Thanksgiving day came and went so quickly. This was my first Thanksgiving that I hosted for 12 adults and 4 kids. I've always contributed my own special raw and vegan dishes but never before have I thrown it at my house. So I'm still a rookie.
But we all had a GREAT time! And the kids all played together really well in the room I designated for the kids. I have a few pics if you're interested. I created stations: Dillon's Lego Building, Pierce's Car Racing, Roman's Choo Choo track & Ava/Sofia's grocery store. It was a hit! I think I had more fun creating the space than they actually had playing in it!
The positives
+ nothing burned + everything was vegan and lots raw
+ everybody had a lovely time
+ the kids played together perfectly while we ate
+ there was plenty of good wine and my signature cocktail for sipping
+ the pie and ice cream were some of best desserts i've ever had
The Negatives
- side dishes were cold because my mom had to cook her turkey in our oven
- a few guests weren't used to a TOTALLY vegan meal & raw desserts
- cleanup is a b*tch
So, in the end, the positives outweighted the negatives, but if I ever do it again, I will for SURE make somebody cooke the turkey at their house and so that the side dishes stay warm. Everything being cold really ruined the meal, in my opinion. And I wasn't about to use the microwave. Oh well. Live and learn.
Wes also wanted me to share some of his great photos with you guys. The first two are of the table, all set and ready to go. Then you'll see my 'sisters in law' with my son Roman. And then Pierce, my 2 year old, at the beach with dad while I was getting things all cleaned up and dinner ready! Cute, right?
Tonya
Looks like a beautiful Juli production! And yes, agreed... clean up is a bitch and unless you have two ovens, I really don't see around the cold side dishes. We had the same problem here. 🙂
I love the idea of personalized play stations. Great idea!! Makes the children feel like they are apart of the big day. 🙂
Juli Novotny
THANKS Tonya! Sad Lucas was sick. Glad Todd made an appearance but we missed you guys. We had tons of stuff leftover too. But sounds like you had a big dinner yourselves?
Julie
How lovely...everything looks very yum, especially that pumpkin pie, still need to give it a try myself, nothing better than pumpkin pie in winter...Love, Jules
Rebecca
Looks like a beautiful time. Thanks for sharing <3 Rebecca
Bernie--Sarah's Aunt
How enticing!!!! Everything looked sooo festive and inviting...colorful and tempting....I can see how Sarah totally enjoyed herself...Move over Martha Stewart!!!
Juli Novotny
Rebecca - we missed you guys this year. Wow, a lot of work these holiday feasts are. See you guys next year probably 😉
Juli Novotny
Bernie -
THANK YOU for your comments. Thanks for visiting my blog and checking out the pics. WE LOVE YOUR NIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much. Sarah IS the best.
Next year you can come over too. 😉 That is, if we DO it again here.
Juli
**iSaBeL** (@belayoga)
I am loving the creativity that went into your thanksgiving meal, so yummy healthy and inspiring ~ where can I find the recipes for these wonderful dishes?
Much love and light,
Isabel
Molly P
Looks amazing, Juli. I love your food and recipe posts. Food for thought! ~ molly