The Heart of the Table | The Art of Gathering

A Masterclass in Thanksgiving Hosting

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In what you now consider to be a moment of questionable good sense, you have invited an extended group of family and friends to your house for Thanksgiving dinner. Oops. Before you know it you will be staring at a frozen turkey asking yourself, why me? Since this is a holiday steeped in tradition, it’s not one that is easy to improvise.

After all, you can’t possibly substitute a store-bought ham or frozen lasagna for a golden roasted, aroma-flowing turkey. Can you? Well… Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving or a traditional Thanksgiving, the love among guests is unconditional, and it's a perfect excuse to blend new holiday traditions with the old ones.

What’s a Friendsgiving? That’s when you hold a turkey day celebration with friends instead of family, because you’re a college student, on a business trip, or far away from loved ones. OR, it simply means you may decide to host more than one gathering this November. Playing party host is a beautiful display of gratitude.

The Cardinal Rule of the Table

First thing's first, you have to plan. Since you are the host, you take on the star of the meal: the turkey and gravy. Choose from the million or so side dishes that are designed to accent the bird, and peruse your file box or favorite cookbooks to assemble the yummiest recipes. Then, follow cardinal rule number one: Let your guests help!

Now, call upon your most reliable friends to contribute everything that surrounds the main feast. If cousin Jack offers to make an overly complicated broccoli and avocado gratin, gently guide him by emailing your simple recipe for sautéed green beans. Direct your most kitchen-impaired pal to make a well-thought-out choice when it comes to dessert by ordering from a trusted bakery.

Every year, I share my new side dish recipes—like a corn soufflé casserole or a white raisin dressing—with my best pals, and they share theirs in return. We try to find dishes that can be made in advance, baked ahead of time, and brought warm to the dinner.

The Art of Anticipation

Pick a shopping day a week or two in advance. Check out specialty markets for hard-to-find ingredients like white raisins, aged sherry, and new varieties of fresh herbs. It may shock you to know that early planning can actually be robustly fun—think autumn-scented candles, cakes, and coffees!

Get in the mood. Make your first shopping day stop your favorite coffee house. Order a cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee and a fresh-baked pumpkin and butterscotch scone. While you are there, buy a pound of coffee you will eventually serve to your Thanksgiving guests! With a tummy full, stroll the aisles of your favorite food boutique for cranberry relish or thick churned butters.

From the Archives: Jorj Morgan

Executing the Grand Vision

Thanksgiving is the holiday that takes true advantage of your best china and crystal. Take stock of your tableware early. Make sure you have enough for all of your guests. Coordinate the place settings, but remember, they don’t have to match—an eclectic table is remarkably architected and full of spirit! Go antiquing for that authentic tablescape.

F-U-N blends with functionality when you pre-plan the physical space. Do you have several gravy boats or pitchers? Can you find enough serving platters and heavy utensils? Bring out any special place card holders, porcelain salt and pepper shakers, and vintage pieces. Squeeze in a side trip to your favorite antique shop to browse for a few statement pieces that will tie the arrangement together.

With shopping day done, kick off your shoes and flop into that favorite chair. The menu is complete, the china sorted. You’ve purchased the hard-to-find ingredients and all of the pantry staples you will need. Your favorite recipes have been sent out. You are well on your way to a stress-free, beautiful Thanksgiving Day… the start of your neighborly grace.

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