Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude and appreciation - it's also a time to enjoy the
company of friends and family. And, digging into delicious home-cooked food is most definitely an added bonus!
We've compiled some of our "must eats" of the holiday, a few fun seasonal crafts to do with the
kids, as well as some cool ideas about how to dress up your Thanksgiving table this year.
Thanksgiving Food: Dig In!
Let's face it - one of the best parts about this holiday is stuffing ourselves with yummy recipes we most likely only
indulge in a few times a year. We've compiled a list of links to traditional favorites we cannot live without, as well
as some recipes with a new spin.
- Gobble Gobble: We love a traditional turkey as much as you do, but why not try this turkey with herbs de provence and citrus - a medley of herbs and citrus flavors
which works deliciously well together.
- Pass the Green Beans Please: We Thanksgiving cooks always have a hard time deciding on which menu items to
include and which to pass on - but it's always near impossible to part with the tried-and-true green bean casserole. It's an absolute must!
- Give Me Gravy with My Mashed Potatoes: Turkey and Mashed Potatoes - a match made in heaven! This year, why
not try changing things up a bit with this garlic infused mashed potato recipe? And don't forget the gravy!
- I'm Stuffed:: No feast is complete without the dressing, whether you decide to stuff your turkey with it or
serve it as a side dish. The traditional stuffing is always a safe
bet, but this panettone stuffing is a yummy twist on the old standby.
- Save Room for Dessert:: Time to get to this author's absolute favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal -
dessert! You cannot go wrong with a classic
pumpkin pie, but what's as
American as apple pie? Or, try this caramel apple pie for a unique spin on the
dessert.
Thanksgiving Decor: Setting the Tone
You've been designated the official hostess (or host) of this year's Thanksgiving festivities. You've made your
grocery and to-do lists, but what other around-the-house duties are left? In addition to cleaning the house and taking
care of yard work, why not take a break from those duties to decorate your home for the festivities and set a
welcoming, cozy tone for the gathering?
- Festive Flowers: Integrating a lovely, festive Fall centerpiece while setting your table will most
definitely add a touch of ambience to the table. Try a traditional cornucopia
style flower centerpiece, or a Thanksgiving centerpiece with candles which does
double duty.
- Unique Place Settings: Add a unique touch to your table this year with these out-of-the ordinary cornhusk napkin rings.
- Adding Fun to the Kids' Table: Add a bit of fun to the children's table with these adorable - and fun - kids table and centerpiece ideas.
- Welcoming Your Guests: Set the tone for your family feast at the front door with a gorgeous preserved leaf autumn wreath.
- Don't Forget the Rest of the House: Your guests won't be sitting at the dining room table the entire day,
so don't forget about adding festive touches to the rest of your home. Add candles and seasonal Thanksgiving
flowers throughout your home - in the guest rooms, bathroom, living room, kitchen - for a truly festive
theme.
Thanksgiving Fun: Get Crafty!
Get the kids into the Thanksgiving spirit with these fun craft projects to keep them busy while you cook!
- Wild Turkey: Send the kids outside to play and gather items such as sticks and leaves to make a festive wild
turkey.
- An Oldie but Goodie: Remember making the handprint turkey? If not, then here are some
instructions.
- Tree with Tissue Paper Leaves: Another great standby, gather your tissue paper and get ready to make lots of leaves
for this festive tree.
- Printable Cornucopia: Grab your crayons and colored pencils! This coloring page of a Thanksgiving
cornucopia is fun for all ages.
We wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!