This Thanksgiving I was lucky enough to have my family visit me in Boston
Sandy was adamant that everyone sit together (and I agree, this is best when possible) - - and of course Sandy did make this happen by putting 5 tables together to accommodate all of the guests.
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Paul and I went to his parents’ house so that I could help Sandy
On the day of Thanksgiving the table, now complete with place cards and flowers, looked like a banquet setting. I think place cards are a great idea for any table scape whether you are hosting a small dinner for 6 or a larger gathering for 35! They create order when seating and also give the sense of thoughtfulness to the event/table. When the guest finds his/her place, he/she will know that thought and time was put into their presence at the table. Place cards also ensure appropriate conversation at the table - in my opinion optimal seating for perfect conversation is KEY at any dinner (esp. those where the North meets the South)!
I have to admit I was slightly nervous about bringing my entire family to Paul’s parents’ house for Thanksgiving. His Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins....everyone was there – all of which have never met my family, which can create a bit of “gameday anxiety”. Paul, Carson, and I drove to the house together, and the two of them were pushing my buttons as we got closer to our destination. “Lauren - whats the worse thing that could happen?” Paul says…”Someone from your family and mine just hate each other…no big deal…just relaxxxxxx.” Haha, but not funny as during times like this I have difficulty “taking a joke.” I ultimately looked over at Paul and said "I'm not ready to get there yet – lets turn around…" All in all, the day went off without a hitch - the North and the South came together in perfect harmony - it really could not have gone any better! Sandy Carson
Thankfully, the Pats/Lions game was on from 1-4 which kept the guys out of the kitchen and in front of the TV. And Thanksgiving dinner was served right as halftime began (my Mom was very impressed that Sandy knew to do this with a house of football loving southerners, however when accepting this praise, Sandy
An hour after dinner, we had cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher, washed 60+ items by hand, and set out the desserts! I think everyone left that day wanting at least 1 recipe to take home while also regretting that 3rd or 4th serving of dessert (they were just TOO good).
I also learned that turkey is apparently a pretty powerful sedative, as even in a room full of people Paul was able to fall into a food coma (mouth open…classy). After poking Paul awake from his pumpkin pie and cheese cake slumber, we headed back into the city and the “32 and under crowd” went to see a movie at the Loews Theater on the Boston Common. We saw Denzel’s new movie “Unstoppable” and I somehow found it numbingly entertaining (extra large Diet Coke and Popcorn helped), but I must say, the plot is a complete train wreck (hehe…get it?)
Well, all in all, Thanksgiving 2010 went very smoothly and now my family and Paul’s know each other very well (and better yet – they even LIKE each other!!). I'm very thankful for all of the 35 people in attendance and, as usual, my stressful moments leading up to the day was much ado about nothing. I can’t wait to do it again(even though that might qualify me as crazy)! I love you Mom, Trey, Anna, Evan, Carson, Mammie and Poo!! And I missed you Stacy, Derek, Ashley, Jared, Tommy, Wendy, Avery, Abby, Tatta, Babba, Donna, Charles, Alan, Andrew and Aaron!!!