. . . a unique and special Thanksgiving

We hosted a formal, intimate dinner for six . . . and then opened our home for a Thanksgiving Open House, of sorts.  

We welcomed friends through the afternoon and evening for dessert and egg nog.  Friends came, and went, bringing their family and friends . . . It was a holiday full of delicious food, family, friends, and laughter. My husband even snuck a nap in after dinner . . . just before friends started stopping by . . . a highlight for him, I'm sure (smile!).

What made THIS Thanksgiving so special was that my 4 1/2 and 3 1/2-year-old daughter and son were so very interested in this holiday. I think we watched "Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown" a dozen times! They learned simple facts about the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and the FIRST Thanksgiving dinner.  Their interest also prompted a desire to help me with Thanksgiving dinner, especially my daughter ~ Charley. 

Charley excitedly helped me bake bread & Pie Crust Sugar Cookie TURKEYS . . . and decorate our Thanksgiving dinner table. She so sweetly placed petite pears and apples, eggplants, and pomegranates on our table . . . and eagerly learned about proper place settings. I loved her interest and help that day! It sure made this wonderful holiday extra special!

Although I did not grow up celebrating Thanksgiving over formal dinners, my husband and I  appreciate that we celebrate OURS over a formal dinner with family and friends. Much time, energy, and love goes into the menu and table setting . . . and our meal always begins with a beautiful prayer of gratitude.  This year's Thanksgiving was unique and special . . . leaving me with happy thoughts about what next Thanksgiving might bring our family. 

Thanksgiving,

to be truly Thanksgiving,

is first Thanks, 

then giving . . . 

A peak into our Thanksgiving dinner . . .

~ Our menu ~

 

~ Centerpiece of bright sunflowers and bupleurum in a white Cinderella pumpkin ~

 

~ Fall Jacquard Tablecloth ~

~ White dishes, white linens, and silver ~

~ Food is more vibrant and attractive on a white palette ~

 

   

~ Pomegranate Seeds dance in bubbly beverages ~

~ So pretty and festive ~

~ I LOVE these petite bottles of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider ~

~ Apricot Ginger Cranberry Sauce ~

~ Sweet & Savory toppings ~

~ Sliced butter for honey whole-wheat rolls ~

~ home-made honey whole-wheat rolls ~

~ a family tradition ~

~ Classic Butter Roasted Turkey ~

~ Sage leaves add a warm Fall flavor ~

~ I snapped a quick photo of my dinner plate ~

~ Dark Chocolate After Dinner Mints ~

~ A light after dinner treat ~

~ Dessert Menu ~

home-made Ginger Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie

with warm Caramel sauce

Cocoa Truffles

TURKEY and PUMPKIN-shape Pie Crust Sugar Cookies

with Vanilla Bean ice cream

~ I trimmed the pie with maple leaf cut-outs and acorns ~

I dressed up the acorns with orange & yellow sanding sugar before baking.  

This pie was a pretty compliment to the the Turkey & Pumpkin Pie Crust Sugar Cookies.

~ Cocoa Truffles  ~

~ My favorite dessert of the evening ~

~ TURKEY Pie Crust Sugar Cookie perched atop ice cream ~

~ These cookies were a HIT with the kids and adults! ~

~ This beautiful scalloped, gold-leaf platter was made by my late grandma ~

~ I used it to serve the Apricot Ginger Cranberry Sauce and toppings ~

~ Elegant and beautiful, I love that it is a family heirloom ~

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Simply Suzannes at Home

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