How do you celebrate Thanksgiving Bliss?
I know you are probably thinking I made it up… Believe me I didn’t. Every year it is Thanksgiving Bliss at the Willard-Deutschlander household.
Once I found out I was pregnant with my baby girl when I was hosting. Last year, I was taken off being in charge of the turkey and ham. Thanksgiving at my house is all about family.
I have a large family and when all my brothers and sisters get together with their kids it can be overwhelming. I just think it’s normal. I usual get to host Thanksgiving because we have plenty of room for everyone to spread out, the kids can be on entire level themselves, and due to my children being autistic it’s just easier on them.
You are probably thinking: How do you get taken off “Turkey & Ham Duty?” Well, it’s easy if you don’t meet other peoples’ expectations. I research how to make turkey and ham. Then, I pick a recipe off of Food Network because it’s easy to follow and it turns out great. This was no different. They both turned out amazing, but not to my parents. I was unaware my mom does not like the herb “sage”. I used a lot of it because that’s what it called for. Unfortunately, my mother did not eat any Ham nor Turkey because of this. To her it’s like cilantro. Some people don’t like cilantro because it tastes like soap to them and that’s how my mom feels about “sage”.
So, this year we are doing potluck. My parents are going to oversee the Turkey & Ham. Plus, my mom is bringing her famous grasshopper pie. I am making creamy chicken dumpling soup, sausage and herb stuffing, gravy, buttered noodles, corn, mac-n-cheese, and homemade ice cream sandwiches. My brother will be bringing a dessert, rolls, and whatever else they would like to contribute. I believe my sister-in law’s parents will be joining us too. Yes, I am making different foods because my children are particular about the texture of foods. I believe it’s more than Turkey and Ham. It’s about everyone enjoying the meal, the company, and the décor.
This year, since my children are 6 & 7 years old, they are excited to decorate for Thanksgiving. So, we are making centerpieces. In the past, I would have been stressed out because it’s not perfect or not what I imagined a centerpiece should look like. I decided to leave that all behind and just let them have “fun.” I know, that’s a word we don’t get to use or see too often. So, on Wednesday the 17th, we will be making the centerpieces. I picked up some vases. We have construction paper, tissue paper, and Mod Podge. I am going to have them tear/cut the pieces whatever size or shape while I use Mod Podge to adhere it to the vase. I also picked up some faux flowers for them to put them into the vase. We will see how it turns out. I am excited my children are joining in though. They love doing art projects and will be thrilled for everyone to see their “art creations” for our Thanksgiving feast.
You are probably thinking: What does any of this has to do with design/décor? Well, a lot. At CW Design, the values integrity, family, passion, legacy, hold a lot of meaning to me and I see it the most at Thanksgiving. Having family coming together and not just my family but welcoming my brother’s in-laws and family into the home is wonderful. They know that they are family to me too. I am passionate about cooking the meal, presenting the meal, and having my children do the centerpieces no matter how it turns out. I could not have done that in my younger days. I have been transformed with my children having autism. I have learned patience and not to sweat the small stuff. I also want my children to be part of something bigger, a legacy. For them to understand it’s not about the food but the people coming around the table to enjoy the fabulous meal. No matter what we are serving. Happy Thanksgiving!
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