Thanksgiving and Memories

What is Thanksgiving, without memories of family and friends, renewed cherishing of items used within gatherings of previous events, and a look forward to this week's gathering?  While cleaning and preparing for this year's Thanksgiving dinner, I am reminded of Thanksgiving days spent with family and friends in years gone by, and am looking forward to this year's celebration.  As my family grows smaller, and traditions have faded, this year I am finding new traditions for the holidays ... and new passions within the holidays.

Old silver serving dishes are quickly becoming a new passion for me, after recently discovering a few silver pieces at sales and a local flea market.  Not only do they remind me of family gatherings of years past ~~ as my Grandmother, and Mom, would always break out their best pieces to serve the big Thanksgiving dinner, something I never understood until now ~~ but today I see the simple elegance of silver serving pieces in a new way.  They add so much sparkle, "vintage-ness" and charm ~~ even if they do require a bit of extra clean up before and after the dinner!  Pictured above are some of the pieces I will utilize in serving Thanksgiving dinner at my home this year ... and for years to come, I hope.  The pottery bowls were my Grandmother's and Mom's bowls, that were used during many happy family occasions years ago, and these bowls have been stowed away in my cupboard just waiting to be used again!  Nothing fancy, but oh the memories they bring.

As for the silver pieces, I can only imagine how my ancestors would scrub and scrub to get them shiny and sparkling.  But for me, I am finding charm in a bit of "aged" finish within them that allows their age and "servitude" to shine through.  I cleaned them lightly with a silver cleaner, and love the effect of some of the patina showing.  Okay, admittedly, I understand the pitting this can bring on in silver pieces, and realize that not everyone can appreciate the charm in a bit of aging on silver.  But for me, today, I love it ... and I hope my guests will understand, also!

Wishing each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and many things to be thankful for.  As for me, I am very thankful for family, friends, the simple things in life, and the ability to share these things with others.  Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and your families!