How to Host a Memorable Thanksgiving Feast—With Recipes & Tips From the Editors at EatingWell

For many home cooks, Thanksgiving is the main event of the year. It’s the time to dazzle, to show off, to pull together a big meal and gather your family and friends to feast and practice gratitude. But if you’re new to hosting or even if you’ve been preparing the meal year after year, it can be intimidating. But have no fear, you can do this. As a senior editor at EatingWell and someone who has hosted her fair share of Thanksgiving dinners, I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to make the day go as smoothly as possible. I’m sharing my tips below, as well as tips from my colleagues and all of our favorite EatingWell recipes for the holiday.

Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Make a Plan 

Whenever I’m hosting Thanksgiving dinner, I always start by planning my menu. I’ll search online and flip through cookbooks and magazines and flag all the things I want to try, along with tried-and-true favorites that I know my family will be looking forward to. Then I figure out what things will go well together, if I have enough—or too many!—sides and if anything is missing. I’ll also think about who’s invited and what they might want to bring along so all of the work doesn’t fall on me.

Prep What You Can

Next, I look for ways to save myself time on the big day. I think about what can be made completely ahead (many desserts fall into this category) and what I can get a head start on. For instance, I know I can cut squash or shave Brussels sprouts the day before. If I’m serving a fruit or veggie platter, I can get some of that prep done as well. I’ll think about pre-mixing a batch cocktail so guests can help themselves when they arrive and I can keep cooking. 

Gather Equipment

As you get ready for the big day, it’s also helpful to consider all the things you’ll use to prep the meal, such as cutting boards, knives (be sure they are sharp and ready to work), peelers, a roasting pan and rack if you’re making turkey, a meat thermometer (I like an instant-read thermometer) and sheet pans, baking dishes and prep bowls. I also check to see if I have everything I need to set the table—enough plates, placemats, silverware and glassware for everyone. And I start designating serving dishes and utensils for each dish I’m making. It’s also a good idea to have some containers for leftovers and containers you don’t mind parting with (at least temporarily) to send leftovers home with your guests.

Give Yourself a Break

I think it’s important to have a little time to yourself in the midst of all the cooking. For me that moment is always early on Thanksgiving morning when I’m putting the turkey in the oven and no one else is awake yet. It gives me time to have a cup of tea, review my plan and just enjoy a peaceful moment before I jump into everything the day entails. I might also try to take my dog, Chloe, out for a walk to get a little exercise and fresh air, which helps with reducing any potential stress over the meal. And most important, I make sure to eat breakfast; otherwise, I’ll find myself nibbling on random things while I’m preparing the meal, and by the time dinner rolls around, I’m completely ravenous!

What to Make for Thanksgiving Dinner

Let’s Get Started

While Thanksgiving dinner is often a hearty meal, it’s nice to have some snacks for grazing before dinner while family and friends catch up. One of my go-tos is stuffed mushrooms, but cheese and crackers and crudités and a creamy dip are effortless crowd-pleasers too.

The Main Event

For many Thanksgiving dinners, a golden, roasted turkey is the centerpiece. My dad is a chef (now retired), and he taught me to get the turkey roasted and out of the oven first so you can free up your oven for making everything else. It’s a strategy that has always served me well, and the turkey is actually better if you let it rest so that the juices have time to redistribute for a moister bird. Plus, there are ways to keep it warm or rewarm it when you’re ready to serve it. 

But I know turkey is not for everyone. If you’re forgoing it this year for dietary or other reasons, there are plenty of other options for the main dish. You can just load up the table with side dishes, you could make a vegetarian entree like stuffed squash, or you could choose another meat that your family prefers. (My mother-in-law always made a turkey and a brisket.)

It’s All About the Sides

At Thanksgiving, I look forward to the sides more than anything else. I love loading up my plate with vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, plus a little pile of mashed potatoes for collecting gravy. Some fresh rolls are another must (though Ina Garten disagrees with me on that point). And most people think it’s not really Thanksgiving without the stuffing. 

While sides might feel easier to pull off than a roast turkey, we still have some tips to offer to help you make the best possible sides and fix any mistakes. Plus, we talked to several chefs and found out which potatoes you should buy to make the best mash. 

End with Something Sweet

Thanksgiving dessert spreads usually include some kind of pie. Apple, pumpkin, chocolate pecan … all are welcome. And while I love a slice (or two) of pie, I actually love making other desserts as well, like cakes, cookies or brownies. The key when it comes to desserts is to find something you can make ahead or ask your guests to bring along.

With these recipes and tips, your Thanksgiving is sure to go off without a hitch. Your guests will appreciate the time and effort you put in, and everyone will enjoy spending time together above all.