Thanksgiving dos and don’ts

We’ve got tips from a pro for how to be a great cook, host, and guest!

Turkey Day is upon us once again! It’s time to gather with family and friends to share a delicious meal and to reflect on all the things we’re thankful for in 2024.

For some it may be their first stab at cooking this epic feast, while others will take the Thanksgiving chef role as (well)-seasoned veterans. We enlisted Alicia Brieger, Head Chef of Unprocessed Kitchen to help you have the best cooking experience with a few dos and don’ts for the holiday. And if you’re a guest, we have a few tips for you too!

Brieger’s suggestions for a stress-free cooking experience:

1. Start prep at least 3 days in advance. Things like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pie fillings, pie doughs (can make ahead and frozen until ready to use), cranberry sauce, starchy vegetables (such as sweet potato dishes) are great to make ahead. If you break up your to-do list into a little bit of each day, it’s a lot less overwhelming.
2. Make a menu, shopping list and prep list. Organization is the key to easy stress-free prep.
3. Brine your bird 24 hours in advance for tender juicy results.
4. Use a meat thermometer. Cook your turkey until breast reaches 155 F it will continue to carryover cook while it rests. Don’t overcook your turkey!
5. Pull the bird and let it rest for 30 min before cutting into it. If you don’t let it rest all the juices will run out onto the counter and your turkey will be dry, even if it’s not overcooked.
6. Don’t forget to have a glass of wine or tea, turn on some music and have fun! Brieger’s go-to is a delicious glass of red wine and listens to music that is upbeat and makes everyone in the kitchen want to dance while cooking or assisting. This is also a must for clean up!

Pre and post-Thanksgiving give yourself a break and order drop-off meals from Unprocessed Kitchen or Down Home Eats. Both services provide prepared meals ready for your fridge and/or freezer, a great way to give yourself and your kitchen a break in the lead up and aftermath.

And how about setting the table? We asked Julie Kendall, owner of Edgewyld for advice on how to set the table:

1. Prep early to enjoy yourself. Plan ahead of time your menu, what can be done in advance, and who might be able to help with different things. Don’t be afraid of giving a responsibility to someone else- most people want to help and contribute! 
2. Pick something you love or a theme and stick with it. The beauty is in the details. I have a ceramic colorful chicken I love (thank you, Bella Cose), that I think is supposed to be a tea kettle but will be amazing as a gravy boat! I can then match my table and napkins (linen, of course…I don’t like anything disposable) to go with it. I also love an unexpected pop of color. Your table doesn’t have to be formal or traditional-it should just encompass things you love! 
3. Layer! With or without a linen tablecloth, I like a runner and placemats or chargers.  Add different elements to create dimension and interest. 
4. Do a centerpiece in groups of three or odd numbers, but be careful not to obstruct views or clutter a table too much, especially if food is going on the table.  A bright floral with candles/candlesticks can go a long way. Candles make everything pretty and intimate. 
5. Make your guests feel special.  Use fun/different objects for place cards.  I like using produce or anything you might have gotten inspired from! Mini pumpkins, pears, oranges, apples, Pinecones, or cinnamon sticks are all fun ideas! Showing you have thought about details while also not taking yourself too seriously is the recipe for success! Most of all, have fun with it! 

Are you a professional guest? Here are a few tips to ensure you keep getting invited back to your favorite tables, time and time again.

1. Ask ahead of what can you bring: a side dish, dessert (The Bunnery‘s pie perhaps?), a premade specialty cocktail or wine. Keep in mind to try and not create more prep mess/clean up at the host’s home.
2. Bring a thoughtful gift. Jackson Hole Winery wine, a bottle of Wyoming Whiskey or a beautiful wreath from Graze Living all make great hostess gifts. A “Real Housewives of Jackson Hole” wine tumbler and a card from Made will guarantee to get you invited back.
3. Offer help throughout the night. A lot is in motion that creates many opportunities. Do what you’re good at: make cocktails, refill wine, do dishes, play DJ, take the dogs out, stoke the fire…. However, you can help do it!
4. Bring your own Tupperware. Often hosts love to send home leftovers and having your own will alleviate their stress of getting their dishes back.

The most important Thanksgiving dinner dos and don’ts of all are simple: DO remember the reason you’re gathered together and DON’T let it become a stressful experience.