I Am So Excited! Guess What I Get To Do?

 

I feel like one very lucky girl today. As you read this post I will be on my way  too……….

Now why would I feel so lucky to go to Sur La Table?

BECAUSE!!!

I will be seeing this lady!……

The one and only Ina Garten!!

A very good friend of mine told me about this event a couple of weeks ago, and we both agreed we just had to go.(We are both big fans of Ina's.)

 I will be carrying this………

Ina Garten’s newest cookbook! The plan is to have her sign it!! Wish me luck!!

BTW:I have to give a big Thank You to my special friend for setting this up for us to go too!!!

I told you all, I am a very lucky girl!! 

 

 

Don't Forget To Do THIS For Thanksgiving !

It Is That Time Of Year!

Time To Make A Check-list!

When I am planning a party, or a family get-together for the Holidays, as it gets closer to the event, I like to make a check list in order to help me keep on track.

Source: whimsyandwise.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Here is what I put on my list:

1.Pull together all the elements to be used to    decorate the table to make sure there is a nice flow.
 
2.Do a final count of guest.

3.Make place-cards for guest that go with table décor.


4.Make sure there are enough chairs and tables, if not go to Costco! 

5.Wash and iron linens (don’t forget the lavender linen water for napkins.)
  
6.Write down the final menu.
  
7.Gather all recipes and put in zip-loc bag, or for the more techy, make a file on your computer with all the recipes.
   
8.Get out all appropriate serving dishes, platters and whatever serving utensils needed.
  
9.Now is a good time to make sure you have enough plates, glasses and utensils.

10.Make my shopping list.

11.Clean and fill all salt and pepper shakers.( I have the mini individual shakers for my table.)

12.If you plan on cooking anything new, this is a good time to try it out first.

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Handy tip: 
I place all serving pieces on my dining room chairs with a post-it note of the food that will go in them. The chairs are pushed in so out of sight out of mind, but I won’t be the one with my head in a cupboard looking for the big bowl for the mashed potatoes! 

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

 


Handy Tip:
I make a list of things I can purchase now, and the things I need to purchase fresh just a couple of days before the event.

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Handy Tip: 

Make a time line for when things need to go in and out of the

oven .  I put it on a 3X5 card next to the stove. I find this helpful because by this time guest have arrived and want to visit. I personally can get side-tracked so this keeps me on track.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I know we all have our own methods, but this what has worked for me for years so I thought I would share it with you.

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Do you all have some Handy tips to add? Please let us know by leaving a comment. I always love to learn from my readers.

Happy Check-list Making!!

You Are Going To LOVE These Side-Dishes!!

Source: blog.emeals.com via Carolyn on Pinterest

 I know better than to mess with a family’s stuffing recipe, mashed potatoes, or how they like their turkey.

We all have our tried and true family favorites so we have to have those sitting on the table for sure.

However, when it comes to side dishes I think it is fun to have at least one surprise up our sleeves for our guest.

It is time to get serious about what we will be serving this Thanksgiving the clock is ticking!

I promised you some FOOD on my next post so here we go. Shall we start with some fun ways with sweet potatoes?

SWEET POTATOES

Source: grouprecipes.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

These are the famous sweet potatoes from Ruth Chris restaurant. I just might try these this year. Click on the source at the bottom of the image and it will give you the recipe.

Here is a festive idea for presentation of the sweet potato recipe, without the marshmallows of course because of the delicious nut/crumb topping…..

Source: southernliving.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I think the orange would add just a nice little essence to the sweet potatoes, don't you?

GREEN VEGETABLE

Source: parentables.howstuffworks.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Roasted brussel sprouts with Cranberry-Pistachio pesto. Now doesn’t that sound YUMMY?

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Roasted Asparagus sesame bundles. I have made this, in fact I have made this a couple of times. It is absolutely a winner and so yummy.

The presentation with the bacon wrapped around the asparagus bundle is so pretty. I did pre-cook my bacon a little bit so it was still pliable, but then when it went in the oven with the asparagus it became crispy. That is how I like my bacon.

SALADS

Source: espressoandcream.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Autumn chopped salad, how can you go wrong with cranberries, apples and pecans with a poppy seed dressing. I think I could eat my weight in this salad!

Source: tasteofhome.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Mandarin orange salad is one of my favorites, and it is always a welcomed sight on the dinner table.

Source: southernliving.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Pear salad with raspberry cream dressing. How bad can that be? Unless you don’t like pears or raspberries, then I guess it would be a bad thing.

This next salad is not going to be for everyone because it involves beets, which I happen to love, but I know not everyone does.

I just had to share it…..

Source: ironrichfood.org via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Orange-beet salad with pecans! This gal says, “YUM!”

 You will notice that I did not post one single itty-bitty dessert!! Why? you might ask! Because dessert is my favorite!! I need an entire post just for dessert.

I shared with my hubby that I was writing a post on food for Thanksgiving dinner and he said,(remember he is a man of few words), “Turkey and dessert!”

Now why didn’t I think of that?

Come back for more Thanksgiving  post on prepping, and of course DESSERT!!!