I once had a trainer who insisted, the gym is supposed to be a stress free location, leave the issues in the car.
I’ve pulled this out for my kids, numerous times. “Honey, we’re together to have family (whatever event it is,) this is meant to be a stress free zone.” Lol, or sometimes, “Wanna go back outside and come in with a better 'tude?” Yes, just as with younger kids.
I hope it all works out, snowball.
All is well with the “children.” My daughter is type A, so once plans were made, she didn’t like that my son changed them and left her so he could stay at the bar. Once they got to the house and we had dinner, everyone was getting along fine. My son has things he wants to do while in town, without thinking what the others might like to see or do. Instead of tell her brother you was upset with him, I am the one that gets the earful!
My daughter was not mad at her husband, as he was just along for the ride and was doing whatever my son wanted as the driver. It really wasn’t a big deal, but I understand why my daughter was ticked off. After dinner we all had a nice evening. Now I just need to get to the grocery store and get my vegetables and a couple of last minute items that I forgot.
Glad everyone put situation behind them. Hope your D is feeling better too.
What does everyone do the morning of Tday? I often find I have “forgotten” to consider feeding/having food around for anyone to eat before the big dinner and we all are cranky and hangry.
Last year I ordered pizza.
I make loaves of pumpkin bread and cranberry bread and along with lighter options such as yogurt and fruit, we nosh on that. If someone wants some eggs, that can be whipped up as well. We try not to eat much to save an appetite for the turkey dinner and fixings.
Thanksgiving dinner is not at my house, but I do make a nice breakfast in the morning prior to heading out of town for dinner. I usually try to make it less carby/sugar filled - more protein to sustain and keep the hangrys away. 
So often something like whole milk yogurt, fruit, nut granola, scrambled eggs.
I read somewhere you want your potatoes to be dry so after you boil them and pour off the water, you’re supposed to give them a little shake over low heat. Then add (slowly) slices of butter and warm milk. I just gave up after 3-4 tabs of butter - it seemed so unhealthy adding more but whenever I’ve had yummy ones, I’m sure they were loaded with butter.
At home, DH and I will have a normal breakfast, and probably omelets for lunch. My kids tend to sleep late, so they grab whatever leftovers, fruit, or sandwiches are available. No matter what time I plan to sit down to dinner, it’s always earlier than that because my oven tends to run hot.
This is the first year we are having a buffet instead of serving 18 of us family style at the table. First I thought just to have plates, napkins and silverware stacked by the food, but then someone suggested having the table set with the plates so nobody juggles napkins, silverware and drinks, then people will gather plates before they hit the buffet… Plus the table looks so much festive rather than empty with just centerpieces. What are your thoughts?
@Lassie3 - I think that sound great! I think some people do “chargers” which could also address the lonely table thing.
@Lassie3 Our family tradition for holidays, regardless of numbers, is to sit at a set dining table (when my mom hosts, she’s the master of tablescapes) - nice dishes and glassware, linen napkins, nice centerpiece, candles - but we always set the food out buffet style, usually on the kitchen island. I think it makes it easier for everyone to help themselves quickly while the food is warm and makes it easy for anyone to get up and help themselves to whatever they wants seconds of. If someone wants to pass on a dish or two, it’s not noticed or awkward.
We don’t put plates on the table. They are on the island or sideboard at the head of the buffet line.
Given the number of people you have, if you have the set-up for it, you could have your buffet approachable from both sides.
@Lassie3 we have 30+ and set the tables but gather the plates before we eat and serve from the island. We also use chargers mentioned above. After 20 years, we got the process down.
I got a 10lb bag of Russet potatoes from Aldi’s today for $1.59. Anybody need any?
@Lassie3 We have chargers and plates on the tables and the food is all on the kitchen island. People take a plate and serve themselves. We have two tables of 8-10 and have salt, pepper, and butter on each table.
I use red potatoes in my instant pot for the mashed potatoes and don’t peel them.
Thanks, it seems so obvious now to set the table with the plates, but I couldn’t think of it on my own!
Mashed potato question- first off my family isn’t that picky about the mashed potatoes. Half the family doesn’t eat them and the other half love potatoes but aren’t mashed potato connoisseurs. We go to my in laws on Thanksgiving. They live a 45 minute drive from me. We go up after lunch but don’t eat till the evening. In the past I’ve made the Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes at home Thanksgiving morning and put them in a casserole dish and reheat before serving. It’s always hard getting the oven time to get them warm again. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas how I could use the instant pot to reheat the potatoes or should I stick to rehearing in the oven. I also own a crock pot.
You could definitely keep them warm in a crock pot. Just put on the lowest setting and if your crock pot has hot spots, stir occasionally.
You can also keep food warm for hours using a cooler. Here’s some tips:
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-keep-food-hot-in-a-cooler/
I use an insulated hot/cold bag to keep things warm when taking them long distance. Then just needs a few minutes to get things nice and hot.
@doschicos We are now having yogurt, granola and berries Thanksgiving morning. The kids will be so happy. Thanks for the inspiration.
I have a five pound bag of russet potatoes that I’m willing to share! My sister wasn’t sure she was coming for dinner so I bought the items for green bean casserole and mashed potatoes that she usually brings. I just found out she is able to come. I told her I would take care of the green beans, but I didn’t tell her about the potatoes as I’d prefer to pass off the labor on that one!
As far as the crockpot goes, I tried it last month and it worked great. Just should have stirred a time or two. Also, a neighbor recommended putting hot water in the crockpot and putting it on low just to prewarm it before emptying, drying it out, and putting the potatoes in.