Jeannie in lovely upstate New York. We celebrate DH's bday, then my niece's bday, then my MIL's bday and then Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is DH's favorite holiday of the year and we host it each year, so it is always a fun time with the family.
I've never had duck or goose (not my thing). We have a very traditional Thanksgiving Dinner each year. We always start with assorted cheeses and crackers, a bowl of apples and pears with a fruit dip, and mixed nuts. We always get a big turkey and a ham. For sides I make two pans of Company's Coming Potatoes, Ina's Roasted Squash, two types of cranberry sauces, either applesauce or corn, the traditional relish tray, two types of dinner rolls, gravy (of course), and each year I change the "green" vegetable. This year I'll be making a mixed green salad with spinach, mandarin oranges, red onion, and cranberries. My SIL brings the best stuffing. My Mom brings a few pies. I'll make a Thanksgiving Cake and I'm trying a new recipe for Cranberry Cheesecake. Naturally, there'll be lots of wine and cocktails, heehee. This year will be a small year -- only 14 people. I like when EVERYONE comes, but it's not happening this year. It is DH's favorite holiday of the year!