Ahhh, Norman Rockwell...he set the bar pretty high!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the fact that it’s all about the food, oh, and the giving thanks part.  I’m pretty thankful almost daily for a whole host of things so I guess that part fell behind the good food part!  Sorry.  No gift buying, no costumes, just great food and football (and gratitude).

Mention Thanksgiving and I’m sure a good third of the population cringe at the idea of getting the family together.  After all, not every family is a cohesive Norman Rockwell family!  As an only child I dreamt of what it would be like to have siblings.  When I married my hubby I realized that since he too was an only child we’d be a small family.  This Thanksgiving was doomed to be even smaller since Son#1 and his lovely wife are living in Austin, Texas and Grand baby #1 is due the day before Thanksgiving.

I guess if you don't like turkey this image doesn't make your mouth water!

{Image courtesy of Martha Stewart}

So, Son #2, hubby and I were thrilled to be invited to our good friends home.  Cayley and I have shared a passion for entertaining and cooking for years.

Isn't this simple but pretty? Centerpieces are so much fun.

{Our families history goes back to our oldest son and their oldest son being in grade school together and ultimately the same fraternity at the same college}  Cayley and I will collaborate on menu and cooking duties.  I’ll post the menu once it’s in place.

Not a flower in site but still lovely.

Oh, and the best part?  Cayley and her hubby have 4 lovely adult children—gratitude will be abundant this Thanksgiving.

{Image via Martha Stewart}

Martha Stewart gives directions on how to create these.

More Thanksgiving details to come…enjoy November!