Anonymous wrote: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.

Same here.

Also - we do a fun activity between dinner and dessert.
Recently, we have been sponsoring a family for the holidays and everyone brings something to wrap.

You sound like you have this all under control and you are on a path for a great day.

You got this OP. Sounds like you have a great helpful family and everyone is probably just happy you are willing to host! When my family all gets together there are 26 of us and we somehow manage nice meals and pull it off fine.

IF you do want to have matching dishes, it's relatively easy to rent a set of white plates, glasses, cutlery, table cloths, folding chairs and tables if needed. We've occasionally done that for parties. Not necessary, and thick paper or bamboo works too, but if a nicely set table is your thing, that's an option and saves a lot of mental energy you might otherwise spend trying to round up everything you need.

Your plan of making others mostly responsible for dessert, apps, drinks sounds spot on.

Grew up with 25-30 for holidays and we typically host 15-20 every other year.

Agree your menu looks great. Also agree a separate table for kids if they are close to the same age is good for parents and children. Honestly, my favorite memories as a kid around the holidays. If kids are young, plan for some fun things to hold their attention so parents can stay at the table longer.

You got this! If you’re used to cooking for nine, then 17 will be a breeze.

I recently saw some really nice upscale plastic plates and fake silverware made of plastic that looked very nice. If that makes it easier for you and you don’t have to worry about washing dishes or running out of plates then go for it.
Delegate the sides and have other family members pitch in so that you don’t have to cook at all.

Anonymous wrote: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.

This is what I do. I also use crystal or glass for the adults and buy paper or plastic cups for the kids.

Buy the mashed potatoes at Costco (Wegmans probably has them too) and just microwave on the day. Agree to ask others to bring sides. But your menu sounds great as is with rolls!

If oven space is an issue, start heating things up early and use coolers lined with towels to keep hot until dinner. Spreadsheets listing when to put what in the oven for how long and at what temp keeps you on task. I post them on the fridge for easy reference.

If one of your guest is good at carving turkeys, tell them to bring their knives. So much of Thanksgiving is last minute, it’s helpful to line people up.

17 people is nothing. No need for ham - just order a bigger turkey. Add the olives to the cheese board and keep the apps portion of the evening for a short time.

(Big)Turkey
Dressing
Cranberry
Corn casserole
Mashed potatoes
String beans
Rolls ( have someone order and pick up 20-24 from a nearby bakery)

Apple and pumpkin pies, and maybe pears and dessert cheese (have guests bring these). You can make the cranberry the day before.

Anonymous wrote:I am a fine china and crystal devotee, but… I started following the Sophistiplate account on Instagram during COVID and I have been dying to have an occasion to host for more people that I have china in order to order some of their stuff (themed paper plates, napkins, even cutlery). It hasn’t happened yet but I could live vicariously through you.

LOL 🤮🤮🤮
I just looked up their website since I don't have "insta" - instagrammable place settings.
At the very least this terrible site could make a way to filter out the Sold Out options. Application 101.
Costco is fine, thanks.

Yes get a bone in 1/2 ham from honey baked. Easy and no cooking. With 17 people you are going to need at least double what you’d have for 9. Personally, I’d probably buy some sides from Wegmans or Balduccis, but your menu sounds great! Enjoy!

Anonymous wrote:OP, I just wanted to say it is very kind of you to host the divorced cousin and the rest of the family.

You've got this.

This. Go, OP!

You’ve totally got the right attitude, and if not having a ton of cleanup helps the tiniest bit, you should 100% use disposable dishes.

OP, I just wanted to say it is very kind of you to host the divorced cousin and the rest of the family.

You've got this.

I am a fine china and crystal devotee, but… I started following the Sophistiplate account on Instagram during COVID and I have been dying to have an occasion to host for more people that I have china in order to order some of their stuff (themed paper plates, napkins, even cutlery). It hasn’t happened yet but I could live vicariously through you.

My hack is to run and empty the dishwasher at some point Thursday morning, so that a lot of the prep utensils/bowls/stuff can be put away and the dishwasher is completely empty and ready to be filled with dinnerware when the meal is over. Even if you are hand-washing your china and silver (I do), it is awesome to have a place to put it during cleanup.

Maybe invite the additional folks to bring the one side that makes Thanksgiving for them? You get additional items, and also avoid any grousing about “Where are the creamed onions? How can you possibly have TG without creamed onions?”