First Thanksgiving Checklist – A Guide to Being a Great Host

by Kerri Cooke

Perhaps you’re a newlywed or you’ve just purchased your first home. Your dream has always been to play host. You’ve offered to hold Thanksgiving dinner at your place, but you don’t know how to go about it since you have no experience. Follow this checklist and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with minimal stress. 

Make a Guest List – It might sound like a 

no-brainer, but decide who you want to invite well ahead of the holiday. And ensure you know about any plus-ones attending with relatives or friends. Give a deadline for guests to provide a headcount, so you know how much food is needed and how many table settings to prepare. 

Decide Who is Cooking – Are you taking care of all of the food or will everyone provide a dish? Cooking alone is a large undertaking, so if you choose this option, be prepared for the unexpected. Ensure you have the correct baking tools and enough dishware to hold the food. And don’t forget the turkey thermometer. If guests are bringing food, keep a record of what everyone is supposed to bring so dishes aren’t duplicated. 

Write a Shopping List – It’s impossible to remember everything we need from the store, especially when our lives are so busy. Cut down on trips by jotting down ingredients needed on paper or on your phone. Be sure to include items such as paper towels, as well. 

Shop Before the Rush – Go to the store a couple days before Thanksgiving and you’ll likely be met with bare shelves on popular items. Shop in advance to make sure you have that can of pumpkin for pumpkin pie. You don’t want to have to visit five stores to find the one item you need. 

Thaw the Turkey – It’s a common rookie mistake. You didn’t realize how long it takes for a turkey to defrost and took it out Thanksgiving morning thinking it’d be ready to cook in a couple hours. Don’t be left without the signature dish by forgetting to thaw the bird. The rule of thumb is to provide one day for every four to five pounds of a turkey. So, if you’re turkey is 15 pounds, it needs at least three days to defrost in the refrigerator. 

Start Cooking & Baking Early – Many desserts can be refrigerated, frozen or even kept in a sealed container on the counter for a while. You can always pop them into the microwave or oven at the last minute to warm them up. It may be easiest to tackle desserts first before you move on to side dishes, which will be served best while fresh. Pick easy appetizers to make, such as deviled eggs. And make sure you start on your turkey early enough on Thanksgiving, allowing ample cooking time, so it will be ready for the lunch or supper. 

Set the Table – While the meat is baking and the other dishes are under control, set the table. Ensure there are enough place settings for everyone who will be attending.  

Remember – Don’t be afraid to accept help if people offer. Thanksgiving is meant to be enjoyed. The world won’t end if the cornbread is burnt.