Thanksgiving is a special holiday. It is a time for family and friends to come together to give thanks, fellowship and partake in the feast of the year. Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time can be scary. You want to make the best impression possible and you want that day to be perfect. In this blog I will share my easy tips on how to prepare your first Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Planning The Thanksgiving Menu
The first step to planning your Thanksgiving dinner is to plan your menu. Now that you are in the driver’s seat there are endless possibilities of what you can prepare. You may choose to stick to a traditional menu or you may decide to take a non-traditional take on the holiday. Here are a few ideas for a classic soul food Thanksgiving menu options:
Main course: Roasted Turkey
Side Dishes: Cornbread Dressing, Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese and Cranberry Sauce
Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Pie or Peach Cobbler
Of course, you can also mix and match different dishes to create your own unique menu. You can find other menu options by checking out my 22 Southern Thanksgiving Recipes and step by step video instructions can be found on my Thanksgiving Recipe playlist. Just make sure to select dishes that you’re comfortable cooking and will not leave you on a time crunch on Thanksgiving Day.
2. The Thanksgiving Timeline
Speaking of time, now that you’ve finalized your menu, it’s time to create a timeline. A timeline will help keep you organized and make certain that everything is prepped and cooked in a timely manner. Doing this will assure you get a chance to enjoy the holiday with your guest. Here’s a sample timeline for a Thanksgiving dinner:
- Two weeks before: Plan the menu and create a complete grocery list.
- One week before: Clean the house and kitchen and decide on your table settings.
- Two days before: Go grocery shopping and begin preparing your make ahead dishes (cranberry sauce, cakes, pies, etc).
- One day before: Chop vegetables, make gravy, and prep the food to be ready to cook Thanksgiving morning.
- Thanksgiving morning: Roast the turkey and finish that side dishes you prepped the night before.
3. Cooking the Turkey
Your turkey will be the center of attention on your Thanksgiving dinner table, so it’s important to cook it properly. Here are a few tips for roasting a turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about one to two hours (depending on the size) before roasting to bring it to room temperature.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with butter or oil and then season with your desired seasonings and herbs.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and follow the instructions for roasting your sized turkey. See the chart below.
| Turkey Size | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 pounds | 2-2½ hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 6-8 pounds | 2½-3 hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 8-12 pounds | 3-3½ hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 12-14 pounds | 3½-4 hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 14-18 pounds | 4-4¼ hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 18-20 pounds | 4¼-4½ hours | 165°F (74°C) |
| 20-24 pounds | 4½-5 hours | 165°F (74°C) |
4. Making the Sides
While the turkey is roasting, you have hours to complete the side dishes and any desserts or special drinks. Here are some suggestions for making sides /desserts Thanksgiving:
- 22 Southern Thanksgiving Recipes -From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
- Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
- 20 Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
5. Setting the Table
Once the food is cooked, it’s time to set the table. Here are some tips for setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table:
- Use a tablecloth, napkins or runner in holiday colors. Fabric always bring a sense of warmed to the room.
- Set each place setting with a plate, fork, knife, spoon, and glass.
- Place candles or flowers in the center of the table or be creative with your centerpiece.
A beautiful table can set the perfect atmosphere for a festive Thanksgiving dinner.
6. Enjoying the Feast
Lastly, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the feast! Spend time fellowshipping with your loved ones, give Thanks to God, and enjoy the delicious food and fellowship. Also show yourself a little appreciation for a job well done.
Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Here are a few extra tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner:
- Get some help. Yes you are preparing your first Thanksgiving meal, but that doesn’t be you have to do it all yourself. Enlist some assistance from your family. Cooking together during the holidays can be a great bonding experience.
- Make a concise and complete shopping list and don’t stray from the list. Buying extra can be tempting.
- Don’t be afraid to use shortcuts. Be open to using pre-made or frozen products. By doing this it will help you maintain control of your time. There are plenty of pre-made and frozen dishes that can save you time.
- Most importantly, relax and enjoy the day!
Conclusion
Hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner can be a stressful task, but it can also a lot of fun if you plan properly. With a little planning and preparation, you can put on a delicious and memorable feast that you and your family will love.
