Gathering with friends is one of life’s blessings.  In memory of friend BB’s daughter Heather, a group of us planned a morning trip to the Dallas Arboretum.  I wanted it to be a special day, and I couldn’t resist planning a simple coffee.

There were a couple of recipes I had been wanting to try.  The Cranberry Hazelnut Coffee Cake I had seen on Pinterest (MyRecipes.com), and the Pumpkin Bread was from Alton Brown on the Food Network.  Now I had an excuse to try these.  ( It is always so much more fun to cook for friends.)

The table setting was easy breezy. Everything I used I have had for a some time.  Fall leaves and pumpkins are in a cast iron tray (estate sale find).  I love this cast iron tray or I guess it is really a grill pan.  First I was taken with an iron tray I saw in an high-end shop – but it also had a high-end price.  Then I saw a similar one at a consignment shop, and it was marked down to $85.00.  I really really liked it, but did not want to spend $85.00.  Honestly, I did seriously consider going back to buy it.  Then lo and behold, one Saturday morning I am at an estate sale, and outside on the patio wall hangs this iron pan ($12.00).  Be still my heart.  I felt it was just waiting there for me.  It was meant to be mine.  Now it lives on our breakfast table, and the decor changes with the seasons.

The placemats (Ross Dress for Less or maybe HomeGoods) are made from woven raffia.  I love using them – so earthy, and they have great texture.

Our everyday Wedgwood plates and cups (bought at TJMaxx a long time ago) were used at each place setting.  This creamware tableware is so versatile.  I love it!   You can dress it up or down and it always looks good.

The gold napkins (TJMaxx) have a bit of a shine and contrast well with the natural elements on the table.

The dangle stone napkin rings were recently bought at The Christmas Tree Shops for the bargain price of 25 cents each.  The little stones remind me of green turquoise, and since I have recently been to New Mexico and Colorado, I am into turquoise.

Oh, the tablecloth was made from upholstery material I bought at a garage sale many moons ago.  Just perfect for fall.

Super simple, but it did give a good look.  I guess I am like the Burlington ad – I like a good bargain.

For the menu, I had to keep it simple ( I am using that word too much).  After all we were just having coffee.  Along with the muffins, I decided to have The Best Sausage Balls (always a favorite) and fruit.

As always – I had fun planning and baking for my friends, but I especially treasure the friendships we share.

Blessings to you and yours,

I will post the recipes soon.  Thank you for reading.