From the Front Porch: A Thoughtful Thanksgiving
Hello from the front porch sweet friends and welcome to the Thoughtful Thanksgiving Edition of this weekly series.
Thanks so much for being here and spending time with us today.
How has your week been?
I know this time of year can be a busy one as we prepare for Halloween, the time change and begin easing into the holiday season.
I always feel like I’m walking a fine line between things I want to do and things I feel like I have to do and I know so many of you feel the same way.
The push-pull can be tough!
While I’m still very much growing in this area, there are three things that have helped over the years:
- Thinking in terms of memories we want to make, not time we feel like we have to spend.
- Creating festive bucket lists for November and December. It gives us an idea of what we want to prioritize, and something to look forward to.
- Communicating boundaries early and often.
Over the summer, I read the book Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab and it was life giving.
Truly, it’s one of those books that’s so good you feel like you need to reread it every year.
I have a ton of quotes from the book highlighted but wanted to share two that really resonated:
“Reasons People Don’t Respect Your Boundaries: You don’t take yourself seriously. You don’t hold people accountable. You apologize for setting boundaries. You allow too much flexibility. You speak in uncertain terms. You haven’t verbalized your boundaries (they’re all in your head). You assume that stating your boundaries once is enough. You assume that people will figure out what you want and need based on how you act when they violate a boundary.” ~Nedra Glover Tawwab, Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
and
“The hardest thing about implementing boundaries is accepting that some people won’t like, understand, or agree with yours. Once you grow beyond pleasing others, setting your standards becomes easier. Not being liked by everyone is a small consequence when you consider the overall reward of healthier relationships.” ~Nedra Glover Tawwab, Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
Now, I’m not saying setting boundaries is easy.
It takes practice and prayer.
But I’ve come to appreciate over the years, the effort is always worth it.
Cheering you on as you work to create a holiday season that fills your cup.
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- This 650 square foot Manhattan apartment via The Everygirl has glamorous details.
- This Old Charm Tour from Ridge Construction LLC is filled with lots of beautiful details too.
- I can’t believe this farmhouse via House and Garden UK is in the US. It has such a cozy European vibe.
- Have you seen this cedar mountain home from Jessica Nelson Design yet?
- Loved these simple reminders from Nora Murphy. They truly make Fall such a special season.
Seasonal Inspiration:
- How to Host a Ralph Lauren Inspired Thanksgiving (via The Supper Society on Substack)
- This Thanksgiving centerpiece from The Wood Grain Cottage is really beautiful.
- This painted turkey decor from the Live Oak Nest is really pretty too.
- I love the unexpected colors Jen from City Farmhouse used in her outdoor tablescape too.
- Bookmarking this post from Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse on hosting a Thanksgiving pie party buffet.
- Thanksiving Entertaining Ideas from the uber talented Eden of Sugar and Charm.
- How cute is this free fall printable from Epic Bucket Lists?
- 7 Items to Look For at Vintage Markets (adding these ideas from Ann of Sky Lark House to my shopping list)
- 45 Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Family Games (via Play Party Plan)
- 10 Sanity Saving Thanksgiving Tips, Tricks and Hacks (via Food Network)
- How to Host the Best Thanksgiving (fabulous tips and tricks including a planner from Donna of An Organized Season)
Health and Wellness:
- How to Get Better at Small Talk (via Self)
- 10 Minfulness Tips To Help You Keep Your Peace This Thanksgiving (via Calm)
- 33 Mini Habits That Quietly Changed My Life (via Rigging Reality)
Makeup, Style and Travel Inspiration:
- 22 Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas (via My Chic Obsession)
- 35 Makeup Ideas That Pair Well With Pumpkin Pie (via Glamour)
- 38 of the Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving (via Country Living)
Encouraging Words…
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Lately Here’s a Peek at What We’ve Been Up To…
Countdown to Thanksgiving Checklist
How to Create a Thanksgiving Vignette
How to Make a Blessings Wreath or Garland
Thanksgiving Inspired Tablescape Ideas
Easy Thanksgiving to Christmas Place Card Holders
Thoughts on Preparing for Holiday Guests
Shopping Notes…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- Tablecloth (toiles and checks for Thanksgiving always feel nostalgic)
- Purse (4 colors to choose from and a smaller size if you don’t carry a big purse like I do)
- Scarf Set (19 colors/prints to choose from, great to tie in your hair or on your purse)
- Dog Sweater (14 colors/prints to choose from depending on size, Terrier sweaters can be hard to find so I wanted to pass it along in case you have a JRT too)
- Crewneck Pullover (14 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Pumpkin Place Card Holders (5 colors to choose from)
- Dress (11 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Bracelet (8 styles to choose from and budget friendly)
- Huggie Hoops (2 finishes available and easy to pair with studs if you have have a double piercing)
- Ribbed Cardigan (16 colors to choose from depending on size)
- Wood Slices (would be festive to use under a plate or on a Thanksgiving buffet)
- Boots (my Mom has these and they’re super cute)
- Sweater Vest (14 colors/prints to choose from depending on size, it took a little longer than I expected to arrive but I’m planning to wear this on Thanksgiving weekend)
- Loafers (14 colors to choose from depending on size, breathable for traveling)
- Jeans (13 colors to choose from depending on size including a leopard print that would look fabulous with black)
- Dinnerware Set (a beautiful set you can dress up or down all year)
Many blessings,
CoCo
Love that magazine this month! And that kitchen is swoon-worthy for sure! Another great week of inspiration CoCo. We greatly appreciate it. We too are hosting friends. Loving and embracing the moments. Hugs to a fabulous weekend!
Thanks so much ladies! I know you guys had a busy and fun filled weekend too. Glad you like the ideas and the magazine too. I’ve read it several times because I don’t want to miss anything 🙂 Hugs, CoCo
Hi CoCo – I love the quote about boundaries. I often find that setting boundaries has more to do with us being willing to accept and endure the fact that certain people won’t be happy. So much of boundaries is being willing to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Sharing this in my Unboxing Post for tomorrow. Happy Halloween!!
Your posts are always so enjoyable. I’ll be spending lots of time on your wonderful links…really loved the fall at the Connecticut Country House. It brought back so many memories of our years at our 1730 home in New Hampshire.
I can’t believe November is here, and it’s time to start preparing for Thanksgiving (and Christmas too!)! You’ve packed a great deal of valuable information into this post, and I appreciate the reminder about boundaries as we head into such a busy season! Oh, yes, and thank you for sharing my Thanksgiving planner. I hope it’s as helpful to others as it has been to me! Have a wonderful week!
I loved the quote you shared about growth. When you can step over things that used to trip you… that is just golden! Also, the Setting Boundary book is a great reminder to work on strong communication to help avoid unnecessary drama this holiday season!