Saturday, November 22, 2008

O.C.D. THANKSGIVING

Turkey Tom hiding by the Thanksgiving Tree!

One table set and ready for action...
...and another!
the spiced cider station...
Thanksgiving NotebookIndex Page

Guest List Page
Dish by Dish Ingredients ListMaster Shopping List, separated by store name

I thought I would share my "Thanksgiving Notebook" (doesn't everyone have one?!) with you, as the BIG DAY rapidly approaches. Now, in my defense, the year this notebook was created, I was entertaining 20 plus people for dinner and wanted the food to be really yummy. I am a self proclaimed "psycho organizer", so how could I have pulled it off without my handy-dandy Thanksgiving Notebook? I find myself "spinning my wheels" if I don't establish a way to direct my rapid-fire thoughts into some semblance of order. I broke down each dish I planned to serve into a grocery list, and then combined all necessary items onto a master grocery list. I also went to a couple different stores, according to where the necessary item was on sale for the best price. It really did simplify things, and allowed me more time to enjoy family and friends as they arrived. The "guest list" section was generated to be cut apart and made into place cards. My daughter and I made really cute place cards, and also handmade napkin rings (for our paper napkins!) out of recycled plastic napkin rings that I picked up for next to nothing at a garage sale, some fabric remnants, and my Sizzix machine and scrap paper. I am including some pictures of that Thanksgiving--it was a blast! We are spending this holiday close to home with some dear friends, and we are truly thankful for all we have been given! After dinner, (which will be served on heavy-duty paper plates for fast clean up!), we will watch movies and play games for as long as we can before the turkey kicks in and we need to nap! Then we'll do my favorite thing--we'll get out all the leftovers and eat again!

14 comments:

Queenie Jeannie said...

WOW! You are soooo putting Martha Stewart to shame hun!!!! Gorgeous! And mine won't be even remotely as good, but my family won't see this blog so it's all good, lol!

I get the crazy cat pictures from:
http://icanhascheezburger.com

So NO! they aren't all at my house!!

Mammatalk said...

I have never seen a Thanksgiving Notebook. Wow. What pristine organization. Your sock drawer must look glorious! :->

LORI said...

I WISH IT DID, BUT NOT SO MUCH!

Tara Bennett said...

That notebook is AMAZING! As are your place settings. So posh!!!.... even if it is a little OCD! ;o)

Frizzy said...

I want to put my tables out and set them but my toddler would have her finger prints all over everything. Not to mention I think she would encourage all of her babies to sit in each chair so she could feed them off of the plates and polished silverware. I envy your organization! I've got my croisants 3/4 done, my gravy's made and my house is clean. Wed. I'm baking the pies. Knock on wood I think I'm pretty ready other than the table settings. Thanks for stopping by today and leaving a comment! Happy Thanksgiving to you.

My Choice said...

Wow! Look at you go! I almost forgot it was Thanksgiving on Thurs. (not a big deal here in Norway..hee hee) Here is my "diet blog" pop in & say Hi so I know you made it! Tressa

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

way to organize! your table looks nice too.

Lorie said...

That is amazing!! Very organized! ;D

ashley b said...

Love it! Only in my dreams am I this organized!

The Blonde Duck said...

I saw you on SITS and wanted to say hello. I always collect scrapbook paper. I'm ashamed to say I'm 6 months behind!

AndreaLeigh said...

Wow, you are super organized! Love the notebook.

Unknown said...

Wow!!! I love the notebook! I hardly think I can do something like this! Good job!

Jessa said...

As a friend I want to say yes people she is absolutely incredible. As an outsider looking in omgoodness you are incredibly crazy with skills of organization OCD on crack. I am not worthy. You are such a blessing in your talents you need to teach them to others. Your creativity and zeal is phenomenal. Hugs J

LORI said...

MY FRIENDS ARE PHENOMENAL, THAT'S WHAT! I'M SO GLAD I AM BLESSED TO CALL YOU FRIEND!