…the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness
Thanksgiving is just over 2 weeks away so time to get cracking. You’ve packed away your spooky ghosts and tossed those rotting pumpkins and it’s not time for the trees and holiday lights so let’s be Thanksgiving festive!
WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?
The Front Door – A nice natural tribute to the Autumn Season
Resources: Williams Sonoma: Williams-Sonoma
Frontgate: Frontgate
GrandinRoad: GrandinRoad
WHY WE LOVE: all handmade in the United States…no two exactly the same
Around the Home – embrace tradition
My kids are teenage boys so the chance of me getting them to sit down and do a craft is nil…I’d have better luck getting them to rake the yard or do their homework or take out the garbage. However, luckily I have saved many adorable homemade goodies from the boys over the younger years which I lovingly whip out each holiday and make a big deal out of it which is of course met with major eye rolling. Secretly, or maybe unconsciously, I know they love seeing it. My boys love tradition as most kids do (even if they don’t admit it!) Another reason to love is these decorations are free and from the heart.
Now, if you are lucky enough to have young children or girls of any age, you may be able to engage them in some fun homemade Thanksgiving decor projects. There are literally thousands of creative easy ideas on Pintrist – check it out #turkey#thanksgiving#diy !
The Mantel:
BE THANKFUL Rustic Thanksgiving Banner
At Etsy 
$17 Etsy
Sometimes Less Is More
I love this Design and DIY website called Shelterness Thanksgiving Decor Ideas
WHERE DO I SHOP THE LOOK?
Pier 1
Almost everything on sale and when you spend $49, get free shipping & 15 % off
Browse & Buy Now Pier 1
Love this guy from wayfair.com (unique turkey is hand-crafted from natural materials including grass & dried leaves)
Buy Now at wayfair.com $22.99
Candle Ideas…
THE TABLE – let’s face it, Thanksgiving centers around the turkey and the table so make yours memorable. 
One of the easiest, but personal DIY Thanksgiving decoration you can do is a name place card. Create decorative place cards for the Thanksgiving table with our seasonally-appropriate clip art. Go online to clip art and explore. Thanksgiving Clip Art
Your guests actually enjoy knowing where they are supposed to sit and that way you can make sure to break up the typical girl/guy segregated table that can occur. Pine cones are a free (or inexpensive if you have to buy at Bed Bath & Beyond) place card holder and seasonal appropriate table decoration. 
Buy Now…Pine Cone Place Holders at Bed Bath & Beyond $7.99 for set of 6
Tips:
1 – You don’t want to totally distract from the food so do not go overboard, just have a few surprises and personal touches like the place cards in a pine cone or an apple, pear, or pumpkin can do as well.
2- I do not like fussy busy table clothes. Go with white, khaki, solid gold or brown is also nice.
3- Do not use scented candles in the dining room as this will also distract and compete with the delicious food aromas!
4 -Candles: Taper candles for the table are elegant and festive. Try these from Williams-Sonoma. Buy Now at Williams-Sonoma on sale for $11.96 for 12 candles in 3 color choices.
WHY WE LOVE:
- consistent flame
- burns without smoking or dripping
- odorless
GOING TO GRANDMA’S?
What to bring other than a nice bottle of wine (we’ll talk more about what wine goes best with turkey next week as we tackle the MENU)…
Buy Now at Williams-Sonoma On Sale for $14.99 for set of 2 (20% 0ff) and FREE shipping now.
WHY WE LOVE:
- Jacquard woven of 100% cotton.
- Machine-wash.
- Set of two(keep 1 for yourself)
- matches any kitchen
- & it’s on SALE!
They’re Here!
The holidays are upon us and with that comes house guests…
Here are a few easy steps to ensure your guests feel
welcome and comfortable ~
Stock up on food and drinks: 
This may seem obvious, but think about your guests and what they might like. If you don’t know, it’s a good idea to send a quick email a week or 2 before they come to ask what they like to have on hand for drinks, snacks and breakfast. If your dear aunt Ruth only drinks decaf coffee and all you have is regular, it’s not going to start the day off right. I always think about breakfast and try to leave some muffins or bread and fruit out on the counter before going to bed. And I always make sure the coffee machine is set to go with coffee and water – put a little note saying: “just hit the ON button to brew!” These little touches will make your guests feel at home.
Have something planned for your guests:
Just try to have a few ideas that you can suggest to them. Again, think about your audience and their interests. Thanksgiving time…apart from the obvious shopping excursions (ie Black Friday), you could check your local paper for Christmas tree lightings, shows, concerts, movies, or a nice park to take a hike. And don’t forget the kids! Maybe have a few dvds on hand, a new game or two, or a craft.
The Bed:
Make sure you have nice, clean sheets, plenty of fluffy pillows, and extra blankets. Sometimes sheets on guest beds can start smelling stale when they go unused so I like to make up the guests beds right before they come with freshly washed sheets. I always use original downy for the softest and best smelling sheets and towels. Speaking of towels, you don’t want your guests to have to go hunting for them or wonder if they ones hanging in the bathroom are clean so I always fold the towels and lay them on their bed. 
Comforts of Home:
Guest Room essentials:
- books & magazines
- a candle – try LAFCO “Guest Room” Candle (fresh cut yellow daffodils and daisies are layered upon soft orange blossom and honeysuckle to create a cheerful and uplifting fragrance making your guest room a true home away from home
- a lamp for late night reading
- an clock that lights up (I personally hate to wake up in the middle of the night and not know what time it is)
- a luggage rack, some empty drawers & closet space
Wishing you a very happy, fun-filled time with family and friends this season!