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Butterball Turkey Giveaway

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Today I have a Butterball Turkey Giveaway. Did you know that Butterball is working to make the holidays better for families across the country with advice and recipes from our turkey experts?    Butterball  has a Turkey Talk-Line lady that is available to answer your Thanksgiving meal questions, share ways to save or to gobble up any turkey-day cooking myths.

If you encounter any problems along the way with preparing your Thanksgiving meal, you can give them a call. No question is too tough for these turkey talkers, and they are ready and excited to tackle any challenge you throw at them. Give them a call at 1-800-BUTTERBALL throughout November and December.  I used them before when trying to deep fry an turkey, they helped me right out.

You can also go to Butterball website to plan the perfect amount of servings you need in their perfect portion planner. Just plug in the amount of adults and kids you plan on serving into the planner. There are boxes you can check to say we want leftovers, we are big eaters, or we are light eaters. Then it will tell you the size of turkey you need along with the amount of stuffing.  So simple.  The also have video guides on topics such as how to thaw or carve.

Butterball Turkey Giveaway | realmomkitchen.com

Now on to the Butterball Turkey giveaway. I am giving away 2 turkeys.  I have 2 coupons to giveaway.  They are good for $15 off any Butterball fresh or frozen whole turkey. The $15 should buy  you a 10 -12 lbs. turkey which feeds about 5 adults and 2 kids.   However, if you need a bigger turkey you can just use it toward your purchase and save $15.

To enter, leave a comment about your favorite tips for making Thanksgiving better for you and your family.  My favorite tips are make ahead as much of the dinner as you can and use others to help bring dishes for the meal.  You want to be able to enjoy the day. If you are frantically cooking all day you won’t be able to enjoy the meal or the time with your family.  I like to make my dressing, cranberry sauce, and any sides I can ahead of time.
I am giving you a whole week to enter.  You have until Sunday November 13 at midnight (MST) to enter.
 
 

154 comments

Whitney November 13, 2011 - 9:59 pm

We like to make most of the stuff the night before then less time in the kitchen in the morning! We also buy our rolls premade there still good but less time.
ramblesahm at yahoo dot com

laila boucher November 13, 2011 - 5:05 pm

I have my husband and son involved in the cooking!! It brings us together and gives us something to be thankful for each other for making a delicious meal as family!! The key is to relax, have fun, and if it doesn’t look perfect, it’s ok because it was made with love.

Julie Kampwerth November 13, 2011 - 2:40 pm

Plan, plan, plan. and, it never hurts to ask others to help out by bringing a dish.

Anna November 13, 2011 - 12:13 pm

My advice would be to have a game plan and have it written out! I do a to do list for the day of and the three days prior to Thanksgiving. Makes it seem much easier!

Trina David November 13, 2011 - 1:22 am

My #1 tip is to go around the table before you eat and share your blessings and appreciation for the food we are about to eat. I was taught that although we are struggling, there is always someone out in the world thats worse off than us. It taught me to thankful and it is teaching my children the same. On a lighter note, make sure to baste your turkey with butter and herbs after the first hour & then every 30 minutes.

Stephanie November 12, 2011 - 11:51 pm

I have a day-by-day to-do list in my recipe file with a list of dishes to make the 3 days before Thanksgiving. It’s so much easier getting a few things done each day!

Kelly S. November 12, 2011 - 8:07 am

To make things simple i like to prep as much ahead of time as I can. I also like to make dinner with someone to lighten the load, plus it is more fun to cook with my sister or mom than by myself.

Sharon November 11, 2011 - 10:43 pm

My tip is to do as much prep work ahead of time as you can, up to and including making all of your pie and cookie doughs a week early and freezing them. Also, fill ziplocs with chopped veggies for cooking — onions, celery, bell peppers, etc.

Melissa November 11, 2011 - 3:48 pm

I make things easier at Thanksgiving by preparing some things in advance, and delegating some tasks to my three daughters!

Annette November 11, 2011 - 9:53 am

I enjoy the anticipation of my boys and family waiting to sit down and really count our blessing .family and food can’t get better

Kim November 11, 2011 - 9:29 am

Delegate! Let everyone help bring something.

Dyanna November 11, 2011 - 9:11 am

I try to do all the prep the day/night before. Chop all the veggies, make the cornbread for the dressing, any dishes that need to be refrigerated such as pea salad I also make the day before.

Carol November 11, 2011 - 5:50 am

Make ahead as much as I can so I can enjoy the day with family

Katie November 10, 2011 - 6:26 pm

I love turkey on the grill and it leaves the oven open for everything else – that was prepared the night before. I am also a HUGE fan of cooking in my crock pot. For a pot luck a few weeks ago, I made green bean casserole in my crock pot and threw it in the oven to bake. I then pulled it out and used the crock pot to keep it warm until ready to serve. It worked PERFECTLY. The onions on top were even still crispy.

Patty November 10, 2011 - 2:28 pm

I like to have my husband do the turkey on the weber grill. Then I dont have to worry about preparing the turkey and it taste great.

Kristie November 10, 2011 - 1:44 pm

My favorite tip is to keep it potluck, so not all the pressure is on one person 🙂

Kristan Heyman November 9, 2011 - 9:29 pm

I try to get as much done the day before. And having other people help you out.

Sharon November 9, 2011 - 7:57 pm

My tip is let everyone help with the meal. We have a big Thanksgiving gathering each year, (up to 50 people), and prepare the menu and assign something to each family. Even the noncooks are asked to bring condiments or paper products. When everyone pitches in, it’s not too daunting for any one person.

Coralie November 9, 2011 - 6:50 pm

I love Thanksgiving to teach my kids how to set a proper table setting (and they are in charge of doing it) and putting others to work in the kitchen with me. We all make up our menu and have fun making it together. Love it because then the work is shared.

Kim November 9, 2011 - 2:39 pm

I get everything ready the night before, even down to setting the table. That way I have time to enjoy having everyone over.

Joy November 9, 2011 - 9:28 am

we split up the cooking duties. We celebrate at my MIL’s house every year and I cook at home and take it over, she cooks, and my hubby’s aunt cooks and brings it over. So no one person is slaving in the kitchen all day.
Oh and for the best turkey Brine! I swear by it and have a great recipe that I have used for many years and it always turns out great and moist.

Brooke November 8, 2011 - 10:58 pm

My tips are find some good company (family) and visit while you cook. It makes the whole thing more enjoyable. Also, cut out the schedule… just plan to eat when it’s all ready, don’t have a set time. That stresses me out! 😀

Suzie Paul November 8, 2011 - 7:46 pm

Make your recipe for banana creme pie… either one, but I especially love the one with sweet condensed milk. My husband loves it when I make that 🙂 Also I was so nervous before making Thanksgiving dinner on my own, but really, it’s not too hard, just plan everything out in advance & write down when everything needs to go in the oven or be started & it works out perfectly!

Amy B November 8, 2011 - 6:49 pm

The only tip that I have would be to just take your time. If the dinner isn’t done on time then it’s not done on time. Just makes it more enjoyable when there is not a certain time.

Btrflywmn November 8, 2011 - 6:45 pm

Making what you can the day before is a great tip, and a potluck style Thanksgiving is even better. I like to get my kids involved as much as possible.

Amanda Starr November 8, 2011 - 6:26 pm

I agree with you about making ahead. I try to always do any desserts or things that can reheated and still taste great the day before. Thanks for the chance!!!

Treva Fendrick November 8, 2011 - 3:14 pm

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday….food, family, and NO PRESENTS! my daughter-in-law brings her wonderful sweet potatoes and all is good.

Btrflywmn November 8, 2011 - 6:50 pm

Love that its a holiday where we can just be thankful for what we have.

Rose Moreno November 8, 2011 - 2:41 pm

I usually buy two turkeys and donate one to Salvation Army and buy extra fixings to go with it.So that coupon would help. Thanks

Shelley C November 8, 2011 - 12:18 pm

I have a table set up with a puzzle thoughout the whole weekend. It is a nice quiet distraction for young and old alike. We will be having over 20 people here for the entire weekend, so I am already prepping food and making menus to help keep the chaos at bay!

Staci A November 8, 2011 - 9:48 am

I always have a simple craft or fun toys to pull out for the kids while we wait to eat. It’s so much easier to cook without trying to entertain the kiddos too.

Latonya R November 8, 2011 - 8:34 am

i sleep during the day partially then use the partial night before to make a lot of dishes so i wont spend so much time the next morning doing anything.

sukyee November 8, 2011 - 8:25 am

In our family, everyone brings a dish so that makes it easy for the host.

Heidi F. November 8, 2011 - 5:25 am

I always bake as much of the meal as I can in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Mary Perkins November 8, 2011 - 1:54 am

wowie, I make my salads and cook the potatoes the night before. Then in the morning, everyone, including hubby and kids help get everything going and in the oven (altho last year we DID do it in our Nu-Wave oven, and it was beyond phenomenal.. frozen to done in about 4 hours!) then we make a nice breakfast and relax til we smell turkey, then start getting it all together just in time to slice turkey. Then after dishes its on to game time…. board games NOT football!

rachel November 7, 2011 - 11:28 pm

Prepare everything you can ahead of time, and make sure everyone helps out.

kathy steadman November 7, 2011 - 10:11 pm

Having the kids all help with one dish, at least, and making all the pies together before hand!

cwaltz November 7, 2011 - 8:11 pm

Everyone helps at Thanksgiving from the littles in charge of the veggie tray(cherry tomatoes, baby carrots , brocolli, and cucumber and a ranch dip made with sour cream and ranch dressing mix) to the olders who help with the bird and the dressing. This way I don’t end up stressed.
Christine
dazed1821 at aol dot com

jessie November 7, 2011 - 8:03 pm

I take up everyone on their offers to help and bring a dish. It makes for a lot less pressure on the host!

mckenzey November 7, 2011 - 7:49 pm

My Tip is to have dinner with others and share the cooking.

Alicia Keen November 7, 2011 - 7:35 pm

make ahead as much as possible. frozen rolls are lovely. Also, keeping about two ppl in the kitchen at a time

Tara November 7, 2011 - 5:53 pm

I try to have several activities for the kids to do while dinner is getting ready. It seems the adults have more than enough to do, but it can be a long day for the kids.

Debkn November 7, 2011 - 5:34 pm

Do everything possible the day before.

Karla November 7, 2011 - 5:33 pm

everyone brings a dish, and do all the baking beforehand!

denise r November 7, 2011 - 4:41 pm

We all chip in and make our dinner the same day…pies are made ahead of time

Maralea November 7, 2011 - 4:15 pm

To make it simpler I try to make as much as I can ahead of time 🙂

Denise B November 7, 2011 - 3:30 pm

We divide up the dishes and everyone brings something. I make a list and everyone volunteers for something and then I cross that item off the list.

Cathy Jeppsen November 7, 2011 - 3:01 pm

My awesome MIL makes pretty much all of Thanksgiving dinner. My tip is that you can’t forget yummy home made rolls, they make all the difference!

Hilary November 7, 2011 - 2:49 pm

I’ve never made a whole Thanksgiving dinner by myself before. But I have cooked for large family gatherings and planning/preparing ahead definitely makes things a lot easier for me & less stressful for everyone around me!
PS – my favorite thing to do with leftovers is to put turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on rolls & have a Thanksgiving sandwich!! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving!!

Mary Perkins November 8, 2011 - 1:57 am

You know what? They have a sandwich shop back east that makes those and has for a long time, I tried it the 1st time about 10 years ago. Except I add the mashed potatoes too, like the shop does. It’s wonderful!

Pat R November 7, 2011 - 2:18 pm

I make as many dishes possible before and freeze them so I am not rushed on Thanksgiving.

kristen November 7, 2011 - 2:07 pm

Making my grandmother’s recipes make the whole day more special for everyone.

LaRea November 7, 2011 - 1:43 pm

We all work together as a family and that makes the preparation easier and more fun for everyone.

jill November 7, 2011 - 1:37 pm

We try to get as much done before the Thanksgiving week as possible, including detailing our home. Wow so thankful for this wonderful holiday.

Nicole Peck November 7, 2011 - 1:36 pm

I’ve never prepared anything more than simple side dishes and they’ve been easy to prepare the day of, especially when I do rolls, because we want them hot out of the oven!! Definitely shop BEFORE the week of though, as it gets so dang crazy at the stores that week.

Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen November 7, 2011 - 1:34 pm

At my parent’s my mom has started smoking her turkey outside (years it’s not too cold) so the oven is not in use. Love it. Also we divide and conquer on the food prep.

Cheryl Newton November 7, 2011 - 1:31 pm

This is going to sound absolutely awful, but my tip for making turkey day better for my family to have it be just us. No company coming, no over-the-river to get to anyone else’s house. Ahhhh. Peace!

Lynda M. November 7, 2011 - 1:06 pm

We divide up the dishes so that no one is overwhelmed and we can all enjoy the day together.

Katie November 7, 2011 - 12:38 pm

Make things ahead of time and keep things simple

sarah November 7, 2011 - 12:35 pm

I am from the South and we make everything from scratch! From cornbread for our dressings to the biscuits~ in our family there is one thing that we enjoy, getting together! Besides the delicious homemade food and deserts, we enjoy our time we have with each other. relax, be thankful and have some laughs! Trying to get as much done ahead of time is important so that the ‘cook’ has some time to spend with family!
Thanks for the giveaway…
Relax, and enjoy the holidays.

Lauren S. November 7, 2011 - 12:34 pm

My tip is to not show up with a bunch of expectations for a “perfect” day. Just enjoy one another’s company. Take things the way they happen. Let the schedule fall as it does, if dinner isn’t exactly at 2 pm, then it’s not. No one will starve to death. Let the kiddos snack. Embrace the gift of each other – you never know how long you have – the rest of it is just not that important.

Dawn November 7, 2011 - 12:21 pm

There is about 20 of us so we all pitch in and bring all our favorite dishes. I’ll be hosting this year so I’ll be making the turkey, dressing and potatoes. I’m looking forward to the whole process, Cooking, eating and enjoying everyone’s company!

Marisa Harvey November 7, 2011 - 12:18 pm

THE best tip is to plan ahead trying to include as much family as you can. To visit with family you don’t get to see often is always a treasure as well as those near n dear. Making memories, meeting new additions, pictures, hugs, and of course, we can’t forget the amazing family food that everyone pitches in and brings: favorite dishes, tried and true recipes, new treats, tasty desserts, TURKEY always, ham along with, pull-out-all-the-stops individual cooked gems of food from each <DELISH n YUM! *now THAT'S Thanksgiving!

Vic Burnham November 7, 2011 - 11:59 am

We divide all the dishes up between families so no one has to cook everything. Makes the day go smoother .

Mar November 7, 2011 - 11:57 am

Just relax… It is about the people not the food… Enjoy the day!

Teri November 7, 2011 - 11:51 am

My tip is relax, don’t stress. If it isn’t perfect no one will die. Relax, do your best. Enjoy the day.

Dayna November 7, 2011 - 11:49 am

I like to make the pies a day ahead & make sure you clean the dishes as you cook!

Andrea November 7, 2011 - 11:48 am

What a great giveaway! My great tip is to keep the kids occupied with fun activities while the food is being prepared! This year, we’re making Pilgrim hats and setting up a craft table & games in the back room.

Chris November 7, 2011 - 11:46 am

My favorite Thanksgiving tip is to share the cooking duties. We do Thanksgiving at my sister’s house. There will be 12 of us there so everyone is in charge of bringing one or two items to contribute to the meal. That way, my sister doesn’t have to do all of the work since she is in charge of the turkey. Of course that always results in us having way too much to eat but it is fun!

Andrea November 7, 2011 - 11:34 am

My tip is to have everyone join in on the meal preparation. This is the one time of the year that everyone has a hand in making part of the meal. The kitchen can get a little crowded but that is what makes the day so fun. By the time the food is done we realize we have much to be thankful for-each other.

Crystal November 7, 2011 - 11:27 am

We like to make the fruit pies in advance (a few weeks or even months) & then freeze them & then just bake them on Thanksgiving Day–works great!

Whitney November 7, 2011 - 11:22 am

I like to get the bread for the stuffing out a day or two ahead so it gets really dry. Thanks for the giveaway!

Shelly November 7, 2011 - 11:21 am

Homemade dressing is a must. You just can’t have dressing from a box on Thanksgiving. My mother taught me just a couple of years ago how to make it and it is not that difficult.

Kristie O. November 7, 2011 - 11:21 am

I also am a prep/fix ahead gal! A huge timesaver!

Hadlee November 7, 2011 - 11:18 am

Plan what you want everyone to bring ahead of time and make sure you give everyone an assignment to bring something. It will be less stressful and more enjoyable.

Lethea B November 7, 2011 - 11:05 am

My tip is to make a meal plan in advance, shop for any needed ingredients and to prepare any dishes that you can in advance=)

Andrea November 7, 2011 - 11:04 am

The thing that helps me make Thanksgiving best for my family is to simplify. I’ve worked over the years to find easy and great recipes my family loves. Now I can cook Thanksgiving dinner in 2 hours on Thanksgiving day. When I’m happy everyone else is happier!=)

Jessica November 7, 2011 - 10:56 am

My tip for making holidays is easier- is to let others help. When someone offers to bring a dish, let them. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Jen G November 7, 2011 - 10:51 am

This year I’m going to try and make things early, like you said, but also I’m going to heat a lot of the feed that was made early in slow cookers so there is plenty of oven space for the food that has to be made that day.
Another thing, there are several people including myself with food allergies in my family, so I called Butterball last week to check if their turkey is safe. “Anthony” told me they do not put any of the top 8 food allergens in their TURKEY. Yipee! That’s turkey – if there is a gravy packet WITH the turkey you will have to check that for allergens, too.

sally November 7, 2011 - 10:44 am

To do as much in advance, desserts, stuffing. Keep it simple. Time with the family is what matters.

Lisa @ Life is Crazy Beautiful November 7, 2011 - 10:42 am

The way I make it better is to cook an entire Thanksgiving Meal for my little family of 3. {I do make cranberry sauce, pie, etc. ahead of time}. I make enough so we still get to have leftovers for a few days {my husband loves that}. My mom is allergic to eggs and poultry…so no Turkey at our larger family celebration we usually have Friday or Saturday afterward…this way my daughter and husband still get to have the turkey & turkey gravy they love.

Carla November 7, 2011 - 10:38 am

What makes Thanksgiving better for me and my family is sharing responsibilities. Someone has the hor duerves and beverages, another has the turkey and dressing, another brings any additional meats, one brings compliments to the dinner and so on. Dessert is always such a great time, this is where we sit around and give our reasons why we are so thankful for being together and family and drink hot cinnamon hinted coco. Mmmm….

Annie November 7, 2011 - 10:37 am

My best tip is to share the workload. We have everyone bring something for the meal. It sure helps!

Melanie G November 7, 2011 - 10:32 am

I dont really have any tips as this is my first Thanksgiving I will be hosting.I’m a little nervous but I’m looking forward to it!

Krystal November 7, 2011 - 10:31 am

We do dinner buffet style–Makes things way easier on everyone, and the table isn’t so full you can’t move. Also, Chinet buffet plates–Clean up is a breeze!
-Krystal @ recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com

mandy November 7, 2011 - 10:24 am

I really having dinner at my mom’s, I just bring a side and enjoy the delish dinner

Danyelle November 7, 2011 - 10:18 am

We cook our turkey in a roaster pan so the oven stays available for other dishes.

Denise November 7, 2011 - 9:46 am

I haven’t had a Butterball in a looong time, and now this yr I am hosting, so I am glad for the give away and for all of the good suggestions that I have read thus far.
My tip for hosting anything, is to plan ahead, set the table a day or two ahead, delegate what you can, use a roaster oven for the turkey, if you can, and try try try not to stress and enjoy the special day.

Margaret November 7, 2011 - 9:36 am

I like to stagger the dishes so the oven is not bombarded with different flavors and so our family isn’t as stressed on Thanksgiving day. It’s good to have a plan!

Jennifer November 7, 2011 - 9:30 am

Visit the kid table as much as possible, that’s where the conversation is really entertaining! And as stated before, make as much as possible ahead of time so that Thanksgiving Day can be used for quality time with the family.

Emily November 7, 2011 - 9:24 am

I just love to cook, the whole family travels to my house. . . I do some in advance, but we all cook together and I love it. . . Pies I do in advance.

bee November 7, 2011 - 9:12 am

For me Thanksgiving is a really special holiday, so I like to make it as awesome as possible. We don’t really cook too much during the year, so on Thanksgiving day, it’s worth it to take the time to make things from scratch. The green bean casserole, rolls, pumpkin pie (or cheesecake in our case), it’s all just so much more personal and cozy if you know you’ve put a lot of love into the food.

Leann Lindeman November 7, 2011 - 9:09 am

I do as much prep as can 1 to 2 days before Thanksgiving day…. Even have the table set!

Leann Lindeman November 7, 2011 - 9:09 am

I do as much prep as can 1 to 2 days before Thanksgiving day…. Even have the table set!

shirley elizabeth November 7, 2011 - 9:07 am

Make everything ahead, shape and freeze your roll dough even a week before, CANNED cranberry sauce (because only two people like the homemade anyway), and make the turkey and potatoes fresh.

shirley elizabeth November 7, 2011 - 9:07 am

Make everything ahead, shape and freeze your roll dough even a week before, CANNED cranberry sauce (because only two people like the homemade anyway), and make the turkey and potatoes fresh.

michelle johnson November 7, 2011 - 9:07 am

We cook our turkey in a big roaster to free up oven space. It works great for us.

michelle johnson November 7, 2011 - 9:07 am

We cook our turkey in a big roaster to free up oven space. It works great for us.

Sereen November 7, 2011 - 9:01 am

Involve everyone in the cooking and cleaning. It goes faster and those are the best memories, working in the kitchen together.

Sereen November 7, 2011 - 9:01 am

Involve everyone in the cooking and cleaning. It goes faster and those are the best memories, working in the kitchen together.

Heather Spooner November 7, 2011 - 9:00 am

I try not to make a new recipe on the big day. I stick with my tried and true dishes so I won’t be stressed out about a recipe failing. However if I make something new, I try to test it weeks ahead of time with no pressure of failure. Thank you!

Heather Spooner November 7, 2011 - 9:00 am

I try not to make a new recipe on the big day. I stick with my tried and true dishes so I won’t be stressed out about a recipe failing. However if I make something new, I try to test it weeks ahead of time with no pressure of failure. Thank you!

Dezi A November 7, 2011 - 8:51 am

My tip is to not feel every single thing has to be homemade. My family LOVES Rhodes Rolls so I just always use those.

Dezi A November 7, 2011 - 8:51 am

My tip is to not feel every single thing has to be homemade. My family LOVES Rhodes Rolls so I just always use those.

Cheryl S. November 7, 2011 - 8:50 am

Everyone has given great tips. Prep as much as you can beforehand. Definitely have each person that is attending bring something. Make a list so you don’t forget the bread in the oven and end up with coal [not that that’s ever happened to ME. 🙂 ]
And when all else fails, drink wine! Then you don’t care as much when stuff happens! OK. Kidding. Sort of.

Cheryl S. November 7, 2011 - 8:50 am

Everyone has given great tips. Prep as much as you can beforehand. Definitely have each person that is attending bring something. Make a list so you don’t forget the bread in the oven and end up with coal [not that that’s ever happened to ME. 🙂 ]
And when all else fails, drink wine! Then you don’t care as much when stuff happens! OK. Kidding. Sort of.

Casey Christensen November 7, 2011 - 8:45 am

I like having a potluck Thanksgiving and doing as much before hand as I can.

Casey Christensen November 7, 2011 - 8:45 am

I like having a potluck Thanksgiving and doing as much before hand as I can.

Bobbi November 7, 2011 - 8:39 am

Keep it simple. Keep it fun. We do what we like and don’t try to change things much.

Bobbi November 7, 2011 - 8:39 am

Keep it simple. Keep it fun. We do what we like and don’t try to change things much.

Margie November 7, 2011 - 8:35 am

sit your table a day ahead and do your prep work a couple days ahead,also do your dishes as you cook and prepare things that way you want have a ton of dishes to do after the meal and can enjoy your family & friends.Also another tip to make a even juicer turkey,take 2 cups of water and add 2-3 Chicken buillion Cubes and bring to a boil,put our turkey in a oven bag and pour the chicken broth over it and seal up good and roast as you always do.

Margie November 7, 2011 - 8:35 am

sit your table a day ahead and do your prep work a couple days ahead,also do your dishes as you cook and prepare things that way you want have a ton of dishes to do after the meal and can enjoy your family & friends.Also another tip to make a even juicer turkey,take 2 cups of water and add 2-3 Chicken buillion Cubes and bring to a boil,put our turkey in a oven bag and pour the chicken broth over it and seal up good and roast as you always do.

Patti S November 7, 2011 - 8:24 am

Prepare as much the day or days before as possible. I cook the main dishes and everyone else brings a dish that is tradition for them at Thanksgiving. 🙂 One good tip I’ve learned…make your potatoes the day before by boiling your potatoes then putting them through a ricer directly into a ziploc bag. Then on Thanksgiving day you just heat your cream/milk, butter and other ingredients and add them to the potatoes. (I whip them a little bit with the mixer for creamer potatoes) This frees up time as well as space on your stove top! 🙂

Patti S November 7, 2011 - 8:24 am

Prepare as much the day or days before as possible. I cook the main dishes and everyone else brings a dish that is tradition for them at Thanksgiving. 🙂 One good tip I’ve learned…make your potatoes the day before by boiling your potatoes then putting them through a ricer directly into a ziploc bag. Then on Thanksgiving day you just heat your cream/milk, butter and other ingredients and add them to the potatoes. (I whip them a little bit with the mixer for creamer potatoes) This frees up time as well as space on your stove top! 🙂

Sarah November 7, 2011 - 8:20 am

We have Thanksgiving with just our little family most years as we live away from family. At first this felt a little lonely especially since my husband’s tradition is for a huge(100+) family gathering at his grandmothers home. We started creating our own traditions to fill this holiday with fun for our family. At our children’s school, they have the whole week off. The first two days of the week are perfect for making kids crafts. We make Indian headdresses for the boys and pilgrim bonnets for the girls to wear at our feast. We make centerpieces and napkin rings to beautify our table (all out of construction paper and craft box supplies mind you). We all enjoy working together in the kitchen for the big feast. Wednesday the kids roll the crescent rolls and mix up the pies and stuffing. Thursday we pull together the rest of the simple stuff and the Turkey. We play games while it cooks and then Eat…Everyone seems to enjoy it so much more because they worked on it too. Thanksgiving evening we “heart-attack” a couple homes of people we have been especially thankful for this year to tell them we love and appreciate them (anonymously of course). Everything may not look “picture perfect” in the eyes of the world but in my world, it is perfect.

Sarah November 7, 2011 - 8:20 am

We have Thanksgiving with just our little family most years as we live away from family. At first this felt a little lonely especially since my husband’s tradition is for a huge(100+) family gathering at his grandmothers home. We started creating our own traditions to fill this holiday with fun for our family. At our children’s school, they have the whole week off. The first two days of the week are perfect for making kids crafts. We make Indian headdresses for the boys and pilgrim bonnets for the girls to wear at our feast. We make centerpieces and napkin rings to beautify our table (all out of construction paper and craft box supplies mind you). We all enjoy working together in the kitchen for the big feast. Wednesday the kids roll the crescent rolls and mix up the pies and stuffing. Thursday we pull together the rest of the simple stuff and the Turkey. We play games while it cooks and then Eat…Everyone seems to enjoy it so much more because they worked on it too. Thanksgiving evening we “heart-attack” a couple homes of people we have been especially thankful for this year to tell them we love and appreciate them (anonymously of course). Everything may not look “picture perfect” in the eyes of the world but in my world, it is perfect.

Tara November 7, 2011 - 8:13 am

My tip is not to try anything new the day of. If you want to try a different recipe try it a few weeks ahead of time so you know you’ll be happy with it. Thanks for an amazing giveaway!

Tara November 7, 2011 - 8:13 am

My tip is not to try anything new the day of. If you want to try a different recipe try it a few weeks ahead of time so you know you’ll be happy with it. Thanks for an amazing giveaway!

robin November 7, 2011 - 8:11 am

i usually cook for myself since my husband passed away 2 1/2 years ago…and a make a full menu!!

robin November 7, 2011 - 8:11 am

i usually cook for myself since my husband passed away 2 1/2 years ago…and a make a full menu!!

Bev Weidner November 7, 2011 - 8:09 am

I prefer the stuffing IN MY MOUTH.

Bev Weidner November 7, 2011 - 8:09 am

I prefer the stuffing IN MY MOUTH.

Robin Gossman November 7, 2011 - 8:06 am

I put my stuffing into muffin pans, that way you get a nice little “cup” and you know how much stuffing you’ll have for each person. I call them stuffing cups!

Robin Gossman November 7, 2011 - 8:06 am

I put my stuffing into muffin pans, that way you get a nice little “cup” and you know how much stuffing you’ll have for each person. I call them stuffing cups!

Hannah November 7, 2011 - 8:03 am

Keep it simple, but good! We don’t usually do anything too huge and everyone helps out…it’s some good times!

Hannah November 7, 2011 - 8:03 am

Keep it simple, but good! We don’t usually do anything too huge and everyone helps out…it’s some good times!

gail miller November 7, 2011 - 7:51 am

to make the basic menu and anyone can bring whatever is their favorite dish. I have a very large family.

gail miller November 7, 2011 - 7:51 am

to make the basic menu and anyone can bring whatever is their favorite dish. I have a very large family.

Hope @ A Little Hope...Amidst the Chaos November 7, 2011 - 7:45 am

Having it pot luck style is the best thing for me and to have it right around lunch time so that you are done and get to enjoy most of the day after the cooking chaos 😉

Hope @ A Little Hope...Amidst the Chaos November 7, 2011 - 7:45 am

Having it pot luck style is the best thing for me and to have it right around lunch time so that you are done and get to enjoy most of the day after the cooking chaos 😉

erin November 7, 2011 - 7:42 am

cooking as a team is the key. working together in the kitchen with friends and family makes you not only appreciate the day but lets you spend time making a gorgeous meal!

erin November 7, 2011 - 7:42 am

cooking as a team is the key. working together in the kitchen with friends and family makes you not only appreciate the day but lets you spend time making a gorgeous meal!

Apryl Herrell November 7, 2011 - 7:41 am

To not stress and make your family crazy. Make a few favorites and don’t over do it.

Apryl Herrell November 7, 2011 - 7:41 am

To not stress and make your family crazy. Make a few favorites and don’t over do it.

Katina November 7, 2011 - 7:39 am

My Thanksgiving tip is to start the prep work days ahead and to delegate side dishes and desserts to other family members and friends.

Katina November 7, 2011 - 7:39 am

My Thanksgiving tip is to start the prep work days ahead and to delegate side dishes and desserts to other family members and friends.

Kirsten November 7, 2011 - 7:37 am

Remember the name of the day. Count your blessings and remain thankful no matter what happens with the meal!!!

Kirsten November 7, 2011 - 7:37 am

Remember the name of the day. Count your blessings and remain thankful no matter what happens with the meal!!!

Julie November 7, 2011 - 7:30 am

I have to agree with making ahead. Having a billion things too cook at the same time just before the meal is a nightmare.

Julie November 7, 2011 - 7:30 am

I have to agree with making ahead. Having a billion things too cook at the same time just before the meal is a nightmare.

Rachael November 7, 2011 - 7:30 am

My number one rule for Thanksgiving is to plan on the favorite recipes for the majority of the meal and only try one new thing. Everyone feels like it tastes like traditional Thanksgiving but I still get to explore something new. When I was just starting out I would work on making one thing really well from scratch(the turkey) and just use packaged food to make the rest less stressful (boxed stuffing, bakery pies). Each year I then mastered something new. One bite at a time right?

Rachael November 7, 2011 - 7:30 am

My number one rule for Thanksgiving is to plan on the favorite recipes for the majority of the meal and only try one new thing. Everyone feels like it tastes like traditional Thanksgiving but I still get to explore something new. When I was just starting out I would work on making one thing really well from scratch(the turkey) and just use packaged food to make the rest less stressful (boxed stuffing, bakery pies). Each year I then mastered something new. One bite at a time right?

Nicci @ Changing the Universe November 7, 2011 - 7:26 am

This is going to be my very first year hosting Thanksgiving, so I have NO tips on how to make it easier, LOL! I’ll be blog stalking many places for ideas 🙂

Nicci @ Changing the Universe November 7, 2011 - 7:26 am

This is going to be my very first year hosting Thanksgiving, so I have NO tips on how to make it easier, LOL! I’ll be blog stalking many places for ideas 🙂

Amy November 7, 2011 - 7:09 am

Planning ahead and doing all of your grocery shopping the week before helps to avoid the crazy crowds and helps you feel more preepared and ready for the big day!

Amy November 7, 2011 - 7:09 am

Planning ahead and doing all of your grocery shopping the week before helps to avoid the crazy crowds and helps you feel more preepared and ready for the big day!

lynda c. November 7, 2011 - 6:55 am

My tip is to make it a potluck. my family is too big for one person to do it all! We’ve always done it like this. It works great!

lynda c. November 7, 2011 - 6:55 am

My tip is to make it a potluck. my family is too big for one person to do it all! We’ve always done it like this. It works great!

Shauna November 7, 2011 - 6:55 am

Give the people coming a dish that they need to bring. It cuts down on your cost and time.

Shauna November 7, 2011 - 6:55 am

Give the people coming a dish that they need to bring. It cuts down on your cost and time.

Ted November 7, 2011 - 6:35 am

Continue Traditions!

Ted November 7, 2011 - 6:35 am

Continue Traditions!

Kylee November 7, 2011 - 6:22 am

We have Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house. She’s 89 so we all pitch in and bring mostly everything so she doesn’t have to do much. My dad or I usually buy the turkey. She always asks us to get Butterball. Thanks for the giveaway!

Kylee November 7, 2011 - 6:22 am

We have Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house. She’s 89 so we all pitch in and bring mostly everything so she doesn’t have to do much. My dad or I usually buy the turkey. She always asks us to get Butterball. Thanks for the giveaway!

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