Thanksgiving, the annual celebration of gratitude and feasting, is a time for family, friends, and an abundance of delicious food. But planning the perfect Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting, especially when it comes to figuring out how much food and drink to prepare.
This guide, based on the insights from Food52’s “Our Definitive, Per-Person Guide to Planning Thanksgiving Dinner,” aims to simplify the process by providing clear guidelines for portioning your Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving Starters: A Light Touch
The key to a successful Thanksgiving meal is to pace yourself. While the main event is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the feast, it’s important to avoid overindulging on appetizers. The guide recommends a moderate approach of four one- to two-bite starters per person. This allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors without filling up before the main course.
For inspiration, consider these appetizer options:
- Laurie Colwin’s Rosemary Walnuts: A simple yet flavorful snack that’s easy to prepare.
- Deviled Eggs, Purgatory Edition: A spicy twist on the classic deviled egg recipe.
- Endive with Pecorino and Honey: A sophisticated and elegant appetizer.
- Chevre Devils: A creamy and tangy appetizer that’s perfect for cheese lovers.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Abundance and Leftovers
The main course of Thanksgiving is where the feast truly comes alive. The guide recommends generous portions to ensure everyone has plenty to eat and leftovers for the days to come. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended portions per person:
- Potatoes: 1/2 pound per person
- Stuffing: 3/4 cup per person
- Turkey: 1 1/2 pounds of on-the-bone turkey per person (2 pounds per person for small birds)
Thanksgiving Drinks: A Toast to Celebration
No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a selection of beverages. The guide suggests planning for one full bottle of wine per person (21 and over) attending the gathering. This ensures that everyone has access to their preferred beverage and allows for refills throughout the evening.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the guide recommends exploring a variety of choices to cater to different tastes.
Planning for Success: A Stress-Free Thanksgiving
With these portion guidelines in mind, you can confidently plan your Thanksgiving feast without the worry of running out of food or drink. Remember, the goal is to create a joyful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many appetizers should I serve per person?
The guide recommends four one- to two-bite appetizers per person. This allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors without filling up before the main course.
How much turkey should I buy per person?
The recommended turkey portion is 1 1/2 pounds of on-the-bone turkey per person. However, for smaller birds (12 pounds or less), you’ll need to plan for 2 pounds per person to account for the smaller meat-to-bone ratio.
How much wine should I buy per person?
The guide suggests planning for one full bottle of wine per person (21 and over) attending the gathering. This ensures that everyone has access to their preferred beverage and allows for refills throughout the evening.
What are some non-alcoholic beverage options for Thanksgiving?
Consider offering a variety of non-alcoholic options such as sparkling water, juices, mocktails, and hot beverages like coffee and tea.
How can I ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving?
Plan ahead, delegate tasks, and focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the company of loved ones and celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving.
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There is no set recipe for cooking for a large group of people, so you must take that into account. These and related questions affect how much food you prepare: do they really enjoy eating? are there going to be a lot of kids there? are most of the people in your crowd concerned about their weight?
Quantity planning for holiday appetizers
While arranging appetizers and beverages doesn’t have to be difficult, it can be confusing. As appetizers don’t really lend themselves to a quantity chart, feel free to use this list as a guide:
- Serve at least four different kinds of appetizers and six to eight pieces per person as a prelude to a full meal. For example, say you have 20 guests. If so, you would require a minimum of 120 appetizer pieces in total.
- You won’t need to make as much of any one appetizer because the greater variety you have, the smaller the portion sizes that each type of appetizer will require.
- Always serve bulk-type appetizers when serving appetizers to a large group of people. Bulk-type foods are foods like spreads and dips that aren’t individually made. You’ll end up making hundreds of different appetizers if you skip the dips and spreads, which might push you over the edge. To calculate bulk items, assume 1 ounce equals 1 piece.
- Always aim to have extras on hand. Green and black olives make excellent filler.
4 No-Bake Thanksgiving Appetizers from Damaris Phillips
FAQ
How many sides should you serve for Thanksgiving?
Should you serve appetizers at Thanksgiving?
How much food do I need for Thanksgiving for 12 people?
How much of everything do you need for Thanksgiving dinner?
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Menu Item
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Small (2 to 4 )
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Medium (6 to 10 )
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Turkey (whole)
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6 pounds
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8 to 13 pounds
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Salad
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1
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1 to 2
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Stuffing/Dressing
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3 cups
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6 cups
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Mashed Potatoes
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3 cups
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6 cups
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How many appetizers should you serve on Thanksgiving?
Take the guesswork out of portion size and shopping math with our Thanksgiving planner. The number of appetizers you serve depends on their type and on how much other food you are having. Their purpose is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, to take the edge off people’s hunger and to whet their appetites.
What is a good make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer?
Warm and cheesy dips are a must on your roster of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers. Prosciutto, artichoke hearts, and roasted red bell peppers give this hot dip loads of flavor and color. Make-Ahead Tip: After assembling the dip, refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
Can you make a Thanksgiving appetizer ahead?
To make this Thanksgiving appetizer ahead, roll up to 24 hours before serving. Slice and serve at party time. Put pumpkin seeds to good use in this make-ahead dip recipe. Make it three days before Thanksgiving and stash it in the fridge. Top with crispy pepitas before serving.
When should Thanksgiving appetizers be served?
Appetizers should be part of every Thanksgiving menu. They can be served throughout the day as people gather to cook in the kitchen, or take breaks from football out in the yard. You could also wait to serve as guests arrive and wait for the rest of the food to finish! Thanksgiving Appetizer recipes should be served about an hour before dinner.