Thanksgiving in KC (Try these recipes!!)

Thanksgiving and Christmas often run a close race in being my favorite holiday.  James and I have some pretty awesome traditions we began together when we moved to KC and now look forward to sharing them with Felicia.We've also had the pleasure of hosting the Brucks (my sister, brother-in-law, niece & nephew) for the past three years or so. They'll once again be traveling to stay with us next week. I'm so excited!  Some of our traditions for this lovely holiday include:

• Instead of turkey, we make Guinness Corned Beef. We, as always, use the low-setting on the slow cooker.
• We put up the Christmas tree and hang a garland with our Christmas stockings over the mantle while listening to Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts Christmas classics and Mannheim "mf'in" Steamroller.
• We will go watch the Plaza lighting if it is a decent night out. 
• We watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special (I'm a nostalgic nut, yes) and then a late-night viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Here is a common menu for our Thanksgiving:

• Guinness Corned Beef (link above)
• Ciabatta Stuffing (I omit chestnuts in favor of mushrooms and omit pancetta in favor of thick-cut bacon.) My nephew actually requested this again for this year, so I know it is yummy.
• Butter and Dill New Potatoes (Slice, fry, and season!)
• Vegetable Side Dish (varies, but we decided on Erica's famed Creamed Spinach this year)
• Crescent Rolls (I may try these this year.)
• Pumpkin Dessert! My go-to this year? HOLY CRAP, MAKE THESE!