Thanksgiving. It's a time honored tradition a foodie can appreciate. An entire day investing in producing epic, amazing offerings in flavors sweet and salty. I spend some serious time crafting a menu and arranging our table to compliment the holiday every year. It's a labor of love.

I do it for the bacon. And the pie.

Give Thanks Pintable courtesy of Download and Print

This year's feast included details whose aesthetic qualities inspired me. Table settings with printed menus, rosemary wreath place cards, and a set of gorgeous vintage dishes I unearthed at a yard sale years ago.

Rosemary Wreath Name Cards from Spoon Fork Bacon

Our table was adorned with pine cones displayed in tall apothecary jars and a few of my beloved antique books set at charming angles. You'll also note the homemade burlap place mats, which I drag out every holiday because I just can't get enough of them.

We started our meal with a fragrant pumpkin soup, embellished with pecan crusted candied bacon. Yes, you heard that right. I know. It's a lot of trouble to go to for a garnish. But it was worth it. Every delightful bite of it.

Pumpkin Soup with Candied Bacon by Domesticate Me

Next we stuffed ourselves with a locally raised porchetta roast from Salt & Smoke, accompanied by pancetta and hazelnut green beans and my infamous squash & poppyseed rolls. The rolls are always plump and moist thanks to the squash and they're a fabulous accompaniment you can bake and store the day before.