Grateful beyond words

Thanksgiving is one of the holidays I truly love. Gratitude is something that I try to make a regular practice in my life, so a holiday devoted to this feels worthwhile. Thanksgiving is also during the autumn - a season I savour. The leaves are changing colour, pumpkins and squashes abound, and it's the beginning of sweater weather!

It's also a holiday that's about gathering around the table. And setting the table is an activity I enjoy. While Figg Street Co. offers a variety of stationery, we also carry other paper products related to the table, in addition to gifts and a few home decor items. Sometimes, when I'm unboxing the latest shipment, the designs, textures and colours inspire me.

Where do you begin?

When Thanksgiving season is nearing and you're hosting guests, where do you begin? Many people keep to traditions and tried-and-tested recipes when entertaining. I'm a little more daring and like to find new ones. I love to change things up. At the moment, I'm smitten with a new cookbook I received as a gift from a dear friend: Langdon Hall, A Cookbook, which is written by chef Jason Bangerter.

Planning a lunch or dinner often starts with sorting out main dishes and sides. They're often variations on turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, squashes, cranberry sauce and assorted vegetables and salads, but everyone has their own favourites. 

Afterward, it's desserts. I would love to make some of my favourite desserts from my mother's recipe collection. Perhaps the most amazing pound cake I've ever tasted. My siblings and I are still looking for that recipe!

We hope this issue inspires you to try something new at your table this Thanksgiving, in addition to your annual traditions. We're also very grateful to each and every one of our readers and customers. It's a pleasure to be part of such a warm, welcoming and creative community. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!