ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can require considerable time and planning, particularly for households hosting family and friends.
While turkey, stuffing and other traditional dishes are often expected, preparing a holiday meal does not have to involve an extensive menu or elaborate table settings.
Several approaches can help hosts simplify meal preparation, manage expenses and reduce food waste.
Coordinate contributions from guests
Guests frequently offer to bring side dishes or desserts to Thanksgiving gatherings. Accepting those offers can reduce the amount of cooking required of the host.
However, coordinating contributions in advance can help prevent duplicate dishes or more food than the gathering requires.
Hosts can ask a limited number of guests to prepare specific dishes, taking into account the number of people attending and the amount of available serving space.
Once the menu is complete, additional guests can be encouraged to contribute in other ways, such as helping with setup or cleanup.
Plan portions to reduce food waste
Preparing too much food can lead to unnecessary expenses and leftovers that may eventually be discarded. Before shopping, hosts can estimate portions based on the number of guests and the dishes being served.
Planning for leftovers is another consideration. Households that expect to use leftover turkey and side dishes in subsequent meals may choose to prepare additional portions, while those with limited refrigerator or freezer space may benefit from cooking smaller quantities.
According to ReFED, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing food waste, Thanksgiving is associated with substantial food waste in the United States.
Making a shopping list, checking pantry supplies and preparing appropriate portions can help households limit unnecessary purchases and discarded food.
Keep table settings simple
Formal table settings can add time and expense to Thanksgiving preparations. Hosts can simplify the process by using everyday dinnerware, basic centerpieces and serving dishes already available at home.
Matching plates, elaborate decorations and formal place settings are not necessary for a holiday gathering. A simpler table arrangement also can provide more room for serving dishes and make cleanup easier.
Consider purchasing dessert
Preparing a Thanksgiving meal often requires coordinating several dishes with different cooking times. Purchasing dessert rather than making everything from scratch can reduce the amount of work required on Thanksgiving Day.
Pies, cakes and other desserts may be available from local bakeries, grocery stores and markets throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Hosts who plan to purchase desserts should consider ordering ahead, particularly when buying from smaller bakeries during the busy holiday season.
Prepare a manageable menu
In addition to coordinating guest contributions, hosts can review their menus to determine which dishes are essential. Selecting a smaller number of traditional favorites may be more practical than preparing every dish typically associated with Thanksgiving.
Some foods, including certain casseroles and desserts, can be prepared ahead of time. Checking recipes in advance can help determine which dishes can be refrigerated or frozen before the holiday.
A written preparation schedule also can help hosts coordinate oven space and cooking times.
Thanksgiving meals often reflect family traditions and individual preferences. Planning a manageable menu, coordinating contributions and limiting unnecessary preparation can help hosts focus on the gathering while reducing the work involved in serving a holiday meal.