The day before Thanksgiving is reserved for feast preparations. Having adopted the hosting, I've learned to cook the majority of delicacies on Wednesday, leaving the turkey and a few sides for the big day. After all, I want to spend quality time with my family and friends who will join us, not hovering over the stove, missing all the fun. As for many, this celebration officially kicks off the Holiday season in our household. While we will be adorning our home starting Friday in color-rich Christmas splendor, left-overs fuel our energy, leaving more time to decorate without eating it up in the kitchen again.

Sixteen years... Little did I know back in 1995, single in a one-bedroom apartment, deciding to tackle a turkey for the first time, it would herald the moment my mother officially passed the torch to me. Many years since have afforded my family the grace to continue tradition and blend freshness into the mix.

Cut-work leaf embroidered linens and the bone china sets an elegant table, the finery to be savored along with the cuisine. Though more work to wash everything by hand, why not break out the good china? What are we going to save it for?  This celebratory time, we give thanks for being so fortunate. Each year, I ask everyone what they would like to enjoy and between mom and myself, we cook up a feast. Brenna loves my mom's Au Gratin Potatoes... Dad wants a Rustic Apple Pie made with Splenda since he is diabetic... Robert is craving Lemon Meringue Pie this year...

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." ~ Cicero

Perfection is a relative term. Enjoying a bountiful table, surrounded by people we love, safe and secure, comfortably creating new memories while recalling those of old... this is my idea of perfection, one to be truly thankful for, allowing grace to reside in our hearts. The gift of life itself is a treasure... To be present in every moment and enjoy the journey... For this we say grace...

Wishing everyone a bountiful gathering of love with a generous serving of grace... 

Happy Thanksgiving... xoxo- Sonya