Are you hosting Thanksgiving this week? If you live in Canada you may already be looking ahead to Christmas, but for many families the close timing of Thanksgiving and Christmas can feel hurried. In our home we like to slow the pace and stretch the season so the joy of Thanksgiving can linger. Some years we even gather for Thanksgiving dinner under the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights.
I enjoy a relaxed rhythm—spacing out preparations so the holidays aren’t overwhelming and so we can savor the season with gratitude.
Bring in cozy, festive touches that inspire you. One reason I love natural decorating is how easily it transitions from season to season: greenery, pinecones, berries and seasonal accents flow naturally into winter decor.
Decorate simply with what you have on hand—pinecones, sprigs of rosemary, small pumpkins, wheat stalks or seasonal greenery. Keep arrangements simple enough to enjoy making them, and festive enough to feel special.
Thanksgiving is at my house this year and I’ll be setting the table for twelve. Our dining table doesn’t quite seat everyone, so we’ll add a folding craft table to make room for friends and family. And yes, our tree is up and twinkling this year, too.
I’m excited to gather around the table and celebrate all we have to be thankful for. Hospitality is a joy when it’s approached with calm and intentionality.
I recently shared thoughts on gracious hospitality over at Proverbs 31; I invite you to read that post for ideas and encouragement.
What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions and memories?
- My book Simple Gatherings offers practical ways to reduce hostessing stress. It’s available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys welcoming people into their home.
Click to explore entertaining and tabletop favorites.
Notes on items shown above: I often use Turkish towels as tablecloths for their texture and color variety. Matte dinnerware, simple wooden pedestals and trays, timeless flatware, and natural elements like wooden cheeseboards and ceramic pitchers are staples I return to season after season. Cloth napkins in classic stripes or ticking add a cozy, layered look, and candles provide warm ambiance.
Our annual Inspired Room gift guides are ready for the season and include curated ideas for hostess gifts and holiday decorating. They’re a useful starting point when you’re planning gatherings or shopping for decor.
More posts on The Inspired Room:
A Place at the Table: Festive Place Card Holders
Free Thanksgiving Printables
My Organic Thanksgiving Tablescape (and video!)