Giving Thanks

Fall carries a quiet kind of wonder, but Thanksgiving crowns the season with meaning. When leaves begin their graceful descent in shades of honey gold, rustic red, and blushing orange, creation is already practicing gratitude. The trees give first, then celebrate later. They let go freely, trusting that what falls becomes nourishment for the soil. Nothing is wasted in a season surrendered. It is a gentle sermon written in petals of autumn. What we release with trust returns as life, rest, and future bloom.

Thanksgiving turns giving into a lifestyle, not an occasional act. It invites us into open-handed gratitude that says, there is enough here to share and enough still to spare. You feel it when organizing your home for guests, clearing counters, fluffing pillows, folding throws, and making room not to impress but to welcome. A tidy home becomes an offering of love. A table prepared becomes evidence of anticipation. Candles lit, flowers gathered, dishes planned and placed, every detail communicates presence, care, and intentional gratitude. Thanksgiving says, pull up a chair, slow your heart, and be fully here.

Giving at Thanksgiving doesn’t need grand gestures to carry impact. It lives in the overlooked moments. The extra place setting for someone who might come alone. The healthy meal lovingly planned so family bodies feel honored and hearts feel comforted. The slice of pumpkin pie handed quietly to the neighbor who works long hours. The winter coat from last year donated because someone else will need warmth soon. The modest outfit shared online as inspiration not for accolades but as gentle encouragement for women who want beauty wrapped in humility. The heartfelt caption posted simply to lift someone’s spirit toward hope. Thanksgiving giving is practical, purposeful, heartfelt, and human.

Thanksgiving is not a moment that ends when the dishes are washed. It becomes the spirit behind every full pantry, every organized closet, every routine that brings peace instead of overwhelm. Gratitude and stewardship walk hand in hand. When we care for our blessings well, we create more to give. More time, more joy, more resources, more encouragement, more peace. You cannot pour hope into others if your own world is frantic. But when your world is gently ordered, prayer-soaked, and purpose-led, hope pours out naturally.

Thanksgiving also teaches optimism. Not the loud kind of optimism, but steady confidence. The kind that believes even when the season grows colder. The kind that whispers, God has not stopped providing, winter is not evidence of His absence, only of His wisdom. Gratitude looks backward for perspective but forward for hope. We gather around tables not just to remember blessings, but to announce trust for what comes next.

So as pumpkins sit plump in the fields, and apples crisp in the harvest baskets, may we hold the season as proof. Proof that abundance grows sweeter when shared. Proof that welcome matters more than perfection. Proof that giving while grateful becomes the great distributor of hope. Proof that faith rooted in gratitude carries optimism into every coming season.

Thanksgiving invites us to live lighter, give warmer, hope forward, serve others quietly, and anchor every blessing in the One who gives without limit. The table is ready, the harvest secure, the hearts expectant. Gratitude is falling all around us like holy confetti, and optimism waits in every surrendered seed. This is the season to give from gratitude, love with intention, and trust with joy.

Until Next Time,

7 Mistakes to Avoid Making This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year. It is a time for gratitude, gathering, and of course, great food. But between hosting, cooking, decorating, and trying to make it all “Pinterest-perfect,” it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Whether you are a seasoned hostess or hosting for the first time, avoiding a few common pitfalls can make your Thanksgiving not just successful, but genuinely joyful and stress-free.

Here are seven mistakes you will want to avoid this Thanksgiving and how to sidestep them gracefully.

1. Waiting Too Long to Plan

The biggest Thanksgiving stressor is procrastination. Waiting until the last minute to plan your menu, guest list, or grocery shopping almost guarantees overwhelm. Popular ingredients and turkeys can sell out quickly, and a rushed week can leave you frazzled.

How to avoid it: Start planning at least two weeks in advance. Choose your menu early, write out your shopping list, and take inventory of what is already in your pantry. If you are hosting, plan your tablescape and serving dishes ahead of time too. A little organization goes a long way toward a peaceful holiday.

2. Taking On Too Much Yourself

Many hosts make the mistake of thinking they have to do everything from cooking every dish to setting the table, cleaning, and entertaining. The result is exhaustion before the guests even arrive.

How to avoid it: Remember that Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not perfection. Delegate. Ask guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or even drinks. Kids can help with simple tasks like folding napkins or arranging centerpieces. The joy of the day comes from sharing, not shouldering everything alone.

3. Trying Too Many New Recipes

It is tempting to scroll through Instagram or food blogs and try five brand-new dishes to impress your guests. But Thanksgiving is not the best time for culinary experiments. New recipes can take longer than expected or flop right before dinner.

How to avoid it: Stick to tried-and-true favorites that you have made before, and add one new dish if you are feeling creative. Test it a week early to ensure it works for your taste and timeline. Classic recipes done well will always impress more than complicated ones that go sideways.

4. Forgetting About Dietary Needs

These days, it is common to have guests who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or have allergies. Forgetting to plan for dietary needs can make some guests feel left out or leave them with little to eat.

How to avoid it: Ask about dietary restrictions when you invite guests. You do not need to overhaul your menu; just make sure there are one or two options everyone can enjoy. Roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, and salads are easy, inclusive choices. Labeling dishes on the buffet is also a thoughtful touch.

5. Neglecting the Atmosphere

Sometimes, in the rush of cooking, hosts forget that ambiance plays a big role in how people feel. Harsh lighting, cluttered counters, or even silence during dinner can make the evening feel flat.

How to avoid it: Set the mood intentionally. Light candles, dim the overhead lights, and put on a cozy playlist. Add simple touches like fresh greenery or pumpkins for natural charm. Remember that the warmth of the room, both in décor and spirit, creates lasting memories more than fancy centerpieces do.

6. Overlooking Gratitude

In the flurry of serving food and managing guests, it is surprisingly easy to forget the true purpose of Thanksgiving: giving thanks. Skipping this part can make the day feel like just another big meal.

How to avoid it: Before dinner, invite everyone to share something they are thankful for. It can be as simple as going around the table or writing blessings on cards. These moments of reflection bring meaning and connection that linger long after dessert.

7. Forgetting to Enjoy Yourself

Perhaps the most common mistake is focusing so much on the doing that you forget to be present. If you are running around stressed, guests will feel it too.

How to avoid it: Give yourself permission to slow down. Prepare as much as possible the day before.

Set the table, bake desserts, and prep ingredients. On Thanksgiving Day, get dressed early, take a few quiet moments to breathe, and remember that it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful. A relaxed, smiling host sets the tone for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is not meant to be a performance; it is a pause. It is the gentle rhythm of conversation around the table, the laughter of children, and the comfort of familiar dishes shared with people you love. When you let go of perfection and focus on presence, you will find that Thanksgiving has a way of becoming everything it is meant to be: warm, joyful, and full of gratitude.

Until Next time!

Thanksgiving Table 2016

Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays!
I was very inspired by the outdoor foliage trend on tablescapes this year, and decided to make that a central theme on this year’s Thanksgiving table.
I went out into my garden and cut a few pine and spruce branches from a few trees in the back yard.
I filled in the gaps with an arrangement of faux flowers and berries from Dollar Tree. I also added candlesticks with taper candles from William-Sonoma and a few DIY candle holders that I made with my daughter.
I love to mix outdoors with indoors and designer and inexpensive items, I am grateful for it all!
Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! Until next time!

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Check out my table in the video below.

 

Until Next Time!

Thanksgiving Favorites!

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I love this time of year as it is a time to be with family and friends and eat lots of delicious food. We are having a pretty large Thanksgiving celebration this year, and I picked up a few pieces to make this year’s  festivities a great occasion for gratitude!

Continue reading “Thanksgiving Favorites!”