Hello everyone,
First, a New Year's wish for you from a photo I took at our kitchen table last week.Isn't it hard to believe another year is almost over? If life is a journey will someone put on the brakes!!! It is definitely true the older you get the faster time flies. Anyway, I am enjoying the journey and I am very thankful for all of our blessings.
Now, I thought some of you might have wondered how we could fit our large family into our kitchen and dining/library. So I took some photos to share with you today..
Many of you have also seen these rooms many times before but with a few changes we are able to bring our long folding tables,take up some mismatched chairs,put on some tablecloths and set our tables with my red and white transfersware china.
It is definitely not the fanciest table setting in blogland but I kept in mind that we have no dishwasher and so simple would work best for us- there were 23 of us to enjoy our family turkey dinner.
We set up the tables on Christmas Eve Day, which of course saved a lot of time on Christmas Day. We sit down to eat around 1:00 p.m. as some of our family have evening commitments.
I use a mix of red and white dishes.
I love the candle chandelier -very inexpensive but cozy!
Lila, our youngest granddaughter had her own little chair right by the tree. Lila is enjoying my homemade cheese bread- a family favorite.
Now, this is our kitchen before we took out the smaller table but this is how it looked before.
I thought my husband had earned a little quiet time by the fireside by evening.
Thank you to all who have visited me today and though out the last few years I have been blogging- I hope you know it wouldn't be any fun without all of you!!!
I hope the New Year will bring you health, joy, peace and love and may you all have time to enjoy your blessings each and every day.
I am joining Susan again for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. Thank you Susan for hosting once again.
Love & Blessings to all of you,
Carolyn
79 comments:
So beautiful and romantic setting! Happy New Year..
I wish you a wonderful New Year Carolyn. I love the tablesettings for your Christmas Dinner, simple and I think elegant. Wow 23, for dinner, you amaze me. Take care:)
Happy Neuw Year
Kisses
Tete
http://reformominhacasa.blogspot.com/
Hi Carolyn,
Oh I always enjoy seeing what you do. I have similar taste and know you are also a fan of transferware. I've set my table with mixed red plates too. I love doing that. I don't think I've had 23 at one seating though but have had lots for buffet style dinners.
Your home always looks so warm and inviting. It's always beautiful!
Happy New Year!
Nancy
Dearest Carolyn,
Your table setting looks perfect for the large family you were hosting! Very well done and it looked very pretty too.
I'm puzzled though that you state you have no dish washer... How do you cope during spring and summer when the garden is calling for such attention.
Sure I wouldn't want to miss my Miele!
Wishing you a Happy New Year and some final days to wind down 2010; indeed time is not like a clock but goes as fast as a fan and WE cannot stop it. But enjoying it to the fullest is all we can do and giving love to others for being remembered once we pass on to eternity.
Mariette's Back to Basics
The mirror makes miracle to your dining hall. Happy New Year!
Beautiful!!! Happy New Year!
Cindy
So romantic, your husband sitting by the fire reading belongs on a postcard... you truly have a beautiful home to welcome your family. From our home to yours Happy New Year! hugs ~lynne~
Oh Carolyn, I just love those red transferware dishes with the Christmas tree in the middle. They are absolutely charming. I think everything looks gorgeous. thanks for sharing. Susan
you live the most beautiful life, inside and out~
Somehow, despite the numbers, you are able to make your tables look lovely and romantic. The lighting and the gorgeous decor surrounding it helps, I'm sure. Everything is just SO pretty! I'm sure you all had a wonderful time. Just having family around ensures a GOOD time, for me and I know you are the same.
Time does go faster the older you get, I believe that.
Happy New Year to you, my dear friend!
Love and hugs, Cindy
Your house emanates warmth and happiness.It must have been a wonderful Christmas.
A very happy year to you and your family!
Hello Carolyn,
You are one busy lady, that is a big dinner party! I am sure the memories were well worth the work!
I saw you also received your late Christmas snow :-) We are thousand of miles apart... but, we seem to get snow on the same days :-))
It's always a pleasure to visit you! Happy New Year, may it be your best year ever :-)
Bella
Simply beautiful- thank you for sharing, it's always such a pleasure to visit.
Oh Carolyn your pictures are always so inviting! I adore the red and white tableware and the cozy chandelier is divine. I hope you have a wonderful and memorable 2011!
abby
How festive and cozy~ love the red transfer...How fortunate that you can extend into the next room...bah humbug~lol, my two rooms are on different levels! Have a Happy New Year!
Lezlee
Happy New Year Carolyn! Love your first shot. Your home is just beautiful it could fill a book of gorgeous photos!
Sherry
Carolyn:
It is so wonderful to see how you expand your home to include all. It must have been wonderful.
Happy New Year. Hope to see you at Seasonal Sundays.
- The Tablescaper
It all looks so lovely!! Happy Holidays to you and to all of your family, and I look forward to another year of reading your delightful posts and viewing photos of your amazing gardens and absolutely lovely home.
Dear Carolyn,
All look gorgeous. So clever of you to take the best of space to welcome your guests.
I am sure it has been a memorable day. Thank you again for sharing these photos.
All the best for you and you loved ones in 2011
Your home is amazing..
wish you a happy and blessing New Year..
I love hearing/seeing how people try to accommodate large numbers of people for sit-down meals during the holidays as I know it is a challenge unless you own a house with a HUGE dining room! Thanks for sharing your lovely table set-up for 23, WOW! (I only had 12 and that was lots!) You did an excellent job and it all looks so pretty!
Happy New Year!
DD
It's a beautiful Home and Magic Place...
Gratulation!!!
Happy New 2011 Year
Gosia
http://www.cowduszygra.blogspot.com/
Hallo Karolyn,wunderschön ist bei dir aus!Ein Traum von eine zuhause...Frohes neues Jahr!lG.Luciene
I wish you and your beloved ones a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.
Love Elzie
Wow, I thought I had a lot with 15 to dinner! Luckily, with football brothers and nephews they don't care a jot what the table looks like as long as there's food!
Yours looks beautiful.
Have a wonderful 2011 with lots of things to tell/show us along the way. xx
So happy I stopped by your post. This is just lovely. You can feel the warmth throught the pics - your 23 (OMG) guests must have loved every second spent there. Have a wonderful New Year.
Beautiful Christmas table setting for your family! Thank you for a beautiful year of photos from your blog. I want to wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year! ~Hugs, Patti
Hi carolyn, Your tablesettings look beautiful. Have a Happy New Year!
Kathy
Carolyn,
First time over to visit you. Your tables are beautiful! I love your transferware and your trees are beautiful! Please stop over and visit when you have time. I am your newest follower!
Your table is wonderful and very romantic... Happy New Year...
OMG! Simply amazing, Carolyn!
I've been wanting to drop you a note for ages- sorry if I am late wishing you all the best! Hope you'll have a sparkling, happy and love-filled New Year!
Monica xoxo
Carolyn, it makes me smile and warms my heart to think of you all gathered in love around this beautiful setting.
I wish you many days filled with joy and love. Happy New Year to you all.
You have shared a beautiful blog with us. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into it so that we can enjoy!
Blessings to you and your family in the New Year!
Joanne at Seasonal Hearth
It's beautiful. It looks so inviting and warm. When everyone can sit together and every place setting is special, every heart is filled. No sense in relegating the overflow to another room where the experience is less than perfect. Your guests will always remember you made each one feel special.
Oh so beautiful. I'm enjoying my visit to your blog. Each picture is so beautiful. I'm going to enjoy following you. It's always fun when I find a blog that "speaks" to me.
Your home Carolyn, is always so beautiful but it takes on an enchanting look at Christmas. WOW, you served a lot of people for Christmas dinner but I suspect you did it with your usual ease and grace. You always continue to be such an inspiration not only with your gardening but your decorating skills as well. I just placed a post on my blog about the Queen of the Southern garden that you might enjoy. Happy New Year to you.
Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook
Utterly beautiful! This is Christmas. That music put a lump in my throat. So perfect.
Hallo Carolyn,
best wishes for you and your family for the next year.
Many greatings, Christina
Hello, I congratulate you on such beautiful photos you share with everyone. It is a great blessing to many families gather together in their beautiful home and so many beautiful details that make your Christmas special. The table scape has been wonderful, especially with that pattern as beautiful on the plates! The largest fatisfaction to sit on those events, is the ability to feel the love professed right through our service, when we prepare them with care and love a great dinner, happy new year! Rose Marie blessings
Wow, I want to be a guest at your house. It is so beautiful.I love the tables and how you decorated them.It looks so warm and inviting in your home. I am now your newest follower. Happy New year!
CareyAnn
A cozy dinner for 23 - wow! The table was beautiful.
Dolcissima Carolyn, i miei auguri più sinceri per te e per tutti i tuoi cari, colmi di amore e benedizione come gli auguri che tu fai a noi !!!
Grazie per tutti i tuoi post, sempre meravigliosamente coinvolgenti...
Maddy
Your pictures are always so soft and cozy. I picture you as a gentle, serene and peaceful woman. You have such a gift for design. I so enjoy your blog.
Hi Carolyn,
I think you did great with the table settings. Lucky you can open the doors to the adjoining library. Very warm and cozy.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and garden with us.
Happy New Year!
Sanna
Everything so pretty, warm and cozy! Just magical!
Linda
Dearest Carolyne, it's been such blessing knowing you this year... your visits to the house in the roses and sweet comments are like raindrops of blessings in the gardens... may our Heavenly Father bless you and yours through this New Year.
And "may you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you,
mind you, and embrace you in belonging.
- John O'Donahoe
Hugs and blessings
Cielo
Stunning! So Beautiful, that's a lot of people for dinner wow!
Have a Happy New Year Carolyn.
Rosemary...x
Carolyn,
May you always have happiness, warmth, and peace all through
2011.
What a blast of 23... everything is well prepared & very elegant.
Happy TS & NY to come...
Greeting from a freezing Stockholm,
/chie
Dag Carolyn,
Dank je wel voor je mooi foto's en verhalen. Ik wens jou en je gezin een heel goed en gezond 2011!
Lieve groet, Marja
Sembra di stare dentro una favola
Amo anch'io amo questo tipo di porcellana.Ciao Rosetta di theromanticrose.
Très belle et très heureuse année 2011 à toi et à tous ceux que tu aimes !
Happy new year !
How lovely! Happy New Year!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Happy New Year 2011 !!!
hugs Peninia:)
Dear Carolyn, How lovely and inviting your home looks all readied for family and Christmas dinner. Perfect! You have so many special touches . . . love the assortment of plates and candles. Everything is so beautiful and tasteful . . . creating a magical and cozy ambience. I want to wish you the Happiest of New Years! Many blessings for 2011. It has been a joy to visit your enchanting world. Cheers! Carol
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND ALL THE BEAUTY THAT YOU SHARE WITH US ALL YEAR...HAPPY BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU DEAR CAROLYN...
What a pretty table. Your home is lovely. Happy New Year.
A beautiful home, beautiful tables and a Most beautiful granddaughter! How blessed you are to have 23 of your family gathered together. Thanks for sharing your tables. Happy New Year.
I love the mix of red and white transferware on the red and white toile tablecloths. You've created a warm, inviting and beautiful environment for your large family celebration. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay
I wish you a Happy New Year where all your dreams will become real
Your blog is always a magic and lovely place
Hugs
Mornin' Carolyn...
My friend, I just wanted to stop by first thing this morning to say Happy New Years!!! You have been such a blessing to me, dear lady! Your creativity and positive attitude always inspires me! I hope that you and your honey have a fabulous New Year's day!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
PS...Carolyn, your Christmas tables were simply divine!!! Thank you for sharing them with us! Wow...you had quite a gathering this year!!!
Hi:)
I wish you & your family a very, very Happy New Year !
Kate from Tomaszowa Chata
Happy New year Carolyn...Blessings to you and your family throughout the year! Your Christmas tables are simply elegant and beautiful!!
Miss Bloomers
P.S. I'm ready to get out in the garden again!!
Very Well done, your table setting looks perfect!
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year Carolyn.
Love & Blessings
Rita
You as well a happy New Year and have a pleasure to make all that beautiful pictures.
Janny
Your Christmas tables look beautiful in the cozy lighting. Happy New Year to you and yours. God bless!
Pamela
✿◕ ‿ ◕✿
Bonne Année Carolyn.
Mes meilleurs vœux à vous
et à ceux qui vous sont chers.
Enchantez-nous de votre beau jardin et ravissante maison.
✿◕ ‿ ◕✿.
Hi lovely lady.
I love your Beautiful home sweet lady ~~~your Tablescape for the hoilday's is also Beautiful!!!
I'm one of your new follower and love to see your new posts.
I hope you and your Beautiful family have a Happy New Years.
Diane
Dear Carolyn,
your table setting is simply stunning - I so adore your red and white transferware. I'll bet you had a wonderful time with all your family.
Wish you and yours a fabulous 2011.
rita
Your tables look wonderfully festive in your red and white, Carolyn! How lovely to have the whole family together! I miss that so much myself! Happy New Year, my friend! Hope the coming year holds for you many blessings.
It all looks so magical!
LOVE the red and white plates and your tree ...
everything!
Blessings and light to you in the New Year!
Happy New Year Carolyn & Family! Your Christmas tables look lovely! I am looking forward to following your lovely Blog in 2011..take care.
Hugs,
Wanda
I think your table setting is inviting and so nice that you made sure 23 for dinner had a place to sit comfortably. I think very lovely too.
I lived many years without a dishwasher because of septic tank.
But everyone pitched in and helped wash and made for some good converation too.
I bet you had plenty of dishwashers to help after a wonderful dinner at your home.
May you have a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Betsy
Your tables are beautiful and your house looks so cozy and inviting for Christmas! It is so wonderful that you share this with 23 people. My family is very small, so dinner for 23 sounds daunting but wonderful!
Happy New Year!
How beautiful!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Carolyn! Thank you for sharing such beauty in daily living with all of us. I'm so glad I found you. It's a respite in the midst of all the busyness of life. Looking forward to seeing what you share in this new year. Blessings to you and yours.
Loved your Christmas table. It's a full house with 23, but so much fun for all I'm sure.
Such a beautiful set up for your family Christmas! I'm sure they all feel very lucky to have you!
Carolyn....your table scape is gorgeous! I LoVe the red and white dishes and the mismatched chairs. A friend brought me a gorgeous bouquet of tulips yesterday too and they do cheer a soul right up. Two weeks ago Janet from " Olde Crow Primitives " brought me a gorgeous mixed bouquet of white mums, carnations,roses galardia (sp) daisies..and they still look amazing. I LoVe the desk where your tulips are...you just have such a talent for making it look so easy! I LoVe to come to your blog to see what you have been up to. " see you soon."
Hugs Marg.
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