Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you and your family and friends are having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  If you are looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving Day run like clockwork, here are a few ideas: 

 

So you've just agreed to host a major holiday dinner! Now let's sit down and think about some of the Big Questions.

1) How many people will attend?
This is the big one. If you've got more attendees than tables, chairs, plates, silverware, etc then you'll have to devise work-arounds. Tables/chairs can be rented, borrowed from friends and neighbors, or improvised from milk crates and pieces of plywood or spare doors. If you're short plates and silverware you can decide to use disposable or ask guests to bring their own, picnic style. Make your own cloth napkins to be extra-cool.

2) Who's making/bringing food?
Identify what you'd like to make, and what (if anything) you'd like your guests to bring. Make sure your guests are on the same page with this.

3) Buffet or table service?
If you've got more than one table a buffet is pretty much required. It also reduces the need for small, passable bowls which would otherwise require refills. You can put the whole dish on the buffet and be done with it.

4) Storage space
How much space do you have in your refrigerator and freezer? This determines what you can make ahead. If you live in a cold area an enclosed porch or deck can supplement your fridge/freezer space; if it's too warm out you can use an ice-filled cooler to bulk up your refrigerated space.
How many ovens/racks do you have? You'll need to block out time accordingly, and choose oven vs. stovetop preparations as necessary.

5) Time
What time do you plan to serve dinner? This one is under your control; pick a time that will allow you to wake up at a normal time and still be able to run everything through the oven with time to spare. Schedule this one for your convenience.

For the full article click here:  http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Organize-and-Cook-Holiday-Dinner-for-a-Crow/ 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving Tips

 

Can you believe Thanksgiving is in less than a week.  If you are playing host or hostess this year, here are a few holiday hosting tips for you courtesy of freshome.com:

 

1.) Accept help from others: While this seems like a simple concept, the misconception that the host/hostess has to do everything is not true. If you are hosting the big meal at your home, ask for help in an area that you feel weak in. If you are good at cooking, but not planning the details of the meal, ask for help from a neighbor or friend.

2.) Search now for deals: To save money and avoid the rush, start looking for holiday sales on holiday foods. Most stores will have displays already up and if you buy a few key ingredients each time you visit the store, you run less risk of the store running out of key ingredients, like cranberries!

3.) Plan your holiday table: The night before Thanksgiving is too late to plan what your table will look like. If you prefer a formal table, assure table linen, napkins, and dinnerware is clean and polished. For a casual table, assure you have the appropriate number of settings for everyone.

4.) Invite guests early: Start making your guest lists now and inviting them. This will help you plan a menu and will give time for your guests to check their calendars. Often time’s people wait until the last minute for Thanksgiving invites, and then are disappointed when guests have made prior plans.

5.) Ask guests to bring a dish: If the thought of preparing the Thanksgiving meal is a little menacing, why not ask your guests to bring a dish? Plan how many people you will have and ask each member to bring a certain item. Keep a running list so you don’t have 20 turkeys and no side dishes!

Check out the full list of tips here:  http://freshome.com/2010/11/15/10-easy-thanksgiving-tips-for-entertaining/

Happy Holidays!

Happy Veterans Day!

 

Happy Veterans Day to you and to any of your friends and families that have served.  Why not take today to learn a little bit more about the history of this holiday:

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

…

In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day--a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Learn more here: http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-day

The Mountain Music & Medicine Show!

Take in some truly original local theater this weekend:

Originating in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Mountain Music & Medicine Show has won three GABBY awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for the best locally produced radio program in the State of Georgia. Amazing, especially considering that the MMMS is an al-volunteer effort! The setting is Dahlonega from the Gold Rush days to the early 1800's to the modern times of the early 1950's. The Mountain Music & Medicine show is presented in an live, old-time radio broadcast; sort of like going back in time without leaving your living room!

The show starts this Saturday at 8pm and tickets are only $15! Learn more here: http://www.hollytheater.com/live_on_stage.html

Last Minute Costume Ideas

 

What are going to be for Halloween?  Don’t know?  Here are some last minute costume ideas to help you out:

• * Carry a quarter and a hammer. What are you? A Quarter-pounder.
• * Dress in pink and carry a feather. What are you? Tickled pink.
• * Dress all in black, tie a shot glass around your neck. What are you? A shot in the dark!
• * Wear all black and put a postage stamp (enlarged if possible) on your chest. What are you? Black mail.
• * Wrap yourself in wrapping paper with a tag: "From: God, To: Women". What are you? God's gift to women.
• * Draw the letter C seven times on face and arms (use safe ink!). What is it? The Seven Seas.
• * Get a small weight (e.g. dumbbell) and stare at it intently. What are you? Watching your weight.
• * Quarter (or preferably enlarged photocopy of one) taped to your back. What are you? A quarter-back.
• * Black clothes and white face paint? A mime (you can even skip the paint if it is not available).
• * Wrap yourself in some (or all) aluminum foil. What are you? A baked potato!
• * Put a piece of Styrofoam beneath an old t-shirt. Stab a fork through it (careful!!!!). You are 'done'.
• * Wear all white. Attach (or paint) yellow circle to your stomach. You are an egg. Add horns and a pitchfork and you are a deviled egg.
• * Bridal gown and sneakers? What are you? Runaway bride.
• * Paint one finger gold. What are you? Gold finger.
• * Dress normally. Pin some socks, dryer sheets, hand towels to your shirt. Static cling.
• * Catcher's glove, loaf of rye bread. Attach the bread to you, wear the glove. Catcher in the rye.
• * Wear a t-shirt with a large ? (question mark) on it. Tape popcorn to it. What are you? A pop quiz.
• * Get some cat and dog stuffed animals. Use double sided tape or string to attach to an umbrella. Its raining cats and dogs.
• * Wear normal clothes. Attach a dollar to each ear. What are you? A Bucaneer. (Buck-an-ear).
• * Dress in a nice suit. Attach legal documents to yourself. What are you? A law suit.
• * An empty box of cereal. A toy knife. Instant "Cereal Killer."

Still stuck for a costume?  Read more bright ideas here: http://www.halloween.com/halloween-costume-quick-ideas.php

Pumpkins!

 

What are your pumpkin carving secrets?  What are your favorite designs?  Share your pumpkin creations with us!  And here is some Halloween history to get you in the mood:

Without a doubt the most recognizable symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin carved into a jack-o-lantern. To understand the origins of how pumpkin carving began and what it really means we must first take a look at the holiday itself. How long has Halloween been around? Have there always been pumpkins carved? Here are some answers!

It was the end of the Celtic year, starting at sundown on October 31st and going through to sundown November 1st. It was a night to honor loved ones that had passed on since the veil between their realm and ours is at it's thinnest on that night…

On this magical night, glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and in windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against malevolent spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.

When European settlers, particularly the Irish, arrived in American they found the native pumpkin to be larger, easier to carve and seemed the perfect choice for jack-o-lanterns. Halloween didn't really catch on big in this country until the late 1800's and has been celebrated in so many ways ever since!

Pumpkins are indigenous to the western hemisphere and were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus. In 1584, the French explorer Jacques Cartier reported from the St. Lawrence region that he had found "gros melons", which was translated into English as "ponpions," or pumpkins.  In fact, pumpkins have been grown in America for over 5,000 years. Native Americans called pumpkins "isquotersquash."

 

Check out the whole story here:  http://www.pumpkincarving101.com/pumpkin_carving_history.html

Columbus Day is Monday!

 

Columbus Day is this Monday.  While everyone know Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, there are a lot of misconceptions about him  Here are some facts any myths about the man:

• Many historians believe Columbus was born in the Italian port city of Genoa -- but others think he was born on the island of Corsica -- as was Napoleon!
• Columbus was a fervent Catholic who believed God had chosen him for a great destiny -- but his folks may have been "conversos" -- converted Spanish Jews!
• Columbus wrote in Spanish -- not Italian! -- his entire life!
• Other experts believe Columbus's family tree included Vikings -- which goes a long way to explaining the gutsy explorer's skill with a mast!
• At age 14, while many American kids are thrilling to Treasure Island, Columbus was a real-life pirate! -- yo-ho-hoing to Greece and Iceland!
• Columbus never wanted to prove the Earth was round! -- because everyone already knew it!  His goal was to find an overseas trade route to India and China -- because Arab bandits made land travel risky!
• In 1484, Columbus gave Portugal -- not Spain! -- first crack at his plan to sail West to China -- but Portugal's King John II rejected Columbus's plans as too vague!
• King John was right!  Portugal's own Vasco da Gama discovered an easier sea route to India -- by sailing around Africa -- six years after Columbus found the New World!
• Contrary to popular myth, Spain's svelte but thrifty Queen Isabella never sold her jewelry to pay for Columbus's voyage!  She and hubby Ferdinand financed the trip partly through investors -- Italian investors!

 

Read more fun facts here.