topic Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving in Kitchen

An outdoor Thanksgiving

PilatesLover — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:28:44 GMT

My son works in a manufacturing plant and has understandably been very skittish when he visits out of fear of infecting his old geezer parents to any germs he might unknowingly be carrying. We get around that by going for a socially distant walk and eating takeout at the beach when he does visit.

He broached doing the same for Thanksgiving, only eating in the backyard. I looked ahead on some weather sites and if we're lucky, it will be 50 degrees and cloudy here. I told him that I'm not keen on the idea, but would think about it.

The problem is I can't think of a single thing we could eat outdoors on Thanksgiving, balanced on our laps so the chairs could be far enough apart. I don't want to bother with a traditional meal and all the trappings this year anyway.

Any suggestions?

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

dsw503 — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:39:00 GMT

Two ideas for you: 1. Buy a heat lamp--like they have on outdoor patios in colder climates. Maybe it would warm things up a bit. 2. Serve turkey sandwiches and T-Day leftovers. Make the meal for you and DH to enjoy the day before. My most memorable T-Days have been the ones with a variation on the traditional.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Foxxee — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:46:12 GMT

Could he get small individual tables somewhere for each person?

However, I wouldn't want to eat out in 50 degree weather and possibly windy. No sun. That's a bit chilly.

You looked ahead, but aren't sure of the weather. It could be colder and raining. What then?

You pretty much said you don't want to do it, so don't do anything you don't want to.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Katcat1 — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:48:27 GMT

What would be better is the turkey cooked on the grill. Enjoy your holiday. Stay safe.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

fthunt — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:49:07 GMT

I would tell son I love him - but it's best you sit this one out (turkey day). Cold backyard you can catch a cold - pneumonia = a similar risk to the virus.

This way you'll see another thanksgiving day - next year (hopefully)

Perhaps he can go to friend's house for a good meal.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Still Raining — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:54:47 GMT

Would you all be more comfortable in a garage with the doors open. It you have 3 car one, you each could get a bay. Heaters would work better too.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

BlueFinch — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:01:47 GMT

@PilatesLover It sounds like your son is much more interested in spending time with you, than the menu. What a sweet guy. I wouldn't over think it.

I'm sure you'll get several ideas, but I'd just keep it very simple and enjoy the family. Most are scaling down traditional feasts, anyway.

If I could share TG with my family who have passed, I'd settle for a sandwich and a bag of Doritos.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Kachina624 — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:06:43 GMT

Last Sunday here it was 52° and breezy. I sat on the covered patio about 30 min playing with my dogs. I was wearing a jean jacket. I got a chill and came in. It took me 2 hours under a heated throw to finally warm up. This fresh air concept is for the birds. I've heard that people having inside dinners and gatherings should open their windows. Somebody dreaming this stuff up is crazy.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Meowingkitty — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:10:00 GMT

How about getting some premade dinners from Boston Market or some place like that? I would have no problem eating outdoors. I wish it would be 50 degrees here in Arizona. As for balancing, maybe get a couple of TV trays or made shift tables if you don't want to buy anything.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Lucky Charm — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:21:24 GMT

Think of what you do at a football game. Dress up warmly, make the turkey ahead of time and have those sandwiches popular with the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce etc.

Or eat pizza!

It's not about the hot dinner really. It's about being with loved ones, if possible.

Since it's your back yard, do you have a table and chairs set? You could have whatever you eat set out on the table. You and DH serve yourselves first then let your son get his helping.

No need to dress up fancy and that way you won't fret about balancing plates on your lap. 50's? Dress warm!

Then you can go for a nice walk together to warm up and burn off the calories.

Seeing him on his day off would be special. If he gets the weekend off or even the day after TG, you perhaps could work around it for a better weather day. Doesn't have to be Thursday.

You can take a nice warm bath after he leaves if you are cold. Getting to see him would be great. You're lucky he wants to see Mom and Dad. Some don't have kids. And some don't have kids that want to see their parents. Enjoy it.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

ThinkingOutLoud — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:26:45 GMT

Off the top of my head -

~ My friend is getting TG food from Cracker Barrel this year. I'm sure there are places near you that offer this as well.

~ Check the weather again and if it'll be warmer the Sunday before, for instance, have the get-together then instead.

~ Go to a park with picnic tables - no balancing on laps. If the sitting distance isn't enough for you, pull a couple tables together (not long-ways, make it like a square so you're sitting in a triangle).

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Janey2 — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:48:43 GMT

Why make the food the most aspect of the visit? If possible take a long walk and give him food to take home. It's not the food it's the visit that is important.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

debcakes — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 17:55:45 GMT

@dsw503 wrote:
Two ideas for you: 1. Buy a heat lamp--like they have on outdoor patios in colder climates. Maybe it would warm things up a bit. 2. Serve turkey sandwiches and T-Day leftovers. Make the meal for you and DH to enjoy the day before. My most memorable T-Days have been the ones with a variation on the traditional.

You are so right. We have years of traditional Thanksgivings. Do something different if you can. A friend of mine is going hiking with her kids and grandson at a state park and then tailgating. That sounds like fun to me. I am still planning the traditional as my 92 year old mother is not fond of anything outdoors in our cold climate.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Mellyg — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:06:02 GMT

@PilatesLover

Regardless of the meal, it sounds as though you did a wonderful job as a parent. You have a son that is concerned about your health and is thinking outside the box to spend time with you.

It sounds as though you have a wonderful relationship and should be proud of the man you raised!

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

faeriemoon — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:38:33 GMT

I think this is a good year for Zoom holidays.

Eating outdoors in 50 degree weather is less desirable than a video visit IMO. Plus if you are sticking to the rules you would still need to be six feet apart eating outdoors.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Etoile308 — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:13:40 GMT

My opinion, Thanksgiving is NOT about being with family.

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the blessings we have, which for many include having a loving family that we enjoy being with. And it includes having the blessing of having the sense to realize that this year perhaps the best way to show our love is to give the gift of distance from one another.

I commend your son on being concerned for your health. I think the time spent on an outdoor dinner, even in 50 degree weather, would be miserable. And think how quickly the food would get cold. Perhaps if he wants an outdoor visit on Thanksgiving, you limit it to dessert and hot coffee. Make his favorite pie and send him home with leftovers.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

MoonieBaby — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:30:44 GMT

Rent

Folding table(s)

Heat laps

Chairs with padding (I mean lets be real, without it would stink!)

Sterno and tray warmers

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

Flatbush — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 00:45:59 GMT

@MoonieBaby wrote:
Rent
Rent
Rent

Folding table(s)
Heat laps
Chairs with padding (I mean lets be real, without it would stink!)
Sterno and tray warmers

That's a good idea, but will they rent for what would be a such a small amount? Maybe a phone call would answer that. Whatever your family does, have a happy day.

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 11:50:52 GMT

I don't have any suggestions, other than to just stay home and stay safe! I saw some people on t.v. the other day and a woman had recently lost her mother to the virus and she said --- please, people stay home for the holidays! It's better to stay home and not celebrate one holiday season together and look forward to all the holiday seasons to celebrate in coming years, than it is to celebrate this season and have it be your last!!!

If you have the ability to skype or whatever, just have your separate meals and share it that way.

I know everyone is upset because holidays are getting upset but my thinking is --- we have to be flexible. No one is having an easy time and no one is really immune.

We have to make alternate plans and try to celebrate in different ways and be happy that we are alive and here to celebrate at all!

Re: An outdoor Thanksgiving

suzyQ3 — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 17:46:12 GMT

Whatever you decide to do, please don't try to eat food on your lap. Trust me, it's a mess.