Christmas is a season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame for charity in the heart. ~ Washington Irving
Good morning dear friends! I hope all my American friends are enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday.
Because I'm going to have a busy weekend, I decided to put my post up early.
I have been enjoying Christmas music, baking, crafting, decorating and tucking away gifts in secret places.
At the after-Christmas sales last year I found two of these little 12 inch tall trees.
One I have taken off the stand and glued into a ceramic boot which was part of my mother's Christmas bouquet last year. I put cotton around the base of the tree then decorated it with a few white balls and little sugared cranberry ornaments. I also glued a wee teddy on to the boot.
What do you think? I'm still working on the other tree.
Timothy the Teddy bear relaxing on the boot.
The last time we were in Vancouver, BC to spend Christmas with our son and his family, I found these delightful Spode Christmas Tree mugs for half price. There were four in the box.
About a month ago I found the matching plates. I was so tickled because there were four of these too. I love the candy cane edge; very festive!
Spode has been creating beautiful products using classic designs and techniques since 1770. One of Spode's most famous designs is Christmas Tree, the original holiday pattern since 1938.
Another day I found this darling Christmas plate called Andover made by 222 Fifth which I think looks wonderful with everything else.
I adore the old-fashioned design and the pine cones around the rim of the plate. I do like matchey-matchey which tends to be more formal but I also like mismatched pieces because it makes for a setting with lots of personality.
The most trying hours in life are between four o'clock and the evening meal. A cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness. ~ Royal S. Copeland
After working on my wee trees, it's time to take a break. Would you like to join me for some tea or coffee and a slice of my crustless pumpkin pie?
It's going fast!
Would you like the recipe?
Crustless Pumpkin Pie
Spray 9 or 10 inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.
15-oz can pumpkin or 2 cups
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
2 large eggs slightly beaten
1- 12 oz can Carnation Evaporated milk
Mix the eggs with the pumpkin and then add the dry ingredients. Mix well and add the evaporated milk. If using the 9 inch pie plate, you will have a little pumpkin mixture left over. You can cook that in the oven or microwave in a separate dish.
Pour into prepared pie plate and bake for 55-60 minutes. Test with a knife. If the knife comes out clean, you know it's done. Cool for two hours and refrigerate. Serve with whipped cream and enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by today and please join me on Monday for another No Place Like Home. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
I am joining the following parties as well~
A Return to Loveliness
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Bernideen's Tea Time, Cottage and Garden Blog Party
Tea Cup Tuesday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi