Hosting My First Thanksgiving Dinner...

KickSoxDC

Hey Everyone, 

So this year will be my very first to host Thanksgiving atmy house...pressure's on!

I know the general things that I need at the dinner...well I know that I need a turkey.  haha, but whatelse do I need to make to ensure my guests aren't disappointed?  

I don't have any special dietary concerns, but I would like tomake it semi-healthy as to not fatten my guests up too much.

I was thinking about using thisguide from Fitness for "Healthy Holiday Superfoods" as my diningguide.  What do you guys think?  I personally can't believe theyactually have a healthy recipe for stuffing - one of my favorite sides  

Catlawdy_____

I've asked guests to tell me what dish they have to have each year.  For the most part, the requests are traditional, but I am making two types of potatoes (au gratin and mashed).

lsgarver

I think healthy sounds great as long as it still tastes good.  Very few people want to think about calories on Thanksgiving.

Most importantly, I think Thanksgiving is about being cozy and feeling warm fuzzies with your loved ones.  If you create that feeling, no one will be disappointed. 

julie5220

Most people will offer to bring something, so I say embrace that. 

 Here's what I do:  

• as host, I make the turkey, stuffing, and gravy (since they all kinda are linked)
• I tell people what I'm making and what else I hope to have (and I say that I'll have no prob making them if others don't opt to)
  
• I ask for "it isn't Thanksgiving without..." suggestions

I firmly believe that Thanksgiving is everyone's holiday, not just the host's. 

 

kellie08162008

make sure your guests are on board if you're going to do the healthy thing.....I try to eat fairly healthy most of the time, but thanksgiving isn't one of those times and my family wouldn't be very happy with me if I hosted thanksgiving without the typical mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.  You may want to do a test run on the recipes first just to make sure they taste yummy

Lindz1701

Good luck!  I did my first one for my family and then future in-laws last year and it went suprisingly well in our 1 bedroom apartment.  If you are going to cook anything new, I would highly suggest trying it out first and making sure that it tastes right.  You can also look at Weight Watchers and Hungry Girl, they have some great alternatives.

 

When I did it last year I was trying to be healthy as well and I did the following dishes...

Turkey Breast (unless you are feeding an army, this is more than enough and less mess)

Gravy from a bottle (less work and no one noticed a difference)

My Great-grandmother's cornbread dressing (this was a must) 

Mashed Potatoes (My specialty, made with 1% milk and real salted butter)

 Mac and Cheese (not healthy at all, but for my husband it would not be Thanksgiving without it)

Saut?ed Green Beans with onions (a Weight Watchers recipie and a great alternative to green been caserole)

 Roasted Sweet Potatoes 

Pumpkin Pie and Cheesecake 

KickSoxDC

Thanks for all the great tips - I think you are right, maybe I can put in a few healthy options for anyone who wants to be conscious that day.  I really like the idea of making the just the breast of the turkey rather than the whole thing - I feel like "the white meat" is everyone's favorite anyway!  

While we're on the topic of Thanksgiving, I can't wait for the day after - I love making sandwiches with the leftovers.  Usually I just make them with the turkey and stuffing (so much for trying to be healthy!), but this one also looks good with the cranberry sauce I think.

marylynn07

We are hosting for the first time as well.  Here's my menu: 

Appetizers

Relish Tray

Cheese & Crackers

Deviled Eggs

 

Dinner

Turkey/Stuffing/Gravy

Tofu Recipe for DH

Cranberry Apple Relish

Mashed Red Potatoes

Smashed Cauliflower

Garlicky Green Beans with Pine Nuts from Real Simple

Bread/Rolls/Butter

 

Dessert

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Baked Apples