I love this thread! I really look forward to the few times a year when I can take out the good china, glassware, linen tablecloths, etc.

Growing up, I hated having to help my mom prepare large Thanksgiving meals. But I learned so much about how to set a table. And how to make homemade everything.
Yes, the extra prepping and attention to detail takes time. But then that is the beauty of tradition!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

You should come to my MIL's Thanksgiving. The turkey is cooked the day before hand and then cut. Then the cut slices are reheated in the oven right before we eat. And if that sounds like a dry bird, it is.

I cook the turkey the day before and take it apart. The clean-up from the turkey is the worst part of Thanksgiving dinner. This way, I get the clean-up done in advance, plus also the oven is free. And no, the turkey is not dry when it's served.

Best memories from Thanksgivings when I was growing up was my dad carrying the large turkey over to the dining room table and carving it in front of us. Thanksgiving dinner is 1/2 about presentation.

NP. I love that memory too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

You should come to my MIL's Thanksgiving. The turkey is cooked the day before hand and then cut. Then the cut slices are reheated in the oven right before we eat. And if that sounds like a dry bird, it is.

I cook the turkey the day before and take it apart. The clean-up from the turkey is the worst part of Thanksgiving dinner. This way, I get the clean-up done in advance, plus also the oven is free. And no, the turkey is not dry when it's served.

Best memories from Thanksgivings when I was growing up was my dad carrying the large turkey over to the dining room table and carving it in front of us. Thanksgiving dinner is 1/2 about presentation.

Anonymous wrote:I never understood Rachel Ray's garbage bowl. I have a garbage can right there!

I have a compost bucket.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

You should come to my MIL's Thanksgiving. The turkey is cooked the day before hand and then cut. Then the cut slices are reheated in the oven right before we eat. And if that sounds like a dry bird, it is.

I cook the turkey the day before and take it apart. The clean-up from the turkey is the worst part of Thanksgiving dinner. This way, I get the clean-up done in advance, plus also the oven is free. And no, the turkey is not dry when it's served.

Anonymous wrote:Pre-cooked turkey, never! Other dishes and desserts ahead of time? Fine.

I agree. I actually like day old mashed potatoes more. Makes them richer? Some dishes taste better after they've sat a while.

I never understood Rachel Ray's garbage bowl. I have a garbage can right there!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

You should come to my MIL's Thanksgiving. The turkey is cooked the day before hand and then cut. Then the cut slices are reheated in the oven right before we eat. And if that sounds like a dry bird, it is.

Lol! Ewww...no. Our family, in-laws included, cook the day of. It's not that hard. Our dinners are for 20-30 people.

Pre-cooked turkey, never! Other dishes and desserts ahead of time? Fine.

Anonymous wrote:I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

You should come to my MIL's Thanksgiving. The turkey is cooked the day before hand and then cut. Then the cut slices are reheated in the oven right before we eat. And if that sounds like a dry bird, it is.

I'm all for this organization, but I cannot, cannot, cannot go for all the food being made the day before. I do not want leftovers for Thanksgiving dinner. Prep, fine. But the bird, stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes and veggies must be made fresh that day. Day old mashed potatoes are for the day after!!!

Anonymous wrote:If you all brought a side dish and a desert to Thanksgiving and were told "we'll serve this tomorrow," what would you think?

I want to come to your all's civilized Thanksgivings.

That's awful! I'm so sorry. Come on over to my house!

Love all these tips! My mother always made Thanksgiving for a crowd look so beautiful and effortless; I now realize she was ultra-organized and an excellent delegator! She would have the older kids iron linens, set the table, and make place cards/centerpieces. Once I was old enough she let me take on the desserts and sides that could be made the night before. Serveware and storage containers were all organized and labeled in advance so anyone wanting to help could jump in with prep or cleanup. I aspire to host a holiday as lovely as hers someday!

If you all brought a side dish and a desert to Thanksgiving and were told "we'll serve this tomorrow," what would you think?

I want to come to your all's civilized Thanksgivings.

Set the table the day before.