How to Plan a Southern-Style Thanksgiving Meal

Whether you're from the South or you've always loved the Southern touch, here's a starting point to get your imagination working on planning a Southern-style Thanksgiving. Basic Thanksgiving planning pointers are included.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Southern Cookbooks
• Holiday Cookbooks
• Vegetarian Cookbook

1. Figure out how many guests to invite. Consider the size of your home; the number of chairs, tables and dishes you'll need; and your ability to cook for a number of people.
2. Think of decorations that might dress up your home and complement a Southern-style menu. For example, place cards could be propped up by acorns.
3. Decide whether you want to ask people to help you, either by bringing parts of the meal (wine, dessert, appetizers, side dishes) or by coming early to help in the kitchen.
4. Determine the food preferences and restrictions of your guests. Are there any vegetarians or people with food allergies?
5. Consider the sequence of the meal and its balance. Balance starchy foods with light vegetable dishes. Consider how many courses you want to serve and how many appetizers should be on hand for pre-meal noshing.
6. Think about giving old standards a Southern accent. Consider barbecuing a turkey and serving a cornbread stuffing on the side. Think about interesting side dishes, such as grit cakes with pepper relish. Emphasize ingredients known and revered in the South, such as mashed potatoes with caramelized sweet onions. Pecan pie, rather than pumpkin, is a Southern staple.
7. Once you've planned the menu, consider the timing and preparation of each dish. Is it physically possible for you to make all the dishes you've planned? Think about the limitations of your own kitchen as well. Remember that if you've purchased a frozen turkey, it will need time to thaw in the refrigerator. And if you only have one oven, keep in mind that on the big day, the turkey will be occupying it for most of the time.

Tips & Warnings

• People generally expect turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. If you're making pecan pie, consider offering another choice, because many people don't like nuts.
• Leftovers are expected at Thanksgiving, so take that into account.