Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes with a Twist

Last year it was my first time hosting and cooking Thanksgiving lunch for the family. I wanted to give everyone the traditional side dishes, but with an updated twist. Here are four recipes I loved and plan to use again this Turkey Day.

Most people like the traditional sweet potato casserole with either marshmallows or pecans on top, but I recommend you try Sweet Potato Balls this year!

Cranberry molds are too dated (I mean truly I think of my deceased great Aunt who would always "mold" her fruit in jello!). Why not serve cranberries in a salad, like an apple-cranberry salad toss?

Pass up the green bean casserole and opt for Lemony Green Beans which have a tint of lemon and basil.

As for mashed potatoes, I like to do them a few hours before in the crock pot! Add some cream cheese and sour cream for instant YUM with these Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe?

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Thanksgiving Table Settings

I have been searching for beautiful Thanksgiving Table Settings online. I have found a few that might inspire you this season. Let me know, please, which are your favorites. (You can also see a few Thanksgiving Table Settings pictures I posted last year.)


Country Living's site has a few settings including this "Words of Thanks" Thanksgiving look:

HGTV's offer beautiful Thanksgiving centerpieces on its site.


Check out Pottery Barn's "Thanksgiving Table" inspiration page:


Southern Living's Pint-Size Pumpkins & Blooms (Now this photo shows an outdoor flower box but it can easily be done inside on your table):
(You can also check out the Southern Living web site has a two minute video with 100's of ideas:


I love the white pumpkins: White Autumn by Better Homes and Gardens