Everyday Elegance: Despite the challenges, don’t forget Thanksgiving traditions

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Thanksgiving 2020 at Over 50 Feeling 40

Though we remain in the grip of a pandemic, it is important to maintain our Thanksgiving traditions.

I see this as part of the legacy of an elegant woman…she always finds a way! 

This is my dining table decor this year.  The something new are the lanterns from Kirklands.  The something old are the little figurines.

Our first Thanksgiving together, I walked down to the 5 & Dime (Remember Woolworth’s?) and purchased, for about fifty cents, this little animal pilgrim set.

It has been with us ever since.  It was all I could afford that year, but important to me to do something on the table.

Christmas Ornaments at James Avery on Over 50 Feeling 40

After grandchildren began to arrive, I started a new tradition.  At the end of Thanksgiving dinner, I give each family a Christmas ornament and declare the Christmas season officially underway.

It is such fun, and this year, I decided to add a beautiful James Avery ornament for each family.  I thought 2020 needed something commemorative and extra special.  

James Avery is so important to our family…read about our family heritage with the brand here. 

I have my eye on the Nativity Collection for more traditions.

Thanksgiving Table Decor on Over 50 Feeling 40

As of this moment, I have invited our family to Thanksgiving Dinner.  However, we all know that spikes in the numbers can change things quickly and have been on the rise again.

Were it to change, I will still make sure family received food and Christmas ornaments in a lovely package.   It is important to me to keep those traditions alive.

I really do believe that elegant women find a way to bless others, keep traditions alive, and continue on with special moments no matter the challenges. 

Ideas for Thanksgiving at Williams Sonoma on Over 50 Feeling 40

With hope in my heart that the meal will happen around the table, I have added Williams Sonoma Garlic Parmesan mashed potato seasoning and cranberry relish to the menu this year.  

Leigh Ann and a host of great review comments encouraged me to do this…though my traditional mashed potatoes are loved by the family! Why not mix things up a bit for some fun?

If the meal doesn’t happen as planned, I am not worried at all about these things being enjoyed at some point.  The relish is delish on turkey sandwiches…yes, I already opened it!!

Table Decor ideas at Pottery Barn on Over 50 Feeling 40

Even if your celebrations become for one or two (or more), make sure you set a lovely table and celebrate the holiday joy!

I always get ideas for table setting when I go into Pottery Barn.  But mine will look similar to last year’s setting (below) even if just for Mr. B and myself. 

Stay hopeful and joyful and keep your traditions alive and your surroundings lovely!

I also bring in color from the yard to add to the table decor.

Thanksgiving table for Over 50 feeling 40

A QUICK RECIPE

Recipe for slow cooker chicken on Over 50 Feeling 40

Perhaps you are already desiring that poultry and stuffing flavor!  I adapted a Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing low calorie meal and we loved it!  

Just put in your slow cooker in this order:

A pound or two (your choice) of thin sliced, skinless chicken breast (season a little with your favorite salt and pepper or Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning)

Place on top 1/4 cup of chopped onion and celery

Mix in a small bowl, one can of low fat cream of chicken soup with 1/2 cup of greek yogurt, whisk well and pour over the chicken.

Put a box of favorite stuffing mix in a bowl, and pour over it one cup of chicken stock. Mix and put in the pot.

I like to drain a can of LaSueur Peas and pour them in.  Slow cook on low for 7-8 hours.  The chicken will shred easily when you stir it and serve. 

It is great with a little of the cranberry relish on it!!

Recipe Contest on Over 50 Feeling 40

Today is the last day to email me your favorite hot cocoa and dessert recipe.  There will be two winners announced soon…the prize is a fun gift box of goodies that you will love.  

Southern Living Ornament at Dillards on over 50 Feeling 40

The weekend is full of Holiday Joy…a fun Would You Wear It with me and Jennifer; and my kitchen reveal on Sunday!

I hope you will join in…shop with my special links below…SHARE YOUR THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS WITH US…and always remain hopeful and

KEEP SMILING!!

ASK ME IF YOU NEED ANOTHER STORE ON THIS LIST…and KEEP SMILING, ALL!!

Nordstrom Black Friday

Kohls Black Friday

Nordstrom Rack Black Friday Deals

Macy’s Black Friday Deals

Walmart Black Friday  

Target Black Friday

Home Depot Black Friday Deals

Lowe’s Black Friday Deals

Best Buy Black Friday Deals

Sephora Holiday Sales Event

Rack Room Shoes Black Friday

Williams-Sonoma Black Friday

Ross Simons Jewelry

Lands End

Kendra Scott Jewelry

JJILL

Chicos

Eileen Fisher

Black.co.uk

Aerosole

Naturalizer

JJILL

Chicos

Eileen Fisher

Black.co.uk

Aerosole

Pottery Barn Holiday Table Decor on Over 50 Feeling 40

Naturalizer

Anthropologie

Madewell

Sephora

Ulta

DSW SHOES

Rack Room Shoes

J Crew Factory

Eloquii (for Plus Size)

NEST Fragrances

Art of Tea

Rugs.com

World Market

Kirklands

Ebay

Talbots

Etsy

Anthropologie Home

Crabtree & Evelyn

Artfully Walls

Overstock

Bed Bath & Beyond

Pottery Barn

West Elm

MY COMPLEXION LOVES CHAMONIX…KEEPING ME YOUTHFUL!  Currently, running a FALL SPECIAL, BUY TWO, GET TWO FREE!

 

 

By Pamela Lutrell

Disclaimer:  I was provided product for this post from James Avery, but the words are my own

 

 

 

5 Comments

  1. What a beautiful tradition you have with gifting ornaments and declaring Christmas season is starting!! And I love the story of the little animal pilgrims! Certainly remember Woolworth’s!! I’m sure your grandchildren enjoy them very much! I’m visiting my family in New York this week, and my son had the Christmas music on in the car! It has been pretty chilly, so it felt like December already! We get together at my house for New Years, and it’s already planned and carved in stone! The show must go on, as Freddie Mercury said!

  2. Always enjoy your blog! Going to try your Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing for Sunday dinner. Many thanks for all the ways you have broadened my thinking and enriched my life.

  3. Thank you so much, Mindy! Your encouragement means everything!! Enjoy the meal…it’s also good with cranberry!

  4. Yum! The slow cooker recipe sounds fab. Especially with turkey & dressing *grin*. Anything I can adapt to the slow cookers is a blessing… kitchen under (re)construction…

    Planning the menu spanning a triple crock slow cooker, a toaster oven, an electric skillet & an air-fryer. Even figuring out how to elegantly present cloth napkin, china & stemware place setting on a TV dinner tray, TeeHee.

    Hurricanes Laura & Delta rehab, loved ones “Home Goings” or coronavirus aren’t going to stop me from counting the many blessings of 2020. Time to start some new traditions!

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