Sharing our Thanksgiving Table

My sweet friend Debbie who blogs over at A Quilter's Table has a new link-up party every Tuesday called Tuesday at the Table.  Somehow in my busy schedule, I missed that she'd started this up.  I mean, eating and sewing are my two favorite hobbies, so Debbie is my kind of girl.  :)

This week she is hosting a giveaway with her link-up party.  Everyone who links is entered to win a great fabric bundle and a $20 gift card to Pink Chalk Fabrics!!  And all you have to do is
     "Write a post about a favorite dish you're making for Thanksgiving, your holiday table, a table runner or placemats or napkins you've made, an autumn wall quilt hanging in your dining space, a new ingredient you try, or just a story from around your table. It really can be anything that relates to the table. Then just link up! If you want to join in, but don't have a blog, just share in the comments section and email Debbie a picture and she'll link you up."


We're already thinking about it, so why not write about it, link it up and possible win great fabrics!!

Source: google.com via Kristin on Pinterest

So, here's my entry:


  Chris and I were married in the summer of 2002 and everyone agreed that we would host Thanksgiving Dinner that fall.  That way both families could come and we wouldn't miss seeing anyone.  It was a daunting task for a newlywed couple, so we agreed when both of our families asked if they could bring things to help us.  Potluck style made it a little more comfortable for everyone.


  And that initial sharing of our favorite foods and our love for each other has become tradition.  As our family has grown to include in-laws, aunts and uncles, and anyone we know who needs somewhere to come and eat on Thanksgiving, we've added more dishes.  We have a casual Thanksgiving meal, filled with everyone's favorite traditional foods from their table.  And that's what makes it so special.  I always say I don't care if there are 3 different sweet potato casseroles on the table because I'd rather everyone be happy than dictate who gets to bring what.


  Here's a list of some of the special dishes and the special people that surround our table each year:


**My Mother-in-law makes the turkey and dressing.  It is an act of love for her to do this for us and we appreciate it so much.  Plus, it helps that both are always delicious!!  
**My Mom makes the noodles.  She makes them from scratch the night before and cuts them into strips.  Then, she just cooks them up in chicken stock just like my Great-Grandmother did.  She also brings a veggie tray and either a pecan pie or a pumpkin cake.
**Chris makes the mashed potatoes because he might possibly make THE BEST mashed potatoes on this planet.  Just saying...
**My sister makes the pumpkin pie because she always has.  As a young 4-Her, she did a demonstration on Impossibly Easy Pumpkin Pie and it is now required of her to make it every year.  She doesn't even like it, but she makes it for the rest of us!
**My brother makes a Chocolate Chip Pie (basically a Kentucky Derby Pie) that is absolutely delicious!!
**Chris' Aunt and Uncle bring a big mess of Greens and often coleslaw.  Fred's coleslaw is some of the best I've ever eaten, so he brings it for me.  :)
**My brother-in-law brings his famous sweet potato casserole.  His has a crusty brown-sugar and pecan topping that is delicious.
**My brother-in-law's Mom just joined us last year as she recently moved nearby and she is bringing a green bean casserole this year.  You just have to have green bean casserole in order to call it Thanksgiving.  ;)
**And I make homemade rolls, sweet potato casserole with a marshmallow topping, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip for everyone to snack on before and after the big meal.


So, yeah, we have a lot of food and a lot of laughs on the big day.  Everyone is in and out of my kitchen, baking, measuring, mixing, snacking and talking.  Even my Dad steps in once or twice to fill up his drink during a commercial of the parade or a football game.  ;)


What makes Thanksgiving special to me is everyone sharing.  We all share our love, our favorite foods, our time, and how much we all really have to be Thankful for.  I can't think of a better reason to gather around a table than that.


Head over to Debbie's to get great recipes, inspiring stories, and to leave your own link to share with others.    And may your day tomorrow be filled with love, family, food and fun!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!