Oh, hello, December.

I spend all year waiting for you; my excitement for what December brings- all things sugar and spice; magical music, festive gatherings with family and friends- trumping the other eleven months of the year. Beautiful as they may be. And this year, while I'm beyond happy to greet this month with open arms, as usual; I will admit that, in terms of November's, this one was one of my favorites.

As I mentioned before, this will be the first Thanksgiving I'm officially hosting myself- with my mother, as well as much of our family, scattered throughout the country this year. And while the gathering will be decidedly small, I've naturally spent the last few weeks pinning recipes and festive decor.

After my intimate birthday dinner party a few weeks ago, I'm feeling more inspired than ever to make this celebration extra beautiful.