The Grand Thanksgiving Table ~ Is It Worth It?

[@marymogckmishmashmary]

So glad to hear someone else say no appetizers for Thanksgiving! I totally agree. Save your appetite for the delicious turkey dinner.❣️

[@LindaVater]

Thank you! You too!

[@lindylou3519]

@@LindaVatertotally agree! 😊

[@mnevils4493]

I totally agree. Our family and friends save our appetite for the Thanksgiving feast.

[@TracyCotterman]

I love a formal presentation for Thanksgiving. It brings a sense of peace and slowing down so the blessings can be honored.

[@cathybaumgardner4810]

It is worth it! I move furniture out of connecting rooms to set the huge table for nearly 40’of us ( including 28 grandchildren 16 and down- we share all the cooking and baking and I do the tables the Monday before and the pies two days before and plan my table centerpieces and dishes etc well in advance . It is work but we all pitch in! Memories are made and cherished ❤

[@LindaVater]

🩵🙏💙

[@jenniferharned6484]

It is worth it! Until six years ago we’d have a sit down for Thanksgiving of 25-30 family and friends. The food was delegated out so I wasn’t doing it all. Life has evolved and we are now a small gathering of 8-10, I miss our big gatherings so much!

[@story-tlr]

Oh the artistry of tablescapes! They're so much fun to assemble. Each one begins with optimism. Some have more, some have less. And I truly love this one.

[@tina8palmer]

It's always worth the effort. I love that my children and friends love coming to my home for Thanksgiving. It's a labor of love.

[@LindaVater]

So true!

[@swankyclass8654]

I agree. It’s totally worth showing my family and friends just how grateful I am for them and they are worth all the effort. Thanksgiving is all about having gratitude and showing gratefulness. This is a great time to dress up, beautify your home with wonderful food, amazing drinks, cozy weather and loving friends and family. It all looks beautiful.

[@s.guidry2222]

Yes it’s “ worth all the effort!” I agree it’s worth the work. It shows love and care for those that are coming.

[@glgardener4972]

Holidays are very special and yes, it is a lot of work but so worth it. I do it all as my family comes from 2,000 and 4,000 miles away and spends the week....and I can hardly wait. I set my table last week and covered it with a large flat sheet that I use for gatherings like this. I have my serving pieces all assembled and groceries purchased. I make home made dinner rolls from scratch along with the pie crust for my 3 pies. I decide what I am going to make each day up until Thanksgiving. Family arrive the evening before the big day and we always have a sacrificial pumpkin pie for everyone to have the night before! I love to decorate for the season so everything is autumn focused. We do not do any Christmas decorating until Dec 1...We all have so much to be thankful for and we don't want to rush over this time to share our thankfulness. We choose celebrate gratitude and I think if we focused on that the world would be a better place. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@LindaVater]

Love this sentiment!

[@annhaugen5257]

You spoke of regret for not putting forth the effort. I have a lot of regret. My father died October of 2023 and my mother and sisters kind of just decided to get through the holidays as best we could. Well, my mother died unexpectedly this past July. So, we didn’t get another chance to be together for these big family get together holidays. I will always regret not putting in the effort, spending the time with her. Even if it was just putting together tacos or something. Linda, you’re right. The effort will always be easier than the regret. This year we are doing a Thanksgiving breakfast as a twist… maybe a new tradition for my husband, adult children and their future families to embrace. Thank you for this video. Your tablescapes are beautiful. Thank you for the reminder to be thankful and for the inspiration. Take care.

[@LindaVater]

I love that idea❤️

[@susanoverberger7663]

Love the brunch idea. Especially when adult children have multiple families to spend time with that day.

[@annhaugen5257]

@@susanoverberger7663❤

[@dawnrosinski8648]

It's worth it. My mom would go all out for every holiday. I really miss her. Try to keep traditions going.

[@juneramirez8580]

Hollidays are special for my family. I want to dress up the table and house because I also enjoy living that way! Special is always worth it!

[@cherylspates5476]

Yes it’s worth it!!! Thanksgiving and Christmas come one time a year so the little extra is worth every bit of effort.

[@susanwelch2237]

My mom made every holiday a special occasion! She made cakes and candy for everyone! The house was so clean and decorated! I miss her so much!

[@debjanibhowmick5870]

I had spinal cord surgery in May 2024. I am not feeling much of the holiday. I must say watching yr video gave me a lil lift and will do my best. Happy thanksgiving to all of yr family and friends. Once again thank you.🙏

[@dorothyevans1493]

Godbless you in your healing both physically and mentally!!

[@LindaVater]

Please enjoy taking a year off and concentrate on healing! There is always next year :-)

[@stamatiamcgrath7992]

My mother used to say “all days are not the same, holidays are special”. It is a lot of work but it’s well worth it. Family members can help so they can be part of the fun. I really love your tables scapes this year. Very elegant. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🍽🦃

[@LindaVater]

So true!

[@barbaramoses3503]

Absolutely an enormous amount of work; worth it YES!!

[@mariadoyle2368]

I love Hubs chair, that's the kinda comfy armchair I need in my life

[@soniakirk7909]

My love language to my family is to prepare a beautiful table and cook dinner for them. It's so worth the work! Your table is so elegant!

[@amandawilson3677]

Yes, it’s worth it! I’m with you Linda! We do a huge Christmas party at our home, I pay a lot of attention to detail. Yes, it’s worth it. People don’t forget it!

[@LindaVater]

Yes! Thank you!

[@PamelaLipscomb-b1k]

Memories of my mother st the holidays are she loved to have her tableware coordinating, & definitely candles.everything looks lovely.

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

"Happy Thanksgiving" to all over the pond. 🎉 love from Rosie O 🇬🇧 😊 x

[@LindaVater]

Thanks so much!

[@sandyprather9133]

I love what you had to say in the very beginning of this video regarding the putting forth of the effort towards our demonstration of gratitude. I heartily agree that putting forth the effort is well worth it. Plus, it's fun & quite uplifting to mark special occasions with just a bit of effort towards making the event memorable. As a child, my mom was one of those who put forth that effort and to this very day, I remember with great fondness all that she did. I believe we all need a break from the mundane or the ordinary where we can create a little effort to make things just a bit special. Doesn't mean you have to exhaust oneself with all the effort, but a little bit of specialness goes a long way in creating memories that last a lifetime.

[@ImHome-yl4ur]

It’s worth it! Life is short, and I like to put as much effort into it as I can, for my family! Just like my mom did for us! Love your channel.

[@gina5827]

So pretty. I agree it's worth it. Thanks for all the great tips. 😊

[@Lisa-qq7nr]

Everything looks wonderful. Everyone will feel specail and should enjoy your home.

[@nataliavalentina2341]

Beautiful and elegant Thanksgiving tables Linda.🧡

[@LindaVater]

Thanks so much🙏

[@AlexandraKozub-tp7fe]

Very nice great job gal as usual. Happy thanksgiving from Windsor Ontario my family to yours

[@AlexandraKozub-tp7fe]

We always supply the turkey and enjoy being thankful for the food and blessed family NUMBER 1

[@rosemama9995]

Definitely worth it to make it special for friends and family. I love how you’re able to do a beautiful ornate rustic table and turn round and create a simpler streamlined table another time.

[@marybeth4002]

Thank you for addressing 'is it worth it?' I have a friend who always suggests and gives me tips on how they celebrate with very casual and quick short cuts for all their holidays. I am ever so mindful not to judge, but I know that is not for me. I relish the few times a year when we create our beautiful tablescapes and home settings often using pieces from our past loved ones. Stewart, your videography was just beautiful, especially the shot of the living room looking towards the (criss-cross) windows and the empty chairs waiting for guests to arrive. It actually made me teary-eyed, don't know why. One thing we disagree on..... I'm a Hellman's girl ❤ LOL Much love to you and your families.

[@LindaVater]

Oh, I can do Hellmann’s too. L O L!

[@VickyElyse]

Everything looks wonderful! It is very much worth the effort. When I go to someone’s home and they have taken time with the table settings and decorations it makes me feel very special. That’s what you do for your guest.

[@salimorton641]

I agree with you, Linda. Thanksgiving should be decorated separately from Christmas. Generally, I do Fall from October to November. Always add a special terra cotta turkey gifted to me complete with silk leaves and flowers already in it for a centerpiece on the table or sideboard in the dinning room. I have replaced some of the foliage over the years. It is very special to me, because the gift giver was a loved family member who has passed away. The elegance you deplay every year is inspiring. Thank you.

[@Terriannandallenallthingshome]

When you moved one of my concerns for you was that the cottage didn't have a dinning room! Knowing you love to entertain, so happy you found a way to make it work for you. Moving a few things and wow elegant dinning space. Impressive

[@katherinemartinez4944]

It absolutely is. ☺ I like the elegant and also simplistic look of the tables you set, Linda!

[@tenawallace3989]

We go to the effort and work because it lets our guests know that they are special to us. We want them to feel thought of and treasured. It is a way to show others that we love them. Maybe it is a lot of work, but they are worth it!❤

[@suz1680]

Agree, no appetizers! I put out assorted nuts and of course cocktails. Today I set the table for 19 with all of my beloved parent's beautiful china, silver and crystal. Cheers to you and Stewart and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[@LindaVater]

Wonderful!

[@tssmjs1279]

Except for the miracle whip😣I totally agree with you🥰

[@jB9470-u7o]

In another life (my twenties), I was a special events coordinator for a large international arts festival in Charleston. Some of us just have an affinity for design and creating vignettes and arrangements. I am so glad you share your talents with us and your loved family and friends. You bring joy to all our lives with all the special details, and isn't that what life is all about? I adored the herb arrangement. Attended grad school in Williamsburg, VA (Colonial Williamsburg is there!), and have always had an herb garden and containers filled with herbs/flowers at the outside entrances to our home. Enjoy your favorite day with everyone. Thanks for all the good tips. Thanks to Stewart, too - especially the music/video moments at the end.

[@LindaVater]

Herbs = ❤️

[@gwendearling4139]

I love setting a wonderful table at all holidays and even when a couple comes for a visit throughout the year.

[@LindaVater]

I totally agree!

[@beckid5107]

In life we get to choose. It is lovely to elevate your celebrations, and show your guests they are special. It is also about self respect as well. Your table and celebration looks very elegant!💕

[@LindaVater]

Well said!

[@debbiedavidson4877]

Well worth the effort…my favorite part of Thanksgiving is setting the table!

[@sherriludwig4263]

I’d love to be at your Thanksgiving I bet it’s fun and good conversation

[@gracielacano6706]

Absolutely worth the effort. Love decorating for my family for these special occasions

[@dianepitts1861]

Thank you for this wonderful video. So much beauty. Don't know if I could function without Linda Vater.

[@mercedesphilips6260]

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed discovering you. I am a new gardener and have quickly become passionate - mostly because of you. Gardening has entered my life during a very challenging time. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Greetings from Texas ❤️

[@LindaVater]

Welcome to our little world!

[@dorenecatella3328]

Thanks for some more great tips! I love that towel with the cute and oh so true saying! Made me laugh..Have a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving Linda and Stewart.

[@LindaVater]

😅😂😅

[@marjoriegreen2]

How lovely and elegant, Linda. Thank you for taking us along and Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@mrs.m1752]

Your home looks so warm & festive - thank you for all of the tips & reminders. Have a blessed day of thanks & gratitude, with those whom you love.

[@LindaVater]

Thank you! You too!

[@carmengholipour]

DEAR LINDA HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKGIVING DAY !!!!

[@juliabinford6500]

Gorgeous table settings! I’m sure everyone will enjoy the day.

[@maryeliason1504]

Oh! So lovely Linda. So much light in that room! ❤👍

[@esthersnell2357]

The very last shot of the video, just you lighting the candle with the background blurred is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving

[@LindaVater]

My fave too!

[@MissPiggyLilly]

So beautiful 🤩

[@amandawilson3677]

Also, I love Stewart’s little tid bits 😂😂

[@lindaosborne1539]

It’s not a lot of work and it’s all so worth it. I look forward to setting the table and entertaining. Linda, you are always the hostess with the mostess…happy Thanksgiving!

[@LindaVater]

🤗

[@marpayne1375]

Thank you for such wonderful inspiration Linda 🎉

[@LindaVater]

You are so 🙏

[@DH-qz2so]

Our Canadian Thanksgiving happened October 12/13th this year...so well behind us... I like how it is its own Holiday in its own right...and not all rushed, because we are gearing up for Christmas Decor!... we keep up our Fall Decor until Nov. 1st...then it all comes down...and our house rests, until Nov. 12th...when Holiday Decor can commence! The time between the two holidays over on our side of the fence, gives me joy,...as we do host Thanksgiving... yes, a lot of work...but well worth it! As I also love decor, and setting a table for guests..

[@LindaVater]

Wonderful 🍁

[@sharischmidt4712]

As a fellow Canadian l agree with everything you said! I love that we celebrate during the harvest and while our weather for the most parti is sunny and warm with our maples in full autumn colour🍁🍂

[@meliss36]

LINDA, it is so worth it, I agree. Pampering, making special seating, planning delicious food to serve to friends and loved ones is all enjoyable . It is work, but when you enjoy it, oh the rewards are endless! 🌿 I love the TIP, I will be using that one girl for sure! I also love the tip on using the coaster for a cellar for S & P!! Genius!! Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.. and to Steward & Leah as well and where has Leah been.. Ive missed a few videos I need to catch up.. but I haven’t seen her in a minute.. 🦃🌿🦃🌿🦃🌿🦃🌿

[@LindaVater]

She moved on to other challenges and opportunities. We miss her!

[@paulab7454]

Yes, it's so worth the effort to make our homes warm and inviting for our friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@SharonHenscheid]

For me, I like to make thing’s beautiful for my guests during special times… expresses the creativity in me…love it!!

[@LindaVater]

So true!

[@arleenbuzzell1201]

Worth all the labor of love. Btw Linda the dining room shines with joy as that is what it wants to be Linda a dining room. Happy Thanksgiving Linda to you and your loved ones and as it is a day to be thankful, I thank the Universe for you.

[@cynthiavirissimo457]

Lovely preparing for the holidays with you, Linda❤

[@muchadoaboutsomething]

So worth it! It is a celebration of Thanksgiving!

[@susanmason3432]

Since you have reliable help, it’s definitely worth the extra efforts. I also like the way you have a different decoration design each year. Please be extra mindful of your “garden elbow”. Proud of you for faithfully wearing the brace. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁.

[@LindaVater]

Thanks dear!

[@susansalvucci4281]

I agree - no appetizers on Thanksgiving. I love a beautifully appointed dining table. I very much enjoyed this video. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@shirleyprescott1528]

I'm with you ! I love going through a lot of trouble to make my family and friends feel special! Its what I look forward to. Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful to have You and Stewart to enhance my life!

[@vivienmcnaul109]

That work is fun. I do my best work at christmas as an Irish immigrant.

[@fredbear72ify]

Everything looks beautiful of course it is worth it especially if you really love being creative and happy to make the day special sharing it with your friends. ❤

[@sandy-rm9ds]

Appetizers are soooo important at my family’s Thanksgiving.

[@LindaVater]

Do you have traditional ones you serve?

[@wwfarmhouse9055]

Great video Linda and Stewart. Your table setting is so elegant. And the light that comes in the parlor windows is absolutely gorgeous ✨ Yes the effort is absolutely worth it 😊 💕💕

[@jokelley9701]

It's not a lot of work when you enjoy decorating. I have so much fun creating a beautiful, warm home for family and friends.

[@peggy-ann1961]

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all my southern neighbours! 🇨🇦🍁🇨🇦

[@growyougirl]

Linda I love creating holiday ambiance. It’s not work it’s pure joy! 🧡🤎 And I do love the appetizers! 😂

[@LindaVater]

You go for it then, girlfriend!

[@GardeningSpirit]

That tea towel (spousal) is hysterical!! We are going up to my husband's family this year & I am beyond thrilled to just be a guest this year! Wonder if you would ever consider leaving the dining room in this room.. Looks wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! 🦃🍁

[@terrycourtney8011]

Thank you Linda for a very inspirational video. I'm with you 100% when it comes to making the Thanksgiving celebration extra special, its my favorite holiday. Bring out the 'good' stuff, China, crystal, linens, and decorate to the nines! Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving, we all have so much to be thankful for.

[@LindaVater]

And everyone so appreciates it whether they say so or not lol!

[@judyrodriguez8550]

Thanks for the tips and thank you for the extra effort you always put in to every video you put out. Everything looks perfect! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. And also to Stewart and his as well!

[@Rhon48]

Love Cookie and Kate. Great healthy recipes.

[@joliz1234]

Everything looks so nice, Happy Thanksgiving❤

[@suederosa7047]

And it’s fun! I love hosting at the holidays. Have a terrific holiday and don’t forget to take Linda time!

[@LindaVater]

Will do!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I have that folding rack too! Love it ❤❤❤. Worth the effort to have a beautiful table.

[@cherylsterling9801]

Truly enjoyed watching this and for allowing us to see how you prepare for this day of thanks! Enjoy the fellowship with friends and family this Thanksgiving.

[@dianewerley1632]

Beautiful tables and great tips. I have family and a few friends for Thanksgiving. This year our one son and his family cannot come for dinner (they’ll be here for desserts), but since he and my DIL always deep fry the turkey, he still offered to do it!! He knows his grandparents, really love it. These are the kinds of generous gestures of love the I cherish and am so grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. 🦃 ❤

[@LindaVater]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lindylou3519]

Unfortunately everyone lives out of state & they prefer to come home so I have to do it ALL… including having to have days of food not just Thanksgiving day, freshen the bed linens, etc because they all spend a couple nights. I’m 71 & I would love it for one of my 3 daughters to take over. Yes a lot of work & extra expense.

[@LindaVater]

Have you asked them for help?

[@lindylou3519]

Yes & they ask if they can help after they arrive, but by that time everything is bought & preparation has begun. I am asking one to make her breakfast casserole.

[@carriemartz8952]

Beautiful preparations for Thanksgiving!!! Thanks for sharing!! Have a blessed day!!

[@loriledner6528]

Love the red tablecloth ❤

[@lisagilmore4519]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@LindaVater]

Same to you!

[@trishmusnuff9869]

So worth the effort!!!

[@kathywinstead7460]

Riesling is such an overlooked delicious wine. Love seeing that on your table! Happy Thanksgiving! So thankful for you sharing your "garden life" throughout the year.

[@LindaVater]

Kathy, that’s a bottle my brother made!

[@mariacolwell1198]

Thank you Linda for all you do. !! Happy Thanksgiving to you all over there.. 💜 💐

[@LindaVater]

Same to you!

[@lisac.8266]

Happy Thanksgiving!🍁

[@bonniejackson7476]

Yes it’s always a lot of work but it’s always worth it. This year I’m moving my operation to the beach because that’s where my family will be including a wedding the day after Thanksgiving of my beloved grandson. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. So I will always do this as long as I’m able. Happy Thanksgiving Linda and Stewart.

[@LindaVater]

Congratulations!

[@jenniferfreeman9318]

Such a lovely video, I especially loved your tips on what to have on hand for holiday leftovers, the day can go so fast and one forgets how it tends to linger for a few extra days. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, the bigger and more complicated Xmas gets, the more thanksgiving becomes special, it is sweet and simple, and unexploited. Your tables are especially lovely, even though I am a sucker for flower arrangements their absence speak that message of the day; simple gratitude.

[@LindaVater]

Yes!

[@Nutrient-u5e]

So beautiful lv❤

[@RomaineChase]

Linda, Your tables and area looks very festive for Thanksgiving! Since you've decided to change the parlor to a dining room is a wonderful idea. My I suggest to place the dinning room table in the long direction along the side of the fireplace not necessarily in the middle of the room, having plenty of room walking room when using your front door. Note: When having meals in the dining room, if needed, the dinning room table can always be moved slightly. In the entrance window the blue seatee would fit perfectly, i think. Along with a small end table. The sun and light can still be enjoyed in that area of the room. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!!

[@Debra76501.]

I don’t like the smell of a lighted match🤷‍♀️ I see a lot of people use matches ❤ am I the only one😂 everything looks beautiful Linda❤❤

[@anaharp4505]

Another use for those skewers. As I planted my new spring bulbs this fall I marked each spot with paint dipped skewers to remember where they are and what kind. Separate color for each bulb type and or color. Stuck a color key in my next years journal. Beautiful table settings. Joyful gatherings for the holidays to all!

[@LindaVater]

Smart you!

[@martaarroyo-ross1013]

It's so beautiful Linda!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[@LindaHeitkamp]

Your table setting looks warm and inviting! Happy Thanksgiving Linda! Thanks for the inspiration 😊

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Thank you Linda! I needed the extra encouragement before doing my set up the next couple days. I love using our China, and setting a table for my family, as well as cooking a wonderful meal. Because of RA, I pay a high price in pain, thankfully my hubby helps a lot! I We will have some sort of charcuterie board to keep the hungry kiddos fed while waiting. I love when we have a veggie platter, as they never get overstuffed on veg!

[@peggy1844]

Hosting is work but facilitating gathering those you love, making them feel welcome …well the “pay off” is great!

[@LindaVater]

Absolutely!