Family Dinners
I am in the process of planning Thanksgiving dinner with my Mom and one of my brothers. All of my siblings and I will be (with our own families in tow) going to my parents in Florida for Thanksgiving this year. It is a sentimental and meaningful trip as it is rare that we are all together with all of our children for a holiday. In addition, my Dad has Alzheimers and memories are precious now for us all.
We sat down recently and began planning the activities for the four days and the most important- Thanksgiving Dinner. We will have two kitchens going, at least seven of us cooking together, many more tasting what we are cooking and a full table to set! I can see it in my mind with such clarity and am already anticipating it with such joy. The smells and aromas of all the different dishes, the stories, chatter and laughter. Macy’s Thanksgiving parade on the tv, football later, and my yearly breaking out of “Miracle of 34th Street” in the evening or before bed. (It’s A Wonderful Life will make it’s debut the day after!!)
As we planned the dinner, it was clear to me that some things were not ever going to leave the menu no matter how much I may wish it were so simply because of a matter or taste. But, as a matter of tradition, I can relent and have them there on the table. Tradition before taste I guess. You have those same dishes on your table as well I am sure. They are dishes of a generation that immediately illicit the comfort in food that I have mentioned many times before. I guess they have earned their place!!
I hope that you will be planning special gatherings as the fall slides in and the holidays follow behind. I hope that you will smile as you do it whether you are alone or with family members, at your home elsewhere and whether filled with traditional dishes or new additions and experiences. To The Last Drop will be offering some classes to help with your planning, dishes to order ahead to add to your table, and our private dinners as a place you can schedule a fun family gathering.
I will be away this Thanksgiving so I won’t see you as you pick-up your food the day before. It was a lot of fun last year as those of you bustled in and got spreads, desserts and side dishes for your table. I was missing my family though and wishing I was not alone on that day. So, this year- I will be there in spirit, our food will hopefully be in many homes and at many gatherings again, and we can all be thankful together.
Claudia
