Patt Prattlings and Other Codswallop: Thanksgiving Initiation

In keeping with the Pilgrim's custom of sharing a feast with the natives, we decided to do the same and invited 3 of Keely's English pals to share in our Thanksgiving dinner. (They did not wear loin cloths, however, preferring the more modern trousers and 'jumpers' instead.) Starting at the front of the table and going clockwise, we have: Shayna, Jer, "Mills" aka Mike (K's beau!), Nikola, Charlotte, Erin (from Park Ridge), Lucia (also PR pal), Keely, Owen and Mason.

I ran into a few snags when trying to rustle up all the ingredients to the traditional dinner. There was no pumpkin, fresh or canned to be found, which makes pumpkin pies a bit...lacking. So I made apple crumble instead. Then, this is the biggest bag of stuffing I could find! (Placed next to my mug for perspective). So, I did a Martha Stewart and supplemented with my own homemade croutons. (Thank goodness for Recipes.com!)

Also pictured are my very appropriate bday gift from pal Kathy T. - acorn salt and pepper shakers! They, plus a few Thanksgiving cards we received in the mail, made up our holiday decor' :) Thanks, guys!

Another group shot. Check out our festive tablecloth. No one knew it was the top sheet from our bed;) (Yes, I washed it first!)
Mills brought a bottle of wine (love him already) and mince pies for 'pudding', which is what they call dessert. We played a rollicking game of telephone, ("Chinese Whispers" to them), where Jer complained it wasn't fair because he had to sit next to 'the English Guy', in fact, the whole "English Channel". We assured him it was just because he was getting old and hard-of-hearing;)To round off the indoctrination, we forced our guests to sit 'round the telly and watch A Christmas Story with us. I'm sure they all thought we were completely 'nutters'. Which, in fact, we are.