There are a few things that are pretty much unbelievable about any holiday at my mom’s house, and Thanksgiving in particular. First, the food is amazing. Thanksgiving is, hands down, everyone’s favorite meal. Second, the ease at which she does everything (or appears to do everything) on the day of – delicious food rolls out of the kitchen, beautifully presented, on a fairly consistent basis throughout the day and my mother never appears frazzled. Third, she does it all solo. Preparing holiday meals at my mother’s house is not a group activity. It’s not a potluck (unless you count bringing wine…and I’m not even sure we’ve contributed that in years past) and it’s not a time in which family members take different responsibilities or steps in the process. Nope, the entire family (except for my mom) is fairly lazy on that wonderful Thursday – content to eat, nap and watch football (and repeat). I asked her to tell me about some of her secrets, which I will share over the next few weeks as we ramp up to Thanksgiving. This week’s topic is planning and prep, next week – on Wednesday’s Food & Entertainment post – will be recipes (yum) and on the last Wednesday before the holiday, finishing touches.
November 2014 archive
Cozy Campfire
With the fire pit put away for the fall and winter seasons, we thought we would take the opportunity to have a good old fashioned campfire with the kids. They don’t get to experience the fires we have during the summer, as by the time it’s cool and dark enough, they are tucked in bed. Turns out Ella missed this one as well, as she likes to nap for a good 4 to 5 hours at the cabin (she has caught on early that there is no better place to sleep than at the lake). That worked out just fine, though, as it was a really special time for Trevor and me to spend with Taylor – building his first fire, roasting his first hot dogs, and toasting marshmallows for mom. It’s tough when you have two kiddos to give quality attention to just one (especially both parents at once), so this was an unexpected, fun treat. Although I did feel guilty during the marshmallow part…that little girl looooves marshmallows.
Kerry: Victoria’s Secret tunic | blanket coat (made by my mom from an antique camp blanket) | AG jeans | Frye boots | Anthropologie earrings
Taylor: Gap jacket and pants | Boden top | Tsukihoski shoes
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Red Accents
We went with a straightforward, unfussy approach to the cabin design. We added a pop of color with bright red screen doors and sconces, and it’s my favorite part of the exterior. It reminded me of my approach to outfits on most days, so I went with it for these photos – shades of black, gray and white with a touch of red. The faux leather in the top and the length of the skirt would usually have me nix it as a work appropriate outfit, but pairing it with a white button down, tights and booties takes it in a more conservative direction, such that I would be comfortable wearing this look to the office.
Banana Republic shirt and sweater | Madewell skirt | Ann Taylor tights | Banana Republic booties | Tag Heuer watch (old) | Melly bracelet (not available online) | Tory Burch link bracelet (old) and handbag (similar here) | J Crew earrings