Just found out Thanksgiving guest count +8

[Anonymous]

DH and I regularly host Thanksgiving for his side of the family, as his parents are no longer up to it, and SIL/BIL don’t like to cook, but are kind and helpful and bring and buy lots of things like wine and cheese and pies. Between my kids and SIL/BILs kids, the total guest count for a “usual year” is 9, which is totally manageable. My husband’s cousin recently got divorced, and asked if he and his two kids could join us…no problem! But then when his sibling (another cousin) got wind of that, they wanted to join us, too, and now our total “additional guest” count is +8, bringing the grand total of guests to 17.

In the words of Scooby Doo…”Zoinks!”

I think I need to let go of how some things are typically done, like obviously we can’t all sit together at the dining table, so we’ll have to make use of the kitchen table and at least one card table as well. I’m on the fence about using disposable plates, but I’ll probably break down and use a combination of china and standard dinner plates, because I hate cutting into turkey on paper plates.

So I need advice on: how to pull it all off for 17?

I think my menu will be:

Apps:
Cheese/dried fruit/pear board with baguettes and crackers (mostly a BIL/SIL contribution)
Olives and cornichons
Maybe a hot dip, like spinach-artichoke? Maybe ask BIL/SIL or one of the cousins?

Main menu:
Turkey/gravy
Ham (Honeybaked, a half-ham?)
Mashed potatoes (I make them the night before, Pioneer Woman recipe)
Corn casserole
Dressing
Cranberries (we just stew them in sugar)
Green beans
Maybe another side? Glazed carrots?

Desserts:
I’m basically asking both cousins and BIL/SIL to cover desserts, but I will make homemade whipped cream

Beverages:
Wine and beer, BIL/SIL contribution
Sodas and flavored seltzers
Sparkling apple cider

Looking for your tips! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Coming from a family who dressed up and used the fine china for Thanksgiving and marrying into a paper plate, wear whatever you wore for morning chores sort of family, it was hard for me to get used to. But my best tip is paper plates, plastic utensils and plastic cups. Get the strong ones.

Your menu sounds great and your celebration sounds wonderful. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

#1 don't fret. It's about spending time together.
#2, just buy a set of non-expensive ceramic plates if you want it all matching. DO NOT use paper or throw away plates. Lordy.
#3 have plenty of drinks such as booze, beer, egg nog, etc. Makes for less stress and lowered inhibitions all around. It's a party afterall.

[Anonymous]

You’ll do great, OP! Plan on doubling most of your recipes, so make sure you have enough large casseroles/baking dishes. I like to make a few things ahead, like you— usually mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, since that can be served cold/room temp. Go with disposable plates, silverware, napkins for easier clean up.

My mom has hosted a lot of large gatherings. She taught me to keep a folder or binder with all the recipes in one place. Some years she even made schedules so she’d know when to start on each dish (and so others could easily jump in and help).

Your menu sounds great — I would add some rolls, too. You’re probably good without another side!

I have fond memories of eating at the “kids’ table” on holidays with 20-30 people. Don’t worry about needing to use every table in the house, or people not eating all together.

[Anonymous]

Maybe add some rolls, which you can have BIL/SIL bring.

[Anonymous]

Buy ziplock bags or some other travel containers to send leftovers home with people

If you are considering a hot dip, use a crock pot for heating it up so you can dump it in and forget it in the morning. Task a kid to refill your dip bowl as needed.

Set up all the drinks outside your kitchen.

If you are considering another side, mashed butternut squash with butter and apple pie spice can be done the day before and just heated.

When our group gets this big we sometimes do a buffet as we are also navigating 2-3 tables for everyone.

When people ask if they can help with clean up - absolutely say yes. I’ve made the mistake of being a gracious guest and declining, just walking them to the door. Never again. We use china and crystal and so much needs to be washed by hand even with just the pans, bowls, trays, etc.

If possible, buy aluminum trays to heat things up in the oven and possibly serve from if needed. Makes clean up so much easier with huge groups.

You got this, op!

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate your thoughts. I will add rolls, and crock pot for the dip is a good idea.

We will for sure serve buffet style, I always do, even when it’s just our smaller group of 9.

I do have a written plan that I haven’t used in a few years, but I’m going to dust it off and account for doubling recipes, etc. Thank. You all again!

[Anonymous]

Make ahead gravy. There are tons of recipes out there. Basically you roast turkey wings (super cheap) to make it. Making gravy after the turkey is done is such a pain and unnecessary stress since you can make it a couple days in advance.
I think your plan is great!

[Anonymous]

We have used china and crystal for gatherings and also plastic and paper! We also host catered events and hire a bartender and use disposable cups sometimes! We also go to events at our fancy country club and they have disposable cups for drinks depending on where the event is held. In other words, the best food and the most gracious events can have paper and plastic. Really. It can.

Since OP just got her guest count doubled I think it's more than okay to use disposable. She has enough on her plate (har har) this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make ahead gravy. There are tons of recipes out there. Basically you roast turkey wings (super cheap) to make it. Making gravy after the turkey is done is such a pain and unnecessary stress since you can make it a couple days in advance.
I think your plan is great!

This is such a good idea. I would even roast a practice turkey and throw it in the freezer but super cheap turkey wings is brill.

[Anonymous]

OP, don't read any of the responses. Just tell DH that he's in charge this year, and head out for your 20k steps for the day.

[Anonymous]

We are usually 20-25 for Thanksgiving.

We use plastic plates from CostCo - they come in dinner and dessert size and they're just as turkey-cuttable as china. But you don't have to wash them.

Wrap silverware in napkins the day before, tie with a ribbon and serve up in a basket.

Guests bring apps, rolls, desserts and booze.

Coolers outside for cold drinks.

Multiple app stations inside and outside.

Make sure you get a big enough turkey, or get a breast as well.

+1 on making sure you have big enough casseroles for sides -- if not, buy those big heavy foil pans and transfer cooked mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc. to serving dishes.

We use a second oven next door (they're invited) to cook sides and cook the turkey in the house oven.

Buffet style, for sure.

We eat at the table, bar, patio table, TV trays, laps in front of the big screen football game. It's not fancy, but it's family.

[Anonymous]

Can you do a kids table and an adults table? My family has the “adults” (grandparents plus parents), and the “kids” tables. It’s awesome. Then you only need matching for the adults table, and the kids table can be whatever (including plastic for littles that might drop or spill).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make ahead gravy. There are tons of recipes out there. Basically you roast turkey wings (super cheap) to make it. Making gravy after the turkey is done is such a pain and unnecessary stress since you can make it a couple days in advance.
I think your plan is great!

OP here. I do let Wegmans make my gravy! The fresh gravy in the deli section is honestly better than any gravy I’ve made.

[Anonymous]

I usually host 10-15 and I use real plates for dinner but I use holiday themed paper plates for dessert and for the appetizers/nibbles. Otherwise it’s just too many plates and the dishwashing gets really overwhelming.