Well friends, it is here.
We are just 3 days away from a holiday that I truly love. A holiday that brings families together around the table, that allows us to indulge in the most delicious of foods without worrying about expanding waists.....at least for that day.
This year we are having about 16 people over for Thanksgiving. It's a lot of guests in my home, but I get so excited when family is coming over and we're doing a big get together. I love eating, I love food, I love family, I love chatting and laughing and playing games and just having a wonderful time.
With all that said though, as a woman, a homemaker, it usually means a lot of work in the kitchen and home just to prepare for the guests. Some will be staying overnight for a few days, some are just coming for the actual Thanksgiving and unfortunately leaving due to work commitments, or school etc.
If I had the money, I would do it all on my own, make all the food, provide everything and not allow anyone to do any work. I truly do love cooking and being a homemaker THAT much. But it's not possible, so we always break it all up and everyone pitches in.
Right, so let's see what is on the menu for these 16 people, shall we?
Fried Turkey
Roast Turkey
Glazed Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Corn Souffle
Corn Souffle
Greek Salad
Deviled Eggs
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie Sheet Cake
Pecan Pie
Dessert (not yet specified)
Cherry Salad
Sandra - Fried Turkey, Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Homemade Dinner rolls, Pumpkin Pie Sheet Cake
Cindy - Corn Souffle, Cherry Salad
Hayley - Roast Turkey, Greek Salad, Deviled Eggs, Dessert
Carol - Pecan Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing
As you've probably noticed, it seems like I'm making most of it, and that's quite alright because I'm a stay at home mom, so I have the time, and not to mention I can make things in advance.
The dinner rolls, the pumpkin pie cake, the casseroles, and even the Ham, will all be made on Wednesday. The only thing I really want to worry about making on Thursday is the actual fried turkey. My time needs to be then spent playing hostess, making sure we have everything we need, making sure everyone is comfortable etc.
Now let me give you some of the recipes that I'll be using.
Everyone is bringing drinks, also bringing breakfast items such as pastries and juice etc. We really do try to have everyone help out however they can to make it a wonderful get together.
We will be playing card games, board games, visiting, chatting, drinking coffee, sitting by the fire and enjoying each other's company.
Just one thing is not allowed in my house, and everyone in the family already knows it. NO POLITICS DISCUSSION WHATSOEVER!!!
Anyway, I hope my menu gives you some inspiration if you're looking for some right now. I would also love to know what you're all having, where you're going, if you're staying home and hosting or going to a family members home etc.
OH that pumpkin pie sheet cake looks good! Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - I love your "golden rule" for the holiday!! It makes me laugh - but it's SO SMART of you to specify that in advance and avoid the headaches of political talk!!
ReplyDeleteYour menu sounds sounds amazing! I have had friend turkey and it's so good! But we do Thanksgiving at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house since my MIL has been unable to do it from her alzheimers. (My Hubby and I host Christmas.) So my SIL and her Mom do the turkeys their way. My SIL and her sister also do the potatoes (mashed and sweet) and fruit salad. Her Mom also brings a cherry pie, pumpkin pie and corn. My Mom brings a veggie/relish tray. I do the homemade dressing/stuffing, calico beans, broccoli salad, homemade cranberry sauce, pecan pie - and this year newly going to try and make snickerdoodle apple pie. I also make the gravy once we get to my SIL's because everyone else is too intimidated to do it. Lol We have lots of folks - My BIL and SIL's family of 7, her folks, her sister and her family, my FIL and MIL,my Mom and then my Hubby and myself and our 2 kiddos. All together usually upwards of 20 people give or take a few. Always a wonderful and special day. Not to mention stretchy pants wearing one!! Lol xoxo
No political discussion...yes!yes!yes! A gathering where different dishes are brought is always fun! It is a great way to try new things and add a recipe or two to your list. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteOh my, you are a breath of fresh air...
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU THANK YOU.
I enjoyed the recipes and the plans for Thanksgiving -- but I also am going to keep my family on the holiday straight and narrow. If you can, we can, too...
Sounds like a very good meal. Jack and I will have crockpot tamale pie, spanish rice and Jack is making a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete