Looking Forward to Thanksgiving

Randy and I have returned to Swan’s Nest in time for Thanksgiving after being home in Texas with family and friends. When we left the mountains, the aspen leaves were at their peak of color, which was made an even more brilliant shade of gold in the sunshine. Now it’s winter in the High Country, and several early snowstorms have covered the mountains and valleys in deep, fresh powder. As I write this, Randy is enjoying his first powder day of the season at Breckenridge ski area.

I actually discovered this week what it’s like to be on the “wrong” side of the mountain when a major snowstorm closed the highway and I couldn’t get home. I had been in Denver all day for meetings, and as I started to head out of town, Randy called to say the highway had been shut down due to heavy snow and way too many accidents. Ever my hero, he had already booked me a room in a lovely Denver hotel, so I spent an unexpected, but warm and cozy night in the city. That’s the last time I leave Swan’s Nest for the city in winter without an overnight emergency bag. A brush, comb, makeup and a spritz of hairspray would have gone a long way before my meeting at Rocky Mountain PBS the following morning!

Today, the snowstorms are far away, the sun is brilliant, and the fresh snow looks like a picture postcard. This peaceful scene sets the stage for Thanksgiving and I’m beginning to think about the gathering of friends we will host here at Swan’s Nest next week. My mantle and china cabinets are already decorated with autumn arrangements and tiny white lights that glow softly at night, the 23-pound turkey is waiting in the freezer, and I’m looking forward to sitting quietly later today while I create next week’s menu.

Whether you have your Thanksgiving menu planned and the table all set, or are still debating how you’ll celebrate this grand American holiday, I invite you to join in our heartwarming celebration at Swan’s Nest during the next two weeks via my public television show, “A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving” on your local PBS or Create TV station. The show is a unique combination of holiday cooking, decorating, history, and highlights of our extensive restoration of Swan’s Nest, our historic 1898 home in Breckenridge, Colorado. Please check your local listings or contact your public television station for the dates and times. Then cozy up in your favorite chair and share in our first Thanksgiving celebration at Swan’s Nest. I’ll set an extra place for you at the table.

-Christy

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