Our Humble Friendsgiving

Last weekend, I bought a turkey for Terry and I to cook so that we could have leftovers throughout the week. When I mentioned it to our friends, we all decided it would be a lot more fun to make it a potluck and go the whole nine yards.


So today Terry and I cleaned house, prepped the turkey (actually, we brined it last night), and put a few little touches on our apartment to make it feel festive. We live in a small place, but it's sweet and cozy, so we made it work for the six of us tonight. Heidi and Ed and Katie and Corey came over around four o'clock, and the eating commenced.

Heidi brought a yummy Buffalo chicken dip appetizer, and Katie brought these delicious bites of heaven (bacon-and-Gorgonzola-wrapped dates). We all put the finishing touches on our dinner dishes while waiting for the turkey to finish. I definitely still need some practice in the turkey-cooking category. I completely forgot to tent our turkey with foil while it cooked, so it came out a little drier than last year. Plus I took it out when the juices ran clear without checking for the actual temperature, so we had to throw it back in the oven for another hour. Thank goodness for patient friends and fun games to kill time.

Our games of choice tonight were True Colors and Telestrations. Both were hilarious and perfect for our little group of friends. And thankfully, the turkey finally came out looking and tasting quite delicious. The rest of the dinner included stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, spicy mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, and rolls. Heidi provided two delicious desserts: a layered pumpkin trifle thing (yes, we all referenced Rachel's Thanksgiving trifle from Friends) and an apple pie. Everything tasted incredible, and I'm so excited to have leftovers! Isn't that the whole point of the big feast?

Our 15-pound turkey, perfect for 6 + leftovers.

Terry carving the turkey.

Our buffet - or "smorgasbord" as my mom would call it. 

Sourdough and sausage stuffing.

Spicy mac and cheese!

Classic green bean casserole.

This is what the holidays are really about.

Some of our very best friends. Thanks for coming over, everyone!

Heidi's delicious apple pie.

The world's most adorable desserts ever! (And delicious!)

What a great night! We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends to celebrate with. I am already trying to figure out another appropriate reason to have everyone over to eat. Suggestions welcome. Festivus, anyone?