Q&A for How to Host a Thanksgiving Dinner

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  • Question
    How do you prepare turkey in advance?
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Expert Answer
    Plan about 5 days ahead when it comes to prepping your bird. Get your turkey in advance, allowing it 3 days to defrost (if it's already frozen) in the fridge. If you're dry aging your bird, add an additional day; if you're brining (dry or wet), give yourself an extra day of prep as well.
  • Question
    Can I host Thanksgiving dinner as well as a football viewing party in my man cave?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Lots of people have simultaneous dinner/football viewing parties on Thanksgiving. Just plan ahead for how you want to time things so that people aren't cooking or eating during the games (unless you don't mind people eating around the TV).
  • Question
    Can I make mashed potatoes the day before?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave when you're ready to serve them.
  • Question
    How long should a host wait before starting to do the dishes?
    Community Answer
    You should do the dishes when you want people to start making their way out the door. This is a way of telling people that the party is coming to an end. If the dishes are simply in the way, you can clear them after everyone has finished eating and offer coffee or another beverage and encourage your guests to talk amongst themselves while you quickly clean up.
  • Question
    Do you keep your guests on the first floor if you own a house?
    Community Answer
    You can limit your guests to whatever areas of your home you wish. Some people give tours of their homes, others keep guests limited to the living and dining rooms.
  • Question
    Do you have to RSVP to the host to let them know you’re coming to celebrate thanksgiving with them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you definitely should.
  • Question
    What do I do if I am divorced and my ex won't bring the kids over for Thanksgiving even though she had them for Thanksgiving last year?
    Oxy
    Community Answer
    If there has been a legal ruling, file a motion for contempt and bring them to court. If there has not been a legal ruling, be assertive and handle the issue directly with your ex.
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