After you've determined what your dinner guests' must-haves for Thursday are, don't be afraid to employ the second rule of Thanksgiving harmony:Enlist help.
Between a turkey, stuffing, pies and rolls in the oven, and mashed potatoes and gravy on the stove, there isn't a whole lot of room for much else, especially if your first shared home has a small kitchen and an even smaller oven. So why make life harder on yourself by insisting that you do it all?
If your sweetheart's Aunt Jenny makes the world's best Jell-O salad, compliment her famous side dish and ask her to bring it along. Maybe grandma makes a prize-winning pecan pie; she'll be happy to make it, and you'll be happy to have a little extra space in your oven!
On the other hand, if you are a guest at someone else's table, don't be afraid to offer your help (Thanksgiving is a pretty big meal for anyone to cook solo!). Tell them you'll bring the pumpkin pie or your amazing sweet potato casserole, but only if it's your very best Thanksgiving contribution. If your hosts make Ina and Jeffrey look like slobs, don't bring a supermarket pumpkin pie to dinner!
i need to try that..so far EVERYTHING is going to be done at my house :\
ReplyDeleteAw, a shout-out to Jeffrey and Ina! They are the cutest couple in the world, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHaha, love this.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely...I brought pumpkin pie last year from the supermarket and it went to waste next to my mom's awesomeness.
ReplyDeletehahaha i LOVE ina and jeffrey. great tips to keep your sanity this thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteSuch great advice! Help is very important, my husband learned that last year. You can't do everything yourself or else you make your guests wait forever to eat!
ReplyDeleteI have never celebrated Thanksgiving but lately I have learnt so many things about it! honestly speaking, I envy you! It must be a lovely and lively :-)) celebration!! Lovely pic!
ReplyDeleteSo true, the more that contribute the merrier!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Never bring store bought desserts, homemade creations are always better.
ReplyDeleteLove the advice! I love parties where everyone gets involve...
ReplyDeleteThis is great! We just hosted a pre-Thanksgiving with friends potluck style, so much easier on each of us and everyone got their favorite dish :)
ReplyDeleteI just listened to an interview with Ina Garten on the radio and it made me want to host a hundred people. Right now. I love that you cameoed her and her hubby.
ReplyDeletenow I want tea & pumpkin pie!
ReplyDeleteI'm on potatoe duty this year. Sweet at my Mom's, mashed at my MIL's.
ReplyDeletevery sound advice miss lena :) i just made mashed sweet potatoes for the first time (via martha stewarts recipe) and am loving them!! i think they might just be my thanksgiving best. :)
ReplyDeleteHere we dont celebrat thanksgiving day...but every time i see it in the movies i really feel like having a lunch like this one!
ReplyDeleteGood advice! :) Enjoy your Thanksgiving! I'm the stupid one that said I would do EVERYTHING!!! To bad I don't have 2 stoves :)
ReplyDeleteWow! What a yummy pick! It definitely gets my tummy ready for Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea -- and great entry! People love to feel included in the big event, and if that also means you get their famous bourbon pecan pie, the joy is shared!
ReplyDeleteOh DEFINITELY enlist help!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is hard to ask for help but it does make life sooo much easier! Wishing you a perfectly simple holiday this week:)
ReplyDelete