Eat well. Nap well. See a good movie.

Turning the Tables

I am very happy that on Thursday, I will be dining at my in-laws' Thanksgiving table. Last year, when I was funemployed, I hosted all of Mr. W's family and spent days preparing. While I'll miss the excitement of planning, I won't miss...well, the clean-up. That's pretty much the only thing I don't like about entertaining family and friends! Since I don't get to choose linens or pull out these pumpkin place cards I recently bought.....

....I'm having a little pretend party, and you're all invited!


If you're the formal type, sit here...but please not in the animal print chair, because I adore it the most...

photo credit: Southern Accents

Should weather permit, I think we'll eat outside...

Chloe especially likes the china...

photo credit: Southern Living

Be sure to bring the kids! The crayons are on the table for drawing on the butcher paper tablecloth, or for writing a list of things for which they're thankful....

photo credit: Country Living

I can't have a Fall party without some burlap....This table, featured years ago in Country Living, has long been one of my favorites. Let Christmas be shiny and bright. I think Thanksgiving should feel rustic!

photo credit: Country Living

Gratitude Is Appetizing and Intoxicating

As Thanksgiving nears, don't look to me to talk turkey.... BUT I will be talking dressing - all the sides, desserts, drinks and decor that makes this week a cornacopia of calories and cheer!

Why wait for dessert to have Sweet Potato Pie? Start your celebration by toasting all the blessings for which you are thankful with a Sweet Potato Pie cocktail.

photo credit: www.washingtonian.com

PS 7's, a trendy DC restaurant, is famous for it's yam-tastic drink. Just let your guests think you thought up the recipe all on your own. How can someone say no to Sweet Potato Pie, in any form??  And what a great way to shift the awkard converstations that start at the initial greeting of family you haven't seen in a while?  Aunt Edna...let me get you another Sweet Potato Pie!  

You'll need a little nibbly with that....so before the pine tree replaces the pumpkin as the symbol of the holiday season, don't let the chance pass to create this easy, tastey appetizer! The Great White Pumpkin Cheeseball (you may have spied it in Southern Living) will make your guests OR your host think you are the most festive little pilgrim! 

Here's the magazine version....

And here's mine .....

It is SO easy to make. What looks like it took you major effort to create requires just three ingredients. I recently served it to dinner guests, and it was a huge hit - cream cheese, goat cheese and cheddar cheese...what's not to love about that trifecta?

RECIPES

SWEET POTATOE PIE COCKTAIL
Click here for details

 THE GREAT WHITE PUMPKIN CHEESEBALL
Click here for details