How to Plan Thanksgiving Dinner for a Crowd

If you have decided to host Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd this year then chances are you're a little overwhelmed and worried about whether you can pull it off. Not to worry. Once you have a plan in place you will have no problem hosting a great Thanksgiving dinner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan ahead. Once you have committed to hosting Thanksgiving dinner it's time to start the shopping list. Watch the sales in the coming weeks before Thanksgiving and pick up non-perishables as they go on sale. Many stores offer huge discounts on frozen turkeys in November so be sure to make room in your freezer ahead of time.

2. Buy the right amount of food. If you would like leftovers then an 18 to 20 pound turkey will do; especially if some of your guests are children. The turkey will also go further if you have plenty of side dishes. Plan on five to seven pounds of potatoes for mashed potatoes. Are you stuffing the turkey? Plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 cup prepared stuffing per pound of turkey. Check the resource section for more tips.

3. Plan a potluck Thanksgiving. As the host you will want to make sure that all the traditional sides are covered such as the stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, at least one hot vegetable, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie. Check with your guests to see how many are bringing a dessert, a hot dish, a cold dish, etc. If you can find out in advance what everyone is bringing you will know what is still needed.
   
   It is always nice to have a variety of vegetable colors on your Thanksgiving dinner table. Choose from simple sides such as winter squash, green peas, brussel sprouts and a salad or coleslaw. Round out the table with some hot vegetable casseroles such as scalloped corn, sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole. With a Thanksgiving potluck you are sure to have a nice variety for your dinner table.

4. Start prep work the night before. Making pies, chopping vegetables, and even getting out your pots and pans the night before will save you time Thanksgiving morning. Drinks can be put in the refrigerator the night before and don't forget to make plenty of ice.

5. Save time on last minute preparation. With the turkey in the oven you have quite a few hours to take care of other preparations but once it comes out of the oven it seems that everything needs to be done at once. This is where delegating comes in handy. For example, I am not the best gravy maker so I usually ask my mother or sister to make it while I set the table, warm up the rolls, and put out the relish tray. I also mash the potatoes about an hour before dinner and keep them on low in the crock pot so that they don't have to be prepared at the last minute.
   
   After you remove the turkey from the oven be sure to let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. As you carve the turkey, place it on a platter and cover it with foil to keep warm.

6. Don't forget the drinks. Ice water is perfectly acceptable to serve with dinner along with coffee and tea with dessert. You may also opt serve wine with dinner as well as a non-alcoholic punch. Check the resource section below for a simple but tasty punch recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stress about how much you will need of each food as long as you make sure you have enough turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing.. Once guests fill their plate with these foods they will most likely only take small amounts of the other side dishes. Just be sure to have enough dessert for everyone.
• Make sure you have enough seating, utensils, dinnerware and serving bowls. You can always borrow if needed.

Resources

• How to Make Waldorf Salad
• Eating on a Budget
• Turkey Tips
• How to Make a Simple Party Punch

[sunnyglitter]

on 11/5/2009 Great article! I'm thinking about hosting Thanksgiving this year.

[LilacGirl]

on 11/5/2009 Helpful and informative article on planning a Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd.

[cherry67]

on 11/5/2009 good article-thanks!