November 1st: Preparing for Thanksgiving

November 1st already....

It is time to pack up the Jack'o lanterns, ghosts, and goblins to put them to rest for another year.

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and I have been doing some early research for my Thanksgiving feast. Yes, I am hosting the meal this year.

I love to host holiday meals because that is my opportunity to go way overboard on foods, garnishes, and let my creativity explode.

Will there be way too much food? Of course....

The pumpkin candy dish can remain because pumpkins are used for Thanksgiving also, and plus my grand kids love the opportunity to help themselves (but don't tell their mom).

One good thing about the glass pumpkin candy dish, you can hear the lid rattle. Always gives away the person that wants to be sneaky.

This year for Thanksgiving I am having my whole entire family present (that means all three kids and their families will be here). That is the reason for the paper and plastic products. Recycle and enjoy the day....

I love it when all the kids are together in my house for one whole day.

And that is NOT an invitation for you to move back home.....

I love my kids, but also love the peace and quiet I have.

I have had these cookie cutters stored away for a couple years. I am bound and determined to use them this year. A platter full of frosted sugar cookies....Nothing better or more pretty.

Do you have big plans for Thanksgiving?

I would love to hear about them.

When it comes to garnishing food, I am all for it.

It makes your food look like you really planned, created, and go the extra mile to make it special.

A couple of these cute little chicks mixed in with my deviled eggs....Genius!! I am loving the looks (in my head) of things already. This is going to be sooooo coooool!!

I spent some time studying my cookbook collection today and came up with these three books:

Country Cooking, Cranberry Recipes, and a Garnishing book. They all say Thanksgiving.

One of my favorites during the holidays is gingerbread. Gingerbread and whipped cream. There is nothing better.

I am heading to the kitchen today to experiment with a Gingerbread Apple Bread. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Happy November Everyone!!

To start my November appropriately:

Psalms 140:1 - "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence."