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Whether you've been recently married, just moved into the new home, or finally decided it's time to "give back" to the parents and extended family, hosting your first Thanksgiving is undoubtedly going to be a BIG DEAL. Not many dinners come with such expectations--the turkey basted to perfection, the mashed potatoes fluffed and steaming, and of course the array of desserts.... but how do you get there?! With some patience and careful planning you'll be golden (just like that pumpkin pie!)
Once you've invited the gang, you're committed. Find out how many will be there and start thinking about the size bird you'll need. As a general rule of thumb, plan on 1.5 lbs. turkey per person. That way you'll have a generous amount for the meal as well as plenty of leftovers (this is key!) Be sure you have an adequate pan for the turkey as well as room in your oven. Remember that turkeys take a long time to cook and you must plan ahead so that it's done on time. While everyone has their own methods of preparation, estimate that it takes 15-20 minutes per pound at 325. The turkey will be done when an inserted thermometer reads >165 degrees. A 5-10 lb. turkey would take 2-3 hours, while a 10-15 lb turkey would take 3-4 hours. Don't be afraid to ask the family experts--they'll be happy to share.
Next plan the side dishes and desserts. Think about who is coming. If you've all been brought up on the same Thanksgiving menu, it should be easy to think about what you'll have, as everyone will be expecting roughly the same dishes. If you're incorporating new people into the mix, ask them what they'd like to have, or if there's a tradition they'd like to share. They'll appreciate your asking. While this meal is for the day of food indulgence, don't go overboard, especially for your first hosting. It's easy to get caught up in the festivities and want it all. Pick out the favorites and leave it at that. If you host next year, add in more dishes at that time. It's also perfectly acceptable to make it a pot-luck meal--this will not only cut down on your work, but will enable everyone to contribute a little something to the meal.
As the day draws near, do all the shopping you can. The less you have to deal with grocery store lines, the better. Most likely, most things can be bought in advance and prepared ahead of time. Don't wait until the day before to embark on your Thanksgiving quest! Some dishes can even be frozen and defrosted that morning and no one will know the difference.
You will also want to take stock in your serving ware, glasses, utensils and seating situation. If you find yourself short on serving spoons, don't hesitate to ask diners to bring some along. If your table isn't big enough, it's OK to be creative and drag in a smaller table to create two tables or push the two together. If you cover with a table cloth, no one will notice. It's the idea of being together that counts. Set all this up early. It's an easy thing to do and get it over with.
Once the table is arranged and set, do a little something for decorations. Place cards add a nice touch, as do candles, fresh flowers, or mini gourds. Bring out all your serving dishes and place them on the table that morning. You'll be glad they're at the ready. Make a list of what needs to be done and when. Feel free to assign people duties such as preparing appetizers or clearing the table. No one will expect you to do it all!
On the morning of the big day, take it slow and make it fun. Remember, it's only a meal. If the squash takes a little longer to cook than you anticipated, that's OK--just serve it when it's ready. Remember that your guests will be grateful you offered to host--and who knows, you may want to make it a tradition.
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