Thanksgiving is Looming - Do you Have Your Dinner Planned?

Thanksgiving is Looming - Do you Have Your Dinner Planned?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and as far back as I can remember, the table was filled with people and overloaded with food.  And, since I was about 13, I've always been a big part of that preparation.

So, Thanksgiving Day is looming and yesterday, my mother wanted to know all of my plans for the meal.  This Thanksgiving, I have to admit I've been feeling the effects of being an empty nester.

My last child left for college, and I'm suffering just a little bit from "the way it always was".  Thanksgiving was just not looking as rosy, or as populated, as my nostalgic musings.

I tried inviting folks that may have not had plans up to a month ago...but everyone I asked was already set.  The end result is I have a table of six for the meal.

Yesterday I held a quiet open house and between showings, I thought about the meal, and what I wanted in the way of a celebration.  My husband and I have watched a lot of cooking shows over the past couple of years and I was hoping for just a little bit more than Turkey with all the trimmings.  Add to that, I started a "diet" where vegetables are, of course, the main star.

Here's what I ultimately ended up with, and I have to say my enthusiasm is picking up a bit more.

First Course:

Cream of Carrot Soup with Caramelized Scallions and Poppyseed Garnish
Crispy Garlic Baguette
Artichoke and Spinach Dip-Stuffed Baked Mushrooms

Second Course:

Boneless Strip Steak Roast Medallions over Cheesy Cauliflower Puree with a balsamic reduction glaze

Third Course:

Family Style Turkey Dinner with Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, and Gravy
Fresh Steamed Spinach with Boiled Egg Garnish
Green Beans with Crispy Panchetta and Roasted Pine Nuts
Jello Fluff (This goes way back in the memories)
Tomato Slices with Fresh Basil and a little of that leftover Balsamic Reduction

Fourth Course:

An assortment of desserts served with coffee and tea (about an hour after the main meal - done the "Italian Way" according to the Mancuso clan I married into!)

I found a really cute "cookie" that I'm going to use as a place marker by each table setting here.  The Pilgrim Hat decoration is not going to take long to make.

I stopped off at the Casas Adobes Thrift Shop on my way home from the open and found some darling dishware to use for serving the appetizers.  Combined with what I have at home, I think I'll have a pretty table setting.  :)  (And Shar Sitter's got some great ideas here!)

So, the big Turkey Day may be looming, but I think I'm ready, and my thankful hat is back on my head.  I'm thankful I can still indulge in making holidays special for those I love. I'm thankful my daughter is taking a majority of the leftovers back to her dorm as well! I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, and healthy happy family...no matter where they are celebrating their Thanksgivings this year.