We have a guest blogger today on The Sparrow’s Nest! Please welcome the fab Kendra Thornton!

Our Fabulous Thornton Thanksgiving!

With the leaves changing color, the air getting a little bit brisker and families preparing for the annual gatherings of the holiday season, I am getting ready to enjoy one of my favorite periods. Thanksgiving is one of my fondest times, mostly because the meaning that the season conveys. I love the idea of giving back and being thankful for the blessings with which I have been provided. At the Thornton household, we are anxiously awaiting visits from our relatives who will be coming to Chicago, and I can barely wait.

I have been turning to Pinterest to prepare for the holidays, and I have been getting ready for appetizers and desserts that allow my young children to take part in the season. Even though they are beginning to grow up, they enjoy spending time in the kitchen, pitching in to help Mom make their favorite meals. I find that I appreciate simple foods because they are easy to prepare. While complex meals may look great, the number of tasks that are required for preparation makes it more difficult to spend time with loved ones. I am thinking about making some great meals that will be tasty and fun for the family to prepare together.

A traditional Thanksgiving meal is always great, and I will always put the staples on my table. Turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes are essential, and I also enjoy the seasonal flavors of cranberry sauce and freshly made stuffing. This year, I am going to add some different plates to the table. As I have spent lots of time traveling, I found a delightful article on Gogobot’s blog that offers insight into what the most luxurious hotels are going to make for their visitors during the Thanksgiving holidays.

I chose to use these dishes and customize them for my own kitchen. I am kind of anxious at the mere thought of making something a little unique, and I hope that all of my family members enjoy the new flavors. I noticed that Waldorf Astoria in Orlando is making a scrumptious pumpkin soup that even includes a little bit of lobster. This makes a great appetizer, and I can’t wait to give the dish a try.

I am grateful for so many things in my life, and I appreciate the way that the Thornton family seems to come together and give thanks for the blessings that we have. I hope that you can enjoy a little bit of our tradition during this holiday season, and I want you and your loved ones to have a safe time surrounded by great foods while creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.

About Kendra Thornton: I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I’ve found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home with raising my three wonderful children. I am getting ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving season and am so happy to let you in on some of my very own traditions! Please follow me on Twitter: @KendraThornton