Tuesday, November 15, 2011

An Attitude of Gratitude Tablescape


Welcome to Red Couch Recipes and to Tablescape Thursday.


Even if research doesn't suggest, though I  think it might, I believe that those who are grateful, live happier, more fulfilling lives lives.  What a great gift or developed skill being a grateful person is.  Today my table is titled "An Attitude of Gratitude."  These little tiles were given out to all the women at our church at a meeting earlier this year.  I have displayed in prominently in my home to help me remember to be grateful for what I do have and not to whine for what I don't have.


At this point, I don't believe that I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  This is just a fun tablescape that I put together in honor of Thanksgiving. I bought the fall leaf plates years ago at Target.


This table is filled with my favorite things at Thanksgiving time.  The black kettle at the left corn is stuffed with pumpkins and gourds -- love the color and the shapes of them.


The napkin rings were from a giveaway at Cuisine Kathleen's blog.  She is one of the warm and funniest bloggers around.  I think they look so well with the faux sugar crusted pumpkin and spray.


In my other life, I am an aide to 4t h, 5th, and 6th graders for mainly math at my daughter's elementary school.  Today, instead of being an aide, I was asked to substitute for a few hours in a class that I usually am an aide to.  At the end of the period I received a little note from one of the students.  I thought I would share it with you.

"You were a great sub today in class.  One of the best subs in the world.  Even in the universe.  Your one of my favorite subs.  I will give you this letter and I hope you like this.  I will never forget you when I grow up.  You will still always be my favorite teacher."  That definitely put a smile on my face :).



This "little note of gratitude" brought tears to my eyes and I quickly wrote her a return letter.  I was really touched by this sweet letter.  Truly, gratitude can make one's day so much better.


So go make some one's day better by expressing your appreciation!     

Posted with the following:  Wow Us Wednesdays

23 comments:

Debbie said...

What a sweet note!! I don't know what you did Miss Substitute of the Universe, but you must have shown an awful lot of love to those kids to get that. Very special indeed.

And so it the table. I happen to agree about Cuisine Kathleen, and I think the whole table, especially the setting, is really lovely.

Julie Harward said...

I wish you would come set my table...this is so pretty! ;D

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Joni, there is nothiong better than a note of gratitude. Your student has been raised very well!!!And I am sure he/she will always remember you, I remember my favorite teachers too. Your table is gorgeous! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. XO, Pinky

Barbara F. said...

That table is just perfect, you captured the essence of this beautiful time of the year.....and that note should be framed! Lucky students to have you as an aide and sometimes sub! xo

Lynn said...

Great table Joni, love the leaf plates! Sounds like you had a special day-enjoy:@)

Pam B said...

Love your leaf plates! I don't have any decorative plates for fall; guess I should be out looking now while they're on clearance.

The note from your student was so sweet! Kids can surprise you sometimes, can't they?

Hugs,
Pam

Alycia Nichols said...

Joni, I SO agree that those filled with gratitude are prone to living happier, more fulfilled lives!!! I am grateful so many blessings in my life...there are so many it's hard to even BEGIN to count! What an incredibly sweet and heartfelt gesture by your student to let you know how grateful she is to have you in her life! That's gotta make you feel good inside and out to know you have made such a positive impact on a young life!!! Beautiful table setting, Joni, and hooray for you not having to cook!!!

Beth said...

Your table is beautiful, Joni. It looks "bountiful" just as we think of harvest time and Thanksgiving. I'm glad for the kudos you received that touched your heart. We all need to feel appreciated and your story is a reminder to me to compliment others/tell them I appreciate what they do. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Joni!
Blessings, Beth

Sarah said...

Joni, your table is beautiful and the sentiment of being grateful is one I try to remember myself. There is so much for which to be thankful.
And that note- well, I'm not surprised that little one felt you were the best in the universe!

Bonnie said...

Joni, So glad you received that note! I know you are a great teacher! I am grateful for people like you. Your tablescape is lovely.

Happy Thanksgiving early. I will be out of town next week.

Promosyon said...

Well, leaf plates! I don't have any decorative plates. I should be out looking now while they're on clearance. your table is beautiful and the sentiment of being grateful is one I try to remember myself

Jacqueline said...

Wow, you may be the only substitute teacher ever to have received an amazing note like that! How wonderful and I love that you shared it with us, which also means it has been journaled so you will always have it. What a darling child.

Your table is so elegant. I am sorry, but a little bling just makes it amazing to me. Those napkin rings are out of this world and paired with your sparkly pumpkins, this table is fabulous! How fun. I like having a fun Thanksgiving table even if we aren't eating here, it is just part of the holiday decor.

Amy said...

Lovely tablescape and lovely post. I'm a true believer of "those who are grateful, live happier, more fulfilling lives." :)

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Awwwww, what a sweet little note to get! How dear of her to take the time to show you appreciation! Beautiful job on the table!

Marigene said...

Gorgeous table, Joni! The many layers truly are beautiful.

Marlis said...

Joni, your table is warm and welcoming. I love the pumpkins and gourds. Your dishes with the leaves are perfect. The saying ranks right up there with the best of them! xo marlis

Marie Arden said...

I agree totally that those who are grateful are usually happier and more fulfilled. I love the kettle and all the textures. Have a wonderful holiday.

Sue said...

That is SUCH a sweet note, Joni! :)
Your table is beautiful! I AM hosting Thanksgiving, but I don't think my table will look nearly as beautiful!

Sandra said...

I teach Lifelong Wellness classes at our community college and today the lecture was about being grateful. I hope the message got through. Your table is so pretty and there are so many beautiful things that catch the eye. Happy Thanksgiving.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

I am very grateful that you chose to share your beautiful table with us. I'm retired from teaching, but it's the notes like the one you received today that make me consider substituting!

Kathleen said...

What a gorgeous table, so rich and full! The colors are wonderful, Joni. The napkin rings paired with the sugared fruit is genius. Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so grateful to have met people like you , it makes life richer!
I love the note, I am sure it is well deserved! And the happiness it brought you is priceless!
A very blessed thanksgiving to you and yours!

Robin said...

Beautiful table and a lovely message! Thanks for sharing.

Robin
Robin Flies South

Elaine said...

Your table is lovely and I like the way you described it as all your favorite things. I've always felt that it's hard to be sad or mad, when you are being thankful. Very sweet note and I love how you touched each other's hearts! Have a wonderful holiday!

Elaine
Creating Wonderful Spaces

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