We all know what Thanksgiving is really about—gratitude, family, friends, remembrance. By that definition, the holiday can be celebrated nearly anywhere, in any circumstances. Be it a family home, a restaurant, a dorm room, a homeless shelter, even a Las Vegas hotel. It matters little whether it’s a fancy spread or fast food. It’s about the intangibles.

But if you ever, just once, long for an elegant dinner, prepared by someone else, in a beautifully appointed home, here’s what you need to do. Wangle an invitation to my neighbor Kim’s home, here in Maples at the Sonatas.

That’s my advice, but I didn’t follow it. Yesterday I had nothing to contribute to a Thanksgiving dinner but germs. Lots and lots of germs. So I’m living vicariously through these photos.

Delicious food and drink

A lavishly set table

Kim’s photos do not show what the women did after dinner. But the guys look very content with their manly beverages and cigars in the courtyard.