We have had the honor of serving soldiers for Thanksgiving that are in basic training off and on over 25 years. Because they had dietary restrictions, (i.e. no caffeine, limited sugar, no alcohol, etc) and because they are so homesick we have come up with this idea and it works. First, the mini dessert bar, pecan tassies, apple dumplings, mini pumpkin pies, turtle candies, caramel apple cupcakes, warm mixed fruit cookies served with cold milk in cordial glasses, mini cherry pies, and mini banana pudding.......look out hips here it comes! LOL We served buffet style, Doug fried 2 turkeys and 1 ham, mashed potatoes. I made this incredible Bruce's Yam dish courtesy of a friend of the QVC BB, cornbread dressing. Gravy, cranberry sauce, broccoli casserole. green bean casserole.
I figure that dessert should be discussed twice! Did I mention Ina Garten fruit cookies, coconut macaroons, buttermilk pie, pumpkin gingerbread trifle.....
This was the best fruit salad ever. I got the recipe from Southern Plate. I have it posted somewhere.
The little bowls next to the fruit salad are cocktail glasses. There is crushed ice on the bottom and the bowls sit on top. Keeps it nice and cold.
We decided long ago that these soldiers are homesick, so instead of a full table, we set up TV trays, decorated of course. They can take the TV trays to one of 5 rooms with either a computer, cell phone or land line and communicate with a loved one. We have unlimited long distance. I talked to 6 mommas, a few daddies, and a couple of sisters all thanking me for making their loved one a home cooked meal. Yes, I cried. I saw these cute utensil holders in the BBB flier. I found these stockings at the dollar store for 50 cents. The dishes are German and I bought them at an auction over 20 years ago.
The little bowls next to the fruit salad are cocktail glasses. There is crushed ice on the bottom and the bowls sit on top. Keeps it nice and cold.
We decided long ago that these soldiers are homesick, so instead of a full table, we set up TV trays, decorated of course. They can take the TV trays to one of 5 rooms with either a computer, cell phone or land line and communicate with a loved one. We have unlimited long distance. I talked to 6 mommas, a few daddies, and a couple of sisters all thanking me for making their loved one a home cooked meal. Yes, I cried. I saw these cute utensil holders in the BBB flier. I found these stockings at the dollar store for 50 cents. The dishes are German and I bought them at an auction over 20 years ago.
The cute napkin holders have salt and pepper shakers in them. The flatware in the 50 cent stocking is my husband's grand mothers. The wine glass is for the Welches' Sparkling Wine. The red are from Johnson Brothers Bradbury design about 2 months ago.
I did 4 place settings in the red and 5 in the brown. Sorry I cannot read the brand or type of dishes.
But then some things never change. LOL Everyone just happened to wander into the living room just in time to catch the game! I served them warm cookies and cold milk in cordial glasses. Then my sweetie took them to the hockey game. A great day was had by all! I sure wish I had bought those silver trays. Happy Thanksgiving. It was the first time Josh and Keelie had this much company. I do not who had the most fun, the dogs or the soldier. Everyone got a workout!
Believe it or not I had some leftovers and they are allowed to take some back. I thought ahead and got to go boxes. I sorta watched who ate the most of what and loaded em up. My precious husband bought each one a phone card. Wow, I am so grateful that these brave, strong, (and handsome) young men who are protecting my country.
But then some things never change. LOL Everyone just happened to wander into the living room just in time to catch the game! I served them warm cookies and cold milk in cordial glasses. Then my sweetie took them to the hockey game. A great day was had by all! I sure wish I had bought those silver trays. Happy Thanksgiving. It was the first time Josh and Keelie had this much company. I do not who had the most fun, the dogs or the soldier. Everyone got a workout!
This is such a beautiful, heart-warming post!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you for what you do for those who serve us so well!
Perfect Thanksgiving post.
All the best,
Eileen
Great job!!! Love all the dishes and the cute little stocking silverware holder- also thanks for visiting my Tablescape! ~Nana~ (Dawn)
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you for blessing those who serve our country! It would have been a honor to join you for this Thanksgiving. You menu looked so yummy and by all means mentions dessert as many times as you need to! Dee Dee
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a special blessing you are in the lives of those young men and women.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a nice thing to do for these fellas and young women. I loved their trays!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to truly have a Happy Thanksgiving by GIVING! I am so thankful for your sharing with the soldiers!
ReplyDeleteI was filled with gratitude as I read this post--to the soldiers who leave their families to protect us and to you and your husband for your service. Isn't that what the day is really all about--family and showing our gratitude by serving others? I'm so glad you shared this! Hope your neice like the pink post :)
ReplyDeleteJeanette, I left you a message, and I don't know if it disappeared or not. Let me just say I'm giving you a 21 gun salute! You so deserve it. BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXOXO,
Sheila :-)
Oh, shucks! My first post did disappear. Suffice it to say, Jeanette, I am in awe of what you do. You really are a Thankgiving angel, and I hope and pray that you and your family have blessings poured out on you so abundant that you don't have buckets to catch them all!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite cousin is overseas, so this really hit home with me. I cannot thank you enough for what you do, and I know that the Lord is smiling on you for your overwhelming generosity. Much, much love...
XO,
Sheila :-)
P.S. That little blue bird on your followers is me in case you're wondering. LOL!
Great idea with the TV Trays and long distance phone calls back home! Such a thoughtful idea and I'm sure much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful dinner you planned and I love the mini desserts!
It is all so very lovely! I hope that your Thanksgiving was perfect.
ReplyDeleteSusan
What a special service you do all those men! Everything looks beautiful and I'm sure it was greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteOops forgot to mention I love the Pigs...so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou're a treasure. You do what I wish I could do! You are a blessing and I'm glad I got to meet you!!! Love your furbabies too!
ReplyDeleteLoves~
What a wonderful thing to do! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteChristi @ A Southern Life
http://asouthernlife.com
That is a lovely post, the red dishs are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many nice things going on here in your blog space.
Blessings to you and the family on your anniversary.
I hope you and your's had a wonderful Thanksgiving !!! God Bless You and your Husband for thinking of our troop's that are fighting for our freedom. Everything look's beautiful !! {{ Hugs}} Lavonda
ReplyDelete