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 the host this year, and it has been a while. My tip: Ask someone else to bring desserts. Spend the day before doing everything possible that can be done ahead of time – cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, even chop/trim the veggies. Also triple-check that grocery list so you don’t have to run to the store on Thanksgiving morning (like I always seem to have to!)!
I will be a helping guest at a rental house in the outer banks. The advice I always have to remember is to not overdo it. One or two amazing dishes is better than four mediocre.
I’m the host for the first time this year, of a very small party. My husband and I love to cook together, so I’m looking forward to it!
I am the guest at my sister’s house, but I am providing about half of the food. Everything except the turkey/gravy/potatoes.
I’m a guest, but like several others, will be bringing a lot of food with me – pies, rolls, gluten-free alternatives for my toddler.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m the guest this year for the first time in about 5 years, which is great. My tip is don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Have a “leftovers” party the day after Thanksgiving where everyone brings them to share. *fingers crossed*
I’m a guest at my mother’s house and I have to eat gluten free so I help cook!
I will be a guest, but am in charge of making dessert! It’s a lot of pressure, especially since I’m not in love with traditional pies!!
I’m a guest this year! My tip is to make sure any food you’re transporting is SECURELY situated in an upright position, out of direct sunlight, and that the lids are on tightly. Even if your containers have lids (like glass Pyrex containers) it doesn’t hurt to put a layer of plastic wrap underneath. (This tip courtesy of a melted chocolate pudding pie and a leaky bowl of pasta salad.)
I host Thanksgiving for my family and my tip is just to relax and enjoy the day as much as possible!! And a little yoga the night before is good, too!!
This year I’llbe a bit of both. I am expecting a new baby, so we’ll be hosting visiting family but I’ll be trying to relinquish Thanksgiving duties to my husband. Thankfully, he’s wonderful in the kitchen!
#Host for both Friendsgiving (with friends) and Thanksgiving (with Family)! Pro tip- don’t be scared of making too much! Thanksgiving leftovers are the best.
I am the host for Thanksgiving! I just try to get as many things prepared ahead of time as possible and have my mom make the gravy!!
#guest and #host (for later in the weekend)
Tip: Always make extra gravy. Always.
Since my mom passed away last summer, I host Thanksgiving. I just can’t do Christmas anymore. My mom always made the candied sweet potatoes my dad likes, and even though I watched her make them every year, I can’t seem to replicate them.
Help… I’m #Host for the first time this year!
Hosting this year after many years as a guest! Tip: take a walk between dinner and dessert. It’s invigorating and allows the food (and drink) to settle.
I’m a guest at my Dad and step-moms house as I have been for years. Now that I have kids and the space to accommodate my family I’ve considered taking over and hosting. I’m to scared – the pressure to be perfect is too much. That and I think my step-Mom would be really mad. Maybe I’ll get the courage next year!
#host this year. tip is invite people who might not have anywhere to go for thanksgiving. share the love.
I like to bring a great veggie side because there is always plenty of dessert. #guest
I love this! When you printed the 10 Laws of Thanksgiving last year, I printed them off and taped them to the front of my Fridge for all to see, LOL. And while most are there for the Turkey, I’m all about the dressing…that’s MY favorite dish. Not sure yet if I’m hosting or going to be a guest…my family doesn’t decide who’s turn it is until about the week before the holiday 🙂 I’ll be cooking regardless.
I’m the guest this year, although I prefer hosting. My tip: roast lots and lots of root vegetables, preferably with a riot of colors (beets help a lot with this). Roast them with a little bit of olive oil and generous amounts of salt, then serve them room temperature. You can make them in the morning or the day before, they make the table and your plate colorful, and they help you fill up on something other than too much stuffing.
I am usually a #guest, but last year I finally played the #host! And it was so much fun! Thanks a lot in part to your posts last year regarding Sam’s book. I would love to have the entire book to guide us in future Thanksgiving hosting events!
First time #host this year! My tip is to run a turkey trot 5k in the morning– it gets everybody’s “wiggles” out and doesn’t actually take away from too much prep time- plus you’ll feel better about eating too much pie later!