Weekend Thoughts and a Few Thanksgiving Ideas

Fall has finally hit here and it's been a beautiful week weather wise. It's gotten cold enough at night that all the maples and pistachio trees have turned brilliant hues of magenta, gold and red. The sidewalks filled with leaves. Walking through crunchy leaves feels magical to me, so rare and short a time they are here.

We also have had some very perfect temperatures. Days and nights are very cold, into the 40s and late afternoons the sun burns into the 70s. It seems a shame to not go out and soak up a few late afternoon rays on the nearest chair!

This is the time I start wrapping my head around the whole idea that the holidays are about to hit us like a ton of bricks. I'm like the squirrel trying to gather what I can while I have a moment.
I began brainstorming about Thanksgiving decor and what I might do. I like to see what is out there.
I stopped by Cost Plus to look for a mirror and found a lot to love in the housewares area. They actually have many pretty choices and have gotten the memo that natural woods, and lighter tones are in and not so much fiesta colors (cue memo to Pier1.)

This scalloped carving board is supposed to be for your turkey, but the pretty shape and lovely wood made me think how fantastic this could be as a cheese platter. It's gorgeous for appetizers and even to just display side up in one's kitchen!

I also thought the assortment of paper (yes I know) mats were kind of nice. I liked this round design. Honestly, I get bored with my placemats and sometimes they all don't fit so well together with a big group. Tablecloths are okay, but I like to see the wood on my table. It's a simpler and more natural look. These could be cute with names penned on the edges too.
The color would be lovely with an oxblood cloth napkin no? I'm still looking and haven't found oxblood anywhere. I did find beautiful Forest Jacquard ones at Williams-Sonoma which are expensive, but a mix of deep purple, brown edged with a pinky gold fern design. It would be fun to mix these with many looks, especially at Thanksgiving.
These pretty Muir dinner plates were from Portugal and I love the feel, weight and color. I believe they are on sale right now too.

Then I found the Sawyer wood handled flatware. LOVE! At $2.99 a piece or less than $10 for a set of 4, they are fun and have a fresh look for a natural themed Thanksgiving table don't they? I'd love to use them all year and for outdoors too.

So I'm mulling over these items and checking out other stores and Pinterest. I've pinned a lot on my I Love Fall board and also my Entertaining one. I'm in my info gathering phase. I'm absolutely going for something natural with leaves, sticks, twigs, real fruit which will all figure in.
Still trying to purge the Halloween candy from this home. The mix of candy intake time change = rough week!

Everyone's been a little grumpy.

Cats have been kneading their blankets a lot. I feel their angst!
We are off take our oldest son kayaking for his birthday.
Hope you all have a beautiful fall weekend!
Kim