There was a bit of a shift in my earth’s atmosphere this year.
I lost my grandmother in late February…shortly after she turned 104. She was a magical human being – wise and witty, kind and fearless, healthy until the end….minus what Alzheimer’s had robbed from her over the past few years.
I carry her in my heart and in my home. She won’t be physically present for the holidays this year, but she will be fully represented.
You see…to me, the holidays – and Thanksgiving in particular – are anchored by family as well as the memories and moments we create.
This is the first of my recommendations for creating a memorable Thanksgiving experience: decorate your table and home with items that evoke a memory, make you smile or allow you to pass on traditions to the youngest members of your family. My Grams was quite formal and expected we would set and decorate a proper table and all dress up for our meals together. She was proper, but always quick with a one-liner.
But what about new memories? New traditions?
This sign – a Sweet Space Decor box  from Thirty One Gifts says Grateful & Happy – a reminder for all of us to take stock of what matters. This box can be personalized for your family as well – either with a saying (like mine), a family name or monogram. Despite the people who cannot be at our table, we are happy to be together and grateful for the many gifts that surround us.
Feel free to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, or simply stop by their site for decorating and personalization inspiration. It is easy for me to love and support a company that was founded with the intention of empowering and supporting other women.
P.S. Don’t forget to take a look at all of the goodness they have dedicated to the upcoming holidays….and keep in mind the last day to order for holiday delivery is December 11th.
Disclosure: I’m happy to have partnered with Thirty One Gifts to talk with you about the beauty of creating a memorable Thanksgiving experience.
Great post! I always try my best to make our holiday get togethers memorable. I never want a holiday to be just another day but with better and more food.
I love all things personalized. I look forward to the holidays because I get to see my family that lives far away.
This looks like so much fun, your decor is so pretty! It’s important to make these occasions meaningful and memorable, you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Thank you so much – I so love to decorate around the holidays…and this year will be special.
Your Grandmothers china is beautiful. I also have my Grandmas china and use it on special occasions. The details are always important to me. It is the little things that can really make a party.
Beautiful details to make Thanksgiving more about your family and your heritage! Love that you grandma lived for many years! I’m sure you’ll miss her so it’s nice that you’re putting elements that remind you of her this year!
I like that the decorations represent something memorable. Every piece is beautiful!
I love that cutting board, I need one like that! I love the idea of creating new traditions as well as enjoying our old ones!
Your tablescape is beautiful. We always go to my mother’s in laws for Thanksgiving and her table is beautiful. However, with a ton of people paper plates is so much easier.
Thanksgiving was my grammy’s favorite and the first one without her was hard. We all pitched in and took on one of her famous dishes each to celebrate her life and all she did to keep the family close.
I love that you celebrated her this way. Thank you for understanding.
You can come decorate my house anytime! Everything you have there is absolutely gorgeous. And the dishware that your grandmother gave you what a great history. I love all the colors on those plates too.
Oh thank you so much – I LOVE to do this – especially around the holidays.
It really is all in the details. Sure the food is fun, but it’s the little things like family and remember those who’ve we’ve lost that make the holidays really special.
You are speaking my language 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving.
It’s so nice to have a wonderful memory of your grandmother. I am so sorry she is not here with you this holiday, but at least she will be there in spirit. God Bless your family!
This is such a lovely and sweet way to keep those loved ones that we lost part of our festivities. I really love how you decorated for Thanksgiving. Nothing is better than honoring and remembering our loved ones during special occasions.
I love that cutting board! It would make a wonderful gift! I also love your holiday tablescape, I’m sure your Grandmother would love it!
Your set up is very beautiful. This is exactly what I need to do. I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year, and need a nice setting like this.
Your grandmother lived to be an amazing number. I have a friend who lost her grandmother last month. It’s been hard on her family for the holidays.
Beautiful tablescape! We don’t really have traditions except getting together to eat.
A very wonderful setting for a Thanksgiving Dinner. Your family is very lucky that you put so much effort into the occasion. I like how you incorporate aspects in memory of those who aren’t able to be there with you anymore to share the moment
I have always loved personalized things. And I love giving them as gifts. I like what you’ve got. They’re all so pretty!
It is definitely all in the details and your holiday table pulled together nicely! What great memories of your grandmother. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and blessed Holiday Weekend!