Traditions

In a world that spins faster and faster every day, there’s no greater luxury than slowing down to a pleasurable pace. Especially during the celebratory seasons when everyone’s hustling and bustling all over the place.

We do our best around here to slow things down a bit all in the honor of traditions.

Over the years we’ve come to know what we like best.  What brings back the best memories, which makes us the most comfortable, and what makes us the most grateful. My children say that Christmases past is among some of the happiest times of their lives.

I am grateful.

These memories start to stir in September. Welcoming the change of weather I tuck away the lighter linens and bring on the layers. Come November, fresh candles, fresh greens, and baskets of pine cones ease us into the traditions of Thanksgiving. The evenings come earlier now. The aroma of comfort foods come from the kitchen and a big roaring fire change the pace and encourage lingering.

I am grateful.

December is a time to celebrate and a time to shine. Glossy holiday issues of my favorite magazines have arrived and I’m drawn in by the cornucopia of beautiful decorating, joyous entertaining, and thoughtful gifts!  I have learned a great deal from the talented stylists, photographers & designers who every year, bring a fresh look to our treetops, tabletops, and time-honored traditions. They inspire me to try new ideas, add my personal touch and make them my own.

I am grateful.

I do my best to decorate for the holidays and graciously pass these traditions along, even if it kills me!

Despite the best of intentions I somehow manage to get caught up in that hustle & bustle that I spoke of earlier and preparations run amok.

The Drummer is way too loud. The Piper has a sore throat. The Lady is still out dancing.  The Maid has quit and the Geese are quite frankly just not in the mood. Thank goodness the Lord leaps in and reminds me that there’s always next year.

These are our traditions and yes, I am grateful.

I hope the start of the holiday season finds you hustling & bustling at a pleasurable pace!

Look for The Lisa Porter Collection annual directory of Holiday Gift Guides, coming soon!

"Mom, do you know the way?"

Hello friends. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

It was a quiet one here at home.  Just the four of us attempting to slow down, relax & reconnect.

Lisa Porter

The holiday season began with the guys doing...well, guy stuff.  Watching games, stacking the woodpile, cleaning and storing away the Weber and lawn equipment for the winter, you know.

The Steward

I held off on jumping into the Christmas decorations, besides, Taylor and I were in the mood for a little excursion.  We headed down south through the Daniel Boone Forest to a homestead that sits along the banks of the Rockcastle River.

 She had the trip mapped out just in case I didn't know the way. 

Taylor Porter

Not to worry honey, I know the way. 

Taylor Porter

A very special & unique family has called this place home for more than fifty years and I could hardly wait to introduce Taylor. Good thing she brought her camera. I love the way she captured the day!

Taylor Porter

At the very heart of the family is Lucille Carloftis, who happens to have an elegant carriage house!  Lucille is a beautiful, strong, elegant woman who warmly welcomes guests to "Come in and stay awhile." She is also quite the storyteller and has recently published her book titled, A Beautiful Journey.

Taylor Porter

The Carloftis homestead is a rolling plot of 50 acres.

It is also home to one of Kentucky's best-kept secrets, The Rockcastle River Trading Company.

Taylor Porter

Remarkable handmade pottery lines the walkway leading up to the barn-red store owned by Lucille and her famed garden designer son, Jon Carloftis.

This place is just as beautiful in late autumn as it was when
 I first visited last spring.

Taylor Porter

To the left of the store, an early American vegetable and herb garden are centered on a restored blacksmith shop.

                           

Taylor Porter

To the right a potting shed, once the centerpiece of the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta, Georgia. This day it was where Granddaughter Carly was serving up her homemade soup!

 Fountains and urns, sundials and ironware are creatively incorporated among the gardens for shoppers to browse and purchase.

Garden tools, statuary, pottery, casual and outdoor furniture, and garden supplies, to satisfy the most discriminating gardener.

A small allee of trees and one of many sweet animals were inviting Taylor up the front steps.

Taylor Porter

At the very heart of the store is Lucille Carloftis. She pays close attention to every detail and Jon personally handpicks the finest goods for both home & garden.

Enter here and you will find Peacock Alley (sheets and bedding), Match (fine Italian pewter tableware, frames, and bathroom accessories), and Vietri (Italian tableware and cookware). While we visited, (see us in the reflection) Lucille wrang me up on her fabulous antique cash register.

You'll also find the best of Palecek and Jamie Young (table and floor lamps), Pre de Provence (French-milled soaps and lotions), Elizabeth W (perfumes from San Francisco), Trapp candles, glass bell jars, and many one of a kind antiques and artisan wares.

As much as she loves to have you look around the shop, she also urges you to roam the grounds and explore the beautiful gardens that Jon has designed to showcase the property. Lucky for us, they were having their annual Holiday Open House.

Before the sun went down, Taylor meandered across the wooden footbridge back through the carriage house from the store, to the back porch of the Carloftis family home.

Taylor Porter

 The house is based on actual historic plans for a Massachusetts saltbox design. Scattered here and there were a few of the outdoor toys & games that all six of the Carloftis children and eight grandchildren have loved on for several generations.

Taylor Porter

Taylor Porter

Taylor Porter

Before heading home, we spent another hour saying our goodbyes to several generations of this warm & friendly, entrepreneurial & adventurous family.

Taylor & I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Being around them for the day reminded us that the greatest adventure of our lives should always be finding our way back home.

We did.

Lisa Porter

We arrived home to a roaring fire and a hungry bunch at the Porter house.

Lisa Porter

Some hungrier than others.

Lisa Porter

It was just the four of us so dinner preparations were all pulled together the day before.

The turkey was in the oven, the pies were cooling on the rack. The conversations about the day filled the rooms of our beloved home.

Lisa Porter

As Taylor and I were setting the table, my heart was grateful for so much & I was grateful that she gladly wanted to help.

Lisa Porter

Remembering the legacy of love and traditions passed down through generations.

Lisa Porter

Offering grace for the bounty we were about to sit down to.

Lisa Porter

We have so much to be thankful for.  So much about which to smile, so much to share.  So much, that in this season of plenty, all we pray for is that we will not forget what He has done.

Lisa Porter

I hope this Thanksgiving finds you exactly where you want to be & I appreciate that you have taken the time to stop by for a visit.

xo Lisa

Join me at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday to see some of the prettiest tables set by incredible hostesses around the world!

Happy Thanksgiving To You All...

Maybe you stay home.

Maybe you travel.

Maybe you invite friends over and keep it casual.

 Maybe you stick with family & traditions.

Maybe you have lots of help.

 Maybe you proudly do it all on your own.

Wherever you are, whoever you are with, and however you do it, know that I am so thankful

  you are here and

I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

xo Lisa

Thank You Williams-Sonoma

I have been preparing Thanksgiving dinner for my family for the last 15 years. You know who taught me, this gentleman.

Chuck Williams

I was with Williams-Sonoma for many wonderful years, the last few as a special events coordinator in Southern California at South Coast Plaza. During that time, I had the privilege of getting to know Chuck Williams.

  

Sitting with him in the stock room prior to a book signing event for his Complete Entertaining Cookbook, we discussed family, cooking & traditions.  We agreed that Thanksgiving has always been most memorable with good friends & good food lovingly prepared and served in classic Williams-Sonoma style!

This year, Mr. Williams and his wonderful "foodies" at Williams-Sonoma have provided you with a Thanksgiving Menu Booklet!  Download this step by step brochure full of recipes and a timeline for planning ahead!

The prospect of hosting a Thanksgiving celebration can be daunting! It is, after all, traditionally a big meal with many elements to manage, including shopping.

   

They have even gone ahead & made your grocery list!  I wonder if they deliver?

A well-stocked pantry is a must to preparing a wonderful feast with ease. Many of these items are year-round staples in my pantry.  Preparing any meal with Williams-Sonoma specialty foods saves time in the kitchen and preserves the authentic homemade flavors we love.

It also helps to have the right tools! My son will tell you that I do have a pretty nifty kitchen drawer filled with fantabulous tools & gadgets!   His favorite is my kitchen torch!  The brochure provides tips & a tool list too!

Whether preparing handed-down favorites or creating a new tradition of your own, Williams-Sonoma can help. If your meal is genuine and satisfying, you and your family and guests will have a memorable occasion.

In our home, when we come together with family and friends to express, through words, laughter and the pleasures of the table, how grateful we are to have one another, that is our perfect Thanksgiving.