Friends Thanksgiving 2009

It began as a tradition in college... we would get together the Sunday before Thanksgiving and make our very own Friends Thanksgiving! Back then, we were all eager to try family favorite recipes and share with our friends.

Now... it's even better! We've changed the day to the Saturday before Thanksgiving... but it's still- Friends Only. Thanksgiving Favorites. Come HUNGRY! And now we not only share family favs- but we are practicing cooking them. So when we have to go to the "in-laws" and bring a dish, we're not so nervous!

Also there was a discussion at the main table about how this will be the best holiday meal they eat because it's just friends and not family. And not that there is anything wrong with family, but families tend to fight at holidays. and friends do not. at least not at dinner parties. And now with everyone getting married, they have to chose where to go, or go to 2 places in 6 hours. and there can be some tension. and sometimes inlaws are weird or do things "differently." so everyone was excited about our party. and it was fun.

And this is our 3rd annual as the Sawyer Family! It's a blast! I even break out our good china!! This year the invite list got so big, we had to borrow some of Ty's mom's china. It was great! Here's the set up....

the mantle

lots of white flowers (borrowed from a fancy church dinner the night before)
the main dining room table

a close up of the centerpiece and place settings. (those are mini pumpkins in the hurricane glasses)

The "card table" - this was set up where we have our "library" and two big leather chairs. So we just pulled the leather chairs up and added a table! It was fit for a king!

I loved that each table was kinda different. All were fancy. But each had its own centerpiece, napkins, etc. I love the napkins on this table! Wish I had bought more when they were out!

And the Round Table

added a gold table runner (borrowed from my Christmas collection) added vintage napkins (from MIL) and voila!

the TURKEY! (yes I should have taken the picture NOT in the bag- but I was a bit chaotic- and this is what you get)

Covered the Washer and Dryer with a table cloth and placemats- INSTANT Drink Area!

We had soda, sweet tea, water, hot apple cider, and fresh decaf coffee. I was smart and set the coffee timer to start brewing during dinner, so it was just perfect for dessert! of course, I did forget to put out the creamer- how embarrassing! didn't realize until I was cleaning up- but did notice how everyone was drinking their coffee "black" and couldn't understand why nobody wanted creamer. duh!

close up. because I am a nerd. please notice my freshly cut lime and lemon slices in cute little glass jars. thank you.

More flowers. love my pumpkin plate! hobby Lobby 80% off last year! (does anybody buy full price at Hobby Lobby? Why do they even start at full price?)

The Feast Begins!!

Ben and Parris

Brittany and Jake

Thomas and Kendra

Aline and Elias

Cari, Kim, and Jason

Julia and Robert (he loves pictures)

Me and Ty

The Dessert Table!!

I should have gotten a picture of all the food before we devoured it. But I didn't. It was good. We ate A LOT!!

creamed corn

broccoli casserole

cheesy hashbrowns

green bean casserole

chicken and dressing

sweet potato and cranberry delight

broccoli and cauliflower salad

rolls

gravy

turkey

you get the picture

And then the games began!! Oh how I enjoyed this part!

Can you tell I'm into it?? I was. I was ruthless. When I started winning, people threatened to not come back. I stopped winning then. On purpose.

Not really on purpose. but I did lose and I don't want to admit that I wasn't good enough to win, so I"ll pretend it was on purpose.

And then the kitchen fairies came and cleaned up my kitchen and hand washed all the dishes! and I thank them forever and ever! And they are invited back next year! thanks Cari, Kim and Jason!