First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

I think we will be hosting many more of the big holidays now that we have DS. Just curious as to what you do if you usually host a big holiday.

I'm going to attempt to make a pumpkin cheesecake I saw the recipe for that looked reaaaally good!

Here's a few questions I thought of, feel free to add anything else.

How do you cook your turkey? I heard somewhere to cook it upside down!
What other dishes do you make?
What sides are a must have in your house?
What's your favorite dessert?

Message edited 11/22/2011 3:10:25 PM.

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

I never heard of an upside turkey!


Must have sides are mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole with sweetened coconut and layered with marshmallow, corn or broccoli casserole, stuffing

I always bake a pumpkin cheesecake and this time Im also making cake pops.

Going to my in laws so Im only making the stuffing, sweet potatoes and desserts

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

I think the turkey is juicier if you cook it upside down, not sure if I'm going to try it though for the first attempt!

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

This is my ninth year hosting.

Set the table the night before.

I also put aside all casseroles and utensils I am using with sticky notes inside to indicate what is going in them. That way I am not running around looking for a casserole or slotted spoon 5 minutes before I am serving.

Make whatever you can ahead of time.

Take any help offered.

Don't worry - it'll be fine!

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

This is the first year we are cooking it breast side down.... the reasoning is that the dark meat (which has more fat) is on top and will self baste the turkey! Zorns has directions on their website for this method!

This is what I do to help me on the big day.

-set table the night before
-i am making the stuffing tomorrow so that it can be just popped into the turkey and a tray to just pop into the oven after the turkey is done.
-in the morning, I will cook/roast the brussel sprouts, then warm them again before dinner
-in the morning i will peel and cut potatoes and leave them on a pot on the stove, when I am ready, I can boil them and will mash them and leave them in the pot and then turn the flame on and warm them before serving.
-string beans are getting steamed... the pot will be ready to turn on when ready.
-have a list!!!
-I also lay out everything i need so that I am not running around looking for ingredients, etc.
-clean as much as you can as you go along to keep your counters and sink clean (this is DH's job in our house!)
-i take out all the serving bowls and label them with post-its so when serving time comes its is easier.
my mom, sister and MIL are all bring stuff, so that helps also!

Message edited 11/22/2011 4:24:21 PM.

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

all great tips ladies, thank you!!

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

What they mean is start cooking the bird breast side down and then flip the bird over in the oven so the juices are distributed. I do this and it makes for a moist bird.

I would start baking tonight. Anything you can make tonight or tomorrow for Thursday I would. I would set the table tomorrow night.

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

I just looked up the Zorn's how to and I think I'm going to try it.

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

Ask guests to bring dishes!! Whatever they can bring is one less thing you have to. If you plan to have a lot of guests, have each guest/couple/family bring a dish and wine. It will help you out immensely!!

ETS: Our first Thanksgiving we had 17 people. I had guests bring several side dishes, dessert and they also brought some wine. I made the turkey, pumpkin pie and one other side.

Message edited 11/22/2011 10:06:58 PM.

Re: First timer hosting Thanksgiving...any tips?

I've cooked my turkey upside down for the past 3 years and wouldn't cook it any other way. It comes out so moist & juicy! You will not be disappointed I promise!

Preparing the day or night before helps a lot and frees up some time for the Big Day! It can be hectic but it's a load of fun!