We have a tradition in our family. We ask each person coming to the dinner what is their favorite dish - so that as we sit around the table everybody has something they like.
I have to have 4 different Thanksgiving dinners (complicated family). One of the groups (our granddaughter with her mom, step dad and sister) wanted: Spaghetti dinner! So we did that.
The other group asked for T-Bone steaks and all the trimmings.
The next was a Prime Rib and all trimmings.
And finally, the rest of the kids and one grandson, asked for:
-Turkey and stuffing (sage)
--Crandberry layered salad [jello/with crandberry juice/pecans first layer - middle layer sour cream and cream cheese mixed-final layer same as first - I can give you exact recipe if you want]
--Waldorf Salad [apples,waldorfs,celery,mayonaise]
--Sweet potatoe casserole: mash the drained mashed potatoes until creamy, add some milk or half-half,cinamon, butter. Top with Pecan Streusel (i.e. brown sugar, melted butter, chopped pecans) and bake until bubbly
--grandson asked for Macaroni and cheese
--oldest son wanted Mashed potatoes
[[[NOTE: Lots of CARBS]]]]
--Green Beans (southern style, not casserole)
--Relish plate with everybodys favorite pickles/veggies
--yeast rolls
--GRAVY
--Small onions in a white sauce
--Acorn Squash -baked with brown sugar/bacon bits and butter
DESSERT: Pumpkin Pie; Apple Pie; Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie; fresh whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.
One thing I love about the traditional Thanksgiving is that most of it you can do the day before!