A Bobbi Brown Thanksgiving

Let The Good Times Roll

I started hosting Thanksgiving the year I got married. Steven and I used to spend Thanksgiving at his aunt’s house, where she served dinner on paper plates with plastic silverware. Steven didn’t think it felt right, but I could tell Aunt Mel was just tired from years of hosting the family gathering. So, we volunteered to take over.

From then on, we hosted the Plofker family Thanksgiving every year for at least 30 years, with anywhere from 25 to 40 people attending. Over time, it grew beyond just family—we always welcomed people who didn’t have anywhere else to go, from neighbors to friends. One year, even Michael Strahan and his wife joined us while they were living in Montclair.

My Thanksgiving Day always began at Yogi Berra’s house. As our neighbor, he would host a special tradition, offering horse-and-buggy rides for his grandkids up and down the street. He always included my kids, along with my nieces and nephews, in the fun. It became such a cherished part of our Thanksgiving, marking the start of the holiday in a truly memorable way.

But my most memorable Thanksgiving was the year we hosted a family from the Bahamas who had been living in Montclair for a year. There were about 20 of them, and since Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in the Bahamas, it was their first time experiencing the holiday. Sharing this special tradition with such an incredible family, alongside all the Plofkers, made it an unforgettable celebration.

I’ve never been to the parade myself, but my husband and his brother Alan have been taking the kids for over 30 years. Now, I’m wondering if my granddaughter is old enough to go this year or if it might be better to wait until next year.

Thanksgiving is still one of my favorite holidays, and I’m lucky enough to still host. However, our guest list has changed as our family has grown. Now, I host all of Steven’s siblings, their spouses, their children, and, in one case, a new wife. We also welcome my sons’ wives, their parents, and sometimes their siblings. Plus, my nephew Jeremy’s wife and her parents often join us.

The Plofker cousins are now grown and on their own, but they always remember how wonderful it was when everyone could gather together. Thankfully, having The George hotel means there’s plenty of space for guests to stay overnight, and I don’t have to keep setting up blow-up beds all over the living room anymore!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I’m thankful for all of you readers. Let’s eat.

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