Once again Larry and I hosted Thanksgiving for Mom, Dad, Eric and Ma May - six people, and a heck of a lot of food...leftovers here we come!
All Set and Ready for Company
Somehow the stars aligned on Thanksgiving for me - it was a breeze and so relaxing. I have one hyphenated word of advice on how to do that: pre-planning.
I cleaned the house the weekend before and shopped for food, and set the table, made the pumpkin pie, gravy stock, and stuffing on Wednesday - just reheated them up the next day!
Festive Fall Pumpkin Pie
(need to use a crust protector next time, though)
On Thursday, I got up, had a leisurely breakfast, popped the turkey in the oven, and cut out the pieces of cheese with cookie cutters for a nice presentation for the cheese and crackers - soooo easy to do, and it looks really nice.
Cheese and Cracker Appetizer
Use Leaf Cookie Cutters for a Fall-Inspired Look
Mom and I divided up between the two of us the menu - so it was nice that she was doing the sides and I had my things to do - it just made it easy all the way around.
I actually had so much time, I really didn't know what to do with myself...a nap perhaps?
While the guys watched football....
Dad, Eric and Larry
...the ladies chatted.
Mom and Ma
Dad and Me
My only last minute prep was to make the gravy (using the stock and drippings from the turkey), brush the rolls with olive oil and herbs and heat up and reheat my made-ahead items.
The turkey came out perfect (I just realized I didn't take a picture!) and all was well with the world.
The only "bad" thing that day was the temperature just tanked - it was frigid by the time everyone left - that's our lovely weather in Illinois!
During the beginning of 2009 Larry and I decided that we needed to have a big family and friend BBQ this summer. We were always "threatening" to have one, but never did - so this was the year when we finally pulled the trigger and entertained!
The nice thing was that Scott and Gwen were going to be able to come to the party and planned on staying the whole weekend, which was great because we'd get to see them not too long after our South Carolina vacation.
Well after several months of planning, we had our BBQ on July 11th. It was great to get the Mays (Larry's Family), the Vassallos and Ellmans(my family and Carol's family), and our friends together. When it was all said and done, I think we had around 40 people.
I had so much fun planning and coordinating how I wanted the back yard to look and planning the menu. I love to entertain and other than the fact that I never sat down during the party, I think everyone had a great time.
Most people left at dusk, but Scott, Gwen, Vern, Joann, Joe and Caroline stayed late, which was nice because they were able to see the beautiful party lights Larry strung up along the fence, gazebo and tree - it looked great - very cozy.
I will tell you that although the party was wonderful, it knocked me out - best to do these shindigs not too close together, lest one has a nervous breakdown!
Everything went off without a hitch. We might do it again at some point - always good to get family and friends, food and drink together!
Thanks for stopping by for a visit! I'd like to invite you to join my husband and me as we turn our little 1920s farmhouse back into a cozy cottage - hopefully with a little flair and definitely on a small budget.
Come with us as we conquer our house projects, read about our travels here and there and about our life in general in Illinois. Come on in!
