"Hosting a Heartwarming Holiday Dinner (In My Living Room)"

As the holidays approach, my excitement over filling my home with friends and family intensifies. This has been a busy year.  I'm ready to slow down and enjoy the company of friends we haven't seen in a while. Imagine my excitement when I found out we are celebrating Turkey Day early this year.

I started preparing my home for Thanksgiving dinner. I moved my sofas into the dining room and brought my table into the living room to create the dining room of my dreams. A crackling fire, and enough space for the whole family to gather in one room to enjoy each other and re-connect.


To keep the focus on the warm fire, family, food, coffee and conversation I kept the tablescape simple.






Here's how it came together...
My daughter and I set out to gather supplies. 
The time we spent having breakfast was also time for her and I to reconnect. We tossed ideas around for the tablescape and created a shopping list.
We headed to the grocery store where we grabbed some fresh artichokes to use as place card holders. After many laughs and awkward moments taking pictures in the produce aisle, we headed home and I got to work.







To get the artichokes to stand up, I used a serrated knife to remove the stems to create a flat base.







I used chalkboard labels (found at my local office supply store) to make a place card for each family member.







I simply stuck the label in the artichoke and placed one at each place setting. 






While we were picking up supplies, I grabbed a bag of whole coffee beans to use as a filler for my candle lanterns. 








Not only does this look pretty, but it smells amazing.








For a quick tablecloth, I used a pretty orange curtain panel folded in half.








Outside of having enough space for everyone and the romantic crackling fire,










Another perk to having Thanksgiving dinner in our family room is being able to take advantage of our occasional tables for serving.








Our family loves coffee and dessert.
The sofa table makes a perfect extra-large coffee bar. 








To create the coffee bar, I removed our everyday vignette, dressed up the table with another curtain panel and added a large white serving tray filled with extra-capacity coffee cups and a carafe waiting to be filled with coffee.







All we need now is the family, the turkey,
and Grandma's pies.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!





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279 comments:

  1. We are moving into a new house mid-month, so I've made sure that all of our holiday decorations are packed together so they can be the first thing we open in the new place. I'm also planning to inch all holiday shopping and ship packages before we move so nothing gets lost!

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  2. Love the coffee bar table. Using a curtain panel as a table cover ...genius.

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  3. Hoping to start the decorating soon. I usually wait until December so I have a few days. Almost done with the shopping and trying to find yummy recipes. My hubby's birthday is on Christmas day so there's that to do also!

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  4. Trying to get as much shipped before December!

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  5. I've been switching out fall decor for Christmas. I like using fresh fruit for centerpieces.

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  6. Wow!! 50.00 to Starbucks...awesome!!! Thank you!!! I am just trying to keep sticky little fingers out of the Christmas tree, ugh! (I guess alcohol would ease the pain every time I hear another ornament drop... :)

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  7. We are doing some updating in our house for a party we plan to host at the end of December.

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  8. Well I have the two trees up. Our 4 yr old granddaughter put up a small one and its pink. Lol. Now I'm finishing the house. Making a wreath for the door with an old stocking. Painting some twigs from out side to add. Having friends and family up on Jan. 5. A big dinner gifts and sweets sereved with coffee and teas. I just love this time of year. Happy holidays to you and your family.

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  9. Beautiful table. Great coffee/dessert table idea. Love the giveaway! I have to always remind myself not to sweat over the small stuff...

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    1. Me too! It's all small stuff, right? *sweating*
      Thanks and Merry Christmas!

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  10. My youngest daughter and I collected evergreen branches from around our property and decorated the mantle,made a display for our coffee table and a centerpiece for our dining table.

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    1. Awesome, Collette. I bet it looks beautiful. Merry Christmas!

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  11. Beautiful! We aren't doing too much since we are moving December 21st.

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  12. Love the tablescape. Love coffee too!!! Happy Holidays.
    Nicole (siegeinc@aol.com)

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  13. Love those little table laterns!! And if I win the starbucks giveaway, I will fill something with coffee beans too!

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  14. We are getting ready by hanging our wreaths, putting out the nativity, and sorting through decor to decorate the mantel.

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  15. Unfortunately, I am not hosting any holiday get togethers at our house this year, but I am continually decorating just for us to enjoy. I don't care if no one sees it -- I love seeing the house decorated for Christmas!

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  16. New tree and figuring out where the old xmas decor will go in the new house!

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  17. Our holiday season has been/will be weird this year. My husband's in the military so we've had to move about 3 times since August because of a weird training/base move that's going on. We'll take about 3 more road trips move from now till sometime in the spring. Christmas will be spent at my in-laws so I've been looking up food I can make for them, treats, been shopping for presents, and trying to find some DIY Christmas items I can make to help with the decorating :) - preciouspurl@gmail.com

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  18. Figuring out where the old christmas decor will go in the new house!

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  19. I am painting our wood-panelled great room white for the holidays. Hosting Christmas was just the excuse I needed to get the massive project underway.

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  20. Hoping to finish the dresser I'm building (woodworking class project) so I can actually enjoy the holidays.

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  21. The decisions are up, lots if new ones and a tree in every room!! Add family friends and food... Magical, can't wait!! Love your dress, btw! :)

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  22. How am I preparing..umm...right now, just working on the menu for Christmas dinner. I did Thanksgiving with no planning really and it was ok, but big family dinners are always so much nicer when you put some thought into it.

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  23. I tweeted :) preciouspurl@gmail.com - https://twitter.com/GiveawayLindsey/status/274172157607686144

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  24. Beautiful and simple! We use alot of unbreakable shiny ornaments as vase fillers/place cards/and mixed into eindow boxes : )

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  25. We get into the holiday spirit by putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. My husband complains about working on the outdoor lights so I haven't been pushing him...hopefully he'll get inspired to do it soon.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  26. tweet:

    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/274177053744586752

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  27. I kept it a bit more simple this year. Your framed silhouette's are beautiful!

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  28. I am decorating the house, getting out my Christmas candles, and enjoying some fun Christmas movies with my kiddos :)

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  29. twinkle lights and lots of them, also this year we have a fireplace so I am eager to deck out the mantle and just make that whole space very festive. I love the contrast at your table, from the place card holders, the mantle, the tablecloth on the serving table, brilliant!

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    1. Thanks, Heather. Lots of twinkle lights sounds beautiful!

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  30. very simple and pretty. great job.

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  31. Where did you get the amazing laterns? I have to get them!!!

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    1. Hey Just Me! They are from VCF.com, many many years ago. Best, Sarah

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  32. This year we have a 10 month old crawling around so, it's all about "PROTECT THE TREE"! The play yard is out and the 5 year old helped me make a garland to put on it so it's not so obtrusive looking. Gonna need lots of coffee this year!! :-D

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  33. We started decorating the house. Now we need to move outdoors.

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  34. My husband and I are in the process of saving to buy our new home. Needless to say we aren't spending a lot of money on Christmas extras and that includes decor. I have been trying to use my creativity and find ways to use what we have. So this morning I found a air freshener recipe on pinterest and just went for it. Some water in my crock pot, a little baking soda and a few drops of peppermint oil and my whole house is starting to smell fresh, clean and a lot like Christmas! Thanks for the opportunity to win the Starbucks card. That would supply us with quite a few much needed date nights. Merry Christmas! elleb at inbox dot com

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  35. I am preparing for the holidays by cleaning! I like to get rid of the gently used to make way for the new.

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  36. Candles and lights always get me in the holiday mood. Your table looks beautiful!

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  37. We're slowly decorating for Christmas and doing fun Christmasey things. My four year old son and I made green chocolate chip cookies the other night and watched the Grinch. We've also decorated a gingerbread house. Christmas time is so much fun with little kids.

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  38. shopping, decorating, lots of coffee :) love your post!

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  39. Painting the staircase and then copying your laterns with coffee beans - looks wonderful.

    Also is that a real fireplace in your dining room? I have been thinking about putting a mantle in and making a faux fireplace.

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    1. Hi Joy. Yes, it is a real fireplace, however, I love your idea of a faux mantle. A friend of mine refers to that as a "Fantle" :) Best, Sarah

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  40. Warm drinks...of any kind. I love to host parties too. I also LOVE starbucks!

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  41. Christmas music, hot cider, and lots of chunky warm sweaters!

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  42. We are just finishing a kitchen remodel so I am trying to stay ahead of the game by taking care of as much as possible before the holidays. I think as long as the Christmas music is playing, everything will be fine! Thanks for all the posts on your kitchen, helpful and inspirational!

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    1. Agree with you about the music:) Thanks for your kind words on the kitchen posts. Best, Sarah

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  43. I haven't started yet because we were out of town so much in November. But this weekend we are dragging out the tree and "decking the halls." I am so excited because I love the house filled with twinkle lights and red ribbon. Great giveaway!

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  44. I'm slowly buying decorations now that we have our first house--it's going to be a long process!
    Where did you get your dress? I love it!!

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  45. Trying to get my shopping done early!

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  46. Now that I am 58, I find that all I need is usually packed away, just waiting for its reappearance ....so many memories are contained in those boxes. The new things that I get are the adorable desserts my favorite bakery puts out and, of course, live Christmas Trees and fresh greenery.

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  47. I love your all aspects of your decor. But, as for me....I am all about the disposables! I love decorating, especially for Christmas. But the good china...it's place these days remains in the china cablinet ;)

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    1. I bet your china cabinet is beautiful! Disposables have come a long way…these days they almost look like fine china. Merry Christmas, Patty!

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  48. Yum! Love Starbucks! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  49. Our treeis up and the outside is decorated. I'd love to find those laterns of yours! Where did you find them?

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  50. Nice giveaway, sadly, we're moving 3 days before Christmas and there is no way I can get to my decorations, but I will be able to enjoy the beautiful Vine St. in Paso Robles, our new home.

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  51. I just made new stockings for the family- matching! :)

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  52. I am making sparkly paper ornaments for my tree so I don't have to keep an eagle on my almost 2-year-old son who loves to throw anything resembling a ball. Not going to fight that fight this year :)

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  53. Hopefully will be in a new house for Christmas, so not sure what it will look like, just hope I can find all of my decorations in time!
    Love the monogram on the mantel!

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  54. Hopefully we will be in a new house for Christmas, so not sure what it will look like, just hope to find all of my decorations in time!
    Love the monogram on the mantel!

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  55. We are making homemade gingerbread houses. Every year something new, maybe a white winter wonderland house? They make for yummy decorations!

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  56. We're filling the house with the wonderful scents of Christmas. Lots of fresh greenery and Cranberry candles. Also bringing out the cozy wool blankets! Love this time of year! Thanks for the wonderful ideas. Love them!

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  57. Shopping is done... hope to start decorating this weekend! Love the season and coffee :)

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  58. I love to make my home cozy for guests to come for the holidays :)
    family74014 at gmail dot com

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  59. I am shopping online and we are putting up a real tree and some simple decorations.
    reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

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  60. we've already put up our xmas lights and our xmas tree

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  61. tweet

    https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/274273273838182400

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  62. I clean and decorate the house

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  63. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/274284657451864064

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  64. Last year, I purchased new ornaments, garland, and lighting...during the after Christmas sales....so this year, adding fresh new curtains, pillows, and a few rolls of trendy ribbon, I am so excited to get started this week!

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  65. There's nothing better than a fireplace in the dining room!

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  66. Great idea to use the coffee beans! Can't wait to try that!

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  67. We live on the NJ shore and survived Hurricane Sandy, so we are foregoing decorations and just having everyone gather and share conversation, food and love

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    1. Angela, Thanks for the reminder of what is truely important. Blessings to you, your family and neighbors. Merry Christmas.

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    2. Angela, would you please email me at theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com. Thanks!

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  68. Love the idea of moving the dining table to the family room. I will have to remember that next year!! Also a big fan of Starbucks so would love the chance to win a gift card!!

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  69. Because we are in a temporary home and most of our belongings are in storage (including Xmas decor) I am filling the house with candles that smell like Christmas.

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  70. Love Love the lanterns!!

    hwooten80@yahoo.com

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  71. Basics right now = making rooom for my tree! LOVE reading your blog and seeing your great pictures!

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  72. I just purchased three lanterns (different sizes), wasn't sure what I was doing with them...Love what you did....Love the coffee beans...Thanks, Merry Christmas!

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  73. Christmas cookies and champagne are two of our "go to" foods during the holidays. We always have plenty of both on hand.

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  74. We host alot of the holidays and I love doing it! I love the ideas you posted here. Especially the coffee bar.

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  75. I get out the holiday decorations and put away the fall decorations. I drink lots of peppermint flavored warm beverages. :)

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  76. Oh, that giveaway would fill me up with lots of my favorite mocha frappacinos.

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  77. We need to put up our tree, but with poor planning, we are having a new window installed on December 19th. So the tree will have to be moved if we put it up!!

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  78. Love the idea of the sofa table for the Coffee Bar!
    Tree is trimmed last weekend, now the kids are busy making their ornaments they make each to hang on tree. Unpacking the Holiday dishes and candles for the table setting for the family to arrive for dinner.

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  79. I am in transition as I have moved from one state to another while looking for work. Most of my holiday decorations are in a storage facility 150 miles away, so everything will be very low key. Already missing my trees and ornaments I have spent years collecting.But at least I will be with family and friends this year. That is more important to me right now!

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  80. Making do in a very tiny transitional space.But I will be with family and friends this year which is more important to me!

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  81. Decorating slowly this year. You have inspired me to make little "Christmas moments" throughout my home. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks, Kelli. Love the idea of decorating slowly and enjoying each moment. Best, Sarah

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  82. Trying to chip away at organizing and cleaning-not easy with two little ones and a big fluffy dog! Great giveaway!

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  83. we've decorated the front room and bathroom, this weekend is the dining room and tree. WHEW. then next week change out wall hangings and we;re done!
    Then we can concentrate on making handmade gifts and ornaments to give this year

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  84. https://twitter.com/BTHM1/status/274334456146427905

    tweeted

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  85. Using my Christmas notebook and enjoying Starbucks Christmas Blend K-cups!

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  86. I'm doing a bit of painting and rearranging.

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  87. We follow traditions, like baking cookies, putting out decorations, getting together with family! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

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  88. Christmas decorations are making their way around this house. I am also putting on my "Holiday Happy" face for the entire season today.

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  89. Sarah, both you and your home are stunning. I love the story of bonding with your daughter. I'm doing a few crafts with my little boys but we're also having to move this month so there won't be much decorating going on. Perhaps I can treat them to something special at Starbucks!

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    1. Thank you, Ellie. Good luck with your move. Merry Christmas, Sarah

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  90. Ahh a Starbucks card...draws me back to my last Christmas with my Sis-- we'd driven up together to spend time with Mom who was gravely ill and not expected to live. Our siblings were together from far and wide. But one morning, early, my Sis, who was very poor, asked to stop at Starbucks. We'd always send her gift cards for we knew she loved the treat of a cup of her favorite coffee. I assumed she wanted her coffee before seeing Mom...but instead, my Sis ordered their full sized holiday pastry and used all these cards we'd been sending for HER ...to treat us! Our Mom recovered as a miracle it truly was, but my Sis passed away that June from a quick growing cancer...so Starbucks at Christmas and my Sis and selflessness--what power in the word Starbucks...Gwen
    newmangroveborn@yahoo.com

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    1. Wow, what an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing. Good luck on the giveaway:) Best, Sarah

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  91. Beautiful table. Love the idea of using a curtain as a table covering. As part of my holiday prep me and two of my besties are getting together today for a day of shopping food and drink :)

    pruttybird at comcast dot net

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  92. From Rhonda - I love to decorate my baker's rack in my kitchen
    Top shelf - Willow tree nativity with light straw in between. I place greens and lights around the back.
    Bottom shelf - open for dessert assortment ready for guests.

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  93. i love that large framed monogram--so striking! we will start our Christmas decorating this weekend and it is what really starts the Christmas season to me. My favorite part though is the preparation for our advent celebrations. thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

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  94. OMG, I have to first say, I absolutely LOVE your Thanksgiving table!!! So pretty and such great ideas!! :)

    What are we doing to prepare for the holidays? Everything! I love this time of year! Decorating, baking, buying presents, and most importantly, flying to Dallas to be with the entire family and my parents! Being with Family is the most important for us!

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  95. I've been reworking some of our accents and linens for warmer/holiday themed colors and tones. It's so festive and fun!

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  96. We did that once! We threw a surprise anniversary party for my parents and we swapped the living room and dining room. It was beautiful! And so much fun!!

    For Christmas we are going to just soak up the music, hot chocolate, parades, Christmas lights! All that fun stuff that the kids will remember when they are grown. Once school work is done for today we are off to get our tree. :-) Yay!

    Shannon
    Mrsmicah@cox.net

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  97. I LOVE your blog!! Thank you for sharing your ideas! We have a couple of Scrooges in our household (both my husband and my 14 year old son!) so we're a little slow in getting ready for Christmas. I'm hoping we get into the spirit soon!

    mpeterson518(at)live(dot)com

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  98. I'm finishing up my gift list, decorating the house (we're getting our tree tomorrow if it's not raining), addressing christmas cards and making a list of holiday treats to make.

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  99. Also, I am seriously coveting your dress! Is it in stores now?

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  100. This year, hubby and I are hosting Christmas dinner at our house and I am so excited! The first thing I do, is deck the house with as much Christmas cheer as possible without it looking tacky.
    And what a great giveaway!!!

    Vera

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  101. This is beautiful, but do you mind sharing where you got that awesome dress?! Love the artichokes! I am preparing for the holidays by letting my kids decorate the tree - this takes a lot of letting go for this Type A personality!

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    1. Hi Zoe, I just grabbed this dress the other day at NY & Co. Merry Christmas, Sarah

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  102. Waiting for my brand new table to arrive so I can have a beautiful set up like yours. We've been eating around the kitchen island for too long.

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  103. I prepare for the holidays by decorating the Christmas tree with the kids, planning on the holiday meal and gatherings, baking cookies with the kids and have fun. :)

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  104. tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/274627307178704898

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  105. Hoping to finish my shopping this weekend!

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  106. I love what you did for your Thanksgiving decor! Beautiful! I sure would enjoy a $50 Starbucks card!
    Thanks for the giveaway! Njjdallen@gmail.com

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  107. In early December we will start having the Christmas decorations, lighting in front of the house and the front bushes, I like to use all white color small Christmas light bulbs. Inside the house we'll have lots of Christmas flowers pots. Thanks for the giveaway! Wishing everyone Merry Christmas!

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

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  108. Tweeted about this promotion: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/274651257300451329

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

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  109. I am preparing by doing lots of online shopping.

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  110. I actually will have all of my adult children and my grandchildren this holiday season, so we are getting supplies and pinterest postings together to have a massive week of decorating just before Christmas. I'm thinking I will copy your sillhouettes idea while everyone is here. :) Thanks for your ideas and the chance for the giveaway!

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  111. doing a little bit everyday and hopefully everything will come together.

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  112. Doing my Christmas shopping early so I can enjoy them without that hanging over my head.
    Jen H
    jenellendesign at hotmail dot com

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  113. Decorating the tree, online shopping, and listening to lots of Christmas music. Erin H.

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  114. I have my sister arriving from England next week and she is bringing three friends with her, so I have decorated the outside of the house but this weekend will be the big push to get the inside all decorated and looking cozy!...I buy a real tree and place it on my outside deck and decorate it with all silver decorations and bright lights. It looks beautiful at night to see it all lit up from my family room and all the needles that drop stay on the deck!

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  115. Lots of gift-buying and cookie baking!

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  116. I love your dining room. Also, I love your dress. Very pretty

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  117. I'm preparing for the holiday season by baking fresh goods and putting up the tree! :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  118. tweeted :) https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/274931942867210240

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  119. My tree is up and I'm the hunt for new holiday scented candles:) Love getting ready for the holidays!

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  120. Lots of decorating and shopping :)

    sally.puckett@yahoo.com

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  121. Our first baby is due in January & we are just now settled into our new apartment, so not too much decorating for the holidays, but I do want to make some of my own scented pine cones & get a cute small tree. . .preferrably live. That's about it! I'm most looking forward to making some holiday treats. The man likes my peanut butter truffles =]

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  122. We just got all the decorations down from the attic today and all the leaves are bagged up from the yard. We are ready to make it look like Christmas around here.

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  123. I do my Christmas shopping after Halloween and make lists
    merleandtina@Yahoo.com

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  124. https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/275030321190285312
    merleandtina@Yahoo.com

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  125. I sadly haven't done anything besides Christmas shopping for the kids. I'll hopefully be putting up the tree tomorrow!

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  126. https://twitter.com/lch2004/status/275035485712297984

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  127. Barbara Pligavko (pligko@hotmail.com)December 1, 2012 at 6:25 PM

    I am a new follower of your blog. (my daughter sent me here) Looking forward to going back to read your old posts. Great giveaway- We all love our Starbucks!!

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  128. I'm preparing to travel to 3 places for the holidays to visit family. We're packing light and bringing lots of presents, food, snacks, and knitted gifts. I love the artichoke name holders, it's so cute. Thanks for the giveaway.
    songyueyu at gmail

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  129. tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/275067257930010624
    songyueyu at gmail

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  130. Praying that I get both hands and one leg out of casts (car accident) before Christmas, so that I can enjoy baking, shopping, wrapping gifts and holding my two new great-nieces!

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  131. I am busy finishing up a mini-redo in our master bath and decorating for the holidays. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  132. Love the way you repurpose and decorate. No sewing required. Also love the coffee beans as part of the decor. I'm sure it smelled amazing. Thanks for sharing such great ideas!

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  133. I'm trying to use a lot of greens and holly from around our house along with pine cones to decorate outdoor pots and our mantel inside. Using natural greens for garland along with simple metallic ornaments, ribbon and pine cones adds a very simple yet elegant look and is easy to pull off. Cranberries or coffee beans surrounding a piller candle in hurricane bowls also makes a pretty accent for the dinner table.

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  134. I am pretty much totally in love with your decor but if it were in maybe blue? I never do red even though its the traditional color. I started decorating with my baby girl yesterday and even though she doesn't understand it all yet, it's the start to building traditions as a family! Yay! So excited for all the people we will be seeing and such!

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  135. I have done some Christmas shopping and I've sent out my Christmas cards.

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  136. https://twitter.com/aes529/status/275265280362565632

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  137. I actually put up a Christmas tree and decorations this year. Have not done it in the last 4 years.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  138. Tweeted

    https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/275275046245765120

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  139. i've decorated and put up the tree! next up: finish shopping!!!
    brent.val at gmail dot com

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  140. I'm preparing for the holiday by filling my tummy with lots of starbucks so that all Holiday preparations can be completed :) Making lots of homemade gifts of foods, and trying to put more thought and sentiment and purpose into each of the gifts.

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  141. We decorate the tree and put out vintage snowglobes and ornaments from family and when we were little.

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  142. I'm not really preparing for the holidays, i'm a slacker
    thismomwins@gmail.com

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  143. tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/275396579194699776 thismomwins@gmail.com

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  144. We'll be decorating with the same ornaments and decor we use each year, and because we moved to a new house this past year, we'll be buying a few more key pieces that fit with the new home.

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  145. Tweet.

    https://twitter.com/MamaRingmaster/status/275397582816178176

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  146. Your website is always inspiring...love it! We did a real tree this year for the first time ever...so fun to do as a family! I also decided my wreath would look better if my front door was black, so i painted it today (my husband thought i was nuts :O) Love! Thanks for all the great (affordable) ideas! Love Target AND Starbucks!!

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  147. Great tablescape!!!

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  148. Lots of natural and repurposed decorations around our house. Simple and pretty!

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  149. I already have my tree up and my decorations. I'm planning to wrap a gift each day so I don't end up doing it all at once!

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  150. I tweeted here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/275484778726318080

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  151. Love your ideas! I am doing a good cleaning and moving some furniture around to accommodate some holiday decorating.

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  152. tweet
    https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/275526637297209346

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  153. Plaid, plaid, Christmas Trees, singing Christmas carols (esp in Church) and more plaid!

    Sarah, where are your dining room curtains from? I am looking for navy and wide wide striped curtains for my dining room and have no idea where to begin. I could sew them myself if I found good fabric.

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  154. I've been decorating the house little by little this year, so I won't get overwhelmed in one weekend!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  155. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/275755088490938368
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  156. We just put up the christmas tree and we went through ornament and gave away ones that didn't mean anything to us...we kept the sentimental ones only...now when I look at the tree, I cry almost every time. My daughter also helped put the christmas cards on the door so we can see our friend's faces as we walk out the door.

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  157. I love the artichoke place card holders -- perfect and a delicious treat once you cook them.

    Since I live in a house filled with students and 20-somethings, we are decorating with multi-colored lights and wreaths. We also plan to get a real tree and decorate it with some tinsel and ornaments. Add some spiked eggnog and hot cocoa and our holiday will be complete.

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  158. I like to buy those window peels every holiday... this year I bought a few full of snowflakes. They look really nice with the icicles light decor I hang within the windows. I like to put a few items around the house to decorate, but I don't do anything too major where I have to do much cleaning or moving things around to accommodate! I keep things simple so I, myself, stay cheerful =)

    kytah00@yahoo.com

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  159. 2nd entry tweet! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/275779152785838080

    kytah00(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  160. We aren't hosting anything this year, but we're still putting up some decorations to get in the spirit :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  161. tweet https://twitter.com/kj20082006/status/275844596263686144

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  162. Making my Grandma's "secret recipe" cookies that she brought with her from Croatia over a hundred years ago! Since I'm the only one in the family who can make them, I always feel I'm making a special gift, which puts me in the holiday mood!

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  163. Wonderful post! I love it all, the artichokes, the lanterns, the coffee bar! I have been following your blog recently and you are really inspiring me to do more with my own home. I only wish that you could follow me to Sicily (where we are moving to in July) and help me style my home there!

    Just a quick question: I love the ceramic tray, where might I find one?

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  164. Love your ideas! The artichoke idea is great, and frugal too as you can go ahead and cook them up the next night at dinner!
    I'm preparing for the holidays by finishing up all of my Christmas shopping online. I get to avoid being stuck in traffic by our mall and can spend the time online easily tracking down the perfect gift. It is so much less stressful!

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  165. I am ready to make the Holiday Jam I give to neighbors and teachers at Christmastide.

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  166. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/gitte_girl/status/276006293414739969

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  167. We have put up a christmas tree, decorated the living room and put up a wreath and are about to build a gingerbread house

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  168. tweet
    https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/276016424030461952
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  169. I'm preparing by cleaning, decorating, and baking.
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  170. Whoa...This is an awesome prize! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  171. I love decorating inside and out with the kids- simply !
    tuesdayef at aol (com)

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  172. This year I made a thorough shopping list and delegated desserts and drinks to family members. I also let my husband into the kitchen to help me for a change. Things went smoothly and I didn't feel as frazzled!

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  173. This year I delegated desserts and drinks to family members. I also let my husband help out in the kitchen for a change. Everything went so smoothly and I didn't feel frazzled by the time we sat down to eat!

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  174. Tweeted!

    https://twitter.com/BecomingGrace/status/276132848791076864

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  175. Just started a new job and have not even taken the tree and the tubs from the attic yet. However, I am OBSESSED with your Christmas table from last year and that is my goal. If I get my table to look like yours I will have reached my personal Christmas decorating goal.

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  176. Today I'm writing out Christmas cards. It's definitely one of my favorite holiday preparations! I plan on playing Christmas records while I write messages to those far, near, and dear!

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