Finding Inspiration in Warmth

By: Caitlin Van Horn

Related To:

When planning the same holiday year after year, how do you keep your celebration fresh and interesting while maintaining a sense of tradition? We asked our favorite bloggers and food people to share what's inspiring their Thanksgiving planning this year. From ancestor's recipes and falling leaves, to beautiful piles of ingredients and thoughtful home decor, there was no shortage of imagination. See what motivates some of the most creative minds we know, and then start planning your annual feast.

When it comes to the fall, particularly Thanksgiving, I can only dwell upon a single word: warmth. Everything about the season exudes warmth, whether it be the earthy colors of autumn leaves, the comfort of family joined together or the late-fall harvest ingredients that make up such satisfying meals. The images above are a reflection of all that I cherish about the Thanksgiving season. Fresh herbs, warm bread, ripe seckle pears, hearty butternut squash soup and a carrot cake sure to trump any pumpkin pie — all of which are gluten-, grain- and processed sugar-free!

I love coming together as a family and sharing recipes new and old. For my family, we are particularly excited to share healthier takes on traditional dishes. Bread made with cashews or cakes made with almond flour are perfect for those who follow a gluten-free diet or just wish for a healthier option.

I am grateful for all of the wonderful dishes that make up the Thanksgiving feast, but it is the fellowship with my family and friends over a scrumptious meal that makes that one fine day something to be truly thankful for.

For more Thanksgiving ideas visit our Thanksgiving Inspiration Board Gallery.

Caitlin is a graphic designer and freelance photo stylist based in Birmingham, Ala. Her blog, Roost,  was born after she got married and needed a creative outlet to share recipes and ideas. Two years later it has become a full-blown passion, and her desire is to inspire others using healthy and creative alternatives in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Favorites on Cooking Channel

Next Up

Kelsey Nixon Makes Thanksgiving Easy (No, Really)

Kelsey Nixon, creator of fast, affordable and easier-than-they-look meals, guides us through the thickets of Thanksgiving preparation.

Aarón Sanchez

The co-star of the hit series Heat Seekers and Food Network AND rsquo;s Chopped Aar AND oacute;n Sanchez is the executive chef and co-owner of Centrico Restaurant and Mestizo By Aar AND oacute;n S AND aacute;nchez. He is also the culinary visionary behind Tacombi Tacqueria and Crossroads at House of Blues.

Balancing Fall Colors and Bright Dishes on the Thanksgiving Table

Gaby Dalkin shares her favorite Thanksgiving traditions, from side dishes and sweets to how to lay out the Thanksgiving table.

Sneak Peek: Cooking Channel's Feast of Thanksgiving Shows

Here are some of the shows Cooking Channel will air in November so that you can make your family think you're a master cook.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes That'll Hold Up to Reheating

Get make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish recipes that will reheat well on Cooking Channel, including cranberry sauce, stuffing and more.

The Stuff (ing) of Dreams

Learn the secrets to flavorful stuffing, then get our best stuffing recipes to add to your Thanksgiving menu.

Hump Day Snack: Mini Pumpkin-Pie-Slice Cookies

Create these adorable Mini Pumpkin Pie Slice Cookies for a seasonal snack or to use as place settings on your Thanksgiving Day table.

This Guy Will Be Your Horrible Thanksgiving Boyfriend

A weird guy offers his services to be a fake boyfriend at a Thanksgiving dinner. His price? Just one awesome meal.

The Voltaggio Brothers Will Get You Through Thanksgiving

Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio can help you take on Thanksgiving without the stress.

On TV

Yum and Yummer

7:30am | 6:30c

Yum and Yummer

8:30am | 7:30c
9am | 8c
9:30am | 8:30c

Carnival Eats

2:30pm | 1:30c

Carnival Eats

3:30pm | 2:30c

Carnival Eats

4:30pm | 3:30c

Unique Sweets

5:30pm | 4:30c

Unique Sweets

6:30pm | 5:30c
7pm | 6c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
9pm | 8c
10pm | 9c
11pm | 10c
12am | 11c
1am | 12c
2am | 1c
3am | 2c
What's Hot

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Sundays 10|9c

So Much Pretty Food Here