thanksgiving 2011: as shown in 4 days of photos

my husband and i hosted our first thanksgiving this year.  sounds major, but we were a smallish group of eight total, so not too hectic, right? i thoroughly enjoyed letting whole foods cook our turkey so i could concentrate on making homemade apple pie, pumpkin pie, butternut squash and wild mushroom bread pudding......and of course, SETTING THE TABLE.....my favorite part!


my color theme this year was: gray, silver and orange - throwing in white accents to keep it fresh and modern....

my tablecloth was fabric from IKEA that I had my local dry cleaners hem and sew according to my table size when extended

i went to the SF flower mart and bought mums in fall colors to make the individual vases for everyone to take home....the maple leaves were also from the mart

vintage bow napkin rings

i made little notecards for everyone to write individual thanks for all the guests......implementing Neutra's font on the front to again nod to the modern

my helper

my other helper aka my sissy

the helper staying cozy

always cards

and ping pong

the helper is done

having guests is a perfect excuse to visit san francisco's best spots - there are so many:

legion of honor

legion of honor

legion of honor

Bernini's Medussa......simply stunning.

french cabinet from 1580

tender 

she was amazing

looking north from the legion of honors

conservatory of flowers

conservatory of flowers

conservatory of flowers

conservatory of flowers

de young sculpture garden

japanese tea gardens

japanese tea gardens

japanese tea gardens

from where i stood

japanese tea gardens

water, stone and leaf

japanese tea gardens

on to the next.....!  i kindof LOVE christmas!

all photos by janel holiday design

the soundtrack for this little holiday postin' is utter silence...............a much appreciated sound after busy and fun times.......xoxo jhh