Thanksgiving was beautiful, filled with gratitude at being together and being at peace.
The Setting
After purchased cream-colored roses and orange gerbera daisies from Trader Joe’s, I decided on a cheerful fall theme for the table, adding red berries from the neighbor’s yard, pin branches and juniper for small table arrangements and one large arrangement on the buffet.
The table is set with Currier and Ives dishes by Royal China, a set I love more and more with each passing year.
Inspired by Pinterest I used cards with names written in calligraphy for guests to reflect on the things for which they are thankful. I tucked a sprig of olive branch with each card.
We followed the same menu as last year, which I keep tucked away in a Thanksgiving binder to ease the planning process.
The Menu
Roasted Turkey (We use an electric roaster which frees up the oven for other items)
Traditional Cranberry Sauce (Made a day ahead)
Bacon Mashed Potatoes (Made the day before and reheated in the oven.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots
Sourdough and Sage Stuffing (Assembled the day before and baked the day of)
Pumpkin Pie (Libby’s pumpkin pie recipe)
Festivities
The kids knew how to entertain themselves, despite the warm, California weather.
We ladies wore our floral circle skirts for dinner.
As dinner approached we played “Miracle on 34th Street” which begins on Thanksgiving Day.
It amazed me how perfectly the day went. Thanksgiving magic.
