The Calm before the Storm!

Come out, come out wherever you are. No, I'm not trying to repeat the Good Witch's request to the munchkins!  I'm talking about all the pots and pans, silverware, and glassware that gets used during the annual Thanksgiving dinner!

I've started early this year. It kind of feels like the calm before the storm. So far today I have set the table, although I just realized I haven't put out any water or drink glasses, and I've started preparing the yam dish and the mashed potatoes. I've even diced the onions and celery for the stuffing. I'm feeling pretty proud, and my feet are tired. So, I'm taking a quick break to write this blog and then it will be back to finding all the pots and pans that I need.

I can't believe how much style demands pretty bowls, platters and serving pieces. And, I'm not even using my good china or real silverware!  Thank God I don't have to polish the silverware or remove the china piece by piece from each protective storing sleeve. No, I'm using my next best stuff. It's not my everyday dishes, but not fancy either.  You want fancy, go to Macy's and look at the displays. You want comfortable, come to my house.


Almost there. I forgot the glassware!


I'm preparing for ten people.That's not a huge crowd, but nonetheless, it's tiring. I can't believe how much prep work is involved so that 10 people can open their mouths, inhale, and consume an entire meal in about 15 minutes. Amortize the time spent buying groceries, finding serving pieces, cooking, and acting the part of the "host", and it's not a great deal. It's probably about twelve hours of work divided by 10 people equals more than one hour per person prep time for a 15 minute binge session. And, I'm not even calculating in the time spent cleaning up the meal, doing the dishes, and then putting everything away in a place you will be able to find next year!

So, is this time well spent?  I guess so. My husband tells me it's his favorite holiday. No presents involved.
And, my daughter tells me it's her favorite meal.  So, I guess that's enough of a reason to do this every year. My son, well, he doesn't care for the food all that much, except for the 10 or so dinner rolls that he eats each year. 

So, enough of a break, I need to get back to organizing for the big showdown.

I wonder if I will be the last one standing.  Oh, that's a stupid thought. Of course I will. I see visions of midnight dish duty. But, at least I can also get one last nibble of turkey in solitude. You know, that is absolutely when the turkey tastes its best.  When everyone is gone and I'm the only one standing in the kitchen. Why is that?

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sylvia