My extended family all lives on the East Coast, and, while I lament the agony of traveling out there (from Berkeley, CA) with two little ones, it’s not super easy to host either. The year Holden was 7 months old, and my family came to town, I remember spending most of the day in a cold sweat over the timing or execution of some important side dish (and brining that huge bird in a toy box in the fridge).
If you have a baby and you’re hosting a huge meal this year, might I be so bold as to suggest pre-ordering all your side dishes (and maybe even the turkey!) from Whole Foods? I figured that the money we saved on not traveling could be poured into making the meal easier.
I just did it and it feels so good! Now my MIL can have her way with the kitchen, help or not help, and the basics are handled.
Check it out: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/catering
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amen! we just ordered a pre thanksgiving thanksgiving meal, we are moving the weekend before so i didnt think i could host the inlaws and my foks, but i wanted to have a real family t-day in the new place so we are having friends who won’t see their families a few days before actual thanksgiving and all i am cooking is some pie!
smart girl. the menu looks good and i’m guessing you spent about $150 on food and saved about $1000 by not flying. god bless whole foods.