Anonymous wrote:The time to go places early keeps increasing. To see Christmas lights, told to be ready at 6, but head of house pulled out of garage and started honking for everyone to get in at 5:30. Today going to eat at restaurant at 5:30 and just told by one will leave at 5:00 and other says 4:30. The restaurant is less than 10 minutes away, they have reservation and have only ever seen us in restaurant before 6:30. We’ve taken to just being “ready” all day.

My late dad would have been in the driveway warming up the car at 4:00 and my ILs would be standing in the foyer wearing shoes and coats by 4:15. I think it’s an anxiety thing. And then the other side of the family does doorway goodbyes that last for 90 minutes. So you really only have 2-4 hours of actual usable time.

The time to go places early keeps increasing. To see Christmas lights, told to be ready at 6, but head of house pulled out of garage and started honking for everyone to get in at 5:30. Today going to eat at restaurant at 5:30 and just told by one will leave at 5:00 and other says 4:30. The restaurant is less than 10 minutes away, they have reservation and have only ever seen us in restaurant before 6:30. We’ve taken to just being “ready” all day.

Midwest, Rust Belt to be specific —

The decor of the two “best” local restaurants is nice enough, the one is actually super pretty and feels like a historic lodge. But good lord the service is amateur hour, the food is such garbage, and it’s not even inexpensive!

Reminds me of mediocre food you find on the mountain at a ski resort; simple and heavy Sysco slop made with zero finesse. Yet they charge $30, 40 even 50 a plate and $15 for a glass of mediocre wine.

And these two places are slammed with an hour plus wait at night. I guess they just exploit the local top 10% while the rest of proles eat fast food?

Anonymous wrote:For confusing guests we had my SIL and BIL. After Thanksgiving dinner last year we had coffee (they are coffee lovers and drink it constantly), and SIL asked for almond milk. I didn't have any, and felt like a terrible host - had I forgotten they drink almond milk? She declined to have any coffee with her pie.

So Friday morning I woke up at the crack of dawn to run out and get almond milk. What did she do? She drank the 2%.

You thought you were a terrible host and got her the almond milk and she thought she was a terrible guest for not just drinking what was there, so she did. It’s a modern day gift of the magi!

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

My stepmother made this for everyone before every thanksgiving and no one ever ate anything that I saw.

My family eats it. I dont love it but they all do!

It is from an older time but it was common as an app. I love briny and pickled things.

Yes! Cuts through the heavy fatty/greasy foods, and aids in digestion.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

My stepmother made this for everyone before every thanksgiving and no one ever ate anything that I saw.

There's a whole relish tray thread (maybe several) from last Thanksgiving. It's in the food forum. This discussion does not belong here. We want to know about the domicile. Not the food so much. Unless there's no food or re-used food or left-out food. That obviously counts.

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Anonymous wrote:My little nephew is “helping” with the pies… interspersed with throwing a slobbery tennis ball for their puppy.

DH won't go near any food that kids have "helped" prepare. Not in people's homes, not at school bake sales, nada. He's completely grossed out by it. I'm less so, but even I don't eat from younger helpers (8 and younger)

You and your husband are way too dainty. We cook food, and shockingly, it kills pathogens. And I wish you understood the cleanliness of restaurants and commercial kitchens, and the hands of many food service workers.

You need to educate yourself. Cooking does not kill all food borne pathogens.

Ha ha - Masters in Public Health here...

and you didn't know cooking doesn't kill all food borne pathogens? ?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

My stepmother made this for everyone before every thanksgiving and no one ever ate anything that I saw.

My family eats it. I dont love it but they all do!

It is from an older time but it was common as an app. I love briny and pickled things.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

My stepmother made this for everyone before every thanksgiving and no one ever ate anything that I saw.

My family eats it. I dont love it but they all do!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

My stepmother made this for everyone before every thanksgiving and no one ever ate anything that I saw.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My little nephew is “helping” with the pies… interspersed with throwing a slobbery tennis ball for their puppy.

DH won't go near any food that kids have "helped" prepare. Not in people's homes, not at school bake sales, nada. He's completely grossed out by it. I'm less so, but even I don't eat from younger helpers (8 and younger)

You and your husband are way too dainty. We cook food, and shockingly, it kills pathogens. And I wish you understood the cleanliness of restaurants and commercial kitchens, and the hands of many food service workers.

You need to educate yourself. Cooking does not kill all food borne pathogens.

Ha ha - Masters in Public Health here...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

Some of us relish olives, pickles etc. Gerkins are a treat.

+1. Who doesn't love olives and pickles? And not even too unhealthy!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just made the relish tray and FIL is using the serving spoon to shovel olives in his mouth.

Can someone explain where the relish tray fits into the overall culinary experience, other than as a visually appealing dish to add richness to the visual presentation? I’ve seen them for years but nobody ever seems to consume anything, except perhaps as a “sneak-snack” like poster’s FIL while waiting to officially be called to the table.

Some of us relish olives, pickles etc. Gerkins are a treat.

** stuffing a washcloth

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm new to my husband's family. First time staying at the in-laws. The main bathroom in the hallway does not have a doorknob. This is where I'm to shower and get ready with two other families.

I asked my husband if we could check into a hotel but he said it would hurt his moms feelings.

Girl, rubber door stopper. Fits in your purse. Amazon.com or hardware store or Target/Walmart.

I'm confused. This person thinks the PP should carry a rubber door stopper around with her? To somehow stop up the hole in the spot missing the doorknob? What?

Im also very confused by this response. Stuffing a sock in there would be easier.

People, seriously. Bathroom doors lock with the doorknob. No knob means no lock.

We already talked about studying a washcloth in the hole, but that washcloth does nothing to prevent a child it your FIL from absent-mindedly walking in.