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curiousgeorge
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/10 867 total posts
Name:
MAMA
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Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Can we start a thread? I am hosting Thanksgiving this year and I am terrified. I need some ideas. We are having 20 people. How do I cook for 20 people. If you get it catered where do you go? If you make all the food what do you make? Any tips? Thank you so much.
ETA: I am located in Holbrook! Suffolk County
Message edited 11/1/2011 3:42:32 PM.
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Posted 11/1/11 3:39 PM  |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Where do you live?
I am most likely going to cater in at least the turkey.
I don't mind side dishes- but the thought of cooking a turkey terrifies me.
I just can't
I have a place I am going to look into- let me know where you are located.
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| Posted 11/1/11 3:40 PM |
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curiousgeorge
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/10 867 total posts
Name:
MAMA
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by NervousNell
Where do you live?
I am most likely going to cater in at least the turkey.
I don't mind side dishes- but the thought of cooking a turkey terrifies me.
I just can't
I have a place I am going to look into- let me know where you are located.
If I mess up the turkey everything will be ruined LOL I think it would be a great idea to cater the turkey and then make sides. Not sure what sides will be on my list yet. That's why I started this thread. Good thing my DH can cook better then me.
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| Posted 11/1/11 3:45 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by curiousgeorge
Posted by NervousNell
Where do you live?
I am most likely going to cater in at least the turkey.
I don't mind side dishes- but the thought of cooking a turkey terrifies me.
I just can't
I have a place I am going to look into- let me know where you are located.
If I mess up the turkey everything will be ruined LOL I think it would be a great idea to cater the turkey and then make sides. Not sure what sides will be on my list yet. That's why I started this thread. Good thing my DH can cook better then me.
Yep that is what I plan to do. The turkey seems so daunting. SO much can go wrong. Under cooked, over cooked, dried out, bland.
Then the whole cleaning it out and stuffing it... etc 
If you are in the area, Lombardi's Market has some great packages for turkeys., cooked or uncooked, carved and put back on the bone, or uncarved, sides or no sides- lots of catering options.
ETA- saw you said you are in Holbrook- go check out Lombardis' market. They have flyers you can take from the catering area with all the different turkey day options.
Message edited 11/1/2011 4:14:41 PM.
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| Posted 11/1/11 3:51 PM |
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LeShellem
A new beginning
Member since 2/07 3600 total posts
Name:
LeShelle
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Have your guest bring a dessert or an appetizers. Don't let late comers bring an app dish they have to bring a dessert.
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| Posted 11/1/11 3:58 PM |
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KCCL
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/11 641 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
The Italian Thanksgiving:
1st Meal =
Antipasto
Stuffed Mushrooms
Baked Ziti with Meatballs, Hot and Sweet Sausage, Briciole
Salad
2nd Meal =
Turkey w/ stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Potato Pie
Dessert =
Coffee & Tea
Assorted Pies, cookies and cakes
And everyone brings something so I'm sure i forgot certian things but you get the drift.
Message edited 11/1/2011 4:14:32 PM.
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:04 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
if it makes it easier have your guests bring a side dish... also last year i hosted thanksgiving and i used one of those reynolds oven bags... the turkey came out really nice and not dry at all! just a suggestion in case you're afraid of cooking the turkey!
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:08 PM |
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MockingJay
Ring out the old...
Member since 9/08 1312 total posts
Name:
Ring in the new!
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
For 20 people I would consider possibly making 2 turkeys- maybe you can ask one of your guests to make one as well. Otherwise you're going into the 25-30lb turkey range and not only are they more $$ and take longer to cook through, but JMHO I don't find them to be as tasty as the smaller ones.
There's 101 different ways to cook a turkey so honestly its just what your family prefers. The Food network has specials on Thanksgiving starting at LEAST 2 weeks before and you can always look up some advice.
I've always just gone with simple butter, S&P and garlic, but my FIL likes to use Olive oil and sazon and then lays bacon on top.
Some people stuff their turkeys, but that's become somewhat unpopular these days. I still stuff mine with sausage stuffing because I'm Italian and we're stubborn ;)
As far as host ideas, I saw this today and thought it was a really cute idea and wanted to pass it along:
Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree
 
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:09 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
I am having Thanksgiving at my house this year, 20+ people. I will make one turkey (SO easy) and then my aunt is roasting another and bringing it. Everyone is pitching in with sides and desserts. I will set up sternos to keep everything warm. While I am setting a nice holiday table, the food will be served buffet style. It's easier than trying to fit everyone plus the food around the table.
My advice, make what you can ahead of time. Don't try and do everything the day of the holiday. I will make my pies, stuffing, vegetables etc. the day before so I have less work on the actual holiday. I also set my tables the day before too. Try and plan ahead for as much as possible so you get a moment to breathe and enjoy on Thanksgiving. 
Edit - I don't cater anything so I am no help there. I like to cook (as does my family) so everything is homemade.
Message edited 11/1/2011 4:15:33 PM.
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:14 PM |
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Jennifer
Happy
Member since 5/05 4230 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
I made a 25 pound turkey last year. I started it really early. I put an apple in the turkey to keep it moist and rubbed it with mayo. It was the juiciest turkey ever!!! Just keep checking the pan to make sure that there is some type of juice in there. I usually baste my turkey with a mix of butter and cranberry juice. Keep vegetables in the bottom of the pan.
Just follow the directions on everything. Your turkey should sit a while before you cut it so you can cook your sides while it is still cooling down.
Don't worry and enjoy!!!
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:16 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
The first time I hosted Thanksgiving someone recommended I cook the bird in a roasting bag.
My GOD this thing changed my LIFE!!
The bird took less time to cook, was juicy and came out friggin' perfect AND there was VERY little mess because everything was in the bag!
It comes with time suggestions for cooking the bird - you really can't go wrong.
Then for sides, I made what we usually have at my parents house well with the exception of the few dishes I don't like and the addition of a couple I do.
As for quantities, again, the number of people didn't really change from when my parents host so I just asked them for advice.
It honestly wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:17 PM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by curiousgeorge
Posted by NervousNell
Where do you live?
I am most likely going to cater in at least the turkey.
I don't mind side dishes- but the thought of cooking a turkey terrifies me.
I just can't
I have a place I am going to look into- let me know where you are located.
If I mess up the turkey everything will be ruined LOL I think it would be a great idea to cater the turkey and then make sides. Not sure what sides will be on my list yet. That's why I started this thread. Good thing my DH can cook better then me.
The last year that i went to my sisters in Vegas for Thanksgiving my other sister hosted here in NY and Shaun went there for dinner... she didnt know until after, but there was something wrong with my sisters oven and her turkey didnt cook all the way through...
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:19 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by curiousgeorge
Posted by NervousNell
Where do you live?
I am most likely going to cater in at least the turkey.
I don't mind side dishes- but the thought of cooking a turkey terrifies me.
I just can't
I have a place I am going to look into- let me know where you are located.
If I mess up the turkey everything will be ruined LOL I think it would be a great idea to cater the turkey and then make sides. Not sure what sides will be on my list yet. That's why I started this thread. Good thing my DH can cook better then me.
Yep that is what I plan to do. The turkey seems so daunting. SO much can go wrong. Under cooked, over cooked, dried out, bland.
Then the whole cleaning it out and stuffing it... etc
If you are in the area, Lombardi's Market has some great packages for turkeys., cooked or uncooked, carved and put back on the bone, or uncarved, sides or no sides- lots of catering options.
ETA- saw you said you are in Holbrook- go check out Lombardis' market. They have flyers you can take from the catering area with all the different turkey day options.
It's VERY easy to roast the turkey. Slather him in butter, put some under the skin too, be generous with salt and pepper, a little sage is nice as well. Then, out him in a Reynold's Oven Bag. You don't have to baste or check on the bird at all while it cooks. I use them all the time and my turkeys come out PERFECT EVERY TIME..........moist, juicy, and delicious. The times given on the oven bag instructions are pretty dead on.
**I never stuff my turkey**
Edit - Don't forget to take out the bag of gizzards and the neck BEFORE you roast it!!
Message edited 11/1/2011 4:20:41 PM.
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:19 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by Jennie0898
The first time I hosted Thanksgiving someone recommended I cook the bird in a roasting bag.
IMAGE
My GOD this thing changed my LIFE!!
The bird took less time to cook, was juicy and came out friggin' perfect AND there was VERY little mess because everything was in the bag!
It comes with time suggestions for cooking the bird - you really can't go wrong.
Then for sides, I made what we usually have at my parents house well with the exception of the few dishes I don't like and the addition of a couple I do.
As for quantities, again, the number of people didn't really change from when my parents host so I just asked them for advice.
It honestly wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.
This just reminded me that someone once told me about this bag too!
Thanks for the reminder.
If I get brave- I will consider it!
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:20 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by Hofstra26
It's VERY easy to roast the turkey. Slather him in butter, put some under the skin too, be generous with salt and pepper, a little sage is nice as well. Then, out him in a Reynold's Oven Bag. You don't have to baste or check on the bird at all while it cooks. I use them all the time and my turkeys come out PERFECT EVERY TIME..........moist, juicy, and delicious. The times given on the oven bag instructions are pretty dead on.
**I never stuff my turkey**
Edit - Don't forget to take out the bag of gizzards and the neck BEFORE you roast it!!
To add to this throw some "aromatics" in the bird - onion, carrots, celery
and good pull with removing the gizzards!!
Posted by NervousNell
This just reminded me that someone once told me about this bag too!
Thanks for the reminder.
If I get brave- I will consider it!
Fa serious, the bags are the best invention EVER!!!
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:26 PM |
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8ternity
<3
Member since 11/08 10586 total posts
Name:
Formally NYPD-Wife
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Great idea, hosting for the 1st time too...My grandma is making the Turkey (Thank God) 
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:30 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
So you don't have to baste at all when using that bag right?
Just set it and forget it so to speak???
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:36 PM |
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caps612
In love with my little guys!!
Member since 8/10 5108 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by NervousNell
So you don't have to baste at all when using that bag right?
Just set it and forget it so to speak???
yes.... SUPER EASY! 
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:39 PM |
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femalej
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/11 833 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
great thread!!!! its our first time too. and i dont even eat turkey!! i am definitely going to get those reynolds bag. they sound great! any idea of how big a turkey those bags can fit?
as for other foods,
i was thinking of making soup in a bread bowl as the appetizer (not sure if it will be too filling though).
...and if i make a soup should i also do a salad?
we will be about 16 people but only 12 eat turkey, so we will go for a 20lb bird. i am also going to make something vegetarian on the side (maybe vegetarian shephards pie?)
still figuring out the rest. but i need to start thinking soon!!
thanks for the thread! keep the ideas coming!!
also, if you have an idea for apps/sides that can be cooked at the same temperature as the turkey that would be awesome!
also, totally not opposed to cooking something in the crockpot and/or ricecooker that day, since it wont be taking up any valuable oven space.
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:46 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by caps612
Posted by NervousNell
So you don't have to baste at all when using that bag right?
Just set it and forget it so to speak???
yes.... SUPER EASY!
yup! ANNNNND it cuts down on the time it takes to cook the bird.
FTR, i cooked a 22lb bird
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:47 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by femalej
great thread!!!! its our first time too. and i dont even eat turkey!! i am definitely going to get those reynolds bag. they sound great! any idea of how big a turkey those bags can fit?
I think there are separate bags for larger birds (ie. 20+ lbs)
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:49 PM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
glad to hear i'm not alone!! i'm hosting for the first time this year, too. its only 8 people so not bad at all... but i'm scared to death of the turkey!! I have some of the oven bags in the pantry that i bought and never used- so i'll definitely do that!!
my mom is bringing some sides, and my sister's bringing a side and dessert, so i'll be good to go i think!
I'm just not looking forward to it becasue ILs are coming from OOT and staying for 4 days- so not only do i have to worry about a big thanksgiving dinner.... but i have to worry about playing good little hostess to them for 3 days afterward!!  planning what to feed them the rest of the time they're here, dealing with FILs craziness... making sure the house is spotless for my clean freak MIL...
haha the turkey is definitely a breeze compared to all that!!
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| Posted 11/1/11 4:55 PM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
i am also hosting for the first time. I think we are gonna make a practice turkey to see how it goes.
What is the LB per person ratio? For ex we are having 11 people so we need a _ lb turkey.
TIA!
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| Posted 11/1/11 5:11 PM |
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jerrysgirl
I love my hot dog!!
Member since 6/06 5357 total posts
Name:
E & J
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
Posted by KittyGags
i am also hosting for the first time. I think we are gonna make a practice turkey to see how it goes.
What is the LB per person ratio? For ex we are having 11 people so we need a _ lb turkey.
TIA!
if i remember it is a pound to a pound and a half per person. (there is a lot of bone in the turkey)
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| Posted 11/1/11 8:12 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Thanksgiving host thread: Ideas for us new hosts
RECIPE: SAUSAGE STUFFING FOR THANKSGIVING
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
1 cup (combined) margarine & drippings from sausage
8 cups bread cubes
5 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
Cook sausage. Drain. Melt margarine. Add enough to
sausage drippings to make 1 cup. Saute onions and
celery in margarine/dripping mixture until onion is
tender. DO NOT BROWN. Stir in about 1/3 bread cubes.
Put in big bowl and add remaining bread cubes, poultry
seasoning, and pepper. Watch your hands, it's hot. Mix
well. Stuff turkey. You can also omit the sausage,
increase the bread cubes to 9 cups, and add a teaspoon
or two of salt. You can also add apples, giblets, oysters,
etc. This recipe is very adaptable. When cooking extra
in the oven, place the stuffing in a buttered casserole
dish, and place in a pan of hot water. Cover, and baste
with turkey drippings occasionally.
Yield: 12 Servings
Categories: Side Dishes, Thanksgiving, Seasonal
TURKEY TIPS:
Don't get caught with an iceball on the day-of!
You should only buy a fresh turkey if you do your
shopping within 1 or 2 days of when you plan to
serve it. Otherwise a frozen bird is the way to go.
If you have room to store it, plan on shopping for
that frozen turkey well in advance. At the market,
look for one that is solidly frozen.
Many frozen turkeys are now available pre-basted,
and some are pre-stuffed. By reading the label
carefully, you can be sure of getting exactly what
you want.
A whole frozen turkey - pre-stuffed or unstuffed -
can be stored in your home freezer at 0 degrees
Fahrenheit or below for up to one year without
appreciable loss of quality. Keep a prestuffed
turkey in the freezer until you are ready to
cook it. It should NOT be thawed, because bacteria
can develop in the stuffing while the turkey thaws.
Frozen whole turkeys do not need to be prewrapped
for freezer storage unless the packaging has been
opened or is punctured or torn.
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| Posted 11/2/11 4:25 PM |
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