Thanksgiving Hosting Essentials: 10 Things That Make Dinner Easier

Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, or the twentieth? A few good tools can take a lot of stress out of the day. Here are 10 hosting essentials that make cooking, serving and cleaning up easier, plus some free tools to plan the whole dinner.

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Cooking the turkey

1. An instant-read meat thermometer

The safest way to know your turkey is done is to check the temperature. Turkey is safe when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C). An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out and helps you avoid dry meat.

2. A roasting pan with a rack

A sturdy roasting pan with a rack lets hot air move around the turkey and gives you crispier skin. Check that the pan fits in your oven before the big day.

3. A gravy separator

Pour the pan juices into a gravy separator and the fat rises to the top. It makes smooth, less greasy gravy in a few minutes.

Serving and keeping food warm

4. A slow cooker for sides

The oven is busy with the turkey. A slow cooker is a handy way to keep mashed potatoes or stuffing warm while you carve.

5. Serving bowls and platters

Count your dishes before guests arrive. Pick bowls and platters you can set on the table with serving spoons already inside.

6. Food warming trays

Warming trays or a warming tray with candles keep dishes hot for longer, which helps if people eat at different times.

Setting the table

7. A tablecloth and cloth napkins

A warm autumn tablecloth changes the whole look of the table. Washable napkins save you from buying paper ones every year.

8. Candles and holders

Candles make dinner feel cosy. Choose unscented candles, so they do not compete with the smell of the food.

After dinner

9. Food storage containers

Leftovers should go into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Shallow containers cool food faster. Cooked leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Use my Thanksgiving leftovers checker to see how long each dish keeps.

10. Take-home containers

Send guests home with leftovers in disposable or reusable containers. Your fridge will thank you.

Free tools to plan your Thanksgiving

• Turkey thawing and cooking calculator: when to thaw and when to put the turkey in the oven.
• Thanksgiving food quantity calculator: how much turkey, sides and pie you need.
• Thanksgiving appetizer picker: appetizer ideas and amounts.
• Thanksgiving countdown checklist: what to do and when.
• Thanksgiving potluck planner: who brings what.

Want a little color for your laptop or water bottle? See my Thanksgiving stickers on Redbubble.

Happy Thanksgiving!