Possibilities

If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and fulfillment in every circumstance. Ralph Marston

Welcome to the blog today, friends.
It’s a brand new year, and with it comes a fresh, unwritten chapter—one filled with possibility, promise, and quiet hope. I found myself lingering over what to write for this first post of the year, turning over ideas in my mind, when suddenly the word possibilities floated gently to the surface and settled there.

Isn’t that what a new year offers us most of all? Not guarantees, not certainty—but choice. The chance to begin again, to imagine, to hope, and to move forward with intention.

So today, I created a possibility tray—a small, thoughtful vignette meant to remind me that even the simplest things can hold meaning, and that beautiful things often begin with a single idea and an open heart.

I began with books, because books are such an integral part of my life. They have always been a source of comfort, inspiration, and imagination for me, and it felt only right to let them lead the way in this first vignette of the year. This first book represents the many tablescapes I hope to create throughout the year—each one a story of its own, layered with color, texture, and meaning. Just as no two books are ever quite the same, no two tables need to be either.The possibilities for creating unique and interesting tablescapes are truly endless, especially when you thrift. A well-worn book, a forgotten plate pattern, or a single unexpected find can spark an entire table’s story. Sometimes all it takes is one beautiful piece—and the willingness to imagine what it could become.

This beautiful set of Spode dishes—a setting for four—was found recently at a local thrift store. I was immediately drawn to the scattered floral pattern, the softly ribbed rims, and that delicate blue line tracing the edge. It’s the kind of china that feels timeless and gracious, elegant without ever trying too hard.

So what kind of table will allow these lovely plates to truly shine? One that lets them breathe. A simple, neutral foundation—perhaps crisp white or soft linen—will highlight the gentle colors and subtle details of the pattern. Natural textures like wood, rattan, or a lightly worn farmhouse table create a warm contrast and keep the look from feeling too formal.

These plates would be perfectly at home on a table that feels collected rather than coordinated: fresh flowers gathered loosely from the garden, clear or lightly etched glass, simple silver or white-handled flatware. Nothing competing for attention—just thoughtful layers that support the star of the show.

With dishes like these, restraint becomes the most beautiful choice. Let the pattern tell its story.

The next book represents entertaining, both for family and for friends. It speaks to gathering around the table, lingering conversations, and the joy of welcoming others into your home.

Creating beautiful appetizer trays to begin a meal or a party is a tradition I truly love. These trays set the tone—they invite people to relax, nibble, and connect before ever sitting down. Whether simple or a bit more dressed up, appetizer trays are filled with possibilities.

A few thoughtfully chosen elements—a pretty plate, a small bowl, a sprig of greenery, something savory, something sweet—can turn even the simplest offerings into something special. And when those pieces are thrifted, each one brings its own little story to the table.

Here’s a board I used over the holidays just for family. Nothing elaborate—simple vegetables and cheeses—yet it felt special all the same. A few little cheese Christmas trees added a touch of whimsy and made for a fun beginning to our main meal.

The board itself is an antique French board, complete with a handle—though unfortunately you can’t see it in this photo. That handle is one of my favorite details, giving it both beauty and purpose. Pieces like this were made to be used, carried to the table, and shared.

It proved to be the perfect venue for this kind of presentation—casual, welcoming, and full of possibility. Sometimes it’s these simple, well-loved pieces that make entertaining feel the most meaningful.

This last book represents the possibilities of creating dishes that truly satisfy the taste buds in the new year. There are so many combinations of foods that allow us to put together meals that are both delicious and nourishing for our families—simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined.

On the left is a version of Hasselback potatoes made with sweet potatoes, golden potatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Colorful, flavorful, and comforting, it’s a dish that delights the eye as much as the palate.

It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. With a little imagination and a willingness to try something new, even familiar ingredients can feel fresh again.

Possibilities.

Creating fun and interesting crafts offers a plethora of possibilities, no matter what your skill level may be. There’s such freedom in making something with your hands—especially when thrifted finds provide both inspiration and character.

The thrifted board shown here is especially eye-catching, with wonderful reds and blues embedded throughout the wood. Those unexpected bits of color make it both lively and arresting to the eye. It was a great find last year and continues to spark ideas every time I use it.

The two little snowmen are a recent project that I’ll be blogging about later in the year. I revisited tea staining using pages from a thrifted piano music book, then added a bit of fun to the reverse side. Simple materials, a little imagination, and suddenly something ordinary becomes special.

They’re ready to be used as gift tags this winter—or tucked away as a wonderful craft idea for next Christmas. Just one more reminder that creativity, like possibility, is always waiting to be rediscovered.

I’m a huge tea drinker and truly love trying new varieties. Tea has a way of marking the seasons for me—lighter, floral blends in spring and summer, deeper, earthier teas as the days grow shorter and cooler. It’s a small rhythm that helps me slow down and notice the passing of time.

Here, I’m sharing two examples. One is a fragrant green jasmine tea, soft and soothing. The other is a wonderfully smoky Puerh tea, formed into small balls that serve as both the tea and its delivery system—a little ritual all on its own. Each cup invites a pause, a moment to breathe, and a chance to savor something simple and good.

Stored in pretty crystal kitchen containers found while thrifting, these teas become part of the everyday décor—beautiful to look at and practical to use. I love when useful things are also lovely. Displayed on a shelf or counter, they’re always ready for a quiet afternoon cup or to be shared when friends stop by. Offering tea is such a natural, welcoming gesture, and having it close at hand makes hospitality feel effortless and warm creating possibilities for new and renewed interactions.

The last item on the tray is a mortar and pestle, used for grinding herbs grown in the garden, herbs I’ve dried, and kitchen spices that need to be freshly ground for cooking. It’s a humble tool, but one that feels deeply connected to tradition, care, and intention.

Together, the teas, herbs, and mortar and pestle represent the practical end of the creative process of gardening—where beauty and imagination meet usefulness. There’s something deeply satisfying about carrying that creativity all the way through, from soil and seed to table and cup.

Whether you tend a large garden or simply grow a few pots of herbs in a sunny window, that connection to nature is filled with possibilities. It invites us to slow down, pay attention, and look outward with gratitude and hope as we step into this new year.

The kitchen counters are cleared, they wait patiently for the creative efforts of a brand-new year—a year filled with wonderful possibilities. There’s something hopeful in that empty space, isn’t there? A quiet invitation to dream, imagine, and begin again.As this new year unfolds, I hope you’ll gather your own collection of possibilities—on a tray, on a board, in a journal, or simply tucked away in your thoughts. Perhaps you’ll even make room for a little thrifting among those hopes and plans, letting unexpected finds spark fresh ideas along the way.Thank you so much for stopping by today. It means more to me than you know. Wishing you a year filled with beauty, creativity, and small moments that bring great joy. I’ll see you next time, friends.