t-giving dinner time savers

i know...it's thanksgiving dinner and you want everything homemade. here's the reality around my house...ain't gonna happen. too many responsiblities, 4 kids, and life!

so rather than stress about it, here's a few things i do to make things way easier...and honestly, the taste and outcomes always draw a big smile from the fam.

#1...definitely stove top stuffing
it's delicious, quick, and the taste is authentic...you can even get the sage flavored. plus, the kids can make it and contribute! woo hoooo!

#2...cranberry sauce deluxe
still a little cooking, but easy peasy style! here's waht you need:
6 oz frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
in a small saucepan over medium heat, mix sugar and oj together until well dissolved. stir in cranberries and cook until they begin to pop. simmer until you get the desired consistancy.


#3...rolls
the bake and break rolls at the store anymore are awesome...so by them to save the time and prep work and then doll them up with some awesome spreads. here's a few ideas:

• A garlic-herb spread (blend softened butter or margarine with finely chopped herbs and bottled minced garlic or garlic powder)...recipe HERE for the spread noted in picture!

• Cranberry-walnut-cinnamon spread (blend softened butter or margarine with finely chopped dried cranberry, chopped toasted walnuts and a few pinches of ground cinnamon)
• Zesty lemon spread (blend softened butter or margarine with finely chopped lemon zest)

have a good time at thanksgiving dinner...not a stressful one! have any other tips to share? please do!!! i just might feature them right here!!!

danyele @ a thorn among roses

A KISS Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to spend with family and friends, with all the preparations by the time dinner is served, I have to admit, I'm usually exhausted!

And then a few year ago I remembered the old saying KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid! LOL

So here are some KISS table arrangements!

Autumn colored candles intertwined with branches and gourds.

Simple pumpkins craved out for a candle

Pumpkins & dried flowers

Or fill a basket, just make it simple and remember to keep you dinner simple too! It's all about the time we spend together...

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow bloggers!

xoxo, Cathleen

designercathleen

kids thanksgiving table ideas...

if you are like us, we have a kids table...and well, the kids are not always thrilled to be shoved over to the side and in the other room. i was thinking, this year the kids table should be fun. and then i found these little ditty's!!!

nothing says thanksgiving like turkey!
a super fun and easy craft to do while you are making final preps for dinner! it takes a few simple things and viola...amazing turkey centerpieces for the kids table...MADE BY THE KIDS!
{directions HERE}
a little more turkey at the table?? this little project is super fun for the little ones in the crew!


cindy at skip to my lou, had this incredible idea. it's a full table setting already set up for you!!! cute and fun, and a great little craft too! grab the printables HERE!!!

if your kids are into nickjr, head over HERE for some fun ideas with wubbzy, max and ruby, and dora too!!!

really, thanksgiving is just around the corner!!! i can't believe it either, but it is!!! let's get ready!
danyele @ a thorn among roses

place cards

i love these ideas from martha stewart on place cards for the upcoming thanksgiving holiday.

the first is super quick...easy and simply beautiful! and the kiddos can help find the leaves in the yard!

i love this place card idea...first, the kids and make it...and it sparks conversation! make your standard turkey place card and use the "feathers" for trivia...it's a great way for the kids to get to know fun details about grandparents...and vice versa!

how about a super cute and easy little project using an edible addition?

for full details and how-to's go HERE.

and living locurto has some awesome FREE downloads for place cards, among other things. go HERE and see them...tell her we sent you!!

danyele @ a thorn among roses