Although it may seem a little unusual for an Australian family, we will be hosting a "Thanksgiving" dinner for 25 people in November.
My husband and his family are from Chicago and like to continue their traditions and, whilst I'm a British born Australian, I very much enjoy the occasion ... but (with apologies to our American friends) I've tweaked it!
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| This will be our Gratitude Gathering (Thanksgiving) place setting |
I call it a Gratitude Gathering. Our friends and family hail from all corners of the planet and we take the opportunity to express our gratitude while we enjoy each others company and, it has to be said, a rather traditional, American-style, Thanksgiving meal.
I was hunting around for ideas for table settings when I came across a cutlery pouch on Pinterest that I believe was originally to be found on www.feeling-crafty.co.uk. I didn't find the blog post but the picture got my brain whirring and I decided to make something similar. The pocket holds a table napkin, cutlery and a book excerpt explaining how gratitude increases our happiness and which suggests journalling something about which we're grateful every day for 30 days.
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| Petals & Paisleys paper teamed with Vintage Leaves and Mint Macaron ribbon |
To match the cutlery pouch I have made a little journal with 30 numbered pages for each guest to take home with them.
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| I stamped the days in Mint Macaron ink using the Large Numbers stamp set |
Since it's Spring here in Australia, rather than Autumn, I'm always in a bit of quandrary when it comes to decorations! I did make a floral version with more Spring-like colours but eventually decided to go with the traditional Autumnal decorations. I think, in Australia,we're quite adept at regarding things as traditional themes rather than seasonal - we'll quite happily give each other Christmas cards featuring snowmen and wintry scenes as we bask in the sunshine in our gardens or at the beach!
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| This was my alternate, Spring, version. I think I'll turn it into a card! |
Method for the Cutlery Pocket
- Cut cardstock to 7.5" x 6"
- With 7.5" horizontal on the scoreboard, score at 0.5" and 4"
- Turn cardstock 90 degrees and score at 1".
- Cut along the score line at 1" from both edges until you meet a score line.
- Trim back the edges of the fold back flaps to reduce some bulk.
- Use a Layering Circle framelit to cut a semi circle from the side of the pocket that has no flaps. Hint: Place the framelit half on and half off the cardstock to cut the semi-circle. In order to fit it through the Big Shot, you may have to fold up the flaps.
- Fold in the flaps and place adhesive on them
- Fold over the section with the semi circle to complete the pocket.
- Decorate as desired.
Method for the 30 day note book
- Cut 30 pieces of lined paper to 4 1/8" x 2 7/8"
- Glue the sheets together at the top by placing a few small dots of Liquid Multipurpose Glue at the top of each sheet before carefully aligning it with the next sheet
- For the cover, cut a piece of cardstock to 6" x 4 1/4"
- Score along long side at 2.5", 2 7/8", 3 1/8", 3.5"
- Fold the middle two score lines
- Place Liquid Multipurpose Glue between the score lines
- Place the pre-prepared pad of paper face up into the space between the two folded score lines. Make sure it's all lined up while the glue is still wet enough.
- Decorate as desired
- Fold up the front of the pad on the score line to facilitate writing.
Thank you for visiting.
'Til next time!
Stephanie
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