Years ago, when I was cooking my first official Thanksgiving
dinner from start to finish…
I knew the secret of my success revolved around my passion
for making lists.
I made lists of lists.
I made lists of lists I needed to make.
I had lists for the groceries, ingredients for each dish, what
needed to be accomplished by a certain time of the day.
And, even who would sit next to who.
I was determined to prove that although young, and although it
was my first time hosting Thanksgiving –
it would be a Martha Stewart-worthy event.
My sweet Mama offered help, but no….I had it all under control.
I had my lists.
Thanksgiving morning was a cacophony of cooking and
gravy-making and biscuit baking. I happily checked off each
item on my lists…the thrill of each little checkmark making me
wanna burst out in checkmark cheering.
About an hour before everyone was to arrive, Mama showed
up to help. I had the plates stacked and the silverware ready
to be placed at each placesetting. Only a few more boxes to check
on my lists.
(yep – I am the kind of list maker who MUST add a box next to each item.) 
As I scurried around the table, putting the finishing touches on the
mashed ‘taters and checking the turkey to make sure it was getting
pretty and brown on the outside… I heard Mama ask me something.
And in seven words, my weeks of planning and my sheets and sheets
of lists had suddenly failed me.
“What are you using for a centerpiece?” she asked.
The look of sheer panic must have been painted across my face.
I saw my Martha-moment flash before my eyes and could hear
her stern and infamous “Stewart tsk-tsk” in the distance.
“Ummmm. Centerpiece? As in flowers – or something?”
Darn those lists. Darn them!
Mama simply smiled and said “I’ll take care of it.”
‘Cause, after all – that’s what Mama’s do.
Moments later, a bowl full of fall leaves, berries, pinecones and
acorns appeared on the table with some candles. She tucked a
single Fall leaf under each wood napkin rings.
And in that very moment – I realized I did not need Martha.
I had Mama.
The above three pictures are from my Thanksgiving Tablescape
I shared yesterday. I simply cut two types of Fall leaves,
and some clippings of rosemary. I added the greener leaves to
the outside, and the redder Dogwood leaves in the center.
Rosemary clippings were tucked all around. Stems of
NC Cotton adds bursts of white texture, and small bits of
fall berries are tucked within. I added a small
chalkboard stake with “Give Thanks.”
This entire centerpiece – start to finish, took under 10-minutes.
Cost: $0
I am joining in the
“Virtual” Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner.
If you are looking for last-minute ideas and you don’t have
time to make lists….
We’ve got ya’ covered!
Here is the schedule for today and tomorrow…
Please visit the following blogs:
November Fourteenth:
Printables –
Decor –
Centerpieces:
Table Decor and Ideas –
Drinks –
Appetizers –
November Fifteenth:
Soups –
Salads –
Main Dishes –
Side Dishes –
Desserts –
Parting Gifts –
Happy Thanksgiving Planning, Everyone.
Now go make some LISTS.
Did you visit The Everyday Home’s 2013 Fall Tour?
And here is my 2013 Fall Porch…
I love your blog. I look forward to getting your emails. I get so many ideas from you that I can use in my own home. However, this morning I received an email showing the use of pumpkins in centerpieces. My friends and I were just bemoaning the fact that we cannot find pumpkins, fresh or Funkins, anywhere after Halloween. Any ideas on where we can get pumpkins?
View CommentEsyher – I know its very frustrating. You have to buy pumpkins before Halloween and hope the fresh ones survive until Thanksgiving. My local grocery store still carries a few pie pumpkins and you can create some pretty displays with those. I wish I could give you mine. I have started decorating for Christmas. 🙂
View CommentOh I love your beautiful centerpiece and table setting. Such a fabulous story, aren’t mom’s the best. Hugs, marty
View CommentI love your centerpiece ideas and especially love the one you made for this year’s table. It is wonderful to be able to use items from nature and not have to spend a cent.
View CommentSimplicity always wins. These are stunning ideas! I will always love white pumpkins and bittersweet together. Thanks for sharing, and it was fun doing the tour with you!
View CommentMama knows! And she taught you well! I love it.
View CommentIt’s Martha-esque x 10 when you have such natural and relaxed approach like that.
Cheers to you and many blessing for a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Therese
There are some really, really cute ideas here. Love the pine with the oranges. Simple and sweet- xo Diana
View CommentGreat ideas Barb!
View CommentGreat round up of ideas! I lean towards the simplistic centerpieces and these all are great ideas!
View CommentThey are all so pretty! Thanks for sharing! Love them! -Sara @Major Hoff Takes A WIfe
View CommentLove your simple centerpiece! So fun have a virtual dinner with you 🙂
View CommentJust beautiful! You are one creative lady!!! Happy Thanksgiving! ~Christy
View CommentI can so relate to your story, Barb! And thank goodness for mamas who always manage to save the day. This is a great roundup and easy, quick and really pretty centerpieces. Loved having dinner with you!
View CommentAbsolutely gorgeous ideas. I love so many of them and love that they are so simple and quick to put together.
Happy to be part of this virtual dinner with you.
View CommentSimple centerpieces are really the best. Thanks for all these great ideas. Happy Thanksgiving!
View CommentBarb, love your tablescape with the colored leaves, etc. And loved the story of your first T’giving dinner. Looking forward to Christmas decorations, too.
View CommentThese are some great ideas.
View Comment