Your Family Thanksgiving-- Casual or Formal?
 How about your traditions? |
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| I'm all for people doing whatever they want. We range anywhere from just Adam and I some years to a house full on others. This year we'll have about 8 or 10 people. I'm suggesting Pajamas and sleeping bags for all! We got new plates for our wedding, and while its not fancy china, its nice. I'm looking forward to using everything from our registry for entertaining this coming holiday! |
| Definitely casual - but if some choose to dress up, that's OK too. It's usually a mix. There will be everything from jean and t-shirts to some in dresses (girls!) This is for the big Finch Thanksgiving - it's usually about 40 people.....in a house! This year daughter Lisa is hosting. The big farmhouse they are renting will be nice. The dining room will hold 3 large tables!!! The menu is selected and a spreadsheet organizes everything. We use disposable plates and silver - no one needs to be doing that many dishes.  Todd is making his turducken and I do the pecan pies.  |
| My husband's brother and family come to visit the family every year, but alternate Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year it is Thanksgiving. Those of us who have to travel contribute simple things, such as drinks, snack food or easy to pick up stuff. We tend to stay at a hotel as 5 people and various dogs and cats can be overwhelming. Banker joins our family on Tuesday, so it will be even worse this year.  When we used to eat at my m-i-l's house, she actually used the pool table for the buffet (can you say Beverly Hillbillies?). At our old house, we used all of the kitchen counterspace (usually had 40) for serving. The last place to fill up was the dining room - they prefer to sit on the floor or use end tables and coffee tables. Now it has moved to my s-i-l's house. Paperplates and cups. Part of the family tradition includes bingo games, which everyone considers the high point of the holidays. Cheapo prizes, some from garage sales abound. The two biggies are the velvet Elvis painting and the pink suspenders. These are only available to be "won" by those who haven't won them before and you only get to use them for a year. The pink suspenders (pink stripes of various hues) have to be worn in public, with a picture as proof. The suspenders are falling apart, but have been to a county jail cell, an NHL locker room with players there among other places. The first picture was done in 1991. The velvet Elvis picture has to be displayed in the home or office of the winner for a year. It certain starts conversations. |
got sheep wrote: Definitely casual - but if some choose to dress up, that's OK too. It's usually a mix. There will be everything from jean and t-shirts to some in dresses (girls!) This is for the big Finch Thanksgiving - it's usually about 40 people.....in a house! This year daughter Lisa is hosting. The big farmhouse they are renting will be nice. The dining room will hold 3 large tables!!! The menu is selected and a spreadsheet organizes everything. We use disposable plates and silver - no one needs to be doing that many dishes. Todd is making his turducken and I do the pecan pies. Sounds like a good time for all! |
| It's just the two of us. I used to bring out the silver, crystal, etc.........not any more!! I'm surprised I haven't sunk to paper plates and cups. |
| Usually casual around here--we do a buffet on the island in the kitchen and then do sit together in the dining room (one of the two times it is used during the year)! We set the table with fall dishes and the good wine glasses and silverware--but everyone comes dressed casual and comfortable. Love to start the day of cooking with a good Bloody Mary and enjoy the family as we prepare. There is usually a football game or two and then we kick-off the season with a good Christmas movie in the evening. This year both children will be here with their significant others--and we usually invite a few friends who don't go to family for the holiday on the years that my sister and her family don't come. This year it will be friends. LOVE LOVE Thanksgiving with family and friends!! |
We haven't decided yet for this year. The last few years we have gone to my son's house for a casual turkey dinner where everyone brings something. Before that we had a sitdown dinner at our house for everyone. This year no one has said anything so we may go out & eat!  I'd be hard pressed for cooking anyway with 1 hand!  Stitches don't come out until the 29th! |
| A couple of years Adam and I have gone out to eat. I thought I wouldn't like it; no cooking, no left overs. But if you pick a place with great cooking, its lots of fun! I love to cook, and I love showing off on Thanksgiving. But with the restaurant that we have gone to in the past, its a bit of a toss up. Their cooking sure is delicious!!!! |
| This is the first year in 8 yrs that we are going to MI for Thanksgiving. We will be celebrating at my sister Anne's house. Dress is casual but dinner is eaten on fine china. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone again....and new baby.We are staying with my son/his wife/new baby. Chuck is panning on making his nut bread the night we arrive. (wed) This Sunday we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my son/daughter who will not be able to come to MI for the holiday. We will all dress casual, but will be using my Grandma's China...what we always ate holiday meals off when I was a child. We'll use my china at Christmas. I hope all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. |
| Ours sounds like yours Abuckie. I hate formal things. Hate Hate... makes it less enjoyable for me to have to do things a certain way, wear something uncomfortable instead of just being able to lay on the floor with all the nieces and nephews. |
sheepiezone wrote: Usually casual around here--we do a buffet on the island in the kitchen and then do sit together in the dining room (one of the two times it is used during the year)! We set the table with fall dishes and the good wine glasses and silverware--but everyone comes dressed casual and comfortable. This year both children will be here with their significant others That sounds like ours as well. My husband(big 60!!) and sons birthdays are the 22nd and 23rd so we always incorporate birthday celebrations and cake too. My husbands family is joining us this year, so we secretly salute the day with a nice cocktail around 11 am. "our hodges fix". |
auntybren wrote: sheepiezone wrote: Usually casual around here--we do a buffet on the island in the kitchen and then do sit together in the dining room (one of the two times it is used during the year)! We set the table with fall dishes and the good wine glasses and silverware--but everyone comes dressed casual and comfortable. This year both children will be here with their significant others That sounds like ours as well. My husband(big 60!!) and sons birthdays are the 22nd and 23rd so we always incorporate birthday celebrations and cake too. My husbands family is joining us this year, so we secretly salute the day with a nice cocktail around 11 am. "our hodges fix". Funny! We celebrate my niece and nephews BD's on Thanksgiving too. I usually just do three cupcakes for them-- with a candle each. No one ever wants cake, and they are 22, 23 and 25 now. So, we sing Happy Birthday, hand out gifts, and get back to Thanksgiving gluteny (sp) pretty quick |
Mom of 3 wrote: Part of the family tradition includes bingo games, which everyone considers the high point of the holidays. Cheapo prizes, some from garage sales abound. The two biggies are the velvet Elvis painting and the pink suspenders. These are only available to be "won" by those who haven't won them before and you only get to use them for a year. The pink suspenders (pink stripes of various hues) have to be worn in public, with a picture as proof. The suspenders are falling apart, but have been to a county jail cell, an NHL locker room with players there among other places. The first picture was done in 1991. The velvet Elvis picture has to be displayed in the home or office of the winner for a year. It certain starts conversations. LOL-- HOW funny!!! Traditions are the BEST! And what is better than a velvet picture of Elvis |
I love reading about everyone's Thanksgiving Holiday. Back when we were little, the whole Clippinger /Clutter clan used to go the the Morgan Grange Hall in Utica for Thanksgiving. Because of the size of our families, no house would hold us. It was my Gma's sisters and brothers, and all of their families. I remember when someone would ask what we were doing for Thanksgiving- the answer was always "Going to the Grange". I had no idea as a kid that most had no idea what I was talking about!  Gma and the Aunts would roast 4 large turkeys, and everyone would bring a dish of course. 8 or so large tables -- (LARGE) were set up, and there was never an empty space. My Dad says ( I just called him) there was, on average, 90-100 people every year. The upstairs was a large room with a 'gym" floor, and a stage. Many plays were performed on that stage, and if I remember correctly, there is an old tape of my cousin Cathie and I singing "These boots are made for walking" . We were maybe 7 and 9... leather mini skirts, and Go-Go boots completed the look. Gma is gone now, along with all of her sisters and brothers. The last one, my great Aunt Dorthea died this past August. Those Thanksgvings were , and still are, the best times I ever had. And... now I am crying. |
Abuckie wrote: I love reading about everyone's Thanksgiving Holiday. Back when we were little, the whole Clippinger /Clutter clan used to go the the Morgan Grange Hall in Utica for Thanksgiving. Because of the size of our families, no house would hold us. It was my Gma's sisters and brothers, and all of their families. I remember when someone would ask what we were doing for Thanksgiving- the answer was always "Going to the Grange". I had no idea as a kid that most had no idea what I was talking about! Gma and the Aunts would roast 4 large turkeys, and everyone would bring a dish of course. 8 or so large tables -- (LARGE) were set up, and there was never an empty space. My Dad says ( I just called him) there was, on average, 90-100 people every year. The upstairs was a large room with a 'gym" floor, and a stage. Many plays were performed on that stage, and if I remember correctly, there is an old tape of my cousin Cathie and I singing "These boots are made for walking" . We were maybe 7 and 9... leather mini skirts, and Go-Go boots completed the look. Gma is gone now, along with all of her sisters and brothers. The last one, my great Aunt Dorthea died this past August. Those Thanksgvings were , and still are, the best times I ever had. And... now I am crying.  I know that feeling--Over the years as our family has gotten smaller--sometimes I have to really 'work' at focusing on the present and not thinking too much of those wonderful memories.Last year my children dug out old home movies on Thanksgiving and we had a blast watching 'old times'!! We actually ended up watching all through the Holiday Season and somehow that felt really good--as if some of those who are gone- were with us again! It was fun! |
sheepiezone wrote: I know that feeling--Over the years as our family has gotten smaller--sometimes I have to really 'work' at focusing on the present and not thinking too much of those wonderful memories.Last year my children dug out old home movies on Thanksgiving and we had a blast watching 'old times'!! We actually ended up watching all through the Holiday Season and somehow that felt really good--as if some of those who are gone- were with us again! It was fun! Old home movies.............Every once in awhile we dig out the old home movies too. We had them transferred to VCR years ago & my son is getting ready to move them to DVD soon here. The grandkids especially get the biggest kick out of watching those movies. They really laugh at Grandpa in his plaid, flared pants & permed hair helping their dad fly a kite at the age of 4! I don't remember alot about Thanksgiving as a kid. Maybe because my parents were foreign & we probably didn't have the traditional dishes, family was spread over 3 states & to this day my parents were the ONLY ones who would ever travel any distance. But I remember a lot about the Thanksgivings at my in-laws when we were dating & then when our kids were young & growing up. 20 plus people at 1 table passing around all the good food. And every year the garbage disposal clogged up along with the kitchen sink pipes. Probably from the 10# of potato peelings from the mashed potatoes! |
We had our extended family Thanksgiving yesterday!! The food, the company...it was wonderful!!!!  Daughter Lisa, along with fiance Alex, little Norah and son Travis hosted this year. They are all renting a super huge farmhouse just 3 miles from us. The dining room had 3 large tables and a small table...that is how big it is! And being just 3 miles away, Todd made a few trips home for supplies... The turducken turned out just heavenly.  It was definitely a hit with everyone. The final count, even with some missing, was a whopping 47 people!!! There was so much good food, and I look forward to leftovers for a few days.  I need to hit the elliptical....a lot! |
got sheep wrote: We had our extended family Thanksgiving yesterday!! The food, the company...it was wonderful!!!! Daughter Lisa, along with fiance Alex, little Norah and son Travis hosted this year. They are all renting a super huge farmhouse just 3 miles from us. The dining room had 3 large tables and a small table...that is how big it is! And being just 3 miles away, Todd made a few trips home for supplies... The turducken turned out just heavenly. It was definitely a hit with everyone. The final count, even with some missing, was a whopping 47 people!!! How fun!! Sounds like Lisa has the perfect place for a large gathering. Are they hosting Christmas too?? I really am intrigued with this Turducken thing... enjoy the leftovers!!! Oh-- are there pictures of this meat, within meat, within meat thing??? There was so much good food, and I look forward to leftovers for a few days. I need to hit the elliptical....a lot! |
| Our family had a tradition of celebrating all of the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah) on Thanksgiving. We'd all gather from 'round the country at my parent's home eat, drink and be merry. Then we'd exchange presents. Nothing focuses the mind on the holidays more than needing to have all of your shopping done before Thanksgiving! In later years we'd gather at my parent's then go out to a restaurant (instead of imposing on "the women" to cook (I look forward to your comments)) and then return back for the exchange. Our exchange wasn't a big paper ripping fest -- each present was presented by the giver to the recipient one at a time in a very hap-hazard and random fashion -- whenever you felt the urge to be the presenter you got up and got a present and handed it to the recipient... and then 20 questions would ensue. It was a very lengthy process and each giver/giftee got to savor the experience and the thought behind the presents rather than the materialistic value. Quality over quantity for sure. It was my mother's (and my) favorite thing in the world. A few years ago, my sister and her significant other announced that due to several differing reasons they didn't want to participate in the gift exchange any longer and the whole thing collapsed, much to their delight, I would imagine. At Thanksgiving we now gather for a quick meal at a restaurant somewhere, and go home and checks are exchanged by mail for the nephews/grandchildren. Pretty sad, huh? |
Ron wrote: Our exchange wasn't a big paper ripping fest -- each present was presented by the giver to the recipient one at a time in a very hap-hazard and random fashion -- whenever you felt the urge to be the presenter you got up and got a present and handed it to the recipient... and then 20 questions would ensue. It was a very lengthy process and each giver/giftee got to savor the experience and the thought behind the presents rather than the materialistic value. Quality over quantity for sure. It was my mother's (and my) favorite thing in the world. This is how we open presents! I love it. I love Christmas shopping for people and am so happy that I get to enjoy watching them open it. We don't get someone a present just to get them a present. There has to be thought and meaning behind it. My Thanksgiving is going to be weird this year! I'm heading up to Chicago on Wednesday morning to visit my sister and her family. (Yes, we are totally hitting the outlet mall in Aurora!) Then back to Kansas City on Saturday morning to do Thanksgiving for hubby and I. |
| How things change over the years!!! It never ceases to amaze me!!! My childhood memmories were of going to Thanksgiving lunch at grandma's house. Just me, my brother, my mom, (dad died when I was 8 ), and my spinster aunt Ro. Then in the evening we would walk over to my Nana's house and there would be all the aunts, uncles and cousins and we would have a gREAT time!!!!! When my kids were growing up, we had our own Thanksgiving (after mom, gram and Ro died) , just me and Dino and our 3 kids. Dino would cook and we would all help to decorate the table and then veg out in front of the TV. When my kids left home, we would have our Thanksgiving but we would add the boy,girlfriends to our celebration. When the kids got married, my son and his family go out of town to my DIL's family for Thanksgiving. My oldest had her own Thanksgiving, just their family.... And Dino, me and Maureen, our youngest would feast at one of the fancy hotels in Downtown St. Louis...yummmmmmmmmmmm... THis year,,,,another change!!! We are going to my daughter's for Thanksgiving. My son, DIL and kids are going out of town, my youngest is going over to her friends sister's house and have a real Mexican Thanksgiving.  Wonder what next year will bring??????????????????????ps..we are ALL together at Christmas...and I love it!!!!! |
| I LOVE reading these posts! I am also sad at the changes that take away tradition. It happens in every family, but it is still sad.. My niece Ashley is so focused on keeping family spirit and tradition alive! My sister has always had Thanksgiving-- and this year, since the divorce , she is in a smaller house with the kids. Ashley had a fit, thinking we wouldn't be going to my sisters. But, tradition prevails and we are all going Traci's. We may be a little crammed in, but we will all be together, and that is what matters the most. |
| http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paul ... index.html this turducken sounds delightful. |
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