This time of year our bags are constantly packed and ready to go be with our family and friends who may not live down the street anymore. There's a certain excitement that comes with traveling that feels like Christmas morning. The anticipation of new sights to behold or hugging the special someone that waits for us after reaching our destination makes our hearts giddy.

If we had to define a true ‘Cottage Hill’ Thanksgiving, it would look like this shoot by Blue Eyed Yonder. Krista created this shoot as a nod to the good ol' days "where meals were made from scratch, family and friends gathered around the dinner table, and stories and traditions are kept alive." They had each guest prepare a family recipe to honor those that have come before them and the many years of celebrating over those very dishes.

I love how the abundance of this meal makes me think back to Thanksgivings where grandpa was asleep on the sofa, little ones stole cookies off of the counter, and everyone lingered, eager to hear one more story of the past. Landon Jacob Photography perfectly captured the simplicity found in the midst of full, overflowing, and abundant traditions like this Thanksgiving meal.

Perhaps my favorite current ‘trend’ is foraging, or as I’ve called it for the past 20 years - picking the yard. Some days, I just have to take a few minutes, step out of the Cottage Hill office and connect with the flowers. Nurture the roses needing love in the chilly air, clip a few branches and maybe some dahlias who have been showing off like crazy this year. Then come back inside, turn up some Ella Fitzgerald and arrange.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle rather than focusing on what truly matters, your family. This Thanksgiving engagement inspiration, designed by Victoria Austin Designs, reminds us to share our love story and lives with those who love us unconditionally. Thanksgiving is a time once a year that families travel miles and miles to sit around a table and share a meal together.