Thanksgiving at Corcoran Reverie
Thanksgiving is a time when homes come alive—filled with the laughter of loved ones, the clinking of glasses, and the unmistakable aroma of traditions simmering in the kitchen. It’s a season that reminds us what “home” truly means: not the address, but the memories and moments shared within it.
As I gathered favorite holiday favorites from our agents and leadership, both here and from The Corcoran Group, it became clear that these dishes carry more than just flavor—they hold the essence of togetherness and tradition.
One thing I quickly discovered? At Corcoran Reverie and beyond, Thanksgiving opinions are as diverse as the people sharing them, and let’s just say the debate over which dish deserves the crown was both spirited and delicious!
For our Florida agents, based along the beautiful 30A coast, Thanksgiving traditions are as comforting as the gulf breeze. Kim Hatley kicks things off with the ultimate classics: mashed potatoes, gravy, and turkey. “That combination is Thanksgiving on a plate,” she said. It’s a simple yet timeless tradition that brings her family together every year.
Rob Augustine, with his usual humor, swears by Nana Connie’s cranberry relish—my mom’s recipe. A tangy mix of cranberries, crisp apples, and zesty orange, it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Rob couldn’t resist declaring, “I like your mom’s cranberries!” proving that some dishes are as much about the memories as they are about the flavor.
For Abigail Davis, Thanksgiving begins with the smell of sweet potatoes with caramel sauce wafting through the kitchen. “It’s that first whiff when you walk into the room—mmmm,” she said. The buttery, brown sugar topping makes this dish a highlight of her holiday spread and a staple of her family gatherings.
Marla Hanna uses Thanksgiving as a time to honor her family and heritage with her cherished Aunt Fannie’s stuffing. “I make it in memory of my parents and siblings,” she shared. Nutmeg-dusted bread cubes, fresh parsley, buttery celery, and onions combine into a dish steeped in love and tradition.
And for Suzanne Simpson, the holidays wouldn’t feel complete without her mom’s homemade rolls and classic dressing. “They’re the taste of home for me,” she said, smiling as she remembered the many holidays they’ve made special.
Meanwhile, our Nashville team brings their own cherished traditions to the table, each dish a reflection of the love and joy they share during the holidays. Michael Bonagura doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite: butternut squash casserole. “That’s an easy one,” he said, as if there could be no other contender. The sweet and savory blend of squash with its crumbly topping not only graces his Thanksgiving table but embodies the warmth of the season.
Julia Bonanno lights up when she talks about her go-to holiday combination: green bean casserole and mashed potatoes with gravy. “It’s the perfect balance of creamy and savory,” she said, a pairing that’s become a cornerstone of her family’s celebration.
Charlotte Flowers keeps things delightfully simple yet deeply satisfying: “Mashed potatoes,” she declared. “Always mashed potatoes.” Her straightforward love for this classic dish reminds us that sometimes, the simplest traditions are the ones that bring the most joy.
For Toni Templeman, Thanksgiving is all about her hearty vegetarian stuffing, a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Toni’s plant-based twist proves that traditions can evolve while still holding onto the comfort and connection of holidays past.
Across our leadership team, Thanksgiving favorites tell a story of tradition, nostalgia, and gratitude. Chris Grimes, managing broker of our Nashville campus, shares his love for sweet potato soufflé—a dish that’s as sweet as the memories it brings. Abbie Walls, also in Nashville, lights up when she talks about her family’s sweet potato casserole, a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
But not everyone is aboard the sweet potato train! Conner Morrison, managing broker in Florida, keeps it classic with green bean casserole, made old school with canned beans—because some traditions are too good to mess with. And he’s not alone—Faith Farnum, from our Nashville campus, waves her spatula proudly as a card-carrying member of the Green Bean Casserole Club!
It’s almost like a friendly culinary face-off: the Sweet Potato Squad versus the Green Bean Dream Team. While it’s hard to choose a winner, one thing is clear—each dish is a heartfelt reminder of the traditions that bring us together.
Within our larger Corcoran family, the holiday takes on unique flavors. Ida Fields, with a nostalgic smile, reminisced about her love of stuffing paired with rich gravy. And for Christina Panos, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without Spanakopita, a Greek twist on a day that celebrates abundance and togetherness.
Some of our team keep it delightfully simple. Hilary Farnum-Fasth always looks forward to mashed potatoes, proving that the most timeless traditions are often the most comforting. Bob Bonanno stays true to the centerpiece of the holiday with turkey, while Joe Fairweather rounds out his meal with cranberry sauce and eggnog, two staples that taste like the holidays themselves. And then there’s Libbi Cartwright, who refuses to pick a side, declaring her love for both sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes—because why not have it all?
We couldn’t forget Brynn Touchstone, who chimed in with a laugh, “I like those too!” Her cheerful, easygoing nature is a perfect reminder of what Thanksgiving is all about: finding joy in the little things and coming together to celebrate the love and gratitude we share.
It’s funny how the simplest dishes—cranberries, potatoes, green beans—become the cornerstone of our most cherished memories. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food but about the people who gather around the table. It’s about the stories, the laughter, and the unspoken gratitude that comes from being in each other’s company.
Wherever you are, whatever you love most about this season, and whoever you share it with, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, joy, and the unmistakable feeling of home.
From all of us at Corcoran Reverie, thank you for being part of our extended family. We are grateful for you and wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, connection, and the heart of home.
Courtesy of Corey Birger