Thanksgiving 2014 Highlights

My sweet sister-in-law, Barb, that always makes sure to capture our events.  She's an amazing photographer and the photos in this post were graciously supplied by her!

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Can you believe how quickly the holidays pass?  We had a great day with family and friends.

One thing I learned through all of the plans and preparations...it doesn't have to be perfect in order for everyone to have a good time.  The day should be about enjoying time together.

I did lots of planning and cleaning, yet after it was all over I noticed dusty areas that had been missed, clutter that hadn't been put away, decorations that didn't get put out.  Did it matter?  Not one bit.

Actually, of the 30 something guests that we had, I think all but 4 entered through my laundry room door.  Hadn't planned for that but it didn't change a thing.  I want guests to feel comfortable in my home.  Take a nap on the couch.  Get something from the fridge if they need it.  See that I have missed some dust and a couple of cobwebs,

Time spent together should be just that...enjoying your time together, having fun, catching up on each other lives.  Who wants to do that in a home that feels like a sterile museum.  (Phfft!  My home will never be described as sterile with us and our 3 dogs living here.  And the only reference to museum may be to say it's a museum of thrift store and yard sale finds, lol!  That's funny but so true.)

The tryptophan was kicking in!

Antique frame and chicken wire used to display photos of family members.  They were encouraged to take any of the photos they wanted.

One of my lovely clean up helpers sporting her matching apron and gloves.  You can read about making those in this post:  Hostess Gift

Playing Giant Jenga in the garage since it was so chilly and windy outside

And, of course, the skeet shooting tradition.  (Sorry for the blurry photo.  This was a snapshot from a video.)

If you ask my husband, he'd tell you I've come a long way in learning how to host without stressing about perfection.  I also enjoy the time with guests more now as well.  Much of my inspiration for stress-free entertaining comes from the Nester's book, The Nesting Place.  Myquillyn, the Nester, has been one of my favorite bloggers for a long time.  She has a gorgeous home, imperfections and all.  You can find her book here The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful.  (Put it on your Christmas list.  You won't be disappointed!  You will enjoy entertaining guests like never before.)

Since I live about 3 hours from my family, we alternate the holidays between my family and my husband's.  Thanksgiving was celebrated with my in-laws this year.  They are just half of the wonderful people I'm blessed to call "family."  Christmas will be spent with the other half, my mom and siblings.  I'll be sharing our time together later in December.

One more family I'm thankful for is the family of blog readers...you!  I really appreciate your taking time from your day to visit my blog.

God bless!
Angie

PS:  Be sure to check back tomorrow!  We begin our week of Christmas Blog Tours!

(Affiliate link used for The Nesting Place)