A holiday meal for 12 people, two newborn babies and two dogs in a very small house -- it may sound impossible but I'm happy to report that my family's Thanksgiving meal was a huge success!

Thanks to the combined culinary talents of family members (and my super-hero hubby) we managed to pull off a delicious, stress-free meal. Butter and high-calorie favorites were present but were accompanied by lighter options to balance things out (the butternut squash soup and meyer lemon broccoli were big hits!).

Instead of the usual sit-down meal at a long table with candles and flowers, we opted for a casual buffet and a sit-where-you-can arrangement. Everyone was cozy and relaxed -- exactly what a holiday meal should be. I have so much to be thankful for. I wouldn't have changed a thing!