A note from Amy - Founder of Dwell + Design

I strongly believe that the heart of a home is where life's most meaningful moments happen. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m excited to share tips on how to create a timeless Thanksgiving space that welcomes your loved ones with open arms (and a glass of bubbly, of course!) I would also like to reflect on the profound importance of Thanksgiving in this  post-pandemic world and express gratitude for being safe as others across the globe are less fortunate to be so.  

Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones, being grateful for what we have, and enjoying the cozy vibes of home. For a super cozy Thanksgiving setup, go for those classic vibes but remember to stay true to your design style! Since I am inept in the kitchen, I leave the cooking to my husband and spend all of my time in the decorating department. This is a moment where MORE is BETTER.  A cornucopia of earthy toned goodness spread throughout the table deters my friends and family from the fact that I can’t even prep a side dish! For sprucing up the table, my go-to is Trader Joes for their affordable and beautiful selection of mini pumpkins, gourds and greenery.  

I absolutely love a beautiful table setting. It’s a little bit like watching the curtains open at a Broadway show and seeing the stage right before the cast walks out. This is your moment to shine. Set the stage and get your guests excited for the meal. Pull out that special china or just add a little pizazz to your everyday dishware by using cloth napkins tied with twine and topped with a slice of dried citrus or sprig of rosemary. Make it fun, make it memorable, make it yours.

Thanksgiving is an occasion for gratitude and connection. It’s a time to slow down and appreciate what you have and whom you love! Infuse your celebration with personal touches like handwritten place cards, customized menus, or a gratitude wall where guests can share their blessings. These little details can make your gathering more memorable and meaningful and impress the you know what out of your guests.

My aunt uses Thanksgiving themed mini rubber duckies as place holders at the table. Each one labeled with our names by a sharpie. I look forward to seeing my rubber duckie every year. A good 15 of them are strategically placed around the table but inevitably moved based on who you really want to sit next to! When my kids were little we traced leaves, colored them in and labeled them for each family member. One year, probably my favorite year, I covered the table with craft paper and the entire family contributed by writing notes of gratitude and silly drawings. 8 years later, I still have that craft paper. A little bit of yuk mixed in with a whole lot of sweetness.

Now more than ever, we need to hold on to our loved ones and savor every moment shared together. The terrorist attack on Israel, which led to the loss of life among both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the displacement of many from their homes and the deprivation of basic necessities, is a deeply tragic and difficult event to grasp. The season of giving is upon us so it’s the perfect time to do what you can to support all of those suffering or experiencing anxiety and stress. It can start by welcoming your loved ones, neighbors, friends, coworkers or even acquaintances into your home and making them feel seen, heard, cared for and loved.

So if you haven’t been able to tell, Thanksgiving is by far one of my favorite holidays! I am so grateful for all of you who have and continue to support me in my personal and professional endeavors and trust me to guide you in your design and real estate journeys!

Now, go make your home a haven for all of your loved ones. Be safe. Be happy. Be healthy.

With gratitude,

Amy