Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a season. Sometimes it's easier to focus on what we don't have, rather than what we do have. It's important to take the time to remember all of the things to be thankful for in our lives that the majority of us take for granted.

In addition to having the opportunity to serve our clients everyday here at the Riverwood Mansion, we are so thankful for each of our families, traditions, friends, and creativity.

Here are our Thanksgiving conversation starting questions. Check out how each of our staff answered below.

What are you most thankful for this year?
Do you have any fun or unique family traditions?
Favorite food to eat on Thanksgiving?
Tips for planning a dinner party or holiday event?
Do you have a favorite local boutique you like to shop for the holidays or any ideas on local products to give as gifts?
What's your go to holiday dish or item to bring to the celebration?
What about your job or Riverwood Mansion in general are you grateful for?

KIMBERLY | GENERAL MANAGER/EVENT COORDINATOR

1. My new family dynamic with a cute little baby boy.
2. We have been doing a 5K on Thanksgiving and it makes it easier to eat as much as we want.
3. Bread pudding, although no one ever really likes it but me.
4. Always remember to incorporate "you" into the design. I like taking art projects my kids have made and finding a cool way to use them in our table centerpiece. Also, preparation is key. Use a free printable on Pinterest to help with menu planning.
5. "Made South" is one of my favorite companies to get gift ideas from. They showcase unique "Southern products" that are made in the south and distinct in style.
6. Cheese ball with pineapple and pecans, yum!
7. Thankful for a team that inspires me to learn and create daily, and clients who allow me the pleasure of sharing in their special events.

MEGAN | EVENT COORDINATOR

1. Growing kids, meditation & nature walks

2. After dinner walk or bike ride with the family.

3. Sweet Potato Hashbrown Casserole Thanksgiving breakfast, yum!

4. Keep it simple and fun while including the whole family in the planning and execution!

5. Music City Thrift in Madison, TN
50% off on Black Friday! Get the creative juices flowing.

6. A good joke can get you through an awkward moment

7. The staff at Riverwood & 8LL Events is my family too and I love seeing them on the daily!

CASEY | MARKETING + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

1. I'm most thankful for my loving and patient husband.
2. For Thanksgiving we travel to my in laws home in Ohio. After a delicious dinner we have drinks and play games. Somehow we went from "Apples to Apples" to drinking games and a few years ago we introduced grandma to flip cup. She ended up beating all of us in elimination round and now we have to play every year.
3. Everything but the Turkey.
4. Create a welcoming atmosphere. Think about the style and flow of the evening. You can't go wrong with good food, good drinks, and good company.
5. Right now I'm really loving Organic Punk's Golden Rose soy candles. They are made locally and you can get them at The Pony Show boutique in East Nashville.
6. Since we can't bring food on the long drive, I usually come up with a signature cocktail, bring all the ingredients for the recipe, and make them after dinner for everyone.
7. I'm grateful to be a part of Riverwood's amazing history and to come to this beautiful place for work each day. I love to get creative and collaborate with everyone on different projects/events, utilizing all of our talents and ideas.

JACEY | EVENT COORDINATOR

1. I am thankful that my family isn’t making me sit at the kids table this year. Almost 24 years later, and they finally consider me an adult, maybe?
2. Every year we ride dirt bikes and four-wheelers at my grandparents. There are 17 grandkids in my family, and we all ride together. We also make homemade gingerbread cookies that we decorate and send out for Christmas! :)
3. Dessert, ALL OF THEM!
4. Make your shopping list early, and buy everything you can a week or two before in order to beat the crowd. Then make sure to delegate the things you hate making or do not know how to make. No one expects you to do it all!
5. We have a local event called “Christmas in the Country” in my home town. It is a huge craft fair where they bring in a lot of vendors and local homemade items. We go every year, and I always love the unique things I find for gifts!
6. Honestly I would probably bring whatever I could buy from the store. Trust me no one wants to eat something I cook. I literally burnt a whole bag of popcorn today.
7. I am grateful for the opportunity to do good work with amazing people every day. Our team has a great support system that helps to push our creative freedom. The ability to brainstorm as a group and seeing our collaboration of ideas put together shows me just how amazing our team really is!

ANGELEA | MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

1. I’m most thankful to have a loving and supportive network of family and friends in my life.
2. Every Thanksgiving morning, my family and I go pick out and cut down our Christmas tree.
3. Pie! It doesn’t matter if it’s pumpkin, peach, apple, cherry, or pecan - I’ll eat them all!
4. Keep it simple! Base the menu off dishes you’ve made at least a couple times before, and exclude dishes that require constant attention or lengthy preparation.
5. A cute winter gift basket with different products from the local coffee shops: A campfire mug from Fido, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea from the Frothy Monkey, a scone from The Red Bicycle, and a giftcard to Crema. Put it all in the mug and wrap it with a big red bow!
6. I love to bake, so definitely the dessert. Most likely, it has chocolate in it. :)
7. Having just started this job a couple weeks ago, I’m so thankful to have a position that utilizes my love of creativity, writing, and photography. In addition, I’m lucky to have such kind, thoughtful, and welcoming coworkers to work with everyday!

STEVE | PARTNER OWNER

1. My wife, Jill.
2. My in-laws make whiskey sours and St. Louis-style pizza.
3. Taters and gravy.
4. Good food cures all. Don't over plan. Let the food and drink flow.
5. Anything other than clothing stores.
6. Mac & Cheese.
7. Evolution of the staff and their willingness to learn.