First thing I did this morning was dive into my closets. I don't happen to have enough cabinet space for all my dishes so for the ones I can't squeeze into my hutch I pack away in my closets. I actually need one of those big dish cupboards. Maybe someday. We used to live in Kentucky and I have a German friend who I went to church with there and each year she would invite her girlfriends over at Christmastime and I remember I would gaze at that beautiful, shiny wooden, monstrous cupboard and drool. I was in my 30's then with a little bit of nothing so you can imagine how my eyes would gleam when she would open it up and show us all her German dishes. I think that's where my love of beautiful dishes started, I really do!
I also love a well-dressed table. Yes, cloth napkins, beautiful dishes, and glassware, tablecloths and the works!! I'm sitting here now and smiling. I have a friend here in Indiana that has taught me about another item one must have for a well-dressed table and that is a live flower arrangement in the center. I'm telling you, when you visit her home for dinner, for snacks, I don't care what it is, that table of hers is dressed to the "T" and ALWAYS the most amazing flower centerpieces. Some are outrageously gorgeous and others are simply and adorably beautiful. She's right up there on my list!!
I love dishes for each season. Over a period of years I've managed to scarf about 5 sets of dishes . . . needless to say, I'm dreaming about my next set but for now, these will have to do. Anyway, I've dragged out my Winter set and oh, I'd forgotten how beautiful they were. While I was in my closet I pulled out some Christmas decorations and I'm slowly spending my day off from work decorating.
After while I intend to make some of those Dessert Crackers I have on my Recipe page and when my husband comes home we're going out together to look for our favorite nuts and candies and sort of just play. My youngest son will be home for Christmas without his practically brand-new wife!!! He's a Chief in the Navy and his work managed to mess up all their plans and now she's flying to her family and he's flying to his. Kind of sad but they are okay with it so his Father and I are going to do all we can to give him the best Christmas possible. I figure he'll burn Skype up while he's home. You know how romantic those young couples can be! TeeHee!
Anyway, tonight my husband and I are going shopping, we always used to find a way to sneak out and shop without the boys - we don't have to sneak anymore, but we can pretend!