10 PICKS FOR A BEAUTIFUL (AND SMOOTH...) THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is by far my favorite, favorite holiday! We all know it's all about the food, and, in the past, I have blogged about more recipe ideas than a few to spice it up. But, I thought I would also share a few other picks with you - things to beautify your table and kitchen, (in some cases) streamline your cooking, and remind us that we should all be thankful for our family, friends and food this holiday....
WELL-WRINKLED LINEN TABLECLOTHS | TERRAIN
It all starts with the tablecloth, and I love a great linen tablecloth. If you're like me, you're thinking decorative plates, servers, candles, flowers....why not let them shine? This tablecloth is the perfect, simple backdrop. Besides, it's supposed to be wrinkled - so throw it on without worrying about wrinkles and creases.
METAL CANDLE LANTERN | WAYFAIR
Come on, now. You know I wasn't going to let the table be all plain vanilla! I love these candle holders - they give such a romantic edge to the table, and, most importantly, they aren't too tall. It's the worst when you can't see the person across from you!
EXTRA LARGE GOLD ICE BUCKET | FOOD 52 & PUNCH BOWL WITH LADLE | CB2
Keeping the crowd happy during cooking (and the meal) is key to a smooth Thanksgiving, but if you're like me with 25-30 relatives and friends, the last thing you want to do is stop mashing the potatoes to pour someone a drink! At our house, my mom and I make a ridiculous sangria that we put out and let people help themselves. Wine works too, and the key is to put these beautiful pieces outside the kitchen so no one interrupts your flow. :)
PREMIER 2-PIECE CARVING SET | SHUN
The turkey is always the main event, so here are a few picks to make it the best it can be. First, a carving set - you need one! And this one is just too pretty. It's a bit of a splurge, but a girl can dream....
LARGE BRINING BAGS | FIRE AND FLAVOR
If you are reading a food blog right now, there is no excuse not to brine; it's the gold standard - more flavor, more juiciness. It just needs to be done. These are some awesome all-natural bags to use, and there are also brining kits on the site with all of the ingredients (except water...) to make it easier for you.
GRAVY BOAT WITH WARMING BASE | WILLIAM SONOMA
You worked really hard on that turkey, got the most delicious drippings, and turned it into a gravy to die for. Now, you could go out and find some antique, artisanal, super delicate gravy boat that stuns on the table. OR you could have warm gravy. Seriously, the thought of cold gravy is up there with like wilty, slimy greens (eek factor).
WOLF GOURMET COUNTERTOP OVEN | SUBZERO
I know, this may look like an easy-bake, toaster oven, but it is much much more! I LOVE my countertop oven - in fact, I did a pop-up last week at a cute store that had no kitchen and brought my little oven with me (5 courses; nobody knew the wiser). Yes, it toasts, but it also bakes with convection and convention settings. If you are like me and don't have a double oven, you understand the trials and tribulations of Thanksgiving. How do I roast my turkey and make stuffing / mac n' cheese / roasted veggies, etc?!? Here is your answer. It heats up in no time, fits most casserole dishes and is up for the job. Can you tell I love this oven? By the way, I'm showing you my dream buy (i don't have this one), but there are options up and down the price range with Hamilton Beach's coming in under $100.
JAN BURTZ GOLD LUSTER SERVING BOWLS | ABC HOME
Whatever you make, you have to make it look good on the table, and these serving bowls are simple, gorgeous and happen to be dishwasher and microwave-safe (key!). Also, I love this bakeware because it goes from oven to table and looks flawless.
Food insecurity is real. Donate $ or food to help others this holiday season. My little PSA.
Enjoy!