Giving Thanks

As I sit here writing this post cozy in my favorite pj's & champs in hand I've been reflecting on what this year has brought us!

Last Thanksgiving we were so fortunate to be with our "Second Parents" - a couple who has known my husband since he was five. From the first time I met them I totally understood why Oliver loved them so much! They are the most generous, kind & loving people, who adopted us while we were in DC for some time. We spent almost all of our holidays with them when we couldn't travel home for whatever reason, and I never felt anything less than part of the family. This year we are missing them hugely, one day I hope that all of our parents both adopted and by birth can all celebrate a holiday together!

There is no doubt there has been much preparation leading to today, I have menu planned, changing several times, purchased & returned countless plates, napkins and decor. Ultimately, the end result is beautiful! The table is set, anything which could be prepped in advance has been and now we sit and relax until the crowds arrive at half past two tomorrow!

So here I reflect on the many things I am thankful for this year.

First and foremost, Oliver, I am so grateful for everything he does for Clo & I. He is a true gentleman & family man and for that I feel blessed beyond measure!

My family, which is ever expanding with a few new arrivals come 2015! :) They have been the most supportive, loving and loyal people in my life! It is impossible to get photos of all of you but I love you all the same!





















Our dog, Clovis, we love you more than is probably normal. You have brought us so much joy, love & a sobering reality of what dog ownership is actually about! The last seven months would have been incredibly boring without your antics!

My friends, this group has changed quite a bit over the last few years, however the end result is an intimate circle of people who have seen me through the roller coaster that is life. I love you all & am eternally grateful for the direction, honesty & laughter you have brought to my life, I am a better person for it!

Lastly, I am thankful for everyone who reads the blog! This has been such a wonderful journey so far & I can not wait to see where the future takes it!

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving (for those who celebrate!) Oliver merely participates because of the food like any good Englishmen! :) Enjoy the day with family and friends!

Holiday Decor- Gold & Creme

 Over the last few months I have been acquiring items for my Thanksgiving table as well as some of the smaller touches which I feel really make the experience. Some of the items I've purchased have been featured on the blog before, the champagne flutes & charger plates both from Target, as well as the Kate Spade table runner. I also had some great luck at Joann's where I found a tree wedge and some branches which I am using to add some height and texture to the table. I have also worked with some amazing Etsy vendors to create custom napkins, coaster, & edible gold sugar!
 

The napkins I had made are beautiful- I absolutely love them! They are from Sincerely Yours Lauren's esty shop. I went with the ivory napkin with gold monogram, I really loved this particular font, Sonnet, I felt it was very elegant but not over the top. I decided to go with the single monogram in place of our couple's monogram because I wanted these to represent our family for many years to come if we do add to it one day! :) Lauren was absolutely fantastic to work with, she was very prompt and patient with her responses to my many questions, and there is no denying the quality of the napkins! Thank you, Lauren! :)

Next were the coasters, I went to Dinglewood Design for these beauties! I loved the scripted "cheers" as well as the polka dot ones. Christy has a great variety in her shop, from wedding invitations to stationary she really makes it all! I will be revisiting soon for some personalized stationary! 

Ruffled Paper made these adorable gold stripped straws! I had similar ones I had purchased from Target last year but they no longer make this color so I was on a hunt that Jessica helped me solve! She also has some great confetti, and decor that I will be purchasing for my next party! I especially love this I love you dearly print!

 Then there was Dell Cove Spices which helped me to fulfill a longtime lust for gold sugar rimmed champagne cocktails! I saw this on Pinterest a while a go and pinned it for the future, and then I found this shop. They have literally every color you could imagine, and they now have flavored sugars, I have a "Christmas Cosmo" I only make after Thanksgiving so I will certainly be ordered the Christmas cocktail sugar! :)

I did a little practice run for some girlfriends the other night! They photograph very differently the photo in the tin was impossible to get good lighting so I wanted to include how great it looks on the glass! 

I am so grateful to all of these vendors for their help in making our first Thanksgiving a memorable & beautiful day! :) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!