Well, I did it! I successfully hosted my very first Thanksgiving!
Let me tell ya, it is not the easiest task to do, and for someone who suffers with horrible time management skills, it is definitely a process that will take some practice. But nonetheless, it all still worked out great, thanks to a bunch of help from everyone.
Despite the fact that I felt like I was running around like a turkey with its head cut off (<—bahaha) Jay and I still managed to get the table set, the house cleaned, and appetizers out before anyone arrived. Phew!
I ended up finding these printable place cards online a couple of days ago, along with the rest of my Pinterest projects. I used some cardstock, printed them out, and wrote out everyone’s name for a nice, personalized touch at the table.
For appetizers, I kept things fairly simple; I wanted enough to keep everyone satisfied in case I ran late with my estimated start time (which I most definitely did), but I didn’t want anyone to stuff themselves either.
Shrimp cocktail (you’re welcome, Dan)
Cheese, pepperoni, and Wheat Thins (which Jay did an awesome job of putting together, right?)
Caramelized Onion Dip with chips and celery (amazing, btw…I’d definitely recommend making this for your next get-together)
Before our family arrived, Jay and I actually had quite a few amusing moments while preparing the turkey. For one, he cannot stand to look at the innards; for me, I could care less and dug right in. Then, we realized the turkey was still semi-frozen. I freaked out, Jay kept me sane, and we eventually thawed that puppy out by placing it in a bucket of water for about an hour.
When I went to prep the bird, I realized we had no twine to tie it up so I sent Jay out to the store to pick something up. He ended up coming back with some crazy metal spike things which, in turn, resulted in us naming our turkey “Franken-Turk.” Eventually, I got our herb butter rub on there and into the oven he went.
Done and done.
Shortly after, the family arrived, everyone hung out, enjoyed some snacks, and chatted away while watching football.
I also finally got a chance to relax and pour myself a much-needed glass of wine.
As much as I was totally enjoying hosting Thanksgiving this year, I was equally excited to just have the whole family together for the day. I <3 my family. 
I was also super excited to be able to have hosted a Thanksgiving meal for both of my grandmas.
Even if one of them doesn’t like getting her picture taken…ahem, ahem!
Thank GOODNESS I have a family who is also very loving and understanding about dinner being slightly behind schedule. And when I say slightly, I mean that I told them we’d probably eat around 3:00-ish, but didn’t sit down until almost 5:00pm. Whoops!
In my defense, it is pretty darn difficult to try to time seven different foods to finish cooking at the same time AND have them all fit in one oven/stove top. To anyone who has mastered this, major props to you!
We were hard at work for sure, and my mom was an unbelievable help. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without her.
Of course, we still managed to have some fun along the way…
Even if the rest of the family was sitting and waiting very patiently at the table for their food.
Sorry, fam! It’s on the way!
Finally, the turkey was cooked and ready for carving.
Not too bad, right?
The rest of the food eventually started to finish up and come together. To round out the table, we had:
The turkey
Apple Cranberry Stuffing, my mother-in-law’s amazing corn bread
My mom’s stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, and homemade cranberry sauce
Homemade dinner rolls which, despite the browned bottoms, were quite tasty.
Unphotographed brown butter mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, and a of course…
A couple of happy hungry faces.
By this time, I was pretty darn starving. I didn’t snack nearly as much as I usually do from being so busy in the kitchen, but that’s probably a good thing anyways. I needed to save room for the main event!
I enjoyed a little bit of everything and also went back for another roll and piece of corn bread. If there wasn’t dessert awaiting us, I probably would have gone back for thirds.
BUT, there was dessert awaiting us…and LOTS of it, too!
Apple pie, my Skinny Pumpkin Pie,
Homemade French Silk pie made by my in-laws, and my Layered Pumpkin Pie Toffee Cheesecake.
I honestly couldn’t choose; I wanted all of them. It is Thanksgiving right? I decided to skip the apple since it was store-bought, and ended up taking a small piece of the three homemade desserts.
Everything was absolutely delicious, and I was so happy with the way the cheesecake turned out. It is so rich and full of flavor. YUM!
By this time, the family was starting to get a little sleepy and SOMEbody may have passed out on the couch…three different times.
Fall asleep once? We’ll let you be and just laugh at you.
Fall asleep twice? We’ll throw peanuts at you.
Fall asleep three times? Well now you’re just askin’ for it.
But hey, I have no idea who did that. 
Gotta love family, right?!?
*****
Today has definitely been a FULL day but an amazing one at that.
I am so incredibly thankful for so many things; the loving, supporting family I have, my amazing friends, my health (for the most part), my wonderful husband, my adorable fur ball Cody…I really could go on and on.
But anyways, I hope everyone who was celebrating today had a wonderful Thanksgiving, ate lots and lots of delicious food, and were able to spend time with those you love. I know I sure did!
So now it’s about time for me to go slip into some cozies and zonk out on the couch. Luckily, I don’t have anyone else here to throw peanuts at me in case I fall asleep.
Questions for the Evening:
What was the best part of your Thanksgiving?
What was your favorite thing you ate today? Did you try anything new?
If you weren’t celebrating Thanksgiving today, did you do anything fun?
I think you did fantastic!
I think that you should automatically add two hours onto whatever time you plan to serve Thanksgiving. Its inevitable! All of your food looks so tasty and delicious. For a first Thanksgiving, you put out an AMAZING spread! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Wow…looks like it went well! So happy for you. I’m thankful for so much today! The best thing I ate was something new I tried–mashed sweet potato casserole- made by me! :) Happy Thanksgiving!
Congrats on hosting a successful Thanksgiving dinner! I remember the first time Dh & I did it. We were terrified and sure we were going to poison everyone… It turned out fine! Once you get one under your belt, you’ll never have a problem again..
Such a fabulous day…you did a wonderful job. (must have had a good teacher!) love you both bunches!
and the caramelized onion dip was amazing!!!
Thanks, Mom!!! :-D
Thanksgiving is the one holiday where a double oven would be super handy! It’s tough! Congrats on your hosting your first :)
Congrats on hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner! It looked yummy!
Wow Courtney! Your Thanksgiving feast looks fabulous! That skinny pumpkin pie looks to die for!! It looks like you have such a sweet, loving family–I’m happy for you that you got to spend the day with them–and great job for your first time hosting!!
PS: you look adorable as usual!!
Wow.. looks like you did such a wonderful job! I wish we did Thanksgiving, I’m loving reading about everyones delicious food :)
Ahahahha omg. Should have made it I’M A SNOOZING TOOLBAG but both are funny ;)
I am thoroughly offended ;-)
Haha no you’re not…you got at least 5 photos of yourself in this post ;)
Wow Courtney- you did a GREAT job! I always knew you had a killer hand with desserts but looks like your savory one is pretty amazing too!
Woohoo, congratulations!!!! That’s NOT an easy task!
Happy Thanksgiving! No celebrating here in Australia but I went and got my hair dyed and styled – always makes me happy :)
Yay for a successful Thanksgiving! It all looked wonderful. :)
I am BEYOND impressed!!! You did amazing for your first Thanksgiving! I would be an absolute wreck haha. Great job with everything and so glad you had a fun day with your family :)
LOL at the elders in the family. We too have elders that have that same ‘look’ of when do we get to eat?!
Yay! Glad everything worked out and that you had a great Thanksgiving! :) Everything looks SO delicious!
Wow, Courtney! You did an amazing job. I give you so much props, love! Everything looks delish.
Honestly, I know it’s cliche and corny, I was simply happy to get all of the family together. It’s not often that we come together because of…life…and it’s so great to be able to sit and talk, laugh, and eat with everyone!
Our Thanksgiving start time was about 3 hours later than originally planned..so I think it happens to everyone :). I fell asleep on the couch last night but then got back up for Black Friday. Now I’m kind of regretting it because I still woke up fairly early this morning!
Awesome job, Courtney! It looked like it went really well, and all the foods looked delicious. The best part of my Thanksgiving was just being with all of our family. We live out of state, so it was such a blessing to be able to be with them. We went to THREE different Thanksgiving dinners, so it was quite the day! My favorite thing was my stepdad’s sweet potato casserole! Yummm.
Congrats on your first time hosting!! It looked awesome!
I’m so glad you guys tried the brown butter mashed potatoes!! OMG… that cheesecake! I need!
I say you rocked the thanksgiving dinner ; )
Congrats! Hosting Thanksgiving seems like quite a feat! I’m sure it’s difficult to coordinate everything & make sure everything is out (& hot!) at the same time.
That french silk pie looks delicious! I really want a slice. :)
Great job! It looks like your family had a fun time. The food looks delicious.
My favorite part of Thanksgiving was eating the turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn on my plate and talking with my family. The people at the table this year was my mom, dad, two brothers, sister, one of my three uncles and I. It was a small group as it normally is but we all have a good time together. Everyone on my mother’s side was up north in Ticonderoga for Thanksgiving (well, except for my uncle) and my uncle (dad’s brother) was with the in-laws- we don’t ever have Thanksgiving with him- and my dad’s cousin was just with his wife this year. That’s ok, though. I think Thanksgiving is more enjoyable with a small group of loved ones.
I also watched more TV than I should have yesterday- the Macy’s parade, the National Dog Show, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving before Black Friday shopping at 10 (WalMart). Let’s just say that what I supposed to get was the thing I didn’t get. :(
Congrats Courtney!! Always a feat to host people for ANY meal – let alone Thanksgiving! The desserts look amazing!! Would you MIL be willing to share her cornbread recipe??
Awesome job on hosting!! Everything looks amazing. Glad you had an awesome thanksgiving! :D
A day late…..but congrats on hosting your first Thanksgiving! The pictures are great…:) The best thing was just being around my family…….and dessert..:) My mom made some pecan pies that were amazing! Oddly enough, I did so well not stuffing myself that a few hours later my tummy was grumbling….:)
Wow! Now that is impressive ;)
Beautiful spread!! Looks like a very lovely Thanksgiving. :)
Can we get your MIL’s cornbread recipe? It looks so good!!!
I just asked her for it – should be getting it in the next day or two!