^^ The apps and dessert table from our Friendsgiving.

^^I always head to our local Dollar Tree when looking for inexpensive candles and vases to decorate our table.

Our tables (we did a DIY stain) // Blankets

^^Chris did 2 different turkeys: one grilled and one he smoked…so good!

Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine for many reasons: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the official start of the Christmas season, and all the yummy food!  Growing up my grandma always made such spectacular meals for the Holidays and I can vividly remember the dining room table full of food (and the good china).  When I was in college and would spend Thanksgiving with my grandpa I always missed the delicious, homemade sides my grandma always made.  My grandpa is a good cook and made sure we had the turkey day necessities but when I was about 20 I started taking over most of the side dishes.  Over the years my recipes have evolved and some dishes have been tried and quickly retired while others have stood the test of time.  Since we hosted our annual Friendsgiving this past weekend I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes with all of you!

1. Brioche Stuffing – There is stuffing and then there is STUFFING, amiright?  If you are like me (a self proclaimed stuffing aficionado) then you know not any box of Stove Top will do.  I found this recipe a few years ago for stuffing that I modify just a bit.  I cook off some sage breakfast sausage and add that to my dried bread (brioche over challah is my preference) and cut my liquid from 3 cups to 2 (I opt for turkey stock to keep with the flavors of the day).
2. Corn Casserole – This one is also lovingly known as “Corn Crack” because its soooo addicting!  The creamed corn makes it slightly sweet and the cheddar cheese/sour cream make it perfectly creamy.  Pro Tip: make a double batch and heat up leftover with an over easy egg for breakfast.
3. Green Bean Casserole – Yes, you can make a pretty decent version of this by opening a few cans and buying some frozen beans but let me tell you, nothing beats a from scratch version like this one.  The mushroom soup and fresh beans mixed with crispy fried shallots is my idea of turkey day heaven!
4. Baked Brie in Puff Pastry – This appetizer is a hit time and time again for good reason…buttery puff pastry, melty, gooey brie, and tart cranberry.
5. Bourbon Cake – In all fairness this recipe calls it out as Rum Cake but after making it once I decided to swap out the rum for bourbon.  The flavor is so rich and warming…especially on a cool, crisp Thanksgiving Day!  Pro Tip: sub coconut sugar for refined white sugar for an even better flavor.

If you want to see more of my Thanksgiving inspo head over to my Pinterest board!

XO, Niki