Entertaining with Abundance
By Dontrey Britt-Hart
Thanksgiving is only days away, and this year promises the chance to spend time with a handful more loved ones than last year. The concept of “Entertaining with Abundance” has been popping up in my thoughts time and time again, but I’m not envisioning a holiday with lots of stuff or too much food or extravagant décor. When I picture abundance, I see people gathering and sharing love; expressions of gratitude for time together; unabashed laughter; long-overdue apologies; sweatpants and sequins and stilettos and slippers all at the same table; it’s a season to be you, unapologetically; and a time to accept your loved ones as they are.
If this past year and a half has taught us anything at all, I hope gratitude is high on the list. That, and the importance of some fun, some friends, some family and a table of some delectable food. (I’ve got your back on the gratitude and the food.)
Want to elevate your Thanksgiving weekend? Greet your guests with this simple, refreshing Cranberry Noël cocktail (or mocktail). With only a few ingredients and festive garnishes, this cranberry elderflower blend will have you looking like a mixology pro.
Tart cranberries meld beautifully with the floral notes of elderflower liqueur in this simple, tasty holiday cocktail you can enjoy all year long. Add a dash of pretty with dehydrated orange slices, fresh rosemary sprigs and frozen cranberries.
Turkey might be the star of the show, but our Cajun Peppered Shrimp appetizer is the perfect opening act. And if you have any pescatarians joining you for dinner, keep a few shrimp on reserve for the main course. (Don’t forget the baguette. You’ll need a few toasted slices to soak up the peppery butter sauce.)
Give this bright, citrusy Triple-the-Taste Cranberry Sauce a try. I know. I know. There’s a serious debate about the old school, classic canned cranberry sauce that you pop open, slide onto a saucer and slice with a knife into perfect rounds of tartness versus this new school concept of making your own that’s never quite as solid in form as its competitor. In full candor, I’ve enjoyed both over the years and offer no judgment either way. There’s nothing wrong with trying something new and serving both versions at your Thanksgiving table. It’s been a staple in our home for over 15 years.
Lastly, there are a few new features on the blog, including the ability to print recipes; pin your favorite images, articles and recipes on Pinterest; and a side bar of featured posts on each page to keep you in the know of what’s new.
I’D LOVE YOUR HELP.
The downside of all of these “improvements” is the loss of all of your encouraging, fabulous, helpful comments in the Food & Festivities section, specifically individual recipes. I would be ever so grateful if you would take a few moments to drop a line, a comment, feedback on recipe or your desire to try one in the comments section.
Please share Denim & Damask with everyone you know who needs a little inspiration in their lives.
Wishing you blessings of health, joy and peace this Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
