Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

It’s time to get ready for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday giving thanks for the many good things in our lives.

According to the H-History website, the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a fall meal.

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be a national holiday back in 1862. Lincoln, in the middle of the Civil War, wanted the states to get together, share a meal, and to begin to heal from the sorrows of war.

Shopping Early

I already have my 13 pounds frozen turkey, which will allow for lots of leftover turkey. Many times, we carve the turkey meat off the bones and freeze it in plastic containers or freezer bags. Frozen turkey is easy to heat up again and serve with fat free gravy.

Nearer to Thanksgiving, turkeys might become difficult to get along with cooking oil and canned pumpkin.

Usually, I do not make a pumpkin pie because no one at FMB really likes it. However, I use the pumpkin filling to make cream-cheese filled walnut rolls which are always good.

Large Turkey Balloon Lawn Decoration

Decorating my home for the Thanksgiving holiday is a bit on the sparse side. However, while on a walk, I saw this large blow-up turkey in a nearby yard, (see below photograph).

The friendly turkey is smiling and wearing a black hat with a matching coat. His tail feathers are a colorful mix of red, orange, and yellow.

Pumpkin Decorated Window Sill

I noticed this attractive display at my local garden center. The Thanksgiving-like window sill arrangement is done using small white and green pumpkins placed on natural burlap material. Looking out the window on this cold day reminds me a little of a farmer’s gardening shed.

This pumpkin/burlap window design has a fresh, unfussy look. This would look nice on a kitchen or dinning room window as long as you have enough of a window sill to carry it out.

To complete the look, faux green ivy vines were tucked in at the corners of the window then draped over the window ledge. This will make for a long-lasting display.

S & G Silverplated Georgian Pattern Serving Fork and Spoon

For my Thanksgiving meal, I recently found a great deal secondhand deal on a large serving spoon and fork.

The set was sold in the original silver boxes which were marked with K & M, A-1 Silver Plate and included dark blue protective sleeves. This set was made in Sheffield, England with heavy Silverplate and both pieces are approximately 13-inches long.

The secondhand store was having a 50% off sale, so I picked up this set for $8.00. I love the like-new condition of these two items.

A set like this would probably sell on the internet for about $25 plus shipping.

The classic and simple Georgian pattern can be used with most flatware or hollowware patterns.

The design was based on John Heathcote’s pattern featuring the traditional “rattail” on the back of the bowls which was used to strengthen the bowls and handles.

I liked the fact this set was large but if it proves to be too large, then I’ll just donate it back to one of the charity shops I frequently shop at.

Ending Notes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great holiday to get together with close friends and family. Enjoy eating a turkey and all the trimmings or make something different. It doesn’t matters what you make or where you eat it.

What matters is that you are with people you love, honor and respect. Treasure those moments and the special day.

A Special Thank You to Merrifield Garden Center for allowing me to use the pumpkin photographs taken at their store for today’s blog.