Saturday Meanderings
As we close out 2024, I want to thank you so much for your support and encouragement throughout the year. Welcome to the last Saturday Meanderings of December and I am happy you are here to chat about all good things this week.
Our Christmas Activity
Having all 3 adult children home is so much fun! However, one forgets the amount of energy it takes to raise children all those years! In spite of less sleep, too much food, and the cacophony of 3 very vibrant personalities, I feel like each day with them here is pure perfection.
With many hands, the children’s favorite ornaments are added to the tree. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. All are made from Bucilla felt appliqué kits (except Finn’s stocking on the far right). As our family grows, I will need to start making more!
We always attend the late afternoon church service on Christmas Eve to watch a re-enactment of the greatest story ever told.
By the way, Finn is extra happy as there are 3 other dogs visiting as well. Lots of chasing, toy stealing and naps.
The Christmas Table
Keeping with my simple but elegant holiday decor theme, the centerpiece on the Christmas table is a trio of dark red roses and seeded eucalyptus in vintage glasses. Two silver candelabras with burgundy tapers add some height. More on these candelabras in a future post.
The place setting is the whimsical reindeer pattern (white background and silver rim) from Pottery Barn on a beaded charger from Hobby Lobby (on sale now at $1.99 each here).
I love this time of year where I discover items I have forgotten~like these mini evergreen trees place card holders (again from Pottery Barn years ago). The Caspari poppers or crackers have Santa hat shape and add color and fun to the table.
Water glasses are Marquis by Waterford and the wine glasses are Rogaska Gallia (both difficult to replace if broken~so I buy extras when I can). White napkins with a deep red edging are folded and tied with silver bells on a velvet ribbon.
Our meal is Beef Wellington, an outrageously good Mac ‘n cheese by @crozier_cooks and a simple green salad picked from the garden. Dessert, a gift from a friend, is a fabulous Kahlua cheesecake made by the Nuns of New Skete, Cambridge, New York.
We finish the day by having our sweet friends and neighbors over for cheer and a roaring fire outside on the terrace.
My Latest Discovery
Who remembers dickie collars? I totally crack up when I watch the scene with cousin Eddie wearing a dickie in National Lampoon Christmas Vacation..and for some reason did not know you can find these beautiful ones available now.
Look at these two cute faux collars from The Collar Collection. Yes, they are dickie style and there are so many designs available.
Right now they are having a sale, buy 2 get the 3rd one free. I have more coming and I think they would make great gifts. An affordable way to schuss up your sweaters without the bulk of sleeves.
In this photo, the collar dresses up the oversize brown sweater that I am wearing with a long skirt. As you can see, I am loving these!
Pretty Photos this Week
It is that time of year for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Here’s a look at the sunset behind the hen house and garden.
And an early morning sunrise view from our master bedroom terrace.
Surprisingly, I have a few new tomatoes in the garden!
Lucky us to get reservations at The Larder and the Delta which recently opened in Phoenix by James Beard award-nominated chef, Stephen Jones. Offering one seating per evening, it is perfect for those seeking a unique and adventurous culinary experience.
At the end of the meal, this autumn tea of apples, cinnamon, and fall spices brews at our table. It is kept warm over this attractive candle, then added to a pineapple rum from Germany. If you are looking for innovative flavors and creative dishes, you will enjoy The Larder and the Delta.
Wrapping Up the Year
I can honestly say that 2024 flew by quickly. However, in writing our Christmas letter this year, it is a year chock-a-block full of activities, opportunities and memories for our family. From graduations to new jobs/relocations to an engagement, we are so fortunate to have many good things come our way.
Adding Finn to our family is a blessing and bundle of joy. Yes, there are moments when I preferred he didn’t chew on a favorite chair, but he provides unconditional love, loyalty, companionship and many laughs.
We also know that misfortune and sadness is part of life. We grieve with those who are suffering and offer our support and prayers. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t thank God for all the blessings bestowed on us.
My next Saturday Meanderings will be in 2025. Please know that I am so grateful to all of you who take the time to follow my blog. When you comment here or stop me at the store and share a way my blog has impacted you, my heart swells. Even in this divided world, I truly feel like we are all in this together. It only takes one kind words or a genuine smile to make someone’s day.
With each new year, we have a chance at new beginnings. Collectively I believe we can make a difference together. It is my hope that Life at Bella Terra gives you a peaceful place to come, perhaps learn something new and enjoy the beauty of our historical home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty. You give me the inspiration to keep writing.
Have a blessed, safe and glorious New Year! Love your family, hug your friends, and give a big smile to someone who may just need it.
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Happy New Year! Love catching up on your posts and love the items you share. Adding dickies to my wish list.
I think you will love the dickies! Such a fun way to dress up a simple sweater and of course, hide my neck wrinkles! Ha.
Mrs. Mary, oh wow, dickies! I haven’t seen those in quite a while, except like you said when watching Christmas Vacation. I love the ruffle one. Finn is hilarious and I’m sure keeps y’all in stitches, haha. Thank you for letting us all into your beautiful home. Can’t wait for your 2025 post. May you and your family have a blessed New Year!
Crystal, Happy New Year! Yes, dickies! Ha! I am awaiting another package of collars and will show them once they arrive. Finn is a funny pup and will soon be 1 year old…but still all puppy. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I so appreciate you taking the time to do so as I love reading each and every one.
Love you, Miss Mary! Happy New Year! May it be healthy and happy and bright and fun!!!!
Janie, happy new year to you too. We must set up our afternoon tea and catch up. Sending big hugs and love back!
Thank you Mary for sharing Christmas with us! I love your Christmas table, and the joy of your grown children home for the holidays!
Your blog through out the year is so inspiring to me. Happy rest of the holidays and will watch for you in 2025!
Love your blog! I’m new to Bella terra and enjoy it all..OXO
Betsy, welcome to Bella Terra. I see the word “quilts” in your email address and I am wanting to know more! Thank you for commenting and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog. If not, you must let me know! Happy New Year!
Sue, you are so nice to share your sweet comments throughout the year. It’s been a wonderful holiday and sending big hugs to you for a blessed, happy new year.
Mary…thank you for your informative blog which I so look forward to reading. Your Christmas photos are beautiful. Finn makes me laugh and he must make life a bit more lighthearted. Happy 2025!
Harriet, Finn is quite the entertainer, however, he is so BIG, I have to be aware of his presence all the time. He recently was so excited to see my daughter, he ran into my knee which is now twice it’s normal size. He has a great disposition, it’s size vs. speed that can create unexpected results. Thank you for your kind words~wishing you a beautiful 2025.
Dear Mary! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home, family, and dog with us! Your blog is a calming and centering place to visit, and your words are always inspiring. I’m grateful to have met you and be able to follow along. Take care my friend and Happy 2025!
Barbara, you are so sweet! We are so fortunate that blogging brought us together. May 2025 be the year of health, happiness and lots of laughter.
Mary, your posts always delight, and l enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with you. One day we may actually drive by your lovely home. My grandson lives in Tempe, and we hope to plan an AZ adventure. Many blessings in 2025.
Pat, you must let me know when you are in town and we can have that cup of coffee together! Please do reach out. My email is [email protected]. I would love to meet you in person.
Thanks Mary for your thoughtful posting today; wonderful pics and words to end 2024 . Happy New Year and God bless!
Karleen
Thanks Mary for your thoughtful posting today. Happy New Year amd God bless!
Karleen
Karleen, Happy New Year to you and yours!
Mary, I am so happy that you had your family together for the holiday. That alone is such a blessing! As far as Finn’s lounging position, he has nothing on Lily! She lays on her back with one of her legs sticking up in the air! These dogs do bring us joy! Happy New Year!
Chloe, I LOVE Lily~I swear she is a reincarnated princess. I can picture her just as you described. Too funny! It would be fun to see Finn and Lily together. Happy New Year and I look forward to our end of January gathering.
This one was full of goodies as usual. But the best for me is the collar and cuff set. I love this, so perfect for those of us that live in warmer climates. I do remember dickies, but these are next level. Can’t wait to get mine.
Andrea, you are right they are perfect for those of us in warmer climates. I’m waiting for the next batch I ordered (I think 4 or 5!). Will show them when they arrive. Can’t wait to see you at the end of January. Will be such fun! Happy New Year, my friend.
A quick one…last of guests leaving…I ❤️ “dickies!” Just got black collar w/rhinestones…perfect!! Your home, etc movie worthy!! franki
Happy New Year!
Franki, I so look forward to your comments each week! I need to get that black collar with rhinestones! Sounds quite fun. Wishing you a happy, healthy and laughter-filled New Year.
Very lovely Christmas for you and your family…. Our grown children and grand children live here … so we have them year round in town… except for grand children when they are away at college … our dog Emmie, an English cream retriever and my daughters dog make for lots of fun at the Christmas season… happy New Year to you… Teresa
Teresa, what a gift to have your children and grandchildren nearby.Pets give us so much love, don’t they? It sounds like you had a magical Christmas and best wishes for a fabulous 2025. Thank you for taking the time to share.