Gobble Gobble

Last year was the first year I celebrated Thanksgiving outside of the U.S.  Of course I was missing family, but I decided to perk up and take the opportunity to host my first Thanksgiving dinner cooking for three other couples also missing home.  I have to say it was a ton of work and stress to make sure everything came out as perfect as I had always imagined my first Thanksgiving dinner away from home would be.  The number of calls I made to my mom and dad that day was crazy, ha!  But after all was said and done, the night was a success and everyone was full and happy.  Looking back, it’s funny how much work I put into decorating my Thanksgiving table for dinner.  It almost became more important than the dinner menu!  Months before the big day I went online and ordered a new tablecloth, Thanksgiving place mats, napkins, napkin rings and even a cute apron to match!  Luckily everything arrived on time…gotta love Bed, Bath and Beyond! Then days before Thanksgiving, I stayed up late each night perfecting the centerpiece and table settings, right down to the formal placement of the silverware and hand-making name cards.  Everything had to be special for my guests, after all it was my first time hosting Thanksgiving!

Our Menu Items:  TURKEY, Slow-Roasted Pork with Rosemary and Balsamic, Green Beans, Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, my Auntie Grace’s Macaroni and Cheese, Fresh Hot Corn Bread, Sweet Potatoes stuffed inside an orange peel covered with Rice Krispy Treats and Marshmallows, and of course Stuffing.  Oh and Apple Pie for dessert.  YUM!

This year, we are still baking most of the same menu items, however, it’s just me and my husband.  No worries about the table setting since I’m pretty sure we will be eating at the coffee table while watching T.V., ha!