Thanksgiving, a time to spend with your family, enjoying great food, and reflecting on all the things you have to be thankful for. I'm very fortunate to have all these things to look forward to at Thanksgiving, I have more blessings than I can count, a great family, and a grandma who cooks the best southern food in all of North Carolina.
Thanksgiving also has a lot of work that goes into it. Being the perfect Southern Belle and avid
Southern Living reader that you are; you have everything about the holiday planned, from the perfect turkey to the perfect outfit.
While balancing being a southern lady and aspiring to be the next Blair Waldorf{the lover of all things that make Thanksgiving perfect}, you realize you aren't in fact Blair Waldorf{a ruling Queen with waitstaff at her beckon call} and you don't have your own personal Dorota to get all the decorations in place and still have time to pick out the perfect outfit before your guest arrive.
So what do you do? You turn to pinterest, to help you find every holiday inspiration you could possibly need.
The Decorations:
Get a little crafty with an old frame, save you October pumpkins and spray paint them gold, grab some leaves, twigs, pinecones from outside, and some cornhusks left in a nearby field to make the perfect fall accents.
The Meal:
This is easily one of the most important elements to any Thanksgiving and if we're being honest this is why you're guest are here. They've been waiting for this day all year and in preparation of the feast they haven't eaten a real meal in days. So when they sit down to your table present them with everything they've been dreaming of, a mouthwatering turkey{I prefer ham...shhh} surrounded by all their favorite fixings! {And for the first time Thanksgiving host, A Classic Southern Thanksgiving chart with all the must haves.}
And don't forget that signature blue ribbon worthy pie that will have them loosing belts just for another heavenly slice.
The Table:
You're table is your canvas. This is where it all goes down! Your guests will be sitting here for hours, so why not take the opportunity to impress them not only with your amazing food but your ability to set the perfect table{no plastic in sight}. So when your guests look at you in amazement and say "Your table looks beautiful! How did you have time to put all this together?", all while thinking 'How the hell did she do this? I didn't even wash my hair this morning. Does she have secret maids hidden in the kitchen or is she just trying to make me look bad? Either way, I hate her.' You can smile say "Thank you. I just threw them together this morning!" and think to yourself, 'I haven't slept in days, all in preparation for this one meal. I'm buzzed on coffee and I can't even remember if I brushed my teeth this morning. Yes, I know you hate but I honestly don't care, you better sit there and eat every bite off of my perfectly polished plates.'
And for dessert have a little fun and bring out some napkins with a humorous quote. {Even more fun if you have a Northern joining you for the occasion.}
The Outfit:
Now that your turkey is in the oven, they table is set, and your pie is cooling by the window, you have a minute to think of yourself. Run upstairs, change out of those running shorts and that two sizes too big shirt, throw some makeup on and become presentable. Yes, you'll be eating large amounts of food and those comfy clothes are calling your name but, remember, presentation is everything. You can be comfy and fashionable at the same time! Throw on your favorite fall skirt or long cardigan and a pair of flats and you're good to go!
The Finishing Touch:
To keep your guests thinking 'Just how does she do it?', put together a simple take home gift. Your guests will be floored that you put so much thought in the day and deem you the next Paula Deen after they taste their farewell goodies. Then commence to graciously bow at your feet.
Now, wave goodbye to your guests, go back inside and begin to hibernate for the next few hours because shortly you'll have to awake a begin your black friday shopping!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
In everything always give thanks. // 1 Thessalonians 5:18
xoxo, L
