Monday, November 25, 2013

Mealplan Monday #86 and the tale of a tablecloth

I'm trying to be frugal with Thanksgiving, keeping things simple and use things I already have for decor.  It's fun to look at others' ideas, but I have to stay true to what is best for my own home, you know?
This table centerpiece is a glass hurricane I already had, with a new candle ($3) set with an old crochet doily on a gold charger and wrapped with wired Fall ribbon.  I had a hard time finding that ribbon - note to self to buy Fall decor next year in September!  I have some glittery leaves I bought last year on clearance form the hospital gift shop...might add those to the table scape, too.
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Monday - Bacon Pancakes, hot chocolate
Tuesday - Mexican Chili Chicken Lasagna, salad
Wednesday - Take Out/Turkey Day prep
Thursday - Turkey and Cornbread dressing, gravy, Orange Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Corn Casserole, Bourbon Orange Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake, wine
Friday - Turkey Soup, plus smoked brisket for our tree trimmin' lunch!
Saturday - Leftovers or some other simple dinner- Christmas Parade Day!
Sunday - Stouffer's, corn
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 This year, there's just the six of us and I don't plan on cooking as much food as last time.  I'd rather not have the hassle trying to stuff leftovers into a too-full fridge and freezer and spending an hour and a half cleaning up the kitchen at 10 p.m...  That was not fun.  Plus, there's the Turkey Trot, so I am sticking with the tried-and-true dishes we love - just not as many of them.
I did, however, want the dining table to look pretty and formal for us.  I found a beautiful, simple cream tablecloth at a thrift store and spread it out to see how it looks.  Hmm.  Too long, unless we needed to put in an extra leaf or two, which we won't this year.
After I eye-balled it, I trimmed off the excess tablecloth.  Then I stitched a very tight hem along all of the edges so they would all match.
 
 I think my custom tablecloth is purty.  And the cream color is the perfect background for so many holidays.  Good job, me!
The trimmed off fabric will go directly to my scraps box and be put to good use.
Can't wait to enjoy a meal with my WHOLE family!




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