On my Thanksgiving table

Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite holidays. It’s the introduction to fall, the holiday season, and it’s full of delicious food. What more could you ask for?

This Thanksgiving, The Boyfriend and I hosted his family at our apartment for Thanksgiving. This was the second Thanksgiving I’ve hosted, and it was a smashing hit. There was more than enough food for the five of us and everything turned out perfectly. I had ample time to plan (and create a spreadsheet!) for all of the dishes I made and The Boyfriend’s mom was a great help in filling in the gaps.

This was the most laid back Thanksgivings I’ve ever had. There was no muss, no fuss, no stress, no drama, just a relaxing and enjoyable meal. I even managed to snap a few in-progress shots of almost everything I made. And the turkey was done an hour and a half early! When in the world does that happen?!

I made my dad’s famous chorizo stuffing and it was absolutely to die for. The past couple days, The Boyfriend and I have been frying some up and topping it with an over easy egg for breakfast. Delish.

I made very traditional mashed potatoes without a recipe this year. So delicious — cream cheese, butter, salt, pepper, garlic.

My sous chef working hard (scoping out birds and such…).

I’ve perfected giblet gravy. Seriously. I’m incredibly proud of how this came out. Perfect texture and consistency. Not too salty. Magical.

This appetizer was a hit! Cranberry sauce + red pepper jelly + cream cheese. Win.

I opted for a simple tablescape this year with an eggplant tablecloth, gold blooms in mason jars, and small votive candles. It was the perfect mix of warmth and holiday cheer.

Not mad about my plate of goodness. bacon-wrapped green beans, mashed potatoes, turkey (which was perfectly moist thanks to the brine!), chorizo stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, stuffing number two courtesy of The Boyfriend’s mom, and (not pictured) crescent rolls.