How to Host Your First Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is arguably one of the most fun holidays of the year (and quite possibly the most delicious!). That can bring a lot of pressure, especially if you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving.
Panicking yet? Don’t. We’ve mapped out everything you need from prepping to cooking to decorating to get your Turkey Day off without a hitch. And you can find all the essentials at Burlington at a fraction of the price.
Prep 101
Any good meal starts with the right tools and Thanksgiving isn’t any different. Measuring cups for liquid and dry ingredients are a must. Since you’ll be doing a lot of chopping, dicing and slicing, pick up a good cutting board (or two!). And you can never have enough kitchen towels, right?
Turkey Fundamentals
Thanksgiving is really about two things: family and turkey. For most folks, the turkey is the main event of the meal. We’ve all heard tales of turkey nightmares from Thanksgivings past. But truthfully, with the right preparation, roasting a turkey is NBD (no big deal!).
To cook a turkey, you need a few essentials: a turkey (how’d you guess?), seasoning, roasting pan with a rack, baster and thermometer. We especially love this nonstick roaster. Not only is it stylish (check out that copper-style finish!), it’s large enough to handle a big bird. A baster is a must for keeping your turkey moist in the oven while an easy-read thermometer lets you know when it’s done. Want to try something new? Make your own gravy from your turkey drippings – you can’t beat the taste.
Cooking Essentials
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without the sides. We’re thinking mashed potatoes, yams and everybody’s favorite: stuffing. Now’s the time to take stock of your pots, pans and baking dishes to make sure you’re covered. For the potatoes, we recommend a sturdy, amply sized pot like this ceramic-coated cast iron. It’s amazing for distributing heat evenly. Arm yourself with the right tools, too, like a potato masher, colander, whisk, ladles and spoons for cooking everything from veggies to casseroles. And remember: when it comes to rolls, a nonstick baking pan is the only way to go.
Baking Basics
Mmmm…after a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, there’s nothing like a sweet treat. These mixing bowls and spatula are anything but ordinary with their super-fun, glammed-out polka dots. The pitcher/bowl combo is awesome for pouring wet ingredients into dry ones. Making your own pie dough? Then a rolling pin is in order. And, of course, you’ll need something to bake it all in. This pie plate features lovely fluted edges for beautiful tableside presentation.
Table Must-Haves
An incredible meal needs an incredible table setting. Add to the festive mood with a beaded table runner in gorgeous shades of rusts, ferns and golds. Pretty stemware is the perfect complement to a modern place setting. You’re bound to need a few trivets and serveware pieces, so why not make them conversation starters? This trunk-carved server is a stunning way to bring a natural element to your table. If you have space, consider setting your table a day or two early so there’s one less thing to do.
An incredible meal needs an incredible table setting. Add to the festive mood with a beaded table runner in gorgeous shades of rusts, ferns and golds. Pretty stemware is the perfect complement to a modern place setting. You’re bound to need a few trivets and serveware pieces, so why not make them conversation starters? This trunk-carved server is a stunning way to bring a natural element to your table. If you have space, consider setting your table a day or two early so there’s one less thing to do.
Start early, plan smart and shop at Burlington to save a ton on all your Thanksgiving necessities. With these Turkey Day essentials, you’re sure to create a fantastic meal your friends and family will be raving about.