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.
Hosting a friendsgiving this year with my fiancee. Our best Thanksgiving tip is: lots and lots of wine!
Oh and a happy #guest this year.
Guest this year, but likely in charge of dessert and traditional sides and general toddler management. Consequently, I am appreciating the kid related tips!
I’m the guest…but according to my mother, who is a first time host, I’ll be cooking everything, while she wears a hat and drinks wine and is the “project manager.”
I’ll be hosting this year as usual. My main tip is to plan ahead and and work ahead so the day of is less stressful.
I’m the host…9 years running and I love it. Every year I pick one recipe to try something new on, but everything else that we adore stays the same. Desserts are the one thing I can’t find that I love (and I’m good at…) so sometimes I just let my mom buy the pies and bring them!
#host for our family . Keeping my fingers crossed that this year my kids eat more than cranberry sauce.
Co-hosting with some friends! I’m with an earlier poster- clean as you go. Makes for a much more enjoyable night :).
Host! For cornbread dressing (which is the only one that graces our table), make the cornbread at least a day or two ahead so it’s a bit stale, then use more chicken stock than you think you’ll need to ensure that the dressing is super moist and flavorful!
I’m the guest. My tip: love the tradition of going around the table to say what we’re thankful/grateful for.
Usually, I am a guest, but this year, I will be a host! Kind of nervous about the whole thing, but I’m already recipe planning!
I am a guest (at my parents house). Always, always say “Thank You.”
I’m not the host, but I am the chef. That’s right, I bring all of the ingredients to cook in my parents home in my tiny hometown, praying I don’t forget anything because the closest grocery store is 30 miles away!
I am the host. My tip is to baste the bird in champagne and baste the chef, as well!
I’m the host – for the first time! My husband and I just got married in July, and are hosting my parents this year. I’ll be frequently referencing these comments for tips!
I’ll be a guest with my new in-laws at a cousin’s house. I’d love to bring something wonderful to make a good impression. At my own family thanksgiving we rotate between serving everything Kosher and things like oyster stuffing. Its always a mixed bag!
Host-Bring warmth and love to the table and everyone will enjoy the day!
#guest who always help do the dishes.
Host. Tip: don’t ask for help, give assignments. 🙂
I am the host to a growing set of guests in a university town. I really recommend you invite someone from another country to see Thanksgiving through new eyes again. I also suggest you make lots of veggies — make one of everyone’s favorites or have each guest bring one — such that you up the greens in your meal and have them available to complement the leftovers.
We recently moved to NY from Chicago and I’m missing our Friendsgiving tradition. In our final year we were up to 50 guests and I feel like this book should be passed on to the couple that took over hosting duties!
I love thanksgiving! #Host for the first time ever – cooking for my roommates!
Host – make sure you know every guest’s dietary restrictions/allergies BEFORE you make a menu (based on unfortunate past experience)
I am a host! And it will be my first time…
#guest this year. Attending my first Thanksgiving with my new boyfriend’s family. Eek! Need something fantastic to bring!