He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were un-manicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.

- Max Lucado

I am humbled by the simplicity of how He came.

I am thankful to celebrate who He was, and is today.

And am honored to reflect and rejoice in why He came.

May Christmas be close to your hearts as we celebrate the most wonderful gift ever given to man.

Merry Christmas to my family and friends.

(In celebration, enjoy my daughter playing, “Mary Did You Know,” which is one of my favorite Christmas songs.)

We love cranberry sauce during the holidays, and our favorite use is to spread the tart, sweet flavors of cranberries, fresh ginger and orange on top of hot brie and then serve with nuts and crackers.

Oh, boy. Can you say killer appetizer?

My daughter and I were recently honored to help serve and help at a dinner party and we were asked to bring the appetizer. We whipped up a batch of cranberry sauce and brought our favorite, Killer Cranberry Sauce served HOT on brie cheese. (RE TIP: Freeze fresh ginger in a Ziploc bag!)

It’s yummy year-round, but it’s really festive and a crowd-pleaser during the holidays.

What’s your favorite way to serve brie?

The tradition of mailing out Christmas cards has changed in recent years, with the price of postage, but I still say there is nothing like going to the mailbox and bringing back a stack of cards.

To sit in your favorite place and to open them like precious gifts. (This is where I say thank you to card companies who do such a fabulous job on design, like Tiny Prints.)

I had just commented to my family that “we’re just not getting the cards this year,” like we have in the past.

But then 2 days straight there were about 8 pictures cards that came in the mail.

That’s 16 beautiful gifts from family and friends! And now more have rolled in …

Next year I have an idea of how I’ll display them, but for this year … smack-dab on the refrigerator where we can all enjoy.

On a sunny, wintery day I sat down and addressed each envelope.

It took time, but I actually enjoy writing out the names and thinking about each family.

Here are a few of our card pictures from the past. The boys.

And then their sister came along.

And then today.

Do you send snail-mail cards, email cards, Christmas letters … or how do you send a holiday greeting to your friends and family?

(Tiny Prints provided my cards but did not pay me to write this post today.)

What do you do when your table only holds 8 comfortably, and you’re hosting a large Christmas dinner?

For our family, this was our last meal to entertain for the holidays this past weekend, and my sisters and their families were coming.

I wanted all 15 of us to all sit down so we could enjoy our time together.

For large groups like this, I have several sets of tablecloths, extra tables in the garage, and I borrowed a few chairs from a friend.

Wah-Lah … a long table eating area has been created.

Every year we rotate houses for our “sister dinner.” It’s special because ever since our Mother passed away, we told each other we’d still give small gifts to each other.

Our Mom loved to give gifts, and she always picked out just the right thing.

So our giving, in a sense, was a reminder of our Mom.

I also planned out the meal and delegated many of the dishes. And we did it a little differently this year.

-We seated everyone and served the salad.
-For the main course we served the prime rib and all the side dishes buffet-style.
-Dessert came way later as we all mingled in the kitchen.

In Christmas tradition, we always take a picture of the women in the family.

And the sisters.

I’m thankful for sisters, for delegation so I don’t have to cook an entire meal for so many people, for love and gifts at Christmas, and for yummy desserts.

Speaking of desserts …

Don’t you find that sometimes it’s hard to serve dessert right after a big meal?

We decided to wait about an hour before cutting into my sister’s heavenly cake (well, it does have Angel Cake as an ingredient) that she brought. (It’s a good one because it serves at least 12.)

You’ll see how light and simple the recipe is, and elegant, too. Raspberries on the inside and just a few for color on the serving platter. Beautiful!

What’s your tradition for serving dessert after a large meal? Do you serve it right away or wait to serve it later?

When you serve a buffet you get to mingle and enjoy the people around you, and sit by the people you want to sit with. Many times buffet-style dinner means that there is no set table, and you sit around the living room, dining room, family room, even on the floor or on the stairs.

I love the casual feel.

Here are some ideas when you have a small space. You can pack in what you need … you really can!

Roll your linens and put them in an accessible place. (With a little bit of “pretty” on top, using fresh pommegranites.)

For me, a basic collection of versatile pieces and white dishes and platters are essential when it comes to entertaining.

Add warmth to the area with a simple candle.

Dollar Store glasses on an elegant serving tray. Drinks behind the glasses.

Bring out the white platters.

And white bowls and accent-colored dishes.

I don’t mess around much with fabric and stackable boxes underneath to add height. That look is just a little too “formal” for my simple home. Use pedestals and add your beautiful white dishes and bowls to bring height.

Have different sizes of plates.

The two-tier pedestal on the right can be easily used for small dessert bites.

Who needs BIG desserts when you’re serving a yummy Christmas buffet?

How will you be serving your Christmas meal this week? Buffet or a sit-down dinner?

Here’s an earlier post on setting up a Christmas buffet, that I wrote a few weeks ago.

Today I want to share a little about holiday baking and easy ways of giving to others.

The beauty of the holidays is that you can embrace nostalgia on your own terms. I try to encourage my readers to put their hesitation aside and reach out to others, by either inviting people into their homes, hosting a small dinner party or a casual get-together, or even what I call, “taking your hospitality with you,” … reaching out to others by giving small gifts of love.

The holidays can be a very emotional time for many, because our pasts creep in, creating feelings both bittersweet and beautiful.

But today I’d love to encourage you to reach deep, and to think of a fun holiday cookie that you enjoyed as a kid.

Embrace those happy memories (or create some new ones if you can’t find “happy”), and think of ways to give out this year.

I’m happy to share with you a childhood recipe that my mom made every year, as far back as I remember as a little girl, up until the year she passed away. Snowball cookies were a part of our Christmas diet. They melt in your mouth and they provide comfort.

My favorite version has a little secret inside … Dove Chocolate-Covered Almonds. Oh, boy!

A little treat inside a big treat.

Christmas doesn’t get any better than packaging up a few classy treats, and then giving them away.

It’s the thought that counts. Small, simple, inexpensive, yet festive, wintery and tasty – is what I love to give.

Ideas on how to package Christmas cookies:
Dollar Store plates
Dollar Store or Clearance baskets
Canning quart-sized jars with a cute, cut-out Christmas top (over the lid)
Decorated brown lunch bags

What was your favorite holiday cookie as a kid?

What I love about this time of year is bringing nature into the house for decorating, because it’s beautiful and mostly free.

Don’t you love rose hip branches? Pottery Barn sells them, and they are beautiful, but I bet you can find a local biz that will sell the fresh live branches to you. Or, better yet, find a local bush that you could trim some from yourself.

Nothing is better than real (I’m not a big fan of the faux red berry branches).

In our town, Pennington Farms sell the branches from their property, or Terra Firma Home in their store.

Last year I had fun arranging them in our home.

This year I bought double the amount of branches and used them in different ways.

It’s also elegant to decorate a simple table.

How about the window sill?

Little bit of dessert stylin’.

Add to your beverage area if you’re hosting a party.

One simple branch along with a curly willow branch.

Hang glass tea light vases from the branches.

Last night I took a quick picture of my kitchen counter.

I wrote about bringing the great outdoors (and greenery) in last year.

And look what my friend Kristin made and brought to my house. Beautiful. I love handmade gifts!

But this year I’m all about the rose hips.

What kind of natural items do you use for decorating at Christmas?

This post is linked to The Inspired Room’s House Tour/DIY Linky party!

Apples, Apples, Apples.

Such a simple, inexpensive, and beautiful way to decorate during the holidays.

Decorating with seasonal fresh fruit is easy, colorful and interesting. You can start with holiday greens as the base, and then mound or arrange the apples in interesting containers.

On the counter – add a wreath to a large white bowl and fill with apples.

Apples and evergreen topiary – HGTV.

Outside – my front porch.

Creative wreaths – BHG.

Make your own centerpiece – BHG.

On the mantel – my friend Melissa’s house in Seattle.

Enjoy a scented wreath – Paula Deen.

Hang from the trees – holiday cheer from Plant Talk.

Apple candle holders – BHG.

Dried apples – ambience with tea lights.

What clever ways will you be decorating with apples this holiday season?

There are so many ways to enjoy having guests into your home, and today I want to show you how simple a Christmas buffet can be. For very little work involved, if you start early by planning ahead and getting all of your dishes out, you’ll be one happy hostess!

Basically you can set up work stations around your house. I’ve used the side-table, the piano top for desserts, the desk area for drinks … use your imagination!

And the beauty is, you can do it ahead of time, complete with plates, flatware, glasses, linens, even drinks.

I set this buffet up 2 days before my event, so it would be ready to go!

-Plan ahead
-Pull out your serving platters and dishes
-Think about color schemes
-Think about napkins, candles, how to make it look nice
-Keep it simple
-Once it’s set up, it’s done. You can check it off your list!

What works perfectly for serving buffet-style is that guests can easily go back for seconds.

Yeah! We all love seconds, and thirds! (I do!)

You also get to mingle and enjoy the people around you, and sit by the people you want to sit with.

Many times buffet-style dinner means that there is no set table, and you sit around the living room, dining room, family room, even on the floor or on the stairs.

When the guests arrive–and hopefully they are bringing some dishes to share–you put it all together, relax, and enjoy your company!

Mm-m-m, so what about …

How do you commence a meal that’s random buffet?

Do people sit wherever they want?

Does someone yell when it’s time to eat?

Do you call everyone to pray first?

Do you explain the “rules” to people, so they know where they can be and not be in your house with their food?

Would you answer one of the above questions and share what you’ve learned when serving buffet-style meals?

Earlier this week I shared this yummy Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake recipe, but I didn’t tell you how I decorated the cake!

I love this quote that I recently read:

“Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”

My Mother taught my sisters and me about hospitality from day one. She lived and breathed it.

We were raised to know in our hearts what we were meant to do.

At Christmas I do get a bit nostalgic, I must say, because we tend to think of our family–past and present–at Christmas.

I came across this Wilton stencil of a tree that my Mother gave me years ago (years ago!) It probably cost her 25 cents to buy it. For 20 years of my marriage I’ve used it off and on during the holidays.

It’s such an elegant yet simple way to decorate a cake.

And it’s what I used to decorate my Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake with.

Do you have anything, such as Christmas cookie cutters or stencils, that’s been passed down from your Mother or Grandmother?

We’d love to hear your story!

(Photos by my daughter Abigail Ellen Rose.)

If you want to drum up nostalgia, it’s not too late to take a family member’s signature and stencil it onto a plate. You can read about it, HERE.

As I was doing a radio interview earlier this week, I was thinking about my own advice to the listeners. How do we cut costs during hard economic times, yet still entertain and invite others into our homes? It’s tricky, but there are some simple strategies to keep in mind. I promise that if you choose even 3 of my suggestions, and incorporate them into your entertaining during the holidays, you’ll be guaranteed to save money.

1. Plan ahead: Get your journal out or use WorkFlowy (daily summary emails sent to you of your lists that you make on your computer – nifty!) and document the parties or dinners ahead that you will be responsible for.

2. Delegate: Plan out the menus and leave room by each entree for you to fill in a name of who will be bringing what.

3. Be prepared: Think ahead to 2-3 easy meals for unexpected guests. You’ll spend less money when you are prepared, rather than running to the store for last-minute groceries.

4. Easy options: Keep it casual–less work and less cost. Plan a buffet style meal, an appetizer “open house,” or a brunch, where your guests bring a dish.

5. Use leftovers: With a casual event, use paper products from the prior year. Don’t get sucked in to buying all-new when you already have a stash. Better yet, stay “green” and use cloth napkins.

6. Use greenery of all sorts for decoration, and skip purchased flowers from the store. Go to the Christmas tree lots forremnant pine pieces.

7. Go in together on preparations. If you want to do an elaborate dinner party, go in with another couple and share the cost and work.

8. Progressive dinner: Plan a dinner that involves 4 couples, with each responsible for just one course.

9. Put perfectionism aside: Remember the reason for the season is to celebrate and reflect with family and friends. Don’t let your cooking, the cost, dining space, how your house is decorated, or busyness steal away the JOY and memories that you’ll create if you’ll only say YES.

What one thing is standing in your way of entertaining this holiday season?

Table setting above: White wedding dishes (20 years old), paper napkins, Dollar Store goblets, fresh greenery (free), water bottles from yard sales, ornaments and pinecones. Elegant and inexpensive. Today

I’m guesting over at {In}Courage today, if you want to join me over there …

When I asked my husband what I should make for dessert for our annual Progressive Dinner the other night, he said, “Just keep it simple, Baby!”

Guys have it figured out. They’d rather make or bake something familiar, easy, and low-stress. Which, by the way, did you know that “desserts” spelled backwards says “stressed”? I think men would say, do what’s easiest and you don’t have to slave in the kitchen!

Especially during the holidays, my husband really wants low-key, since we have quite a few commitments.

I posted on my Reluctant Entertainer Facebook page, “What should I make for dessert?” and many gave excellent suggestions. (Thank you!)

But I ultimately resorted to a recipe that I’ve made for years, but one I had never served to this group.

Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake.

There are different ways that you can serve this dessert … one with whipped cream, the other with ice cream. (PS. Here’s the 4 ladies, a tradition to get our picture every year.)

Since our house was the last stop for the Progressive Dinner, I knew our bellies would be full.

I set my table, pulled out the espresso cups just in case (which we ended up not using), and baked my cake. That’s what I love about Progressive Dinners. You are only responsible for one course!

What’s your go-to dessert recipe for the holidays?

Stay tuned for step-by-step instructions on how I decorated the cake that brought back many nostalgic feelings.

(Photo credits for this post: Abigail Ellen Rose Coughlin)

Illuminate your table with holiday warmth by grouping Mason canning jars upside down, pinecones up inside, and tea lights on top.

I love the elegance of this for a dinner party.

We have several dinners coming up this month that I’m looking forward to. This idea was from a few years back, but again … use what you have to make your table festive!

Have you thought about how you’ll decorate your first “holiday” table?

Christmas … joy, peace, love, and giving.

There are so many opportunities to be kind to one another, but honestly I think the hustle of the season gets in our way.

My goal for the next 25 days is to surprise myself by giving to others, even in the simplest way.

EVERY DAY.

I’m calling it “25 Days of Small Gifts.”

Here are a few ideas:

-Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.

-Overtip the breakfast waitress.

-Write a thank you note.

-Strike up conversation with someone in the grocery store.

-Take another family a “surprise” dinner and leave it at their front door (and include the recipe!)

-Overpay your babysitter.

-Offer to help remove groceries from the cart to the car for an elderly person.

-Have your kids tape a little money to a vending machine and write a note that says, “Candy Bar on US!”

-Go to lunch with a neglected friend.

-Help a coworker scrape the frost off their windshield at the end of a long day.

-Buy lunch for the person in front of you.

-Offer to do the dishes when it’s your kid’s “dish day.”

-Give a back rub to someone in your home.

-Shovel (or blow) your neighbors’ sidewalks too.

-When playing games with your children, let them win.

-Watch It’s a Wonderful Life, together as a family or with friends.

-Slow down and prioritize a date night with your spouse.

-Encourage your kids to share musical talents with the elderly.

-Hug a person.

The list can go on and on …

Don’t you think this is a great idea to share with your family? It gets us thinking more about others, less about ourselves.

What small random act of kindness comes to mind that you can surprise someone with over the next 25 Days?

(Top photo: My daughter with her Grandpa Milt. And, HAPPY DECEMBER 1, Friends!)

Too many years I’ve dreamed and come up with an enormous list of things that our family should do over the holidays.

Things like baking, sharing, checking out the neighborhood lights, visiting Santa and the shut-ins, making our own ornaments and stringing popcorn, playing games all day on Christmas Day, hosting parties, attending church services, chopping our tree in the great outdoors, hosting an open house, having the entire family help with Christmas cards (yah, right), you name it …. I wanted to do it.

It’s wonderful to be enthusiastic over the holidays, but now that my kids are teens, and I’ve learned a good, hard lesson about life during December, I want to share a few insights.

-Make a list of your dreams.
-Share it with your family in November (the last day – today!)
-Decide what’s important for your entire family.
-Decide what you want to keep as a tradition.
-Cross off the things that don’t get the “votes.”
-You may need to narrow it down even further.
-Agree that you won’t have hurt feelings.

As a mom, I know that I get very excited over the holidays, but I can also carry my over-exhuberance over to the family. I can put my expectations in their laps, so they inherit my “to do” list when they are wanting “simple.”

I’ve learned that every year I start off with good intentions, but I can get off track.

This year I’m going to create my list, keep my list, and keep checking my list … so that I stay on track.

Do you get swayed into doing too much during the holidays?

How do you rate yourself when it comes to dumping your “to-do” list on the family?

On a scale from 1-5:
1 – you keep your agenda to yourself
5 – you put expectations on your family

I can’t wait to hear your answers. They may even be a little giveaway for the best answer. Be real, friends. And if you have good tips, let’s share them and help each other out.

There’s something about entertaining during the holidays that brings a level of excitement, but also to the disorganized person, a sense of dread. I love to entertain, but I enjoy it most when it comes together quickly and spontaneously.

1. Set the date and invite: Set the date for your party, grab a notebook and pencil and start making your list of who to invite. Don’t waver over the invitation list. Go with your gut on who comes to mind first and get going on the invitations.

MISTAKE: “But so-and-so can’t make it!” During the holidays you won’t be able to accommodate everyone, so once you set the date, move on to the planning stage. You could drive yourself crazy moving the date around to get everyone there.

2. Plan what kind of party you want to have: Think about formal, casual, brunches vs. dinner, buffet-style or open house. There are so many holiday party options, and it’s a crazy time of year, so choose one that fits your time schedule and your family’s needs.

MISTAKE: “I just can’t afford to entertain this way.” People forget the power of “delegation” and how much easier it is to simply ask your guests to bring a dish. It saves on the pocketbook and people are so willing to help out and to “be a part of the party,” whichever type you choose.

3. Be organized and keep your cupboards stocked. Make sure and keep relishes, cheeses, nuts and dried fruit and wines stocked for last-minute drop ins. People love to stop by during holiday seasons, because it’s such a cheery, festive time of year.

MISTAKE: “I never know what to serve for a quick appetizer.” We tend to over-complicate what should be simple. If we get out of our minds elaborate fondues and appetizers that take hours to prepare, and stick with a simple bowl of toasted nuts, a brick of goat cheese sprinkled with pomegranate seeds (festive for the season), along with some yummy crackers – there we have it! Slice a fresh pear (a symbol of the holidays) and you could sit and munch and talk with your friends for hours over the appetizers alone.

4. Don’t apologize to your guests when something goes wrong. Words of apology should never come out of a hostess’ mouth. Learn to bite your tongue when something burns or doesn’t turn out. Think quickly to how you can add a sauce, change the presentation of the food (turn the burnt side down), add fresh herbs to make it look better, or if a dessert, add whipped cream on top.

MISTAKE: “I’m so sorry I scorched the chicken!” Once you apologize, you can change the whole course of the evening. Everyone is thinking about what went wrong, it makes them uncomfortable, it takes away from the once–relaxed setting, and all eyes are on YOU. Many times, guests would never have known something went bad if you would have kept it to yourself.

5. Enjoy every moment of holiday celebrations. Holidays are easy because you can have music playing in the background, your house is already decorated and the spirit is in the air. Learn to sit back, relax, and enjoy your guests!

MISTAKE: “My house is not perfect, thus I don’t want people over!” When we fall into the “perfection-trap” we lose our joy and ability to enjoy others. Our mind is on ourselves and it’s a very selfish focus. Once we learn to put our perfections aside (and realize we are “all” imperfect), we can move on to the benefits of entertaining: spending time with family and friends and getting to know them in a deeper way. We create healthy memories for our children when we invite people over and show them how to become hospitable.

Entertaining during the holidays can be very stressful.

Again, organization, pulling your family in to help, keeping it all very simple (KISS–Keep It Simple, Sister!), and realizing the reason we are all gathering in the first place, really helps our attitude.

Instead of spending time in the kitchen, take off your apron, grab a plate of food, and join your guests.

There’s nothing left for you to do but enjoy.

What mistake do you tend to make with holiday entertaining? We’d love to hear your tips!

I’ve been on a mission to help women during the holidays. I overhear women all the time who have a love/hate feeling with Christmas. I’ll admit, the older I get I fall into that same category. You might have read my post on “Traditions” where I say just because you did it (certain traditions) before doesn’t mean you always have to do it.

As we’re pulling the Christmas boxes from the attic this weekend, I’ve decided to not put as many Christmas decorations up this year. Of course I want to do the basics, and I look forward to pulling out some special pieces that bring joy to our family. But with traditions, we can even be enslaved to them in the way we decorate.

Am I trying to impress?
Does my family really care that we stuff the house?

And with baking, again I have to ask myself the same questions.

I’m challenging myself to a sweet, simple Christmas this year. When I find myself losing control, I want to focus on what really matters.

-Remember, it’s being together that counts. It’s not about how beautiful your tree is, how many cookies you bake, how many dinner parties you throw or attend, the perfection of your decorating, or a clean house.

-Focus on quality. Quality of guests and intimate times together, not chaos and noisy crowds of people who may not mean anything to you. The emphasis should be on quality of gifts for your family, not a contest of how many are under the tree.

-Keep it simple. There’s no law that says the mother in every home has to organize and plan formal sit-down dinners. Plan potlucks, delegate, or better yet – eat out (if you have the means).

-Focus on the conversation and getting to know your friends and feeling the “spirit” of the moment. (You’ll probably be listening to Christmas music in the background, which is festive and really puts you in the mood).

-Enjoy “family.” There’s no rule that says that family has to all be together on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Spread it out – the week before Christmas plan events for your immediate family?. Don’t take family for granted. Be respectful and express in words and actions that you are happy to be together.

-Make it comfy and relaxing. No one wants to go to a party or dinner where things are out of control. Don’t plan too much – don’t pile too much on your plate. Don’t forget as the hostess that you need to “experience” the season.

-Be Flexible. When you look back at times together, you won’t remember the food that didn’t turn out or those who maybe didn’t want to go out to Christmas carol or play games. But you will remember the feelings you experienced. If you can’t go with the flow, you will be miserable. Don’t drag your family down with you. Create happy memories.

Back to quality. I’ve had several discussions with friends on the difference of quality versus quantity. It seems like at Christmas we try to do more and more and more. We take on too much, bake too much, eat too much, party too much – and we find ourselves spinning out of control. But I really want to encourage a positive approach to Christmas, because we have so much to celebrate and to enjoy!

As I trim back on decorating, entertaining, and shopping, I want to think about the reason we even have Christmas, and the quality of relationships and blessings around me.

How will you plan to keep a healthy balance this Christmas season?

Thanksgiving …

by Franklin D. Roosevelt, October 31, 1939

Let us, on the day set aside for this purpose, give thanks to the Ruler of the universe for the strength which He has vouchsafed us to carry on our daily labors and the hope that lives within us of the coming of a day when peace and the productive activities of peace shall reign on every continent.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is more than the food. It’s connecting and enjoying a day of togetherness. This year our family is invited to join another family for our Thanksgiving meal. We’re dividing up the meal (the hosts usually do more, don’t they?) and our family is really looking forward to a new experience.

New holiday experiences are a treat. Creating new memories is a gift we can give our kids. And the connection around the table is just priceless.

Here are some great reminders on how to connect, if you feel that your gathering may lack pizazz:

1. Give Thanks.
2. Each person says one thing they are thankful for this year.
3. Adults share a Thanksgiving memory regarding how they celebrated as a child.
4. Each person shares who or what has been the greatest teacher in their life in the past year, and why.
5. Invite someone new to the table and share your traditions with them.

One thing I also love about Thanksgiving is cranberries. Cranberry sauce is so tasty, and we use the leftovers served over brie cheese in the days that follow. Cranberries can be used for decorating, a “night before TG dinner” (this is yummy … Butternut Mushroom Bread Pudding), or how about doubling the recipe and making this yummy Cranberry-Hazelnut Bread?

I used walnuts because I didn’t have hazelnuts, and it was delicious.

Perfect for TG Day breakfast!

Festive and excellent to freeze and give away during the holiday season.

What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving celebrates what everyone brings to the table: good food, love, laughter, and thankful hearts.

If you haven’t planned your menu, now’s the time. One tip I learned from a friend many years ago was, once you have your menu planned, copy and staple the recipes together (I like to add the year on top) and file away for the next year. It makes menu planning much easier, especially if they are your favorite recipes. Of course you can also create a file on your computer and do the same thing.

TIP: If you love to read cookbooks, create a “Holiday Menu” journal where you jot down your favorite recipes, the cookbook they are in, and the page number for easy reference.

Are you serving a pre-dinner soup? Remember there’s still time to win $100, and you can try my Sweet Pumpkin and Barley Sage Soup.

Brining a turkey is a wonderful way to enhance its juiciness and flavor, but it seems that the process is intimidating … until you actually do it and taste the difference.

Here’s my brine recipe. Yummy!

TIP: If you’re really in a bind, you can buy turkey brine “blends,” by rushing in to your local Williams Sonoma. So easy!

Don’t forget to ask your guests to help by bringing what you need them to bring. Planning a Thanksgiving meal (especially for a large crowd) is a lot of work. Write out the menu, figure out what YOU want to make, and then fill in the slots by asking your guests to contribute.

TIP: Make sure your guests know what time you plan to serve dinner. Make it clear if you want them their contribution “table ready” or if there’s time to prepare it in your kitchen. IE: green beans or salad.

Write out (I love having a plan!) and prepare as much as you can the day or two before Thanksgiving. I’ll be baking my sweet potatoes the day before, cooking, chopping, involving my family as much as I can.

Here are a few of my side-dish favorites:

Easy Sweet Potatoes (recipe in my book)
Smashed Potatoes, Parsnips and Rutabaga
Sweet Potato Cran-Apple Gratin
Brussels Sprouts Braised with Cream and Dates
Fresh Green Beans
Carrot Souffle‘

Last year I made Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Apples, but I added cranberries, too. Oh, boy! Check out Pioneer Woman’s step-by-step recipe.

I’m going to leave desserts up to Tidy Mom. Check out her 3rd Annual “Love the Pie” party. If you scroll down, you’ll find hundreds of pie recipes!

Thanksgiving is pie, wouldn’t you agree?

TIP: Think ahead to a separate place, possibly outside of your kitchen, where you can display the desserts. They are usually so beautiful, it’s enjoyable to walk into the dining or living room to see them displayed on a buffet, top of a piano, or a table.

Lastly, set the table. Friends, it’s not too early to be thinking about a welcoming table for your guests. My suggestion is to simplify. Make your table receptive by only adding the dishes you need, not cluttery and crammed with excessive dishes. Head to the great outdoors to bring nature in.

TIP: A low-line centerpiece makes conversation much easier than having to look around pillars and over-the-top flower arrangements.

Last year I journaled a 4-part Thanksgiving guidelines post, so if you feel you’re behind, you can catch up here:

Week 1: Stress-Free Thanksgiving – Invite, Plan, and Delegate
Week 2: Stress-Free Thanksgiving – Organize your Recipes & Shopping Lists
Week 3: Stress-Free Thanksgiving – Space, Table, & Turkey Planning
Week 4: Stress Free Thanksgiving – Write Out Chores, Include the Family

How are your Thanksgiving plans coming along? Are you feeling stressed or right on schedule? Or, if you are not hosting this year, what are you bringing to the table?

The winner of the Harry and David basket is Andrea from Recipes for Divine Living.