Happy November!
As soon as the candy corn goes on sale at CVS, it feels like it’s time to roll out the Christmas cheer, and I plead guilty to jump-starting my Christmas season once the last ghost is gone.
That being said, I do love Thanksgiving.
Whether it’s a quiet dinner or an extra long table to welcome your family and friends, Thanksgiving is a time to gather and celebrate. In my early twenties, after college, I was living and working in New York City. Because I was the most junior member of the staff, I always had office duties on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which meant that I couldn’t travel home. In those first few years, my mom always drove up and spent the day with me, eating turkey sandwiches off TV tray tables while watching the parade taking place about 40 blocks south. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t fancy or even particularly inviting. It was wonderful that we could celebrate the day together, creating our own tradition.
Now, I do it a little better, and I don’t work on Friday unless I choose to.
I love the smell of the turkey in the oven all day; I love watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the pre-game for the National Dog Show, depending on what you like best, and I love all the side dishes. Oh, and pie. I love pumpkin pie. Most of all, I love having everyone home, family and friends, whoever is around, spending time together and creating memories.
With my own kids rapidly approaching that same age, it feels even more important to me to create a warm and inviting space where we can relax and celebrate together.
In an effort to slow things down and take time to give thanks, I’ve gathered some of my favorite finds to make your home and your gathering festive and beautiful.
If you have read my other posts, you know that I am happiest when I find pieces that bring form and function together. I don’t like to waste my money on throw-away stuff. I prefer to buy items, regardless of the price, that can be reused. If they can’t be reused, for example, paper napkins sometimes make more sense, then they should be special in some way. For my front door, I invested in a sturdy, lifelike green wreath, and I decorate it throughout the years with seasonal bows or embellishments. My mother taught me how to make a perfect bow when I was young. I have no idea why, but it’s a remarkably handy skill (way more useful than I ever would have expected). If you didn’t grow up with my mom, or if you just don’t want to fuss with making your own, this pre-made bow is just the right size to spice up your front door wreath, and you can use it over and over again. I keep all my wreath bows together in one box in a closet that’s easy to access so I can swap them out as the seasons change, and I don’t have to hunt around in the attic to find them.
My children are older now, but there is something that’s just so nostalgic about a felt garland. I will still use these for Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations. Buy it once and use it year after year. Felt garlands also fold up and store nicely in a gallon ziplock bag, so they don’t take up much storage space and last for years.
It may not be the Golden Goose, but this gold leaf turkey by Two’s Company is certainly a statement piece. Use it as the center of your tablescape, or place it on the sideboard. This piece can be handed down with all the Thanksgiving memories created around your table.
I don’t do any holiday without a touch of blue and white. Two’s Company ceramic turkey plate adds some whimsy with my favorite classic color combination.
These twisted tapered candles come in a variety of colors, but I love the soft brown for Thanksgiving. They add a gentle layer of interest to your table without distracting from the main event.
Mud Pie is a brand that I love for classic decor with a sense of fun. This set of velvet pumpkin napkin rings is just the ticket. Use these with a solid-colored napkin to add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table.
Whether you are hosting or a guest, this acorn wooden board is perfect for a warm or cold dip. If you are bringing an appetizer, this is the perfect presentation to show your host that you appreciate all of the work they are putting into making the day special for you.
I mentioned paper napkins at the beginning of this post. If you are having lots of people, beautiful paper cocktail napkins add something extra to the day. These are great to have on hand if you are hosting because practical can still be beautiful. If you are a guest, they are a thoughtful gift when added to a bottle of wine or an appetizer that you may bring.
Last but not least, if you have little ones coming to your celebration, give them something to do. This adorable holiday feast play set will help keep little hands busy.
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