My best advice to anyone this time of year is to work ahead as much as possible. Even though my guests bring something for our dinner, there is still lots to do. Just like Santa, I make a list and check it twice. I write my menu and note who is bringing a dish and what it is. Then I make my grocery list and shop purposefully so I don't forget anything.
Now it's 8 days until Thanksgiving and I am pleased to say that my shopping is done and I have baked two different batches of rolls and made the fruit salad. Those items are in the freezer and ready to heat and/or serve. Hooray! The photo below is the second batch of rolls (honey oatmeal) next to my favorite workhorse bowl. It belonged to my grandmother and then my mom used it before I inherited it. They are both watching over me from above and I think of them every time I use it. So the secret ingredient in my food really is love. Happy Thanksgiving!