10 Common Thanksgiving Mistakes First-Time Hosts Should Avoid
Welcome to Thanksgiving, new host! A little apprehension? You're not the only one. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time is utterly terrifying…but a good plan will help you avoid normal errors and your holiday stress factors. Whether this is your first turkey or your trying to control Aunt Mildred's "recommendations" or "advice," we've got you covered. You will dazzle your family and friends with a perfect holiday party! Let’s look at my top 10 Thanksgiving mistakes to avoid a lovely holiday!
Mistake #1: Overestimating or Underestimating the Guest List
One of the biggest blunders first-time Thanksgiving hosts make is not getting an accurate headcount. This is an easy mistake to make, but if you misjudge it, it could lead to a chaotic holiday. If you overestimate, you will likely have more food than you can fit in your refrigerator for the entire holiday. If you underestimated, then some guests may not have a seat at the table or, worse, may not get any pie!
Here are a couple of helpful hints to get it right:
- Send invitations out early, and as an added note, include an RSVP date. This will give everyone plenty of time to check their schedules, and you’ll also get a better idea of your actual guest list.
- If your end-of-the-RSVP date arrives and not everyone has responded, make a call to anyone on your list who has not responded. Sometimes people forget, and this gentle reminder might help you tie up loose ends of your guest count.
- If you are expecting gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian guests, be sure to have a plan for dietary restrictions. A guest count is not just a number; it is an equation for harmony!
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Thaw (The Frozen Turkey Fiasco)
Ah, the Thanksgiving turkey— a traditional dish and sometimes a hassle for the host! One problem first-time hosts often encounter is that they begin to thaw the turkey too late. Depending on the turkey size, it may take several days in the fridge to thaw completely.
To avoid the dreaded frozen turkey:
- Plans ahead. It takes about 24 hours to thaw for every 4-5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator. So, if you are planning for a 20-pound turkey, plan to thaw about 4-5 days pre-Thanksgiving!
- Have room in the refrigerator. You need room so ensure there is enough space to fit the turkey, plus consolidate as needed.
- Have an emergency plan. If you run out of time, the cold water thaw is quicker, but safety is first! Keep changing the water every 30 minutes to keep the temperature consistent.
If you keep these things in mind, you are sure to be half confident that your turkey is ready for the table—not competing with the ice-tray—on Thanksgiving Day!
Quick-Fix (Emergency Thaw):
If you're running behind, the cold-water bath method is a last-minute solution (change the water every 30 minutes).
Include a crucial table:
Turkey WeightThaw in Fridge Time
4 to 12 pounds1 to 3 days
12 to 16 pounds3 to 4 days
16 to 20 pounds4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pounds5 to 6 days
Mistake #3: The Timing Trap
When throwing a stress-free Thanksgiving feast, timing is very important. With the years you have hosted dinner parties, you might think you understand how long it takes to prepare everything, cook everything, and serve everything as a first-time host you would be wrong. Timing issues can leave you frazzled, and have your guests talking more about their hunger than you would like. If time management is your concern, to help alleviate these challenges, try planning your dish preparation out with some white space in mind.
- Start early: Get some prep work done a couple of days before. Chop veggies, make (or buy if time is an issue!) pie crust with filling, and set the table the night before.
- Stagger your cooking: If you are hurting for space in your kitchen, think through the cooking time of each dish to help develop a schedule for when you need to use your oven or stove. If you're like us, a whole turkey can take a few hours, so schedule out the rest of the food to when there will be space in your timeline.
- Make sure to add some white space or buffer into your schedule to account for the delay. Things usually take more time than you anticipate, so plan the extra margin time to adjust for the unexpected.
By reevaluating your timeline you have created, you will be able to allow for a meal that you can comfortably execute with out the stress.
Mistake #4: The Side Dish Overload
While we all love a range of side dishes, having an excessive amount can create an unbalanced meal experience for you and your guests. Instead of trying to serve a full cookbook of sides, aim to have a defensible and manageable number of sides to complement the main dish.
- Have Sides with Priority:A mix of your most favorite sides, or maybe a few favorites and then a few special sides. Guests will enjoy a few well-executed popular sides much more than a hodgepodge of ambiguous offerings.
- Balance A Variety Of Tastes and Textures:Think of contrasts of taste such as sweet yams and savory stuffing. As well as textures such as creamy mashed potatoes and crunchy green beans.
- Planning Quantities Required For Serving: Think to yourself "how much do I need for my guest list" for each side you plan to serve. Scale the recipe down as needed to minimize having a fridge explosion of leftovers after your big meal.
Planning your side dishes with these intentional thoughts will keep you from losing your mind in the kitchen and will allow for a manageable and memorable Thanksgiving meal experience.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Dietary Needs
Thanksgiving is all about bringing folks together, which means ensuring everyone at your gathering has the opportunity to partake in the mise-en-place, even with dietary restrictions! When planning your perfect menu, it is easy to forget about dietary restrictions, but you can ensure to include everyone in a considerate manner by planning ahead.
Before your guests arrive, check-in with them about any food allergies, intolerances, or food preferences they may have. You may encounter gluten free, vegan, nut allergies, or low carb dieters, and making minor adjustments to your menu may be necessary. I am not suggesting that you re-plan your entire menu or become a master chef overnight. Rather, you should consider a few of your dishes to be inclusive of those with dietary restrictions. For example:
- A vegetarian stuffing along with the traditional stuffing
- A salad with dressing on the side for dairy free diners
- A nut-free dessert option for guests with nut allergies
It is important to think about your guests, and be inclusive of dietary restrictions, as it relates to food, but also about making them feel welcome and appreciated.
Mistake #6: The "One-Woman Show" Mentality
Being the most gracious host doesn’t mean doing it all alone! You may think the sign of being a good host is doing everything yourself but it's a fast track to exhaustion. Managing everything yourself can lead to burnout long before the festivities begin.
Instead, accept help from your friends and family. Thanksgiving is all about community! Ask other people to take on a certain task or contribute a dish. This doesn't just make your life easier but contributes to a unique variety at the table with each person's contribution!
Below are some ideas for sharing the load:
- Ask a guest to bring their favorite dish
- Ask someone to provide drinks or appetizers
- Enlist someone's help in setting the table or washing dishes
Regardless, remember, hosting isn't successful unless you enjoy the same time as your guests! By letting others help, you're ensuring you're not in a chaotic scramble and your guests can be a part of the overall spirit of togetherness, and communal celebration. This simple way of hosting will allow everyone to share in the joy and conversation around the dinner table! Having others share in the day helps everyone participate in making Thanksgiving so magical!
Mistake #7: Forgetting to Be a Guest at Your Own Party
As the person in charge of this Thanksgiving feast, it's very easy to get wrapped up in all the moving parts of the day. You may find yourself running from the kitchen to the dining room to check on the turkey, warm the side dishes, or set the table. The reality is, Thanksgiving is about being with family and friends; don’t lose out on that because you’re trying to be everything and everywhere all at once.
To combat this, make sure you create a timeline or schedule for the day as well as assign people tasks. Comfortably ask family members or friends to take over whatever responsibilities you need to assign. This way, you can actually sit down, take in the meal you worked hard to make, and enjoy some laughter with your guests. Enjoy your own celebration, and enjoy some good quality “friend” and “family” time in those filling conversations and giggles.
Mistake #8: Letting Stress Ruin the Day
Thanksgiving can be a source of stress, especially if you are hosting for the first time. However, it is essential to keep the stress out of the kitchen! Stress will always reveal itself in what you do and how you act- and all of the guests will feel it too.
To keep stress away:
- Plan ahead. A week before the big meal, make a list so that you can ensure you have everything from food to party favors.
- Be flexible. If your turkey is a little overcooked, or a dish doesn't turn out perfect- just be flexible. It's those imperfections that make times together memorable.
- Take a timeout. If everything starts to feel overwhelming, then step outside for some air or take a walk.
Just remember that a relaxed host means that everyone else will be relaxed too, and as a result, everyone will enjoy one another.
Mistake #9: Skipping a Practice Run for New Recipe
Congratulations! You have discovered an incredible recipe that you cannot wait to prepare just in time for Thanksgiving. But hold on a moment! First-time hosts may be tempted to dive straight into an elaborate new recipe they have never prepared before. Seriously—Thanksgiving is not the day to present surprises that ultimately end up being ruined in the trash bin! You want to rehearse the recipe so you know your steps, how long it takes, and if it is going to without a hitch.
Utilize your family or a small group of friends to serve them as your "practice" dish. It's a win-win. They will get a delicious meal and you will receive useful feedback. Furthermore, practicing form may provide you with more time to alter your seasonings or methods of cooking and share with others as your very own dish. Trust us—your stress level will thank you when 'Big Day' rolls around!
Mistake #10: Forgetting a Personalized Thank You
When you are the host of Thanksgiving, the holiday is not necessarily about the food. It is about spending time with family and friends. After traveling, bringing a component of the meal, or bringing your favorite wine, it is easy to forget to thank family and friends for their participation. Your family and friends will appreciate being recognized.
Emailing a specific thank you, or sending a note to leave at each setting, can be simple or elaborate, depending on how much time you have. You could take a moment during the meal to thank your guests (this would likely be awkward if this is not something you typically do). Thanking guests verbally is important and goes a long way toward letting them know they are valued. After you host a great Thanksgiving, taking a moment for your guests will ensure you made and left the best impression.
To make your gathering even more memorable, consider adding a personal touch with our personalized couples thanksgiving shirts — a fun way to celebrate togetherness and make your holiday photos extra special.
Conclusion
Hosting your first Thanksgiving can seem like an enormous undertaking, but if you have the right tips, you can do it with ease! Just remember that the whole idea is to share a day with family and friends, not to be perfect. If you plan ahead and don't cram too much into your oven, or forget that someone might be vegan, you'll have a great holiday. Above all, let some things go, while keeping a sense of humor, and be flexible. Most importantly, enjoy the company of everyone at your table, the best thing about Thanksgiving is making (hopefully happy) memories for a lifetime. Happy hosting!
FAQs
How do I handle last-minute Thanksgiving prep?
Thanksgiving prep is anxiety producing in the last minute, and this can be simplified with some basic strategies. First, focus on prioritizing tasks and getting the important jobs done early. Get family members or guests to help you do specific tasks, and don’t be afraid to simplify the menu if you must. Set up a drink station or appetizers so your guests will be entertained while you place the finishing touches on the main meal.
What should I do if I run out of time for cooking the turkey?
When short on time for cooking turkey, try spatchcocking the turkey. Spatchcocking involves taking out the backbone and spreading the bird flat. This can cut down cooking time tremendously. Otherwise, buy turkey that has already been cooked from the supermarket, or if you are short on time, rotisserie chickens would be a good choice.
How can I make sure everyone has enough food?
To allow for enough food for everyone, think about the number of guests and enviously calculate appropriate portions. The rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. For sides, serve at least 3 sides and prepare enough so that each guest can go back for plenty more. If you think you need more food at this point, you can think about potluck and have guest brings a dish they want to share.
How far in advance should I start preparing for Thanksgiving?
The earlier you start, the easier it will be to host a stress-free Thanksgiving event. In general, plan to get going about three weeks early. Compile a guest list, determine your menu, and create a shopping list as soon as possible. Gather your non-perishable shopping items about two weeks prior, and inventory your pots and pans, dishes, and flatware. You can make some of your pie and side dishes in advance and then finish preparing the rest on Thanksgiving Day.
What should I do with all the leftovers?
Managing your leftovers can be an enjoyable and tasty adventure! Put leftovers into airtight containers and mark them with the date. Use your imagination and common sense to turn turkey, vegetables, and potatoes into a delicious pot of soup or stew, the ultimate leftover sandwich, or a sumptuous casserole. You can even send leftovers home with guests—if you do, your fridge will be clearer and everyone can bask in the joy of the leftovers that follow Thanksgiving.
