Thanksgiving Menu and Prep

I find it so sad that Thanksgiving doesn't even get its own day anymore.  We are thrown straight into Christmas...even before Halloween!  One of the great things about Thanksgiving is all the home cooked food and great conversations with loved ones.  It is all about spending quality times with the ones we care about.

I host Thanksgiving for my family every year.  This year we have 9 people.  Well, 8.5 since my niece is so little.  ;)  I already ordered our 20 lb fresh local turkey.  Fresh is best!  I hate factory farming.  Instead, I spend the extra money and order a local turkey I know was humanely treated.  The extra price is worth it to me!  

Photo Credit

Menu

*Appetizers

Relish tray and dill dip

*Entree

Roasted  turkey with a lemon herb butter rub

*Accompaniments

Sage dressing

Mashed potatoes with turkey gravy

Corn casserole

Steamed green beans

Cold carrot and raisin slaw

 Fresh hot rolls with rosemary butter

*Desserts

Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

Homemade spiced apple sauce

*Beverages

Hot spiced cider

Coffee

Hot chocolate

Soda

Ice water 

It is going to be a lot of cooking, but I tend to prep a lot the day before.  I will do all my shopping on Tuesday.  That way everything is still fresh by Thursday.

My mom is making the pumpkin bars and bringing all the soda.  Then I have my grandma making her WONDERFUL carrot and raisin slaw and the hot rolls.  We are going to have enough food to feed the whole neighborhood!  

I have my dad rounding up the extra tables and chairs we will need.  I also have a few more random things I need to get from the store.  I like to have plenty of "disposable" leftover containers for people to take things home!  

What is on your Thanksgiving menu?  Do you host it, or does someone else?  If someone else does, do you bring a dish to share?