Friendsgiving

Last weekend, I hosted a Friendsgiving! We had 16 people total, and a full apartment! I absolutely loved it. I really enjoy hosting people and entertaining, especially for great friends. I was lucky to have a large enough dining room table to seat that many people! And, I made my very first turkey! Anyway, let's start from the beginning. In the morning, we took Winny to the dog park so she could burn some energy and not attack our guests when they came over. We got back home and I got started majorly cleaning and starting to cook the turkey!

I had thawed the turkey all night, and had to have it sitting out at room temperature for two hours. I definitely learned a few lessons cooking my first turkey. There was maybe only 10-12 "F's!" shouted, and only major teary meltdown. I followed a Martha Stewart recipe, Herb-Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy. I made this butter herb rub, and it said to gently loosen turkey skin and rub butter underneath. Yep, I definitely cried. It's not like handling a chicken breast! I couldn't figure out how to lift up the skin, and finally I cut it with a knife so I could put the butter underneath. I was honestly in full panic mode in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, calling out for Eric to help. He definitely stood in the dining room hiding out. Haha! But, I did it! I had to rotate the pan and baste it every half hour for almost three hours… but it turned out so good. I'd definitely do that recipe again!

I was only in charge of the turkey and gravy, so thank goodness for that. Everyone else brought a dish to pass! We had mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, rolls, homemade stuffing, corn casserole, and so many great appetizers. Plus, Eric made us a caramel pumpkin cheesecake. It was really good! It was so fun to sit, enjoy dinner and hang out with friends. Per tradition, we all went around the table and said what we're thankful for. It's always my favorite part of the dinner. I said that I am thankful for the good friends I have, my family, my career, my blog and the success I've had and the connections I've made through all of you, Winny pup, and of course, Eric. I'm a lucky lady.

My outfit definitely turned out more Christmas than Thanksgiving! I should have brought out my burnt orange while I still could, but I love this dress and really wanted to wear it. I've been way more into the Christmas spirit than normal this year. I've already started working on my holiday playlist on Spotify, and majorly thinking about Christmas gifts. Usually I wait until a week before Christmas! I think it's all of the snow on the ground. It's cold outside, but I'm honestly loving this weather. For being a true summer/autumn girl at heart, winter is pretty okay with me right now. I love how it makes being home feel so cozy!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We got really lucky this year because we only have to go to one place this year - my Mom's house! And her Thanksgiving meal is my absolute favorite, so I'm especially excited. No offense to other meals, I'm just a momma's girl at heart when it comes to homemade cooking. We're getting together with Eric's family on Sunday, and my dad's side after they get back from traveling. Thanksgiving is usually the most hectic holiday and we try to accomplish three places in one day and it's always so stressful. So I'm excited we get to relax this year!