Happy Thanksgiving !
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 28, 2013 (in 15 days).
Recipe for a Happy Thanksgiving
Family & Guests:
- 2 Adults (not necessarily related, more if desired)
- 1 or more offspring, siblings or other guests
- Table
- 1 bright seasonal tablecloth
- Appropriate decorations (according to taste or tradition such as pumpkins, foliage, gourds, candles, et al)
- China and flatware that otherwise is rarely used
Ingredients:
- Turkey preferably from an area farm (not a ButterBall!)
- Stuffing
- Winter squash of your choice (baked, roasted, pureed)
- Other seasonal vegetables prepared according to preference,
- Cranberry relish, chutneys or other condiment
- Parker House Rolls home-made, whole-grain (gluten-free?)
- Green salad (lightly dressed)
- Pie of your choice (several!)
Optional:
- Tofurkey (if you absolutely have to!)
- Gewurztrauminer or other crisp white (Gigondas if you prefer red, or both)
- Place cards
- Thank You notes
- Activity
Preparation:
Invite family, friends and at least one person who would otherwise have to celebrate alone. Prepare to enforce a ban on digital media—they detract from the interpersonal camaraderie that will arise with your efforts. Having calculated the number of guests, arrange seating with place cards so as to provoke conversation but avoid unfortunate discourse. Suggest that guests sit in a different seat for dessert.
Set the table with china and flatware that otherwise rarely sees the light of day. Decorate table with seasonal natural materials from your garden or woods. Studies have shown that behavior is moderated and conversation elevated when guests are presented with a well-appointed table. Ask for appropriate attire (at least no hoodies, please). Make sure you have enough help to avoid unseemly stress. If no one volunteers, delegate. One or two days ahead, ask a family member or local child to share your baking.
Select recipes that are not your “usual,” but always include one expected sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Plan to have left-overs to share as you won’t want to cook again for several days. More importantly, make at least one extra pie/dessert/meal portion to deliver to an infirm neighbor, shut-in or First-Responder who is unable to celebrate with family or friends.
Have available at least one inter generational game or activity that reminds you of your earliest Thanksgiving celebrations (yes—a chance to play together).
Finally, during the course of your Thanksgiving celebration, give each guest a thank-you card and ask them to pen a note of gratitude to someone in their lives.