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 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.
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!
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.
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!