Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home? If so, you may feel a significant amount of pressure to create the perfect meal. To help ease your worries, we've compiled a list of common Thanksgiving dinner mistakes to avoid:
Not Serving Turkey
It may seem obvious, but always serve turkey! Offering anything else, unless it’s an addition to the turkey, is a definite mistake. Your guests anticipate a beautifully roasted traditional turkey, so keep it simple and provide what they truly desire! Be mindful of these other Thanksgiving dinner pitfalls to steer clear of...
Not Cooking the Turkey Perfectly
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, ensuring that the turkey is cooked properly is key to satisfying your guests. A common issue with Thanksgiving meals is that the turkey can end up overcooked or undercooked, which can lead to disappointment. Instead of relying on the plastic pop-up timer that usually comes with the turkey, use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This way, you can be confident that your turkey is cooked to perfection, making it delicious and enjoyable for everyone!
Not Having a Plan
You should plan out your meal at least two weeks before Thanksgiving. This will give you plenty of time to shop for a turkey, plan all your sides, and test any recipes you want to test before the big day. Once you plan all your recipes, make a big shopping list and buy the ingredients according to your schedule. Non-perishable items such as canned pumpkin can be purchased well in advance. Perishables, such as fresh produce and the turkey itself should be purchased 1-2 days in advance. Having a plan will help you keep all this information straight!
Not Accepting Help
When someone offers to bring something for your Thanksgiving meal, don’t just say you’re “all set.” Accepting help can significantly reduce your stress levels during this busy season. While it’s true that adding dishes from others could lead to some mismatch, you can easily manage this by clearly communicating your needs. Reference your master list, and when they inquire, confidently let them know what you require. You can provide them with a selection of side dishes or desserts that you were already planning to serve, allowing them to choose what they feel most comfortable preparing. If they’re offering to help, it’s likely because they genuinely want to contribute to the meal.
Preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be time-consuming, but by steering clear of these common pitfalls, you’ll simplify your experience and enjoy the holiday even more!