Sunday, November 23, 2008

Advice for a First-Timer

So, it seems that I have taken upon myself a somewhat challenging task... hosting/cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. Yeah, it sounds somewhat daunting, but I am determined to succeed. Since we are not traveling home for Thanksgiving, I decided to take a leap of faith and invite a few other couples over for the occasion. Although I am not cooking the entire dinner, I am still taking charge of the "meat and potatoes" portion of the meal (turkey, potatoes, and stuffing). So, my question for you is: what advice can you give a first time Thanksgiving cook/host on anything and everything from cooking, decor, food assignments, etc.? Wish me luck!

** just a note: I already put the Turkey in the fridge today to thaw.
Thanksgiving THEN

And NOW

Things sure have changed...

7 lovely notes:

Amy said...

This is exactly where I would call your mom and beg, borrow and swipe ideas from her. She's so good with that. I'm sure it will all turn out fine. Just be sure to let people help and to delegate and assign. I'll send you any ideas I can find. I'll start hunting around for some clever decor you could do.

Cara and Steve said...

Thanks Amy :) You're the best! Yeah, I think I will have my mom on the phone a lot the next few days.

Emily said...

WOW you are a real woman! I am so impressed, I'm sure your Thanksgiving will turn out fantastic! Are you doing mashed potatoes? I always add some garlic salt to them and they are divine! Also, use a hand mixer those potato mashers are sooo tedious! good luck Care! I'll look for some cute decorating ideas!

Deidre said...

We are doing a ham, turkey, and potatoes too! It is scary since it is our first time and we are having a lot of company. Sounds like we are in the same boat. I'd say do whatever you can ahead of time and warm it up before....but really we don't know either!

brooke and chad coon said...

I have no ideas. If I was doing this, I'd be in trouble. I can cook brownies and that's about it. My contribution to our Thanksgiving dinner is ice. Good luck!

Mama Adrienne said...

Hey Care Bear-- we're hosting our first Thanksgiving here too. I hear the Turkey cooking bag is good. I'm not particularly looking foward to cleaning out the insides!

Anonymous said...

I think it's great your having Thanksgiving at your home. You two rock! Calling your mom sounds like a great idea, I'm sure she is an expert.
A few tricks, set your table early even a few days ahead of time(sorry, wished I would have looked at the blog earlier). I know this sounds crazy but by mistake one year I cooked the turkey upside down and it was the best turkey ever! Total moist. It doesn't get really brown that way but it is so moist and tender. Mike made the mashed potatoes for our Sunday dinner, they were divine.
Good Luck...I bet it will be so yummy.