Thanksgiving Rev Up

Thanksgiving is practically upon us. Yay!

I’m deliriously happy.

Ron and I host between 18-28 guests for a formal sit-down meal each year in our home. In the early years, we’d move all of our family room furniture to the garage and set up long tables in their place. Once we replaced the tired two-tiered deck in the backyard with a large charcoal, stamped concrete pad and a large gazebo, we’ve held our festivities outside. Surprisingly, it makes a magical space in the fall. Permanent cafe lights strung zig zag under the gazebo and around the patio set the perfect mood. We offer fuzzy socks and blankets for those who snuggle by the fire. In case of rain, we use a pop-up tent to cover the firepit and circular seating, and commercial heaters warm the space toasty.

I just pick an inspiration — cranberries, DIY jeweled white miniature pumpkins, pistachios, driftwood and dried flowers, etc. — and then match the color or the vibe. One of my favorite themes was using chalkboard signs and the word Thankful.

For the table centerpieces, I planted flowers instead of using formal cut flowers and gave succulents to each guest to take home as a gift. I ordered mini metal buckets, had Ron drill holes in the bottoms for water drainage, and filled them with soil and a succulent plant. Then I added natural twine and a star chalkboard tag where I wrote Thankful in liquid chalk marker.

I used chalkboard Thankful signs to label all the cheeses and dips and speciality foods, too.

To cement the theme, I stenciled a Thankful chalkboard banner and hung it above the gazebo. Fairy lights sprinkled whimsy. At night, all the lights from the fire, the centerpieces, the candles, and the cafe lights created a cozy and special vibe. 

To make the centerpieces, I bought long galvanized tubs from Hobby Lobby, again had Ron drill holes in them for water drainage, and planted a variety of colorful plants in them. I crowded the plants to make it lush, added sphagnum moss (I just love the texture and color), and then laced fairy lights throughout them. After the celebration, I replanted the plants in various containers around the yard and today, nearly two years later, those plants still bring me joy.

For this year, I’ve decided on my theme (sssh! it’s a secret), I’ve planned my menu (ooh, I can hardly wait to make Thyme Biscuits with Honey-Thyme Butter again, the newest addition to my Thanksgiving menu), and I’ve penned my guest list.

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?