What to Expect When Your Expecting a Good Time

      This entry is more for the newcomers than the Thanksgiving 2 regulars, but I’ll also cover the subtle differences from last year’s successful event. I want you to be able to walk in from either direction and have some idea of what to look and where to head if you’re hungry, want to watch a holiday classic, need a drink or if you simply want to sit next to the fire.

      So you are in your car and driving up to the “Home of Everlasting Warmth and Holiday Cheer” that is our house. The first thing you will do is find a parking spot within a couple blocks of the house. With 60 people scheduled and around 30 cars among them this is going to be a bit rough, but persevere and you will be rewarded. Our neighbors are used to my gathering at this point. Let’s say you walk in at the front door. You will be greeted by the scent of a roasting turkey, hot fresh pies and apple and cinnamon hitting your nose. If I meet you I will direct you to take your coats/outer garments up to the second floor and remind you that the back-up bathroom is up there. 

      Since you are now ready for fun, I’ll lead you to one of the 2 name-tag stations. There will be a card that will tell you how to fill one out. These will be voluntary and the amount of information you choose to share is up to you. (I promise I won’t send your name tag info to any advertisers or other companies.) They are here to help break the ice and maybe create a conversation. Now it’s on to the good stuff. 

      The living room is a combo room. It is the first room with food in it and it's also the movie room. You'll notice a small assortment of appetizers, rolls and apperitifs. The movie/holiday special schedule will be posted soon. If you enjoy a little movie or parade with your food, this is the room for you. The parade starts the day off and then leads into holiday classics. Since you're in the living I'd appreciate it if you take a moment to admire the Christmas tree. 

      When you have made your way past the Christmas tree or decided you'd like something more substantial to eat then make your way past the tree and into the middle/dining room. I am sure you'll see a small group gathered here marveling at our library and dragons amidst their conversations. Hopefully

      The dining room tends to be a popular gathering spot for conversation. There is another appetizer table here, but the finger foods will be different in this room. If you would like a hefty conversation over some tapenade or just a piece of cornbread to have with your turkey, this is the room for you. The middle room tends to be a calm area. It is literally in the middle of everything.

      After you’ve pulled yourself away from the gripping conversation in the middle room you’ll head into the kitchen. The kitchen is less a gathering spot and more the buffet room. All of the main courses and side dishes are here and most of the desserts are here for the taking. The plates, forks, knives and spoons are right near the inner doorway. Now, don’t be silly and pass these up. Grab them before you start sniffing. If I can make any suggestions as to how to hit the food it is this: take small amounts on your first trip through. After the first trip through you will know what flavors you like. A lot of the dishes will probably be new to you because of the German theme. 

      Now that you’ve wondered at the Christmas trees, had an enlightening conversation and created an impressive plate of German themed foods I am sure you have developed quite a thirst. Well, have I got the place for you. Just outside the back door and on the porch/tented backyard is where you’ll find the drinks. We have the whole gamut of drinks for you to choose from. Just make sure if you grab a bottle of beer that you also grab a glass or cup. Beer is meant to be poured in a glass and I encourage sharing! Just keep in mind to check both sides of the tent. The pre-mixed cocktails, wine and a few desserts will be out there only. The tented are is a major congregation area. Card games have been played and much happy conversing is done outside. Just outside the tent is the fire pit and seating area. This is my favorite place to gather near the end of the night. I find it calming after a long week of preparation. 

      Now with your mental road map and knowledge of food locations and activity sites you are ready for fun. Take a look at the layout page if you want a quick refresher. We are almost at Halloween and regular Thanksgiving is on its way. I can wait!