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It’s always a treat to attend ‘Farm to Fork – Field to Vase' events, but this week, in a vineyard right on the 50-yard line between Napa and Sonoma, CA, the human spirit came together in a very unique and special way. Over 500 people gathered in the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country community to honor and support people affected by what was the largest wild fire in the history of California. Farmers, chefs, floral designers, and tourism officials, were in attendance and most importantly, the first responders, the fire fighters, police force, EMTs, even dispatchers who received 1000’s of phone calls for help amidst the October blazes. Visit California, Outstanding in the Field and destination partners Visit Napa Valley, Sonoma County Tourism, and Visit Mendocino County sponsored what was called ‘The Grateful Table’ . In many ways this event marked the beginning of the recovery in the wine country with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards fire recovery efforts. It was the perfect fal...

The cornucopia, also called a horn of plenty, was traditionally made of a goat's horn overflowing with fruits, flowers and grains of the harvest. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity and good fortune. At what time the cornucopia made its way into our country's consciousness as a Thanksgiving holiday symbol is difficult to say. But with its meaning of abundance and good fortune, the horn of plenty is now a symbol of Americans’ thoughts of thankfulness. Cornucopias have become customary fall centerpieces and usually feature a horn-like basket or vessel. Filled with autumn leaves and foliage, flowers, pods and cones, and even fresh fruits, they make a lovely holiday display. Whether referred to as a cornucopia or horn of plenty… the meaning of this ancient symbol still resonates today.

Thanksgiving marks the last big holiday in the fall season. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite holidays because it combines so many of my favorite things – getting together with friends and family to share a savory meal and a daylong celebration centered on the bounty we receive from the earth. To get in the holiday mood, I like to fill my house with lots of beautiful materials from nature. I usually begin by creating a festive fall arrangement, a profusion of flowers in a pumpkin. To create your own display, cut a circle from the top of the pumpkin, scoop out the interior, and insert a plastic liner with saturated floral foam. Using care to cover the raw edge of the opening, arrange stems for a lively tribute to fall.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who partake in it! I have a lot to be thankful for, apart from my lovely family, I think the thing that I am most thankful for, is my home. My Mum was a great homemaker, she moved homes many many times in her life and she always said 'your home is in your consciousness', and because of that she could pick up and start again,wherever she happened to be.At this time of year I often think what it would be like to be a homeless person, living in a cardbord box, sleeping on the street. My heart goes out to all who find themselves in that situation. I could go on and write a long list of all the blessings I'm counting, but instead I will show you some lovely images to represent them. Sparky, our West Highland Terrier. Paul and Lois. Looks like butter wouldn't melt doen't it? Happy Thanksgiving! Love Linda x  Images which are not my own are from pinterest  and Tumblr , for which I also give thanks.  

Photo taken from Andy Scott's Website . As American Thanksgiving day approaches, my thoughts enevitably turn to this piece of public art on the banks of the  river Lagan in Belfast city centre, she is known locally as' Nuala with the Hula' or 'The Doll on the Ball'. Her real name though is 'The Angel of Thanksgiving,' and she is where she is, because of one woman.....my mother.  My lovely Mum, on the day the 'Angel' was erected.(photo taken by my brother Paul) My Mum was a very spiritually minded person. She really believed that if a person, no matter how poor, or ill, or  deprived could give thanks to God for the little good that was in their life, then God could turn their life around. On a visit to America, she visited Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, Texas. It is a building, where people of any denomination can go and pray and give thanks to their own Deity. My Mum was very impressed with this idea, and thought that Belfast was in need of such a p...

Image from Tumblr . Wreaths, are one of my most favourite types of flower arrangements. They are so uplifting when you see them on someone's front door. I have never been to America on Thanksgiving weekend, but I know I would just love to see all those beautiful door wreaths. This is my own image, I apolagize for the quality! In Ireland, they tend to be only used at Christmas time, and usually they are either artificial or made from holly with a plastic decoration here and there. I would love to see people be a little more adventurous, and make their own. Depending on what you use, and the weather, they can sometimes last for quite a long time. I have known mine , made with fir, eucalyptus and roses last for a month, with perhaps only the odd rose needing replaced.   I would love to see people have a different one for each different season. I do try to do that in my own home. When I drive or walk towards my home, it really gives me a little lift to see it there. I also love...