Many people come to the San Francisco Bay Area from other places in the country. With the economy this year, it turns out that many aren't able to return home to their families for the holidays.

I hadn't intended to cook this year, but when I found out that several of my friends would have no place to go, I threw open the doors and invited them all in for an "Orphans' Thanksgiving."

The meal was traditional Southern (I'm an "orphan", too, after all): apple cider-brined turkey, cream cheese mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, stuffing with celery and sage sausage, green bean casserole, candied sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top and homemade cranberry relish. One of the guests brought hot, buttery monkey rolls, and we had pumpkin pie and homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert.

For decor, I broke out the Waterford crystal and Lenox china I'd gotten for my wedding years ago, but toned things down with a simple tablecloth, chunky candles, and a cornucopia basket filled with real apples and mini pumpkins. (I found it difficult to find a cornucopia that didn't come pre-stuffed; I got this one at Cost Plus.) I used Mason jars to hold the cranberry relish and sauce.

I also set up the dining room buffet as a coffee and dessert bar, which kept space - which is at a premium - uncluttered. There were orange lights glowing in the background of the buffet, and a cute pumpkin wreath I picked up at a local store.

Because I did most of the work in advance, I could relax and spend time with my friends, which was the important part. Everyone was relaxed and cheerful, and it made not being with our families much more bearable.