To Be Thankful is to Recognize the Love of God in All Things.
“Thanksgiving blessings quotes can be deeply meaningful for families of faith. Many world religions consider gratitude a pillar of a life well lived.” Thomas Merton
My sweet friends we are still in our motorhome and enjoying the seasonal weather.
Although, I am not as fond of the cooler temperatures as I am the tropical weather of Florida.
Since we are out and among the wildlife, my tablescape will reflect our surroundings.
First I will show you a few pics of our surroundings to sorta set the stage for why I chose a rustic tablescape.
I decided to set up the table in the motorhome as the 46 degrees (feels like 36 degree) temperatures just didn’t entice me to tote and carry my dishes in and out of the motorhome.
The beige tablecloth on the dinette table inside the motorhome was my starting point.
I added round braided placemats and for a centerpiece, I used a rustic milk can with Kansas sunflowers and a few freshly cut cottonwood branches with their leaves turning all shades of green, yellow and brown.
I tied a piece of brown twine around the top for more of the rustic feel.
For the plate stack, I used a crackled dinner plate etched in brown along with a ‘grateful’ pumpkin salad plate I found on Amazon earlier this year.
The fringed napkins look more like burlap but are soft to the touch and I used antler napkin rings I found at Pottery Barn.
I really like the wooden flatware (an Amazon buy) especially the curved soup spoon.
The champagne colored stemmed glasses I have had and I like the contrasting effect of the juxtaposition of the flatware and glasses.
Of course I had to have candlelight so I used dark amber candle holders with caramel colored candles.
I can’t close this post without showing you my grands dressed for Halloween!
Yes they came to visit their grandparents in the motorhome….and even though they arrived at almost the same time, they are from two different families, our son (the girls) and our daughter (the boys).
The two little redheaded girls are dressed as pinatas while the little boys are a hockey player and a hotdog, popcorn and peanuts vendor.
What was really cool was the little vendor actually had real popcorn, hot dogs and peanuts to give away, every thing bagged and sealed.
Of course he left us with plenty of each.
I liked the fact that we also received a treat as we exchanged Halloween candy goods for edible food and snacks,… especially as we enter this Thanksgiving season. It belies the fact that Acts 20:35 tells us “It is more Blessed to give than receive.”
As we reflect on how thankful we are and of our many, many blessings, we must not forget those who are needful.
There are still people suffering in the Southeast after the storms…and over a month later, there are many still without homes. Our church is helping through Samaritan’s Purse which has helped so many.
The Bible teaches us that giving is a gift that gives back, and that a generous heart appreciates what it has. It also teaches that receiving a gift with gratitude is a sign of a healthy, humble spirit.
I have been on the receiving end many times and I am so thankful and grateful for all of you for prayers, encouragement and support.
Blessings Always.
A special thanks to “Rita of Panoply” fame who has to be the most patient and knowledgeable event organizer I have ever known. I am so very thankful for you Rita.
She has faithfully put together stylists, scapers or just friends sharing their interpretation of their Thanksgiving.
I am so thankful for each and everyone one of you, my readers.
Thank you for reading …..”To Be Thankful is to Recognize the Love of God in All Things.”
God Bless you and have a wonderful time of Thanksgiving with families and friends.
Panoply – Thanksgiving Fowl and Feast
Ann Krucek says
Kari, kudos to you for setting a beautiful table while you are on the road! Your placesettings are so lovely. I have never seen all wood flatware- kind of loving those🧡also, love the burlap napkins and antler napkin rings!! All very pretty especially with the candlelight. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🦃🍂
Kari says
thanks ann, I actually used the all wood flatware and it was kinda fun eating with it. thank you for stopping by. Hugs
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Oh Kari, what gorgeous views you have shared of your surroundings! Your grandbabies are precious. You have set a most beautiful setting in your motor home. The sunflower centerpiece is beautiful, and the pumpkin plates are so pretty and festive. The added candlelight provides elegance and warmth. The photo of the table with the outdoors in the back ground is stunning! I wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving, sweet friend!
Kari says
thank you Shannon for your sweet comments. it is so fun to be around family plus we are enjoying the lake. I have bittersweet thoughts of going home. One is always glad to go home but I will miss being with loved ones face to face instead of face time. thanks for stopping by dear friend.
Lynne says
You have such a lovely setting to enjoy each day. Sitting and enjoying the parade of wildlife is indeed a gift. I am amazed at your creative tablescapes while traveling around the country in a mobile home. You must be the world’s best packer. the plate stack is a lovely reminder of what Thanksgiving is about and the wooden flatware fits perfectly with your theme. I haven’t seen wooden flatware before. Lovely that you could visit with all the grandkids. they are an attractive bunch. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Lynne
Kari says
Lynne I did pack for a few tablescapes but had to plan ahead so tried to make it fairly simple. glad I succeeded in that because I wasn’t sure how it all would come together. thanks for stopping by. hugs
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Oh what a beautiful place to be, Kari! I love that beautiful calming view, and so fun to have deer visiting! And your table is so cozy and welcoming! I love the flowers and your fun plates. Ha! I love the antler napkin rings too – they’re so totally appropriate! And the wooden flatware! I’ve never seen that before – it’s lovely – and the candlelight adds the perfect touch! Your grandchildren!! How completely darling with real snacks, no less! Thanks for sharing it all with us, and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kari says
right back at you Barb…I did a lot on the fly as you have done in wheat fields etc….it can be done and when you have your dear family close by…one can always get inspiration. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend.
Maureen says
Kari! I love how you have shown us that even if we aren’t in our own home we can set a very stylish table. It looks so peaceful where you are! The plates are so pretty, and I really adore the wood flatware. How unusual! Happy Thanksgiving!
Kari says
thanks Maureen, I really enjoyed setting this table and enjoyed eating on it even more. Have a great November.
Sandra @ Dinner at Eight says
Kari, your Thanksgiving table is so charming andy an inspired response to the natural beauty outside your door! The pretty pumpkin plates with soft blends of color complement both the centerpiece and the dinner plates underneath. The napkin rings echoing your deer visitors are a perfect choice. Enjoy your Thanksgiving wherever you might be!
Kari says
Living like a gypsy Sandra is really kind of fun and one would be surprised at what we can live without. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Patti @ Pandora's Box says
The children are adorable and how clever are the pinatas? Your table is perfect for your motor home and youu have cute eleents like the flatware and napkin rings – enjoy being out in nature and Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kari says
Thanks Patti for your kind comments. It is always fun blog hopping with you.
the Painted Apron says
Kari, this table is so pretty! I can’t believe you have all those cute things in your motorhome! I love the happy sunflowers and the pumpkin plates are darling. Those antler napkin rings are so cool! Pretty stemware and candle light, you thought of everything!! Where will you be for Thanksgiving? Your grands look so cute in their Halloween outfits, the little vendor was well stocked! Enjoy your travels~
Jenna
Kari says
thank you Jenna…I did pack for the fall and thanksgiving by using inter-changing pieces and it seemed to have worked out well. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving here in Kansas with a big potluck dinner to include all the in-laws and out-laws and a few more in between. LOL. Have a great Thanksgiving my friend. Hugs
Mary says
Good Morning Kari, I admire your ability to be organized and tablescape in your motorhome! I love the pretty pumpkins plates with the crackle textured plates, antler napkin rings and wood flatware. Your grands are adorable…such cute piñatas, hotdog vendor and hockey player! I love that you are watching The Five in the background too, Judge Jeanine is my hero. 😊
The volunteers and efforts of Samaritan’s Purse have been such a godsend and blessing for western NC and eastern TN. They responded immediately when FEMA did not and organized the largest civilian airlift in U.S. history delivering tons of emergency supplies including 3,800 generators, 5,700 heaters, 13,000 blankets, and thousands of warm coats. Happy November and Thanksgiving! 🦃
Kari says
thanks Mary. I did try to use pieces that could inter-change with Fall and Thanksgiving and they stole a coveted storage spot beneath the bed. LOL. I try to never miss “the Five”…I really like the judge and Jesse and Dana. I feel like we get the truth from them as we live in a world of mis-information. So glad the election turned out like it did. The Captain flew to the Carolinas as we have a few trailer parks there and he was opening up spaces for some of those displaced by the storms. He was working with FEMA (such as they are) and the cities and counties to help as many people as we could. Still so much to do and so many to help. Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Kim Goddard says
Kari, oh my gosh, those scenery shots are just gorgeous – I’d be disinclined to leave it too! Yes, 46 degrees is on the chilly side for outdoor dining so I can absolutely relate to the inside dining. Your table is lovely and I love the rustic vibe. Those pumpkin plates are so pretty on the crackled plate and braided placemats. The napkins do look soft and the antler napkin rings are perfect for your setting. The goblets are really pretty and the wooden flatware is just so cool. Love the sunflowers and the candlelit ambience and how great that the grands came to visit in their fabulous costumes. A wonderful and inspirational post and I’m wishing you and the Captain a very blessed Thanksgiving season wherever your travels take you!
Kari says
thanks Kim…it is always fun to be with family and even though they visit Florida often it is not the same as living near them for several months. We are having a wonderful time and will be sad to go back home although I will be happy to have warmer temps again. Happy Thanksgiving.
Janet Edmonds says
Kari, you have created such a lovely fall/Thanksgiving table while on the road. Love all the browns and yellows on your table. Of course a Kansan would use sunflowers as a centerpiece. So pretty. How nice that your grands visited in their costumes and that you were even treated. Always look forward to your tables and reading your upbeat posts. Blessings to you.
Kari says
thanks for stopping by Jan…and rock chalk jayhawk as the jayhawks are looking good so far. Even the football team is doing better each year. Yes, I have to use sunflowers…after all I am what I am. LOL. Loving the grands and wish I could take them with us we we go home. And how about those Chiefs? We were at the game with the Broncos…woohoo! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Linda Primmer says
Kari, you inspire us all. The scenery is lovely and I never tire at looking at wildlife. So sweet your grand came to visit. How special you come prepared with tablesetting goodies. Your pumpkin plates are lovely and i adore the antler napkin rings. A meal by candlelight is so romantic. Many blessings to you and your captain.
Kari says
thank you so much Linda…coming from one who continually inspires us. We are enjoying our time here but will be glad to get back to warmer temps. I do love the wildlife and the peaceful sunrises and sunsets. And of course family is special. Happy Thanksgiving.
Rita C. says
Kari, how very lovely that you have a Thanksgiving tablescape in your motorhome! I’m so impressed! Did you pack all these tablescaping items, knowing you’d be away for at least two of these hops? Or does your motorhome act as a storage unit when not traveling, lol?! (that would be me!). You have a lovely theme on your table, perfectly matched to your surroundings. I love that your grands have been able to visit. The pinatas are adorable, as are the athlete and concession guy.
Blessed, we certainly are, for our blogging friendship which began over tablescaping, and all the shared commonalities since.
Happy Thanksgiving season, and thank you for participating in this hop.
Kari says
thanks Rita for your sweet comments and we have shared so much haven’t we? I did pack items I felt would work for Fall and Thanksgiving AND for my contribution for our big Thanksgiving potluck we are all planning. Under the bed became my storage and I only hoped the Captain would not hit any bumps in the road. LOL. We are enjoying the grands and wish we could take them home with us. AND we are enjoying ballgames. We were at the Chiefs game with Denver on Sunday and you know we couldn’t miss the basketball Jayhawks…whew! we beat North Carolina on Friday, and the football jayhawks beat Iowa State on Saturday. (guess they knew I would be in Kansas for the games) HA HA! Thanks for organizing these hops. Hugs my dear friend.
Sarah says
Kari, I admire your table settings as you travel with your Captain. The plates are so pretty with their pumpkins and rustic feel, and the antler napkin rings are fabulous. Love your flatware too. Amber stemware and candle lit table are the crowning touch. Happy Thanksgiving! Love seeing your trick or treaters in their clever costumes!
Kari says
thanks Sarah for stopping by and for your kind comments. It is always fun to blog hop with you.
Pam says
Kari, you always inspire me with your writing . The scenery outside your motor home is gorgeous! You have been traveling for a long time. The table is beautiful and I am most impressed that you carried beautiful tabletop items with you. The candlelight gives the perfect ambiance. Will you be celebrating Thanksgiving with your family? The grands are adorable and I love their costumes. Wishing you and the Captain a blessed season of Thanksgiving. Sending hugs, my friend!
Kari says
Thank you Pam and yes I did bring some inter-changeable pieces for Fall and Thanksgiving and used the under the bed storage and hoped the Captain would not hit too many bumps along the way. LOL
Yes we are planning Thanksgiving with our family as a a big potluck dinner and are looking forward to being with everyone. We love the wildlife and the whole outdoor-sy feeling but we will be glad to be back in Florida where the temps will be much warmer. LOL Hugs right back at you dear friend. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Sandra K. Marshall says
Dear Kari,
Loved your setting and the cute grands. You got to be in Kansas. Pretty deer. Samaritans Purse is one of my favorite organizations. They do so much around the world, for our veterans, for Christians everywhere and our recent hurricane victims in North Carolina, Tennessee and others.
Hugs and love,
Sandy
Kari says
thanks Sandy…hugs to you and Ron…Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Luv ya
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
What a beautiful post! You created such a gorgeous and cozy tablescape. Love the grands!
Kari says
thank you Laura for stopping by. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend.
Cecilia says
Kari, what a lovely table you’ve set and such scenic surroundings! I love those twiggy napkin rings and I enjoyed seeing your sweet Grands! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Kari says
Thanks Cecilia for your kind comments and for stopping by. Happy November.
Nancy says
Good Morning, Kari.
I love that you have brought beautiful dishes, glassware, and silverware with you in your motorhome.
Your plate stack is so pretty, and those antler napkin rings are fabulous. The wooden silverware is a nice touch as well.
Eating by candlelight adds such warmth and ambiance. Thank you for the inspiration.
I enjoyed seeing your grandchildren. How fun for all of you to be together!
Happy November!
Kari says
thank you sweet friend. We are having such fun with sports and family and friends. I will be glad to go back to warmer temps but will miss everyone. Have a great Thanksgiving.