Thanksgiving Tips

It’s the two week countdown to Thanksgiving. You can do it! These are our favorites tips for being ready for the main event.  

-Definitely delegate.  If the meal is at your house, you seriously can’t be making the bird, the sides, and the desserts so ask for help!  If you are going to someone else’s house to eat, offer to help by asking the host what you can bring.

-Shop early.  Everything that can be bought a week or so before the big day should be purchased now. For fresh ingredients go on the Monday or Tuesday the week of ,but only go early morning or late in the evening unless you are you ready to start bracing for the masses now.  You don’t want to spend the day before Thanksgiving rushing around with last minute grocery shopping. Shopping early also includes a trip to the liquor store–don’t forget this one until the day before because, just like the grocery stores, this will be packed. (Think in-laws, outlaws, screaming kids, etc. Everyone deals with this so there is really no question, liquor stores will be packed). Only save this if you want to give your husband/father/yourself an “escape” during the chaos. It will take at least an hour, but they will probably appreciate this errand.

-Set up your buffet early, not only to make sure you’ll have enough room for all of the plates and serving dishes, but also to make it a little easier for yourself as you transfer things from the oven. Using a combination of your serving pieces and post-it’s can be one of the most helpful things as far as Thanksgiving logistics go. Don’t forget your trivets for hot items.  

 

-If you have an allergy, be prepared.  Maybe you have a family who’s willing to go with a completely allergy-friendly spread, but if I could eat dairy and gluten, I definitely would, so I don’t want to deprive my family from them!  I like to be prepared by making my own dressing and gravy (it can be done! And we will show you how).  Ask your relatives and friends if sides are safe and make sure they actually know what they are talking about, and you’ll be set!

-Background music

No one likes a house that’s too quiet, weird lulls in conversation are much too apparent. We’ve made a Thanksgiving playlist that both you and your parents will appreciate i.e. no rap, some current songs, some oldies – your typical (but cooler) easy listening. This baby is 7 hours long so you can put it on in the morning while cooking, and it will last through the main event. Plus it’s not too Thanksgiving-y so start playing it now and you will enjoy it.

Press play. Enjoy.

Hope these little pointers help make your Thanksgiving as stress free as absolutely possible!

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Four Faves of the Week

1. Homemade Halloween Costumes. Like the good old school kind that you actually make for yourself or your children. I don’t mean like actually sewing them, just pulling things together from your house to make most of your costume. Sure more effort, but also so much more fun and funny. Julia and I were always the neighborhood kids in the homemade costumes. I chose to be things like David the Gnome, so cute and girly. Julia would be Dorothy or one year she was Lambchop.

2.  Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats.

I am obsessed with this band–they are feet tapping good. Perfect driving or weekend music. My favorite song, S.O.B., is one that I would have had to tell my parents that “I just liked the music and beat and was not even paying attention to the words”.. I tried this trick starting at age 12 with the Spice Girls ‘Wanna Be’ through high school rap songs. I feel sure it never actually worked, but it made me feel better. Look them up on Spotify or better yet download the record from iTunes. You will actually be able to listen to the entire album, not skipping a single song, unless you have children that can talk and are in the car..  Then just skip my favorite one and come back to it after you’ve dropped them off. Not to mention I love the squash blossom necklace on the cover of this album, I am ALWAYS on the search for a good, vintage version of this necklace.

  

3. Burnt

Previews and press for this Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller film have been everywhere, but it comes out tomorrow and we are SO excited. It hasn’t actually my gotten rave reviews, but a coming of age story filled with great actors and lots of cooking – count me in.

4.  The Hot Toddy 

It’s chilly enough for a nice warm drink, and one of my favorites is a classic Hot Toddy.  1 oz. bourbon, 1 Tbsp honey, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 hot water.  It just doesn’t get easier.  And hey, it apparently also cures the common cold, so you’re basically helping your immune system.  You’re welcome.

Four Faves of the Week

1. Lianne la Havas

This British soul singer’s tunes are to die for, and if that’s not enough, her style is seriously on point.  More please!

2. La Marca Prosecco

This light, crisp prosecco is just right when you want high quality without high cost.  Definitely our go-to.

3. The Rosie Project

A fresh and very smart take on a the classic romantic comedy storyline.

4. The Return of the Flare

With the resurgence of 70s style this fall, bell bottoms are back!  This cut is not only figure flattering, but also looks great with boots, heels, and flats alike. Try out this pair from Madewell.

4th of July Playlist with a side of Summer Corn Salad

I love 4th of July. It very well may be my favorite holiday. I’ve attached a playlist that I edit and add to every year and it’s great combination of summer holiday/party music whether out on a boat or in your own backyard.

Last night I was lucky to spend the night with my dear friend and her family. She made the perfect summer supper for us. Our husbands grilled hamburgers and she whipped up corn salad and roasted new potatoes. I will be making the corn salad this weekend to accompany boiled shrimp or as a lunchtime side. And will definitely be making and posting the potatoes in the near future.

 You can easily tell a loved recipe when it has marks on the paper. I so appreciate a good box full of recipe cards.

Whitney’s Corn Salad

2 Cans of shoepeg corn

2 Tomatoes or carton of cherry tomatoes, chopped

1 Bell pepper, chopped

1 Cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1/2 c. Sour Cream

4 Tbs. Mayonaisse

2 Tbs. White Vinegar

1/2 tsp. each celery seed, dry mustard, black pepper

1 tsp. salt

Mix all vegetables. Combine dressing ingredients in small bowl or measuring cup. Pour dressing over veggies. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

   

Enjoy the tunes and corn salad! Happy 4th to you and yours!!