One more turkey ? - what time do you eat vs what time it is out of the oven?

Sorry for all the dumb questions!!

This is my first time making a turkey and for some reason I am super intimidated.

What time does your turkey come out vs. what time do you actually eat?

I have people coming over at 2:30/3. I'm thinking we eat at 4/4:30ish?

What time should my turkey be ready?

Re: One more turkey ? - what time do you eat vs what time it is out of the oven?

I am aiming to have the turkey ready by 3:30pm, because it needs time to rest before you carve it. I have a 19 lb bird, it's going in the oven at 11am. It should be done by 3:30, 3:45 at the latest (figure 15 minutes per lb).

ETA: this is my first time too! I make roast chicken all the time but I've never done a big turkey. Good luck!

Message edited 11/25/2009 1:06:15 PM.