Its hard to believe in a few weeks, Thanksgiving will be upon us, (early this year, the 22nd.) There are so many traditions and ways of celebrating this wonderful holiday. I thought it might be great if you would share a few of your ideas, traditions or fun things you do …(I’m tired of doing the talking, your turn, 
). Below are a few ideas to comment on… or anything you want to GOBBLE about.
1. How do you decorate your home or your table?
2. Any good advise for cooking the turkey?
3. What kind of stuffing do you make?
4. What secret ingredient do you use?
5. What yummy side dishes do you make?
6. What do you serve for dessert?
7. Do you bring a dish to share with everyone?
8. How far will you travel to be with family or friends?
9. What time do you usually eat the BIG meal?
10. Do you want to take a nap after you eat?
11. Do you watch your diet or go “hog wild”.
12. Do you get to take home some “leftovers”?
13. What family traditions do you always do?
14. Do you tell your family and friends how thankful you are for them?
Please write and TALK TURKEY with us. Can’t wait to hear from you!
(photo courtesy of Gelson’s Markets)
1. Hi Cathy,
What a wonderful way to get people involved! There are so many things that I could share, but what I am most pleased with is that it brings my family together over a festive meal that allows all of to remember my mother and the family dinners. These times were always exciting, because when we arrived at my parents home, my daughter would almost jump out of the car before we stopped the car so that she could be the first grandkid to kiss my mother and run in the house. Always when we arrived, she would announce: “Momma, I’m here!). All of the family would arrive home from all over and we would peacefully and lovining greet everyone. With my dad being a minister, that kept everything in perspective! There was laughter, joy, lies about who was the best at some sport, sharing academic highs and scholarship and getting family rewards, and fun, fun, fun!!! Those were some of the best days of all of my neices, nephews, my siblings, my daughte, and my entire family’s lives. We all cherish those moments!!!
by Betty — 11/3/07 at 5:43 pm #
2. Ok, I’ll bite (ha!). I’ll blog on #5…sides to serve. Because we have never lived near extended family, we don’t cook for an army. I use Dream Dinners on a regular basis, and for T-day, they offer a wonderful Thaknsgiving side-dish medlely that serves 8 people…so we’ll have lots of sides to last w/the left over turkey. Great time saver, AND great food! Leaves me more time to play with the kids while the bird’s in the oven!
Susan
Rooms That Work
by Susan Smith — 11/5/07 at 11:51 am #
3. Hi Betty,
What wonderful memories you have of your family’s holidays and celebrations. Those great memories will always be with you and your daughter, and new memories will continue to be made. Thanks for your wonderful story, I felt like I was right there with you.
Have a great Holiday,
Cathy
by Cathy — 11/5/07 at 10:43 pm #
4. Good one Susan…
Glad I got a “bite” out of you! (ha!) Glad you found a shortcut to the COOKING CRAZIES. Nobody says you have to cook everything from scratch… Make it easy on yourself so you can enjoy the day as well.
Happy Turkey Day to you and yours,
Cathy
by Cathy — 11/5/07 at 10:55 pm #
5. Susan, Excuse my ignorance but what are Dream Dinners? There’s just my husband, and our three dogs so cooking has been on the back burner (excuse the pun) for years now but we miss the time sitting down and having a civilized dinner during a very important time…a time to say “Thank You.”
Bless you all and may your blessings be many,
Sandra
by Snadra — 11/10/07 at 12:52 am #
6. Hi Sandra,
I’m not sure what Dream Dinners are? Maybe Susan will write back and fill us in. It sounds good for a couple of people that don’t want to cook a big turkey but want a homemade meal. Hope to hear more!
by Cathy — 11/12/07 at 12:28 pm #
7. http://www.dreamdinners.com
It’s a place you can go and assemble meals with pre-made ingredients and sauces.Then you freeze or refridgerate until you are ready to use. I hear it’s great for families on the go. I haven’t tried it yet…
This concept is popping up all over the place in my area- My Girlfriend’s Kitchen, Let’s Dish, My Neighbor’s Cupboard, Super Suppers, etc.
by Lindsey — 11/14/07 at 5:41 pm #
8. Thanks for clueing us in Lindsey.
The concept sounds great. Really saves time for busy families. Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.
by Cathy — 11/14/07 at 11:39 pm #
9. Fresh Cranberries are the best.
1 bag of cranberries
2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 cup sugar
Cover berries with water
Zest of an orange 2 Tablespoon
3 Tablespoon fresh orange juice.
Bring to a boil and cook until Berries Thicken
by Cheryl [...] — 11/15/07 at 7:24 pm #
10. Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the great FRESH cranberry recipe. Fresh cranberries are so easy to make and taste sooooo much better, oh, and more nutritious! Thanks for sending it in.
by Cathy — 11/16/07 at 4:03 pm #
11. hey, i want to ask
what can i do for decorating the table for christmas
and
what desserts can we serve?
thankyou.
by Yali — 11/14/08 at 12:28 am #
12. Hi Yali,
There are many ways to decorate the table for the holidays. Here is a recent post I wrote to give you some ideas. (see below). Look at some of the other posts as well for more great ideas. Also google “Holiday table arrangements”. A few tips…use fresh flowers and greenery. Add some sparkle with ornaments, glassware, or anything festive. Don’t forget the candles for ambiance and mood. Maybe hang something festive from the chandelier, pine boughs, stars, ornaments, garland.
Keep it simple and have fun with it.
As for desserts. Google “Holiday desserts” and there will be many to choose from. Maybe a few readers will write in with their favorites.
Enjoy the holidays and look around the web for lots of great ideas.
http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2008/11/13/centerpiece-look-in-the-cupboard/
by Cathy — 11/15/08 at 8:56 pm #