For those who are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, here are some helpful tips if you are hosting for the first time or maybe just something that you haven't seen before, and also an idea for a menu (what we usually make every year).
1. Make lists + prep, prep, prep//
Write down what you're making, make a list of all the groceries you need for each dish Example: Green Bean Casserole - (lists all ingredients needed to make this dish...and so on) and set each dish up with everything measured out and ready to go, so you're not measuring as you go
Prepare and cook as much as you can the day(s) before Thanksgiving so you are just left with Turkey and any small tasks the day of
-Defrost your frozen turkey properly. We set ours in the fridge on Monday so it defrosts slowly and completely. This step is very important. If not, you can buy a turkey a few days before that's already defrosted
-We put our turkey in the oven really early that morning and let it cook all day. Make sure you take out the gizzards (the packet) that's inside the turkey before you cook it
-If you make your casseroles the day before, leave off any toppings and then add them when you reheat it on Thanksgiving! If you reheat anything that has cream, add a little milk when reheating it to liven it up
-Mashed Potatoes can be made way ahead of time and then you can freeze them. Place in the fridge to thaw the day or two before and then stick them in the slow cooker or pot to reheat the day of (add a little milk)
-Pies and most dessert can be made ahead of time
-Even make sure your table is setup the night before
-Also, pick out an outfit beforehand! Make sure you can handle food/look cute in and start getting ready at least two hours before you expect guests to arrive. Even if it's getting ready little by little throughout the day in-between eating and prepping
2. Invest in a buffet server/use crockpot
This item is a lifesaver for keeping food warm while everyone is settling in and you're waiting to eat dinner. I'd even say get two, depending on how much food you're serving (linked one here) Guests will be able to serve themselves and the food will stay warm for second rounds. Also, have a crockpot? Use it to keep whatever you need warm as well! Since you will more than likely have more than one food item to keep warm, an additional heating element will be helpful. An oven can be used but then you have to set everything out and will likely get cold
3. Have a cocktail or wine ready//
Have a featured cocktail that is setup, or wine ready for people to serve themselves when they arrive. Apple Cider Old Fashioneds is a good one or White Sangria or Pumpkin Pie Spiced Mules
4. Don't forget to set the items that are in the fridge out for dinner//
I think we are infamous for leaving cranberry sauce or anything that is chilled in the fridge! We are always so focused on keeping everything hot that we don't think to look in the fridge for the cold items. You can set a timer on your phone for around when you plan on having dinner that tells you to set things in fridge on the table
5. Make room in your fridge//
Use a cooler you may have to store items you're not using for Thanksgiving dinner to make more room in your fridge for items you are using! You will be glad you have the extra room, trust me
*Also, you can use a cooler to keep food warm. Just pour hot water into it, let it sit for 10 minutes, then carefully drain it. Line it with tinfoil and you have yourself a warmer
Don't stress. Don't forget to shower. No one knows your vision/plan/menu (don't print a menu out) so just focus on what you can and forget the rest. It's all about visiting anyway
MENU IDEA:
Starter: Mushroom + Brie Soup, House Salad
Main: Oven Roasted Turkey marinated in Mojo
Sides: Green Bean Casserole (I use the mushroom and brie soup for a base, I just thicken it up with flour for casserole), Sweet Potato Soufflé, Creamy Mashed Potatoes + House Gravy, Caramelized Carrots, Uncle D's Mac n' Cheese, Sage + Sausage Dressing, Cranberry Orange Relish from TJ's
Featured Cocktail: Apple Cider Old Fashioned or Pumpkin Pie Spiced Mule
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie with Leaf Decor Crust, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Crisp
Shop the post:
