My friends Veronica, Jeri and Pat have all sold beautiful costume jewelry over the years. They have taught me that a stylish necklace can extend my wardrobe greatly. My collection of necklaces helps me make my fairly neutral wardrobe have some moments of fashionable bling.

I used to keep them on a metal tree, but they got tangled often and sometimes I couldn’t easily find the one I was looking for. Recently, I moved them to an old corkboard that was in my basement. I used regular pushpins to hold the necklaces so they can be viewed.

The board is hanging on the wall next to the door of my closet and I have to say this is a better solution than I had found in the past. Maybe something similar can work for you.

Kelly

I like to share tips of all kinds. As you think about sprucing up your home for the holidays, consider making your dining table more attractive with a small investment. I found both of these sets of “candle holders” at Target.

The darker set sits on out kitchen table. Each has 12 stones, as a connection to the Twelve Tribes of Israel and a reminder of my faith. The place mats were also purchased at Target.

The clear set is on our dining room table. I think the white candles provide a nice contrast to the table runner that was made for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration. (Last year my mom kept asking me if I had a table runner. So I made one this year – and she loved it.)

I find that using an odd number of items seems to make the décor interesting and somehow still balanced and an eye pleasing way.

So if you have the inkling make your meals mo’ better with a pretty table.

Kelly   -who loves to eat meals from real plates-   Wilson

P.S. Check out our website at www.betterdaybetterlife.com

I love magazines about decorating and making a home. They are a wonderful source of ideas and inspiration. This year as I have poured over recipes and tips to create the perfect tablescape, it dawned on me that no article has covered the actual topic of giving thanks.

Maybe the writers think it is too obvious to address. But maybe it points to a different issue. Are we so focused on the food and the entertaining that we have forgotten the One to whom we are thankful? Here are a few ideas to keep (or put) the Thanks into Thanksgiving?

• Instead of place cards, find four to six Bible verses about giving thanks and print them on tent cards. Make enough for all your guests and place one at each setting. 

• Set up an empty glass or fish bowl and place slips of paper and pens nearby. Ask folks to write something or someone they are thankful for and read these during dinner.

• Take a moment to gather around the table or buffet to hold hands and pray thanking Christ for His provision and grace through the last year as well as a blessing over the vittles.

• Savor a private moment, maybe the Wednesday night before the feast to reflect of the first Thanksgiving and how the lessons learned then by God’s grace could be reapplied in your life today.

Grateful Gal,

Kelly