It looks beautiful!
Thanks, Jenny! It means so much to include those pieces…
What a gorgeous post! Such lovely pictures!
Thank you! That means a lot because I have been working hard to improve my photography. 🙂
Very nice!
Hi, Sarah ~ Your table looks lovely! Your plaid runner is awesome! And I’m partial to a wee dram myself. :0) Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tiffany! It’s actually a sash that we wear for things like St Andrew’s Day balls or Robbie Burns’ Day. But my mom let me put it on the table. 🙂
What a cozy, rustic and inviting table! Great job!
Thank you so much, Sara!
I love all the pinecone ideas! My 3 year old son and I were out “hunting pinecones” earlier today 🙂
Holly @ Creatively Living
Awwww “hunting pinecones”! Too cute!
Great story and am so thrilled you offered this Scottish Holiday table. I love the pinecones and the ease of the centerpiece. Your placecard holder is so neat. Thanks for joining Create and Share this month!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I’m so glad to be a part of this group.
It looks beautiful.Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
Wow! Thank you so much, Katherine!
Aw I love your centerpiece and that it was so easy to implement! I have never heard of St. Andrew’s day before so now I’m off to look it up 😮 Thanks for sharing at Welcome Home Wednesday!
It really is the easiest thing to make. Which also proves that decor doesn’t have to be time-consuming or elaborate!
What a pretty table! I love the pinecones!
Thank you, Meg!
Wow, the Scottish know how to live it up! Such an interesting post