There are few things more stressful that hosting your fist Thanksgiving, especially when there is just one oven, and so many hours in the day. I remember my mother getting up at 6am to start cooking the turkey and then spending then next 6 hours cooking, baking, and setting the table, all the while trying frantically to sneak in a few sips of wine only to be the only sober grown-up at the table when we finally carved the bird. Thanksgiving is a massive event in our family….everyone comes without exception, even friends of friends find themselves in the middle of our family feast…and every moment of this day is cherished by one and all. The truth is, even the year to dogs ran away with the yet-to be carved turkey it was a celebration. Thanksgiving is about the feast, but it is also about the people. What people remember is not the overly complicated garlic roasted mash potatoes, or the polished silver. They remember the laughter, and the conversation, however heated it may become, because Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table and eating with the ones that drive you crazy, warm your heart and make you laugh.
My latest Celebrations post features my top ten tips for hosting your first Thanksgiving, and a few reminders for ventrals of the 6am ritual. Read the full article here. For more tips on Thanksgiving entertaining, “LIKE” Kitchen Living with Coryanne on Facebook. This year I will be sharing my toddler table projects, family recipes and survival cocktails, plus a few DIY projects to give your Thanksgiving a personal touch.