Thanksgiving Tips: Organize, What To Wear, And Gift
Here are some Thanksgiving tips to celebrate like what to wear for casual and dressier gatherings, how to get organized to host the day and what to give your hosts.
It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
This year the kids are going to their in-laws so it’s just Howard and me, my sister and two beloved cousins. I’m so happy they are going to travel long distances to see us! It’s only the five of us but Howard still wants to cook. So, I’m happy to set a pretty table and do the dishes.
Thanksgiving Outfits
I may go more casual this year. Which outfit would you choose? I’ve order the blouse to refresh my closet for Fall!
Shop The Casual Look
cashmere wool poncho on sale • poplin blouse • chain necklace • lipstick • straight jeans (wearing these right now) • leather Quince crossbody bag with cute handle…an instant outfit update • suede boots I bought these and they are comfortable.
Shop The Dressier Look
Sezane Rosewood wool cardigan (I have this in green and love it) • floral dress • burgundy lipstick • Julie Vos gold bangle • burgundy ballet flats
The Best Way To Remove Pomegranate Seeds From The Fruit
I saw on Instagram, this technique to remove pomegranate seeds by cutting the fruit in half and then pounding the skin to release the seeds. So my friend Dorothy and I decided to give it a try. Well, it didn’t work very well and it made a mess.
But this method did work…
Submerge Cut Pomegranate In Water
Cut the pomegranate in half or quarters, then submerge it in a bowl of water. Use your fingers to loosen the seeds from the membranes, and the seeds will sink to the bottom while the pith floats to the top. You can then strain the pith off the top of the water and drain the seeds.
And this way we didn’t stain the countertop with the juice. What’s your recommendation for removing the seeds? Or do you just buy them already removed at Trader Joe’s?
Here’s a good Special Fall Dinner Party Menu (with pomegranates) Your Guests Will Love!
Thanksgiving Tips: Organize Cloth Napkins Stacked Vertically
Our cloth napkins were in a few different places, so this is making me happy to see them in one place in a drawer of our antique French dresser. Plus I got rid of some really stained ones.
“7 Things You Should Declutter Before Thanksgiving” by Real Simple
You can read the full article here. Don’t you find that getting ready for a party is good motivation! It was for us for this recent party for 16. Here are a few highlights from the article that I am taking to heart.
Holiday Serving Ware: clear out utensils that are never used to streamline your drawers.
Table Decor. Same applies here as in donate linens, placemats and napkins that you never use (let someone else enjoy them). And try stacking your napkins like I did above. I cleaned out my tablecloths and placemats, too (just forgot to take a photo but it is much easier to see what we have).
Your Wardrobe. I really need to review the summer clothes that I never wore and edit. Also, I want to bring my winter clothes to the forefront.
A Host/Hostess Gift (our son also wants these for his birthday): French Steak Knives
Did you know well-priced Quince also sells famed Olivewood Languiole Steak Knives? We have loved our French set for years. These have free shipping too. They will be easy to wrap 🙂
What To Read/Listen To: “Horse: A Novel” by Geraldine Brooks
This is a beautifully written story about an enslaved trainer and a famous racehorse. It takes you through Civil War times to the present. Sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes joyful. I enjoyed it.
Speaking of joyful, I am excited for Thanksgiving! How about you? Thanks for reading Thanksgiving Tips Organize, What To Wear, And Gift .
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Mary Ann,
How wonderful to have your sister and cousins for the holiday! I know that you will miss your kids and grands. We are in much the same situation and it will be my sister, brother, and brother-in-law, they all still want to cook so we are making the entire spread. I am sure that there will be some leftovers.
I LOVE this dress! I just read the reviews and would love your opinion as I am thinking of ordering it. Is there “too much” fabric at the waist?
Off to check out the decluttering article and your other links, as well as Annie and Cindy.
Have a great day!
Our family’s Thanksgiving is always casual and Christmas is as dressy as you want. I love the jeans outfit, especially those boots! I recently Marie Kondo’d my dish towels and your post tells me it’s time to do my napkins. I love the way it shows off the prints and colors.
Hi Mary Ann,
We are in a similar situation, first Thanksgiving with both “kids” away with their in-laws so me and my hubby will have an easy celebration. Beautiful outfit ideas and l love the steak knives!! Guess what the hubby is getting for Christmas!
I love the casual outfit especially as you’re a small family for thanksgiving .I too like to dress up but I am always more comfortable in a pair of jeans. You have just proved the point that you can still look classy in jeans if you know how to put the outfit together. Let us know which outfit you choose.
Thanks, Bonita. I will probably wear the jeans but the dress for a party.
Love the inspiring outfit ideas. My own look leans toward the casual one. Your napkin storage method is brilliant! Thoroughly enjoyed Horse.
Thanks, Pamela.
Both Thanksgiving outfits are very nice. I would choose the Tuckernuck blouse and jeans but either one will look great. The burgundy ballet flats caught my attention too. So cute! I just finished reading “Horse” and agree with your comments. Heartbreaking at times but such a good novel.
Mary Ann! Your napkin drawer is ahhhhhhmazing!! I wish I had a drawer! LOVE both thanksgiving looks!
And those steak knives from Quince are the perfect gift!
Xx
Beautiful as always Mary Ann! Could you give some insight about the sizing of the Sezane cardigan? In the size chart it looks like the brand might run small? Thanks!
Perhaps a little. I bought a medium to have it looser.