With a "Grateful" Heart. . .

Not only at Thanksgiving, but all the year through
it is with a "grateful" heart that I give thanks for my Sisters in JOY!

On Crooked Creektt recently hosted our November JOY Circle meeting!

As is custom when hosting On Crooked Creektt,
I set a "special" tablescape for my guests. . .my Sisters.

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I began with a new  creamy ivory Ralph Lauren tablecloth 
purchased for a song @ T J Maxx!

I used no cost decorating for the runner,
brown paper packaging from a recent gift purchased @ Williams~Sonoma.

Next, I removed the pole handle from the wooden box,
made by "Mr. Ed",  and placed a board in the bottom as a riser.
Draping deer sheds off to the side has set the natural rustic theme.

Before placing the large, weighty ceramic pheasants inside the wooden box,
I placed a long sprig of faux bittersweet on either side of the box.

Then, I inserted the faux Autumnal hued leaf bush.
Atop the wooden board riser, I set the male pheasant.

Not wanting him to be entirely the center of attention,
I placed his mate on the table outside of the wooden box.

To disguise the ends of the box 
and to bring a bit more color to the centerpiece,
I added three faux hedge balls.

To resemble shafts of wheat,
I tied up bundles of dried Maiden Hair grasses
and finished off with a coppery textured bow tied in a knot.

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As the sun was setting on the Prairie,
I was quited by the radiant illumination of this tablescape.

Along with providing the tableware and the drinks for our JOY Circle meeting,
I added a few alternatives from the usual dessert and nuts. . .
Havarti Dill cheese, Italian Herb Crackers, Sweet Gherkin Pickles, low sodium 
Stuffed Olives and Summer Sausage.

My co~hostess for the evening,
brought two homemade Pumpkin Rolls.
You'll have to take my word for its divinely delicious taste
and heavenly appearance. 

After a brief business meeting,
we were all delighted to share a Woman of the Bible 
as led by our program chairperson for the evening.

Before beginning our fellowship time, 
I read this poem as our prayer to my Sisters in JOY.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

We cannot thank you, God, enough

For all the gifts you give,

For life and breath, for joy and song

That fill each day we live.

With gratitude this special day

Our praise goes up to you

For loved ones whom we cherish,

For all they are and do.

Lord, than you for companionship

With those who share this meal;

The ones not gathered here with us,

Let them Thy blessing feel.

And now, oh heavenly Spirit,

Descend on us we pray;

Teach us to share the gifts we have

Today and every day.

Amen

Doris Land Mueller

I am continually blessed with each and every one of these precious Sisters!
What an amazing influence and support they are in my life,
not only at Thanksgiving, but the whole year through.

With a "grateful"heart. . .
I, too, give thanks for all of the amazing ladies in The Land of Blog
who invite me into your own homes and hearts each week.
May you, also, have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!



Until next time. . .

On Crooked Creektt will be joining

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!

And. . .

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

And. . .

Kathleen @ Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish!

And. . .

Debra @ Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday!

Be sure to visit the above hostesses

for inspirational ideas for use in your own home decor.