To some Thanksgiving is eating dinner and moving on to shopping. For us it is a week long celebration that begins with preparations well in advance and doesn't end until Allen returns to work the following Monday.
As is the case with all holiday meals, the whole endeavor falls just shy of a major military maneuver. Three weeks ago the girls and I made a menu.
Appetizers
Stuffed Mushrooms
Olives with fennel seeds and orange peel
Relish Tray
Celery stuffed with cream cheese and green olives
Main Course
Mushroom Gravy
New England Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Dressing
Cranberry Relish
Holiday Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato and Sausage Gratin with fresh thyme
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese
Rolls with butter
Beverages
Sparkling Cider, Lemonade, Ice Tea
Dessert
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Fruit Salad
Coffee, Mulled Cider
I wrote out the shopping list. Allen, Brianna and Emma were in charge of grocery shopping. Monday morning we made the hour drive to fetch two smoked turkeys.
This morning the real fun began. Everyone got a recipe and we spent the morning preparing all our favorite dishes. I am in charge of directing the troops.
Sam took charge of the stuffed celery.
No, Nathaniel is not crying he is chopping green onions.
Emma called dibs on pumpkin bread.
Aedan's specialty? corn relish
Brianna looks forward to polishing the silver each year to set many beautiful tables for entertaining friends and family throughout the holiday season.

I just love how involved the entire family is on this! And your menu is divine! I would love to be there. :) I am busy baking and prepping tomorrow too. I made the rolls today though.
ReplyDeleteYou have such beautiful kids too by the way!
Wow, what time should we be there? Sounds fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and prayers,
ReplyDeleteandrea
What a great way for everyone to have a role in such a blessed time. Great job in directing your troops so well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you all!
Blessings,
Carol
Wow that is just awesome. I love all the pictures and polishing the silver. I am impressed it looks so great. Your meal sounds divine! I will be right over.
ReplyDeleteHi, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you will join me over at Grace Talk With Daveda in Touched By The Fathers love. Please come on over and check it out!
ReplyDeleteBeing Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda
You are such a great mom to have your kids in there helping you, learning, and being a family together. Memories in the making.
ReplyDeleteI knew I should have taken you up on the invite. lol
ReplyDeleteAnd actually, we had Thanksgiving dinner with my mom and brother last Saturday because of his work (he couldn't get off this week) and he lives in Cincinnati.
Oh well another time. :)
The silver looks gorgeous! The menu sounds divine!
Happy Thanksgiving!