Thanksgiving Sweet and Simple

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I wanted to share a few last minute ideas to inspire a fun and relaxing holiday.  Here you go...

First Stop, What to Wear?

Last night at dinner one of my girlfriends wore an adorable hot pink top.  It was fun, elegant and versatile.  Pair it with skinny jeans and heels or whatever you like.  Such a great look for this holiday season!



Chiffon Top

Buy it here: www.jcrew.com



Bring a Side

Everyone loves green beans at Thanksgiving.  If you are looking for something light and refreshing amongst all the heavy foods on your table, try this dish. 

Lemon Thyme Green Beans





Ingredients:

1 Pound Green beans

3 Shallots

1 Lemon juiced

1/2 Tablespoon Fresh thyme chopped

1 Tablespoon Chopped Italian parsley

1/4 Stick butter

Salt and Pepper

Stem green beans.  Blanche in a pot of boiling water about 5 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.  Green beans should still be bright green and only slightly softened.



Thinly slice the shallots.  Saute in butter with salt and pepper until beginning to brown over medium heat for about 3 minutes.  Add green beans and saute for 5 minutes.  Add lemon juice, thyme and cook for 3 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Garnish with fresh parsley.     



For the Host...

Bring your host a homemade loaf of chocolate chip pumpkin bread.  They'll be grateful to have a yummy treat with their morning coffee after a busy night of entertaining.  The recipe makes 2 large loaves (just in case you have multiple stops on Thanksgiving) and an additional mini loaf for you!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Yum!



Ingredients:

4 eggs
3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup cold water
1 (15 oz can pumpkin)
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
Half bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Beat eggs and stir in next 4 ingredients.  Sift dry ingredients together and add to pumpkin mixture.  Mix well.  Divide into 2 large and 1 mini sized loaf pans.  Bake at 350 degrees, large loafs 60-75 minutes, mini loaf 30-45 minutes until done.

For the Kids...

When you're a kid, waiting for your Thanksgiving meal can feel like an eternity.  Keep the kids busy with place mat chalkboards by Annabelle Noel Home and Garden.




Decorate your own Place mat

Buy it here: www.annabellenoel.com