North Bay Woman

14 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 8 Start with a basic white plate set and roll out a burlap table runner. You can personalize each plate setting with a simple vintage paper cone. Most craft stores will dedicate several aisles to scrap booking paper and antique embellishments. You may decide to attach name tags to the cone or bring in warm words that capture the season like, abun- dance, blessings or thankful. This is the year of transformation and grace and switching up your decor may be a refreshing change for your spirit. Where you may have once chosen to decorate your table with orange and green gourds, gold napkin rings, and pumpkin flavored candles, this may be the year that you bring in cream colored napkins, scatter fresh leaves, acorns and moss around the table, wrap herbs in twine, or splurge on gold candles with glitter. Yes, there is something so pleasing to the senses when we create a space for pressed white linens and bring in a simple tree branch from the yard to create a natural centerpiece. You may even con- sider tying quotes or conversation starter questions to your branches, "What is your all time favorite movie?" "What is a sweet vacation memo- ry?" "Which teacher influenced your life the most?" "What are you thankful for?" This a great way to take turns listening and sharing. Unlike every other holiday that has been over commercial- ized, Thanksgiving gives all of us permission to show up as we are without an armload of presents. The real gift of the season is the warm exchange of stories and affection and sharing a beautiful meal that is prepared in love. It is wonderful if your table becomes a representation of peace for your family and friends. In this day and age, we are all craving something simple. Slowing down is good for the soul and sharing time at the table will reap more blessings than we can ever really know. This year we hope you will approach the holiday season with joyful energy and a calm spirit. There is so much for which to be thankful. If we can remember that being together is the celebration, then the pressure to set the perfect table will diminish. The greatest memories of our lives are the moments that we gather loved ones together. Have fun arranging your table. Notice how the little things can be so extraordinary. The table of goodness is marked with love because it is about being present and appreciative and honoring people exactly where they are. May your loved ones enjoy the season to the fullest. Cheers to the delicious turkey, the fabulous dining room, and the lovely human beings that we hold as a sacred tribe. Our blessings really are in simple abundance! n n Cut scrap booking paper into a half circle and use double sided tape to form cone n Glue pipe cleaner inside to create hanger n Fill middle section of cone with tissue n Glue flowers, nest and eggs for decoration n Embellish top and bottom of cone with trim n Decorate with gems, jewelry, pearls, tags etc. Paper cone instructions Left and above: Personalized hand- made paper cones can be embel- lished with gems, leaves, moss and faux eggs. - Photos by Stuart Lirette Right: "Many hands make light work," is a phrase we are all familiar with, yet many of us struggle to ask for or accept help. Try letting everyone pitch in this holiday season, even if just to help set your grateful table. You'll be happy that you did. – Photos by Stuart Lirette and Krista Gawronski, photo below by Victoria Webb

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