Last year, we devoted a lot of blog space to Thanksgiving, by Sam Sifton. And since we’re editors and writers, supposedly on the pulse of what the lastest, greatest, trendiest everything is, we should probably be featuring this year’s of-the-moment holiday cookbook. But here’s the thing: “trendy” and “of-the-moment” are not words that should EVER EVER EVER be in the same sentence as “Thanksgiving,” and we stand by our claim that Sam Sifton’s timeless, authoritative, delicious guide to our country’s greatest holiday is The Only Thanksgiving Recipe Collection You Will Ever Need. (Outside of your grandmother’s recipe box, of course — we don’t want to get anyone in trouble here). As such, we launch our “Countdown to Thanksgiving Series” with a bountiful giveaway: In the next 48 hours, five readers are eligible to win a free copy of Sifton’s Thanksgiving, and five more are eligible to have a free copy sent to whoever is cooking/hosting the feast… as a little pre-holiday pump-up and thank-you-in-advance. That’s TEN COPIES WE ARE GIVING AWAY. All you have to do is leave a comment below (we wouldn’t complain if this comment included a Thanksgiving tip) and tell me which one you are: #Host or #Guest.
Update: All winners have been notified. Congrats Josh, Betsy, Candice, Eva, Molly, Susan, Colleen F, L, Divya, Memegirl and to everyone else thanks for playing!
Related: Sam Sifton’s 1o Laws of Thanksgiving.
I’m a guest at my parent’s house! 🙂
#Guest! We are driving from DC down to my brother’s place in SC so by the time we finish battling the traffic on Wednesday, I’ll be more than ready for a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner 🙂 I think this book might make a great hostess gift for my brother and SIL!
#host for my family of 12, the first time ever… eek!
I’m a host! An annual Thanksgiving tradition here: Bake 6 to 8 loaves of pumpkin bread and give them to people you are thankful for this year ( not family).
I love being a Thanksgiving guest – though, since it’s a family gathering, I don’t feel too “guesty.” Best guest tips – ask “what can I bring?” and stay slightly out of the cook’s way – far enough to not be underfoot, but close enough to jump in and help if needed. Love Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving tip….. don’t forget to be thankful.
I started a Thanksgiving tree (construction paper on poster board)… I have written each year we write on it (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011.. and this year).. everyone adds something. Love looking back. My 7 year old niece (in 2006) wrote WHIPED CREAM. I plan on having it framed after this year.
First time host–can’t wait! I make lacto-fermented cranberry sauce, and OMG so good. I have to make another batch (or two) before the big day b/c this one will be gone by the end of the week.
I am the host the past few years! Prep as much as you can before and it makes the dinner go so much smoother.
I’m new to Thanksgiving hosting, but think/ hope the company is as important as the food! #host
We should know this week whether we are hosting or guests but either way we will be doing lots of cooking. I tend to find a million things I want to make, so my advice? Start planning early so you can narrow down the options and curate a menu. Best to have a handful of great dishes that are memorable than a ton of items that are all good but everyone gets two bites of each and doesn’t remember anything.
I’m a guest! My tip is that anything I bring never needs more than a microwave. The oven is being used for other things! I bring the platter and serveware, too.
My Mom always hosts and the daughters always help cook. Love this holiday! This year I can’t wait to make my new favorite…BRUSSELS SPROUTS!!! Roasted, with shallots and bacon. I am pysched!!
i’m a guest
This book sounds awesome!
I’m hosting again, this time for 25 people!!
Still undertermined whether I will be guest or host this year! Either way, I’ll be making pumpkin, pecan and apple pies.
#guest at my aunt’s house an hour and a half away. Best advice is to enjoy the process of preparing and welcoming others. Asking for help is good and we always bring pie!
#guest at my parents house- I always try to bring a game to play with the younger family members while we wait for dinner to be ready.
#host
My tip – really a request – is for guest to deal with any heat/cooling their dish needs – or clear it with the host first. Refrigerator space can be at a premium, and I had the most grateful moment of last year’s Thansgiving when my lovely friend and guest brought a cooler that accommodated her dessert (and a couple of others as well) happily in the garage when there was nary an inch to spare in the refrigerator
#host on Thanksgiving day and #guest for family dinner that weekend. Best advice is to use bourbon with the turkey and the gravy. And avoid corn starch at all costs, no matter how many times your mother in law tries to add it to the gravy to thicken it.
I’m a guest with a 3 month old baby. I’m just hoping someone will hold the baby for a bit and let me help with the cooking for an hour or so!
I’m #host this year. We did a massive kitchen renovation this year and it’s finally finished, so the family is coming to my house. I’m looking forward to it, but daunted, too.
#host remember reading about this book last year on your blog. Would love a copy!
Host.
I am a #Guest this year. My tip is to help with the dishes so you’ll be invited back next year!!