Under 8 ingredients? I'm at 5 or fewer! My extended family is full of excellent cooks and my brother is a chef. For us, great food is about flavor, not fussiness. Time spend cooking is a labor of love rather than making a recipe dressed to impress.

My brother made an almond and orange Passover cake one year that began 12 days before hand with marinating citrus, fennel seeds, and a mess of other things. It took forever but he was totally into it and it was one of the best things I have ever tasted. Feeding others feeds his soul.

I watched Widow Clicquot a few days ago, loved it, and imagined my brother as the main character, minus the mental illness. (Martha Stewart has nothing on that bad ass bitch! She was amazing.)

All of this holiday talk makes me happy that I have declined to participate for most of my many years.. Of course being a vegetarian, child free cat lady ( and the youngest sib) made that easier!

Speaking of food?

"Julia" ( the series!! ) not the movie . It's about food to a degree , but much, much more about how she revolutionized public television, beginning in Boston on their local PBS.

The cast is fantastic, Especially Bibi Neuwirth - smokes like a chimney , drinks like a fish, and plays the widowed neighbor next door.

HBO Max. Which is now simply.... Max .

As to cooking? I love it as LONG as it doesn't trap me in the kitchen all day, and doesn't need thirty ingredients. Next up? I am going to make a fabulous Pot au Feu Chocolat for Christmas eve,

I found this recipe after craving another bite from a restaurant that has one to DIE for. I don't love baking, its too exacting and I am a wing it type, but I DOOOO absolutely love chocolate!

This one is just as amazing and EASY PEASY. Kid you not. No complicated water baths or anything!!! Five minute prep.

https://www.daringgourmet.com/wprm_print/chocolate-pot-de-creme-easy

Thank you everyone who shared kind words and thoughtful messages. They were greatly appreciated.

I had not cried since my sister's funeral - just plowed through life, but it caught up with me and I think that was a good thing. I am in brighter spirits and looking forward to enjoying the holidays. Have decided that although things will be different their is no reason that I can't enjoy the holidays and the time I do get to spend with family and friends.

Julia on Max was fantastic. I see they've made Like Water for Chocolate into a series. I've not watched it. The book and movie were pretty cheesy, but I'm sure there's some great food porn.

Anybody else consider rewatching Downton Abby just for the kitchen scenes?

Just reading through a bunch of missed comments. . .

Loved the comments about being the oldest child.

I am the youngest of 6 kids. My oldest brother was 15 when I was born. . .

At age 63 I am still the nieve, baby sister to two of my older brothers . . . Doesn't matter that I am a business analyst for a fortune 500 company, I could not possibly understand business or the economy or how things work in the "real" world.

Thank you everyone for so many great comments and stories in this discussion.

I'm always blown away by the response to these Houzz discussions, and enjoy reading everyone's posts. This is such a great community and I feel as if I know so many of you.

I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day and the weekend with all your friends and family!

We thank you Diana, because it certainly has been a great thread! The "event malaise" ( I am soooooo D.o.n.e with the T word ) has continued all week. The youngest sister and I have sworn we will not go next year unless the middle agrees only to host and we let out local fab grocery make it ALL.

I wish I could transmit my text threads ; you would die laughing. The T word, the PIE thing, the cranberry thing - with orange or not . On to the mashed potatoes , and then rolls! Squishy, or the crusty French? At the point my head was reaching a final lift off- WHIPPED CREAM. Does anyone have? "No". "No". Well I am not going back to......"

%&*((*&^%$## I WILL GET THE WHIPPED CREAM! If this turns to a Redi Whip, Kool Whip, make your own heavy cream thing today ....and you don't see me here again? Yeah......................

I too wish all the Happiest of T days, especially Jennifer who certainly needs a little joy : ) through the tears.

Actually, a really good cry is a bleach type soul cleanser. May have one soon myself !!

I'm sure the thread will live on if only because someone will report back .......outcome.: ) perfection, close, not close . The "snapshot" one holiday among all the others.

See this?

Lives in a corner of the bookshelves. When I dust... I muse, what has changed? Answer? Nada. Me on the right, obediently calm, hands folded. Watchful eye on the youngest. Left - know who seemingly thinking is this over yet? Are there more PRESENTS??!!! Is that Grammy with the laundry basket loaded with presents who came in the back door?" Yesssssss!

There we sit in that not. perfect. way. too. small. house, the Christmas tree in the corner , blocking the front door - thus disabled until New Years Day unless you wreck the tree and ruin the " must hang perfectly straight".......tinsel. Ahhh yes.....tinsel hanging. An event unto itself. Carry on to the perfect Santa event.....

My mom was diagnosed with cancer yesterday. I watched The Sound of Music and had a soul cleansing cry. It's our movie.

Last Thanksgiving we were eating dessert in the living room. I passed behind my dad with a can of Redi Whip in my hand and couldn't resist topping off my Dad's bald spot with a nice blast of it. I'm so glad he is a good sport. And, he adores Redi Whip. I've caught him eating a lunch of Redi Whip on mini pretzels. They guy is a 9 year old boy. I love him!

So sorry to hear that Kendrah 💛

Ohhhhhh bad news really should be disallowed at holidays!! Hopefully an early catch and good treatment!

Redi whip......fine with ME! I AM NOT DOING SCRATCH! NOT WHIPPING!

I’m oh so sorry Kendrah 😢prayers for her and your family.

Kendra, that is tough news. Hopes for good doctors and good therapy. cancer sucks.

I always whip the cream. Not a fan of canned food on my beautiful table.

One year, long ago, I set two tables. Used the wedding china, the beautiful tablecloths we’d gotten for our wedding, the wedding stemware, a homemade centerpiece.

Guest walks in and plops his Big Gulp on my beautiful table! I grabbed it and put it in the sink. No Big Gulps on my holiday table! Or cans. 😂🤦‍♀️🥰

So sorry Kendrah. The cleansing cry will be very helpful. Wishing the best for your Mom.

Happy Turkey Day everyone! Let's just relax and enjoy our friends and family.

So what if it isn't perfect.......

My grandmother had a rule - nothing with a label on the table, not just for the holidays but every day. She had a fancy silver holder that a ketchup bottle fit into - everything else was decanted into a dish or bowl. A different era for sure.

Squirting redi whip is so darn much fun. As far as eating - yuck. Give me home made whipped cream. Three minutes in the Kitchen Aide then done.

Hopes for good doctors and good therapy

Thanks @auntthelma - I got an appointment for her with the best doc in the country at Sloan Kettering within 7 hours of learning of the diagnosis. Good health insurance is what I'm giving thanks for this year at the table!

@Kendrah - Sloan Kettering is a fabulous hospital. I’m sure she will get good care there. Sending you lots of love for her, and your Thanksgiving dinner.

Yes, Kendrah, she'll get the best of care at Sloan Kettering. My husband had successful surgery there many years ago, and the child of friends was treated there. He went on to play basketball on the winning Villanova team!

I can truly appreciate the Big Gulp ruination. My sister does that with Diet Coke in the can . "It's better in the can!!".................: (

In the end, decanted ketchup, the dang whipped cream ( come on over and do mine, the sister has about 4" of spare counter top when this meal happens )......so squirt we shall. Yet no matter what?

When bad things happen ala Kendrah, or Jennifer Hogan, you soon realize that ALL that really counts is the people around you - healthy and present, to enjoy whatever goes on the table no matter how it is set or whatever the food. Even the weird or annoying people. Even if the potatoes or gravy aren't perfect. Healthy is all that ever REALLY matters.

Please let us know how everyone’s Thanksgiving turned out. Canadians have a lower-key Thanksgiving in October. Have totally enjoyed reading this post and look forward each day to new comments. But, the bottom line seems to be, not the material things, but family and friends.

My Thanksgiving, our son’s first child arrived unexpectedly early this morning.

Oh, Anne, what a beautiful baby!!! Congratulations to all!

My Thanksgiving is complete. I just finished watching HANNAH AND HER SISTERS, a movie I try to watch every Thanksgiving day. It's so crazy and wild and so full of family dysfunction, and I love it. Now I feel I can move on to Christmas wonderfulness.

I didn't have anything today because I am going through chemo and the side effects have been ... unpleasant. It will be fine but it's been a difficult ten or so days. I kind of missed the meal but not the hassle and my best friend here is a pescatarian so I decided to just skip it. (I did have a turkey + sides dinner last Saturday.) But at least I got the movie. Such insanity. Crazy fun.

OMG!!! What a beautiful baby up there! Couldn't ask for a better Thanksgiving than that!

So......in the baby free world here, aside from the DOG?

HOW did it go? :) following the gazillion texts, emails, etc regarding every single aspect of the meal??

Arrive with the pre created sides at 3: 20. Turkey is ready to come out of oven. There's the usual three inches!!! of counter space to work on. The sister has no arm strength to lift the BIRD FROM THE PAN. This is my job with the wide space prongs. Carving begins. I make gravy...heat rolls, slam sides in oven to get nice and hot. I am drinking.....holding my breath. So far, so good. Keep drinking, Jan.

All set up on dining table, buffet style. Load up plates, retreat to living room and football. Still good. Delicious. ............

The "sister persona" does not rear its head until clean up. A challenge with no dishwasher, three inches of counter top, the wrap , store, etc. I am the DISHWASHER. This must be done to perfection. I am wearing the gloves for the scalding water, bagging the carcass so the other sister can deliver to a friend who feeds the wild animals......it's a wash, rinse set aside, dry, remove, stow, make room...repeat operation of sanitized......and all is good until

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?"

What?! What am I doing?

Don't put the utensils in like that in the drainer! You're putting them in upside down! !!! Wth ..wth...wth are you talking about? They are tines down, BLADE down , handles UP.

I won't know what they are!!! I can't tell what they ARE and where they GO unless .....and the handles go DOWN!!..( WTH WTH WTH WTH ......!!!!! ) NEED THE WINE GLASS.

Thus followed by the roasting pan which needed to soak overnight, and no

Do not put that in the oven! I will forget, just leave it soapy on the TOP!!

Forty minutes later I was out the door, four slices of turkey to go. Home in six minutes, at 6:40,. Only 364 days to the next THANKSGIVING!

Gee, I can hardly wait lol. I'm just counting the days................

Perhaps I should take a page from Aphaea, watch Hannah and Her Sisters.....? for the S*&%$'s and giggles....

Yesterday my son and I cooked the Thanksgiving dinner in his new kitchen. It was heaven. Lots of wine and laughs. And playing princesses and school and camp with my granddaughter. She's the boss and I do whatever she says LOL.

But this was after a 10 hour drive from Long Island to Virginia. I-95 and 295 were both closed both ways on Wednesday and we got to Virginia by way of China. Oh well, what we do for family! Christmas is home, thank goodness!

TEN HOURS!!!!!

Oh oh oh oh...............!!!!!!!!!!! Brutal, but worth it!

Our thanksgiving was uneventful and spectacular that way haha

Jan I loved reading your stories and also your little drawing added on your photo lol
Just think of all the fun stories you have to tell

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ...

Love the story, Jan. Yes, do watch that movie. It is the perfect one for the day.

Hi Diana!

You all are such lovely writers ❤️

Good American style surely makes Anglophiles of us all — but if we cannot achieve their true perfect cozy, let us remember the Devonshires — Cleanliness is the Greatest Luxury. Don’t ask me which one!

I don’t know if that was really at the heart of Martha lol!

Americans really do make the cozy casual effort but remembering my Welsh grandmother and her total perfectionism (and the chandelier that cost my grandfather two steer) — is it simply American? A holiday ponder?

(((Kendrah))) ❤️

Happy Clean, Perfect, Cozy, Gently Frayed and Unraveling, Chipped, Varnished and Sparkling Holidays, Everyone!

Was just reading an article about how so many of the London designers that best achieve the British eclectic cozy look are U.S. expats! No matter where you are from, a deep pocket book that allows the ability to pick and choose from unlimited fabric designs always helps :)

Wow that baby is precious. Congrats!

God, I love Hannah and Her Sisters. I've had a hankering for some good Woody Allen movies lately, alas I cannot bring myself to watch the scuzzy bastard anymore. Bummer.

Diana - what a drive. Glad you made it safe and sound. Your granddaughter is lucky to have you to boss around.

Thanks for the love Abby!

Yes! cleanliness is SO important. And it's next to Godliness ;)

I’d have to know that no one in attendance at my Thanksgiving was ever going to read this before I revealed all the drunken ( one adult son, not mine) details. But two fabulous deep fried turkeys and only one propane tank caught on fire. Up side is I’ve now had training in the actual use of a fire extinguisher instead of just the purchase and storage of same. And I tried the Mushroom Wellington from the NYT which required every minute of the three hours it told you it would take to make ( longer than a deep fried turkey) Lots of love and laughs shared and it fell next to my birthday so even got gifts 😘

HYSTERICAL above!

Check this out.

X Has a feature ( Grok ) you simply enter "draw me" and based on your comments on X, it comes up with a picture.......not close either.

But......READ THE TEXT! Girls? that is scary accurate, Damn scary!!!! ( I did two....I wish on that blonde gal and her age. Dream on Jan !!) To be noted? The "perfection" word........

Today is Sunday. But.

I already DID Sunday all day yesterday which of course was ( apparently ) Saturday.

This very important information did not rear its head all day. Not at the gym, not online, not at the grocery, and nobody said Happy SATURDAY, Jan. Not until a back forth text convo with the SANE sister ( 99% about the INSANE sister ) and the rest what each of us was having for dinner , where I mentioned I just had a nice little steak and.....

" I just made a two cup pot of hi test joe, so I can stay awake for the whole game.........NOT CRASH AT MY USUAL HALFTIME.!

.....Whaddaya talking about?! ! The GAME is ..........

WHAT the heck hi test? Coffee? The game is TOMORROW! 8:15 TODAY IS ONLY SATURDAY!!

omg omg omg omg omg !!!!!!!!!! HAVE YOU LOST IT?

I TEXT .................F.....@#$%^&^^%$## !!!!!!!!!!!!

At which point comes:

Coughing up a lung laughing!! What is WRONG with you? Don't tell this to anyone else! They will lock you away somewhere! (With about fifty little emoji .) Don't tell this to u know who!

In a run up of three ridiculous weeks to the Perfect Turkey Day I sacrificed my mind. Thursday felt like Sunday, Somewhere in there...all the days felt like some different day. I ate my Sunday steak on SATURDAY... a casualty of a four day weekend? I just realized Xmas is going to be a like a 5 day? This has to stop. ...It just has to stop. Go Bills....!!!

and more hi test please.

Someone confirm: Tomorrow is M.o.n.d.a.y. TGIM......tomorrow. Got it. P.e.r.f.e.c.t.

Oh geez, I must have said that a hundred times yesterday--"it's Sunday"! And I woke up today thinking it's Monday and I have that doctor's appointment at 10:30!!!!

And that's after a 6 1/2 hour drive home WITH NO DECENT COFFEE!!!!! Hi-test indeed!

LMAO, Diana! It's not early onset dementia! Right?

See you TOMORROW : ) I'LL pray for both of us, right here. I'm a bit afraid to go out , until tomorrow.

https://x.com/i/status/1863074223574352110

😂😂🤣

Yes, I can confirm it's Sunday today. Tomorrow is Monday, a work day. I am off to a quick small Target now for two large plastic storage boxes I ordered a few days ago, one for autumn decorations, one for Christmas decorations.

Which, finally, thankfully, are all up. I don't have much so I wonder why they seem to, uh, take so long. Probably because I was putting away stuff (autumn) and bringing out and putting up stuff (Christmas). But at least it is mostly done. I am only tweaking here and there.

Jan and Diana, wonderful sharings! Thank you for the good laughs.

I don't know what happened to the 4 day weekend. It is Sunday, go back to work tomorrow and only 1/3rd of the projects for the long weekend got done!

.

Q haha Jennifer that’s cuz the only thing that got done on Thursday was EATING!!!

I honestly got nothing IMPORTANT done.......: )

Saw a really great visual on Importance..... no kidding on this one.

Worth a watch!

https://www.facebook.com/pantiyari/videos/a-teachers-life-lessons-using-a-jar-and-some-golf-balls/646465275742722/

So true!!

In that case I got all the important stuff done. Spent time with family and friends.

I am having a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde moment...following this thread and the Christmas Decorations 2024 thread (the epitome of perfection). Loving both! The real me and the me I would love to be!

You're MULTI tasking: )

Thanksgiving turned out great. 1st holiday with 1st 6mo old grandson ( my grand-nephew ) so both sides of family together. It was scary to start, not sure how well the personalities would mesh since we are all inside and trapped in one space! 2nd turkey ever that my niece made ( turned out awesome thanks to some good coaching from her auntie :) . We chatted , watched football, drank and ate too much. Before everyone left, the kitchen was cleaned up and everything put away. I went home content with some great food for the next day and a 5 minute ride.

I decided it was time to venture into my attic to pull down Christmas stuff I haven't seen in years and start sorting it out - stay or go! After some crazy ninja moves to get under beams and fight off cobwebs that were wrapping around my head, I managed to get down the creaking wood pulldown stairs with a few totes.

The next day I felt every ache and pain!!! So I made another cup of tea and settled in for some Hallmark Christmas movies and football.

Yes it was a great holiday!

After a year of debating, I finally decided to order Levelor room darkening cellular shades from Lowes. It is a tricky bay window. I've seen other units in my building where companies came to measure and the install still looks like crap and there are large light gaps. So today I paid my super $80 to hang the shades and boy are they imperfect. So nice to come here and just embrace the imperfection. This room will not be on the cover of any magazine!

Me too from somewhere else in 2018. They don't make things like they use to do!

I worked for Lowe’s for way to many years and was actually the windows and walls specialist there at three stores. Kendrah I’m sorry your window treatments look bad. I’ll admit that at all three stores, our installers were less than par. Countless times I ordered remakes. Either the measurements were incorrect, or the installers dropped the ball on installation. It’s a shame really bc window treatments are a big expense and major game changer in home decor. There were a few instances where the manufacturer made a poor product, but rarely the case. Those shades can be re ordered if it hasn’t been that long. The store should be able to see if the opening was measured wrong and get a re measure and remakes regardless if you choose not to have Lowe’s install. This cost is on the store, well actually back to the installer, not your cost. Remake orders are rushed priority as well. And what ever sale was going, that will be honored or better yet, if there is a better sale going now. It was my job to coordinate these orders and installs or orders without installs. Kept me busy but it’s on them if these treatments are not to your satisfaction. There should be a very minimal gap especially on a cellular shade.

@ Kendrah

While I WILL say that Levelor is in NO WAY the quality of Hunter Douglas?

If your shades are inside mount, and room darkening, and I will ask what color front and back side??

The head rail on ANY cell shade is AND MUST be just a wee bit larger than the shade itself. Plus the infinitely small allowance to squeeze the headrail in. So inside mount is a magnified but still noticeable gap. Exacerbated in daylight

When I do room darkening or blackout for anyone who literally can have no light seep, such as a bedroom? I will NOT do them in multiples across a window expanse, and will insist on side curtain panels with a return to the wall to avoid that SEEP even a single shade.

I have an install next week and in her primary? No shade!! First because the idiot window is three windows, and second? Total 123 wide! Nothing comes wider than 120.

Answer? Pottery Barn 108 wide linen black out on an return rod.

But I won/t touch a Levelor: )