Pre-Holiday Dinner for Two

This week I have been really trying to remember some of  my post "How to Have a Relaxed Holiday-Hopefully" from a few weeks ago, particularly the part about spending time with loved ones and the fact that I am not Martha Stewart. To that end, I am planning a simple, quiet dinner with my husband this weekend. It will be just the two of us catching up on what has been going on in our lives and looking forward to the holidays ahead. 

I set this table yesterday and have been fretting about the centerpiece, or lack thereof ever since.  I felt like it "needed" something and I went to various stores looking for fall decor to use in the middle. Well, there is nothing and I mean NOTHING in the stores for fall or Thanksgiving. It is all Christmas. But I have now decided that that is okay.  The china, crystal and the rest speak for themselves and the point is to have a lovely dinner with my husband and not to stress about the table.  (Repeat- I am NOT Martha Stewart, I am NOT Martha Stewart.) 

Yes, I am talking about a simple dinner and I am using my good china! This is what I promised to do in my last tablescape post here.  Not only am I enjoying my Thanksgiving tableware, but I am also going to use my china and not just save it for "a special occasion". This pattern is Lenox Autumn and I have loved it since before I got married.  I picked out a different pattern for my wedding china, but went back to Autumn a few years ago. 

The placemats, napkins and turkey napkin rings all came from Pier One at various times in the last few months (the turkeys were on clearance before Halloween!) 

I dug up the candlesticks and polished them a little last night. I really don't remember where they came from or even when I got them, but they seem to work here. 

Another thing I will be doing this weekend is continuing to "audition" Thanksgiving cocktails. I tried another recipe last night that I had pinned last year.  I am not going to link you to the original because I did not like it at all, but I think we developed a good new recipe that might work.   

Apple Cider, Cranberry Pomegranate and Rum Cocktail

1/2 cup apple cider

2 oz cran-pomegranate juice

2 oz rum

Fill cocktail shaker with ice, apple cider, cran-pomegranate juice and rum.  (I picked up dark rum the other day, I think I would prefer light, but it is a matter of personal preference.) Shake and serve over ice.  

You could probably also heat up the apple cider and juice and then add rum for a hot drink as well. I am also thinking about trying it with pure pomegranate juice or pure cranberry juice.

This drink is good, but I think I prefer the Bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktail I shared here. 

Now, what else is on the menu? Well, I am thinking about finding some good fresh local oysters.  'Tis the season you know! 

I hope that you are enjoying some relaxing time with your loved ones this week.  

I am linking up with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Tuesday .  Be sure to take a peek at the fabulous tablescapes posted there as well!

Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Cynthia