I said this in a very sweet voice, so I was surprised when there was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the receiver.
My Dad, bless his soul, is closer to ninety than eighty now...
...and I was trying to be a considerate daughter.
"What did you say," he blurted out finally.
"I said...you're probably going to want to bring your nitroglycerin on Thanksgiving so you don't have a heart attack."
After a few moments more of silence he finally asked, "Why do you say that?"
"Because," I explained, "This year I am using disposable plates, cups, forks AND table coverings. No china. No matching glasses. No silverware I drag out once a year. I'm tired. This house is really small. The kitchen is microscopic. I'm just going to make it easy on myself this year."
"It's about time!" my Dad said loudly in reply. "But I thought you said you'd never use paper on Thanksgiving."
"Well, Dad. I guess I should never have said never. This is the year...so bring your nitroglycerin along!"
I hope your Thanksgiving doesn't require nitro.
Or even aspirin this year.
I'm going to try out the philosophy that it's not about the china and the linens...
...that it's about the fellowship and family...
... I'll have to let you know how that goes!
To those that are celebrating on Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving Eve, dear friends.
Clink that good china for me!
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16 comments:
we will be using heavy duty paper plates too.. I would love to set two beautiful, elegant tables... but I dont have enough of everything to do it. well, maybe I do. Id love to be all fancy and pretty... but paper plates are pretty cool.. then again.. when theres already 5 sinkloads of dishes from all the preparing and cooking... whats 14 more plates? lol! I'll decide tomorrow...
Happy thanksgiving funny lady!
xoxo
Eventually, most of us "get it" concerning certain things in life. Just a few days ago, I had to ask a young 26 year old friend who just lost her mother this summer, "What are the consequences of your grandmother coming to your house and seeing your house a mess, and a few boxes stacked up?" (She's been working on the house she inherited?)
She couldn't come up with an answer.
So what if a few people gasp or need their nitro. :)
Everyone is sure to enjoy the dinner and fellowship, and you'll get to sit down with them after you empty the trash with all the paper products.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Oh Jenny I am right there with you! It is NOT about what you eat or what you eat it on and I think your Holiday will be wonderful, less stressful and WAY more fantastic! I have been thinking all year about "stuff" you can't take it with you - simplify. That is my motto now. And well, if that includes paper plates I am ALL FOR IT!
This Thanksgiving will be among the "weird" stuff for us. I wanted to go paper, but hubby wouldn't have it. He can do the dishes! We are driving 5 hours to celebrate the day at "our" house. Everything is already there...we just have to show up and cook! You are absolutely right about family...that's what it is about. I can't wait to see my kids and give them all enormous hugs and kisses. Have a wonderful holiday!
What usually happens is that no one really notices the difference. I think that bothers me more then if they noticed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. (Actually, truth is what really matters is real whipped cream on the pumpkin pie & real butter in the mashed potatoes.) Jan
Our family dinner is SO big, we always use the throw away kind:) Works just fine for us! Have a blessed day dear Jenny, HUGS!
Jenny I hope you Thanksgiving is blessed and beautiful. I sometime feel so small here because people show off their wares of which I do not have the big house and never have! we are very simply people but just having everyone pitch in and help out is way better than fancy formal fare! Thanks for sharing! I do have lots of pretty Princess House plates (say that five times fast!!!) so we often have a mishmash of dinnerware! But my dishwasher is a great friend with a housefull of people! This year we will move into the basement. The kids had the carpet freshly cleaned and my hubby and middle put the leaf in our dining table situated in the basement! There is plenty of room there and everyone is pitching in with bringing items and although the count was between 14-16 currently we will have a house filled with love! Nick will be flying in today and I am EXCITED!
LOve to you sweet friend! I hope blessings abound in your home no matter what your decor or dinnerware choices are! Hugs Anne
I'll see your paper plates and raise you a "going to someone else's house where they'll have the mess to clean up."
and a very Happy Non-Dishwashing Thanksgiving to you!
It really IS all about the camaraderie.
May your day be lovely and fun, full of laughter and surprises of the good kind.
I still lug it out, but if I had a crowd, I believe I'd still lug the good stuff out (and have it catered. I am a terrible cook!) Happy Thanksgiving.
Sue
It's the family, friends and food! I do love a nice table but the clean up is not my favorite so I'm all for paper! just enjoy the holiday I say!
hugs, Linda
Happy Thanksgiving, Jenny, from a friend in the north country. (who actually lives below the 49th)
Thanksgiving is about family and friends (and real whipped cream on the pie) so you do whatever makes it easiest for you!
Jenny: Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My family is too big to fit in our Cape Cod house. Thankfully they are staying in a hotel and we are eating there too.
Still looks gorgeous!
=)
PS. If you get a minute, hop over and read my Christmas story poem. I put it up early this year. Be sure to leave your volume on...it adds.
We figured out years ago, that using the throw away stuff makes Thanksgiving (and Christmas) much more enjoyable! There's still plenty that has to be washed, with all the pots, pans and utensils.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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