Is it just me, or does the Thanksgiving menu somehow become part of the family? Each dish has its own story, like Aunt Sue's infamous green bean casserole that she insists on bringing every year (even though we all secretly pass our servings to the dog under the table). But hey, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it, right?

We start with the warm-up act. I love to get the appetite going with a cozy soup – nothing too fancy, just a velvety butternut squash soup that's like a hug in a bowl. And for the salad? I toss together whatever looks good in the produce aisle, maybe some mixed greens with a handful of those cute little mandarin oranges thrown in. It's light, it's refreshing, and it's the perfect set-up for the main event.

The big bird never gets old. I slather mine in butter and herbs, then roast it until it's so juicy it practically winks at you from the platter. As for sides, it's a parade of the usual suspects: buttery mashed potatoes (with lumps, because that's how you know they're real), sweet cornbread stuffing (a recipe I tweaked from a magazine years ago), and of course, the cranberry sauce (yes, the kind that keeps the shape of the can – my kids get a kick out of it).

This Thanksgiving, let's round out our table with a spectrum of side dishes that promise to complement the turkey and traditional sides splendidly. Imagine the rustic charm of roasted root vegetables alongside the comfort of buttery garlic green beans. Picture the sweet contrast of maple-glazed Brussels sprouts against the savory depth of a sausage and sage cornbread stuffing. And for a fresh take, consider a tangy cranberry orange relish or a creamy caramelized onion and goat cheese tart. These sides, from the earthy goodness of a wild rice pilaf to the nostalgic sweetness of a pecan-topped sweet potato casserole, are not just fillers but showstoppers in their own right, making the meal as diverse and heartwarming as the company around the table.

Dessert is where I really let loose. Sure, there's always a pumpkin pie – it's practically a law – but I like to mix things up with maybe a bourbon pecan pie or a chocolate cream pie that's as rich as Uncle Bob's stories about his fishing adventures.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about family, about sharing these moments and mouthfuls with the people you love. It's about your teenager's eye-rolling turning into second helpings, your partner's satisfied snooze on the couch, and the warmth that fills the house when everyone's gathered together.

So, as I sit down with my pen and notepad, scribbling down the shopping list, I'm not just planning a meal; I'm crafting an experience. One that my family will talk about until next November rolls around and we get to do it all over again.

As we're sharing ideas and getting our Thanksgiving plans in order, I've curated a collection of kitchen tools that are absolute game-changers for the holiday. If you're on the lookout for ways to streamline your cooking process, check out my recent post on Instagram and Pinterest.

Here's to a Thanksgiving that's less about perfection and more about moments, less about presentation and all about love and laughter. Wishing you a holiday filled with all the joy and chaos that makes it worth remembering.

Happy planning, everyone – may your turkey be moist, and your memories be many! 🦃💕