I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year, writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house. Nice, fresh flavors for a side dish or salad.