I know Kev has been planning his menus. My little sis did her practice Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. Who all is getting geared up?

Looks like I wont be making a big dinner for Thanksgiving for Jons family. I will just be making a small dinner for Jon and I. If I can find one I would like to make Duck a l'Orange. Last year I couldnt even find a duck during the holidays. Walmart usually got them but didnt last year. If I cannot find duck I may go with lamb or cornish hens. I will be making my brothers dinner for him and his family to pick up. His wife is due to have a baby in Nov.

Christmas I will be cooking for about 16 or so for Jon's family dinner. I also make a dinner for Jon and I to have together here at home. I will probably be making my brothers dinner to lol. I may just bring them food home from the big dinner to pick up. I swear I need someone to help me plan a menu for the big dinner and stick to it. I get to carried away every year and kill myself trying to make to much. I got out some dessert books earlier today. I want to make something different than what I have been making for the past few holidays. My FIL gives me $50 to do the dinner with and by the time I buy a turkey and ham I end up finishing out the rest of the dinner out of my own pocket. He still thinks things cost like they did 10 years ago. He makes some sides like green beans and mashed potatoes. He usually buys the rolls and bakes them.
I will make turkey and ham for Christmas. I would love suggestions on sides. Items that are good served at room temp would be fantastic. I have made the same old things the past few years and would like to change it up some except for the fact Jon's brother and his kids are super picky eaters :rolleyes:
If it kills me I swear I am not going to get carried away this time.

I actually went through some of my older cookbooks I never use anymore and gave 6 or so to my neighbor to have. I have been ordering 3 or 4 a month used from Amazon. Thought I would pass along some old ones to a fellow foodie. Besides in this small apartment I just dont have the room.