Thanksgiving Preparations.....CHECK

My side of the family started celebrating Thanksgiving on the Saturday BEFORE the traditional Thanksgiving date a few years ago. We made this decision due to more and more of the family was getting married and spent a good part of the day traveling from home to home to home just to get to visit the whole family on BOTH sides.

We also have family that live out of state that often get together on the traditional day as well.

This change has allowed our very LARGE extended family to get together and STILL have a day to get together with the OTHER side of the family on the traditional day.

The kitchen is clean...the countertops are cleared and ready for all the goodies that everyone brings. We divide up the menu through email and begin planning in early November to get everyone to start thinking about what they are going to bring to share with everyone.

The utility cart has been moved to allow for more freedom of movement....and also can be used for extra space for food if needed.

The day was chilly and there was a great fire in the woodstove. For some reason, you can't tell it in this picture.....oh, and while I'm on the subject, I'll try to remember to do a tutorial for cleaning the glass.....very easy and makes it look new again.

A side table is set up with Norman Rockwell's Family Thanksgiving puzzle.

I found this puzzle for a whole $2.00 at a flea market. What is really great about this puzzle is that it is a FAMILY puzzle.....it has small to LARGE pieces so the whole family can participate.

My Uncle Jim managed to get the border completed before he left....now, who am I going to get to finish it? I am NOT a puzzle person! I do want to frame it when it gets finished.

CLUE: CHARLES AND BONNIE....come VISIT!!!!

My scarecrow head is sitting pretty on top of the fridge guarding the kitchen like any good scarecrow would.....

A giant DOUBLE BATCH of Chex Mix...the ORIGINAL....w/ modifications.

I like to use Cheez-its instead of the bagel chips. Also, I'm not to hip on the wheat chex...so, I used honey nut cheerios....which I ended up REALLY LIKING.

Lemon squares are put on the dish I made.....

The ham was purchased at the local meat market and would be ready in the afternoon....we don't eat until about 4:00.....my family would NEVER make it if we had a NOON meal...nope, not going to happen on THIS side.

I made 3 gallons of tea....two pots of coffee....one pitcher of water.

The rest would be brought in by the family....woohooooo......