One of the perks of the holiday season is that it presents a wonderful excuse to take time to peruse recipes, and think about great food!  There are innumerable resources for seasonal culinary delights: the online wonder Epicurious.com and good old Martha Stewart , to name a couple.  And of course, family recipes deserve serious consideration as we honor our history and enhance our traditions.  I lick my lips as I read through the recipes I have accumulated, hoping to settle on a delectable menu to thrill my loved ones’ taste-buds. That, in itself, is a challenge, but the biggest test  for me is always time.  It is important  to be very realistic, and carefully plan my time around work, conversation and rest.  I select recipes for Thanksgiving dinner (served at around 2 at our house) which can be successfully accomplished in the free time I have before everyone takes a seat.

Now to consider the visuals of Thanksgiving.  It takes only a glance outside to thank our lucky stars that the Texas Hill Country is HOME. Bring the colors that are so prominent out-of-doors into your table- oranges, yellows and rust. Add a complimentary color to make them ‘pop”;  dark plum or rich aqua candles and napkins could work well.  Pull out your beautiful oven- to- table stoneware, dinnerware and serving pieces to be sure they are ready to go.  Pre-prepare any recipe that can be made in advance, and refrigerate.

 Weather permitting, start Thanksgiving Day on your porch or patio- your house guests will love it!  Decorate the patio table (or your coffee table in front of the fire) with orange, yellow and purple pansies.  Be sure that the insulated coffee carafe is ready for company and the rolls are in the warmer. Lastly, be secure in the fact that guests LOVE help themselves to a leisurely morning!   Preplanning  tasks that you would like to pass  on to helpers definitely makes the day more pleasant.  If you are organized enough, it will be a breeze!  At  noon, orchestrate the setting of the table; 12:30 pm, set out some good locally made cheeses, pears, apples and nuts, served with chilled wine or icy spiced tea.  At 1:30 carve the Turkey and lay out the feast. And at 2, count your blessings and enjoy!