Better Late Than Never!

I mentioned the other day about my let down in not being able to host and prepare a Thanksgiving dinner last week.  So in order to feed my hubby the turkey and stuffing he missed out on and feed my need to be all domestic we decided to have what I have been calling "Better Late than Never Thanksgiving!".

I was hoping to document the preparation of the meal making, but once I got humming along chopping, sauteing, and mashing, I completely forgot.  I only managed to snap one picture! However it is of something that I believe is a crucial part of the Thanksgiving meal.

Like so many of the American foods you can not easily come by in the grocery stores in Ireland a can of French's Fried Onions is one of those things.

I have been told by several people that they can be found every now and then in various stores, but much like my applesauce debacle a few weeks back I never came across them. So I set out to make my own fried onions! They were quite easy albeit a little time consuming! I simply followed this recipe and voila! I know they look greasy but that's what you get from deep frying and that is the reason they taste so good!

The recipe claims they can be stored in an airtight container. However, they will loose their crunch. Like most fried foods they are best consumed immediately. Fortunately they crisped up again quite nicely in the oven on top of the green bean casserole!

So that is it for my the cooking portion of today's blog! I know it doesn't make up for not chronicling the whole meal but here are a few snapshot of my coveted stash of leftovers.  I had a piece of pumpkin pecan cheesecake for breakfast!

Oh and guess what else?! I got to unleash my inner Martha and pulled together a simple little tablescape! I used clean empty jam jars wrapped in burlap and twine as votive holders. I used these same jam jars to hold the greenery when decorating for the woodland themed baby shower I hosted a while back. I also tied simple handwritten place cards to small pears. Like the jam jars they will also have a second life... as a tart!

Turkey Day Tablescape Trends!

Last week while having my hair done, my Irish hair dresser asked me about Thanksgiving and wanted to know exactly what is the reason behind the celebration. I instantly flashed back to grade school where we crafted Pilgrim hats and Indian headdresses out of construction paper, and traced our hands onto paper to fashion turkeys out of their outline. 

I finally managed to fumble through my lame recollection of Pilgrims, Indians, and Plymouth Rock, and ya da ya da ya da...we now celebrate Thanksgiving.

I just can't help myself I love her, always have!

History lesson aside I am happy to report that just because we are living in Ireland this year we will not let the Thanksgiving tradition go by the wayside. I have been given the opportunity to share this wonderful American tradition with some lovely Irish people at a friend's home in Dublin. In preparation I began channeling my inner marthastewartness.

I love planning and preparing all the goodies that go on the table and that is when I came to the sad realization that because the dinner is not taking place in my own home I will not be able to set that table. I am not just talking about laying down a plate, fork, and knife.  I love layering a table with tablecloths, napkins, flowers, candles, etc.  It's a special day and I think the table deserves a little special attention too!

So because I will not have my own table to set this year I thought I would share with you some inspirational tablescapes trends instead.  

Maybe you fancy a more traditional table decked out in warm oranges and browns, leaves, pumpkins, acorns, pine cones, and turkeys.

Get creative with your flower vase!

Little details like these at each person's seat tie together the rustic fall theme.

Varying heights add interest to this traditional decor.

If you are lucky enough to have beautiful changing leaves falling around you take advantage! So simple, but such a lovely statement!

Think outside the box! Love how this plaid stadium blanket was used as a table runner! 

In love with these golden gobblers!

If traditional table decor is not your style consider giving white pumpkins a try. They can lend your table a more simple or even contemporary feel.

Can't find large white pumpkins like these? Spray paint will do the trick!

Simple and sweet

Contemporary cool

These may all be white but repetition and size variations engage the eye.

Maybe color is what you are after, no one said the Thanksgiving table must include monochromatic rusty reds, oranges and browns. Other colors can lend a welcome and surprising change to traditional fall decor. Your table should complement you and your home's style!

Love this peacock inspired theme! It's rustic but oh so modern!

Orange and blue are perfect compliments!

Pops of yellow and an intricate table runner frame up simple white china.

Another orange and blue complimentary scheme updates a traditional blue and white china pattern.

This is my favorite! I am a little biased because this is my parents' house! They live in southern Florida, so a bright and tropical themed table is just perfect for their Turkey Day feast!

 Finally, don't forget the little people! If you have to have a "kids table" make it special for them too!

This is even cute for the big kids table!

Supplying the kids table with crayons and a table they can color on helps keep the little ones busy so you can enjoy your meal!

Stuff that paper bag turkey leg with toys or treats!

They are rocking the hats just like I remember from my childhood. Thanksgiving right of passage I guess!

So if you are charged with the task of hosting a Turkey Day feast in your home, I hope you will channel your own marthastewartness. Dressing up your table will not only make you feel good, but it will make your guests feel special too! And as Martha would say "That's a good thing!"

Gobble Gobble!