And just like that...

And just like that, Thanksgiving was over. All the planning, cleaning, shopping, cooking and enjoying was finished when the last car pulled out of the driveway on Friday. The house, quiet and empty, seemed to slump a little. "Cheer up!" I told it."Christmas is coming!"

Here is a rehash of the event. The busiest day is the Wednesday before. I am up early, making sure the kitchen is ready for a full day of creating. Rachel arrives and we kick it into gear. Sweet potatoes are baked, pie crusts rolled out and filled, casserole dishes full of seasonal favorites are assembled. I always think, "we'll be done in record time this year", but in reality we cook from dawn until well after the sun has set. And I love every minute of it. In truth, it's one of the happiest days of the year for me.

 Music plays, mimosas are sipped, and if I get a chance, I kiss the cook!

 Deb and John arrived late afternoon. We had a simple supper of corn chowder and corn bread, and then they made the squash and mashed potatoes. Once those final dishes were assembled, we wrapped each pan carefully and stowed them in the refrigerator. Once that appliance was full to bursting, we checked the thermometer. It was plenty cold outside, so Deb's car made for a back up cooling unit!

Thanksgiving dawned with snow. Just a lovely dusting, not enough to make travel difficult.

All we had left to do was cook the turkeys (Chris smokes one, I roast one), arrange desserts and appetizers, and set the tables. This latter bit involves a good amount of furniture re-arranging, but it all works out quite nicely. I love trotting out my pretty china and Grammy's silver.

Little glass turkeys held cranberry sauce. Low candles glowed.

I made a little sign on my chalkboard that said, "Save room for Dessert." Niece Elyse changed it so it was spelled the way our favorite 4 year old pronounces the word.

Once the turkeys were cooked, and guests were arriving, we put all the casseroles in the oven, (arranging them like puzzle pieces!) and make a huge vat of gravy. One guest goes on and on about how much gravy we make. We want everyone to have a gracious plenty, and we really want some for left overs!

Chris set up a huge trough with ice and cold beverages in the pantry, (one party guest calls this spot the "Wonder Closet.")  Red wine and mixed drinks were also available.

John usually carves the delicious smoked turkey. This year Evans tackled the roast bird. He did the most amazing job! 

Then it was time to feast. We had 18 at the table this year.

Later, David played music for us.

And we sat around groaning until we had room for just ONE more slice of pie.

There was talking and laughing. Guests kindly pitched in to help clean up and stow the food we had not polished off. I did a lot of sitting. And smiling. Oh how I love Thanksgiving.