We had our first Thanksgiving and Christmas in our new home!

 

I was so happy to host and yet overwhelmed at all the things I needed to do. I’m used to hosting my kids’ youth group, but I feel like kids don’t judge as harsh on your cleaning skills (?) Not that family is judging; however, I felt like every little nook and cranny needed to be cleaned!

 

We have typically been in Hawaii for Brian’s work trips (before he lost his job) and have missed Thanksgiving with the family for quite a few years, now. Though I was sad not to be in Hawaii, I was thankful to be able to host all the relatives.

 

We hosted my side one day and Brian’s the next. Obviously, there was a lot of cleaning and lots of eating! I was so happy to have our own place to host but also discouraged, as our home is not quite decorated how I would like. However, I know that can come with time.  Right now, it’s about being with the people we love and not about the material things.

 

I tried to have some nice eating decor and food on a budget. I went to Dollar Tree and purchased the gold plastic ware and plates, and found some cute turkey napkins. I put a tablecloth on our folding table and a pumpkin in the middle.  Not how I had imagined the table being decorated, but it was budget friendly and cute. Then we threw it all away and reset for the next day. All that for $14, and we had less dishes to wash when on a quick turnaround!