As you can see, we went all in on Thanksgiving decorations for our 8th annual Orphans and Waifs dinner.

Lee found this idea online and it was super rewarding that ours looked exactly like the picture.

We pushed two tables together, which left plenty of room for the serving platters. Often, we have served buffet style, but this gave it a more Norman Rockwell vibe.

I tried to explain to the two honourary Americans-for-the-day just how precisely our Thanksgiving menu pinpoints us socioeconomic space-time. Exhibits A and B: there was StoveTop stuffing, and classic green bean casserole with canned cream of mushroom soup, both served without any embellishments or irony whatsoever. I of course like “better” versions of those things, but this is how I want Thanksgiving to taste.

Newcomers Mark and Marla brought a fantastic pecan pie. And thanks to Costco… we have leftover pumpkin pie for a week!