Hosting: Thanksgiving Dinner

Written By Mary Andrews

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year—a time to gather, give thanks, and share a comforting, delicious meal with the people you love. Hosting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're feeding a group of 8–10 guests with a mix of adults and kids. But with some smart planning, a solid timeline, and a classic menu, you can pull it off with confidence (and even enjoy yourself in the process!).

Here’s your complete guide—from menu planning to preparation, down to the day-of timeline.

🍽️ Traditional Thanksgiving Menu for 8–10 Guests (Kid-Friendly Included)

Main Dish

  • Roast Turkey (12–14 lbs)
    Classic, juicy, and golden—plenty to feed your group with leftovers.

Side Dishes

  • Herbed Stuffing
    Traditional bread-based stuffing with sage and celery.

  • Mashed Potatoes
    Creamy, buttery, and perfect with gravy.

  • Turkey Gravy
    Homemade from drippings, or make-ahead if preferred.

  • Green Bean Casserole
    A comforting, kid-approved classic.

  • Cranberry Sauce
    Homemade or canned—both work!

  • Dinner Rolls
    Soft and warm with butter—kids love them.

  • Mac & Cheese (Kid Favorite)
    A creamy, cheesy must-have for younger guests.

Desserts

  • Pumpkin Pie

  • Apple Pie

  • Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for topping)

  • Turkey-shaped sugar cookies or mini cupcakes (for kids)

Drinks

  • Sparkling cider, wine, and water for adults

  • Juice boxes or milk for kids

📝 Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Timeline & Task List

1–2 Weeks Before

  • ✅ Finalize your guest list and confirm dietary restrictions.

  • ✅ Plan your menu and write out your grocery list.

  • ✅ Delegate! Ask guests to bring a dish (dessert, drinks, or a side).

  • ✅ Order your turkey if buying fresh, or buy and freeze if getting frozen.

Weekend Before Thanksgiving

  • ✅ Deep clean the kitchen and dining area.

  • ✅ Plan seating (consider a kids’ table with activities).

  • ✅ Inventory serving dishes, platters, and utensils.

  • ✅ Prep freezer-friendly dishes like:

    • Unbaked pie crusts or pies (freeze and bake fresh)

    • Cranberry sauce

    • Turkey or chicken stock (for gravy)

3–4 Days Before (Monday/Tuesday)

  • ✅ Grocery shop (get everything in one go if possible).

  • ✅ If using a frozen turkey, start thawing in the fridge (allow ~24 hours per 4 lbs).

2 Days Before (Tuesday)

  • ✅ Make cranberry sauce (store in the fridge).

  • ✅ Bake pies or prep pie crusts.

  • ✅ Prep stuffing ingredients (cube bread, chop vegetables).

  • ✅ Set up a kids’ corner (coloring pages, games, snacks).

  • ✅ Wash and chop vegetables for casseroles.

1 Day Before (Wednesday)

  • ✅ Assemble green bean casserole (cover and refrigerate).

  • ✅ Make mashed potatoes (store in crockpot insert or covered dish for easy reheating).

  • ✅ Prep mac & cheese and refrigerate.

  • ✅ Brine the turkey if using a wet or dry brine method.

  • ✅ Set the table, prep serving dishes, and label what goes in each.

  • ✅ Chill drinks.

  • ✅ Review your cooking timeline for tomorrow.

  • ✅ Get a good night’s sleep!

🦃 Thanksgiving Day Timeline (Thursday)

Here’s a sample schedule for dinner at 4:00 PM. Adjust accordingly.

7:00 AM – Preheat Oven, Prep Turkey

  • Remove turkey from fridge to bring to room temp (~1 hr).

  • Stuff and season turkey if desired.

  • Preheat oven.

8:00 AM – Roast Turkey

  • Put turkey in the oven based on weight and cooking time (~3–4 hours for 12–14 lbs at 325°F).

  • Baste occasionally and monitor internal temperature (target: 165°F in breast, 175°F in thigh).

9:00 AM – Prep Kids’ Activities

  • Set up coloring sheets, a movie corner, or a craft station.

11:00 AM – Bake Casseroles + Mac & Cheese

  • Bake green bean casserole and mac & cheese (or refrigerate until later and reheat before serving).

12:00 PM – Set Up Appetizer/Drink Station

  • Cheese board, fruit tray, or light snacks (to keep kids from asking “When’s dinner?” every 10 minutes).

  • Set up wine, cider, juice, and water stations.

1:00 PM – Make Gravy & Reheat Sides

  • Use turkey drippings for gravy.

  • Reheat mashed potatoes (crockpot works well).

  • Warm dinner rolls in the oven during the last 15–20 minutes before dinner.

3:30 PM – Let Turkey Rest

  • Remove turkey from oven and tent with foil to rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.

4:00 PM – DINNER IS SERVED!

🎉 Hosting Tips for Success

✔️ Don’t Overcomplicate

Stick to what you know, and feel free to use shortcuts—boxed stuffing, canned cranberry sauce, or store-bought pies are perfectly acceptable!

✔️ Serve Buffet-Style

This lets people choose what they want, keeps traffic flowing, and avoids a crowded table.

✔️ Include the Kids

Let them “help” set the table, make place cards, or bring in the rolls. Little touches help them feel included.

✔️ Have Leftovers Containers Ready

Send guests home with extras and make cleanup a breeze.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Hosting Thanksgiving for 8–10 people—including kids—doesn’t have to feel like running a restaurant. With the right plan, a simple timeline, and a classic menu, you’ll create a warm, welcoming gathering where everyone (including you!) gets to enjoy the holiday.

Remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about connection.

Mary Andrews
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