The pressure is on now, Thanksgiving is happening this week, whether we are ready or not. So let's go ahead and be ready. We are excited to welcome our family to our first Thanksgiving in our new home. We are keeping the menu traditional and somewhat simple so that we can focus on some fun details and on our company. We will have a total of 1 vegetarian, 6 adult turkey-eaters and 1 kid turkey-eater. Here's what we have planned...
Appetizers
Served at 3:00 PM
Shrimp Cocktail
Baked Raspberry Brie
Thanksgiving Dinner
Served at 5:00 PM
Oven Roasted Turkey (14 lbs)
Turkey Dripping Gravy
Cornbread Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Crumble
Green Bean Casserole
Individual Spinach + Artichoke Macaroni Bites
Sweet Yellow Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Crescent Rolls with Cinnamon Butter Spread
Dessert
Mom's Pecan Pumpkin Pie
Apple Carrot Cake
Served at 3:00 PM
Shrimp Cocktail
Baked Raspberry Brie
Thanksgiving Dinner
Served at 5:00 PM
Oven Roasted Turkey (14 lbs)
Turkey Dripping Gravy
Cornbread Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Crumble
Green Bean Casserole
Individual Spinach + Artichoke Macaroni Bites
Sweet Yellow Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Crescent Rolls with Cinnamon Butter Spread
Dessert
Mom's Pecan Pumpkin Pie
Apple Carrot Cake
My friends gave me the opportunity to do a dry run of a turkey dinner earlier in the year, so I am feeling good going into my first Thanksgiving hosting experience. Worrying is controlled because I have a plan. I asked my guests to bring some items and I will have jobs for them to do in the kitchen to keep things on schedule for Thursday's dinner. With only a few days to go before the big day, here are some tips from my home to yours.
1. Set It Up
Give your table setting a dry run to make sure that you have enough plates, serving dishes, napkins, utensils, and glasses. It may seem unnecessary, but it easy to over-estimate what you have on hand.
2. Plan for Surprises
There's no need to cook more than you need -- but it is best to have enough for one or two more in case of surprise guests.
Make sure you have a few extra place settings too.
3. Get Brewing
Set up the coffee maker before you sit down to dinner so that you can have hot coffee ready as soon as you hit your dessert course.
4. Brown Paper Packages
Before your dishes move from the kitchen to the table, be prepared for them to return to the kitchen. Try to clean up prep space as you work. Then, lay out the leftover packing supplies. If you have guests heading on their way after dinner, wrap up a serving or two for them to take home.
5. Be Thankful
Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of burning rolls and mixed up seating arrangements, we can forget to be thankful. Or the family sits down at the table and plays and awkward game of who's going to say the blessing. No need to put anyone on the spot, prepare a prayer or poem card for each of you guests that the group can recite together.
Give your table setting a dry run to make sure that you have enough plates, serving dishes, napkins, utensils, and glasses. It may seem unnecessary, but it easy to over-estimate what you have on hand.
2. Plan for Surprises
There's no need to cook more than you need -- but it is best to have enough for one or two more in case of surprise guests.
Make sure you have a few extra place settings too.
3. Get Brewing
Set up the coffee maker before you sit down to dinner so that you can have hot coffee ready as soon as you hit your dessert course.
4. Brown Paper Packages
Before your dishes move from the kitchen to the table, be prepared for them to return to the kitchen. Try to clean up prep space as you work. Then, lay out the leftover packing supplies. If you have guests heading on their way after dinner, wrap up a serving or two for them to take home.
5. Be Thankful
Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of burning rolls and mixed up seating arrangements, we can forget to be thankful. Or the family sits down at the table and plays and awkward game of who's going to say the blessing. No need to put anyone on the spot, prepare a prayer or poem card for each of you guests that the group can recite together.
I cannot think of a year that I had more to be thankful for. I wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings and look forward to seeing how you will be celebrating this year (Instagram @themostcolorfulone). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
