Any suggestions for planning a nice Thanksgiving dinner?

Question

I wanted to host our families Thanksgiving dinner this year but my apartment isn't big enough for the 20+ people that we will be having. My bf is a great cook so he is in charge of most of the food and everyone else is just bringing small dishes or appetizers. I'm making pumpkin rolls and cranberry sauce. As far as decorations go I'm using the big 4 wick candles and putting grapes, apples and pears around them. I made a tablecloth by gathering leaves and using fabric paint to stamp them onto a plain white table cloth. I also have ideas for other decorating but what I want to know is, would it be totally tacky to use disposable plates? I'm willing to buy nice ones but I just don't want myself or anyone else to have to deal with a lot of dishes after we eat. I'd rather just relax, play some games maybe and watch football. Any suggestions about dinnerware or any other decorations or anything would be appreciated! Thanks!

Ooops I forgot to mention that the dinner will be held at my uncle's house since he has a huge house and is going through a divorce so it is just him there. I hate my small apartment!

Answer 1

It is Thanksgiving , so the most important part is for your family and friends to feel welcomed, comfortable, and to have a good time. Try thinking of it as more of a celebration that you get to host your way. Over the years I have been to all types of Thanksgiving dinners and have hosted quite a few myself. One of the best and is still talked about by everyone is the a little non-traditional. My dad had moved into a new house, but it was also in the middle of a kitchen remodel. There ended up being about 30 people there and everything that could possibly go wrong did. First the pipe under the kitchen sink burst, then the storm knocked out the power before all the food was done so my dad fired up his BBQ and borrowed his neighbors BBQ to finish the turkey, biscuits, etc. The food was served buffet style with good disposable plates, glasses, napkins and flatware. We had multiple tables set up in the living room and dining room with lots of candles and a fire in the fireplace. It was gorgeous and fun. Everyone had a great time and ate too much, and I don't think that they gave a second thought to what kind of plate they were eating off of, but it was nice being able to enjoy my family and be stuck in the kitchen doing 10,000 extra dishes. There will already be plenty to do with all the serving bowls and platters. I say make it fun, special and your own.

By the way pumpkin rolls sound really tasty. Care to share the recipe?

Answer 2

I think it depends on your company and if you're trying to impress them.
My family gets disposable plates from me because I have a more fun kind of atmosphere and since I do all the cooking I don't want to deal with all the fuss of washing all the dishes. We also play games and watch t.v. so maybe you should just buy really nice disposable plates and just remember this- your family will remember the meal and company of loved ones not the kind of plates you ate off of. Real pumpkins , gourds and dried decorative corn are a nice autumn touch to your decorations. Hope you have a nice thanksgiving!

Answer 3

Tortillas and observed Dick...Now, that's only not good - lol - Thanksgiving is an American custom. Your travelers from different international places will take excitement in an real meal on your loved ones's own way of celebrating. they have not come all this thank you to consume what they come back dwelling house. think of traveling Mexico city and being served hamburgers and warm canines. that would not make certain to you. i think of is is gorgeous which you're thrilling those human beings and sharing your way of existence with them..

Answer 4

Concentrate on simple, good food on REAL PLATES...People are always satisfied with a good turkey, stuffing, gravy, wonderful mashed potatoes, with 1 green, 1 red, and 1 yellow vegetable for colorful plating...start with a wonderful salad of choice before the main meal along with a few munchies (like vegee platter) before the meal (make sure the vegee platter consists of vegees other than the serving kind at dinner)..end with wonderful appertif's (like Baileys, Ammaretto, or so) and coffee and beautiful pies...There you have it, a wonderful, family friendly, satisfying home cooked Thanksgiving Dinner....You will be remembered....

Answer 5

Again, are you trying to impress anyone? If so -- dinnerware!!
If not, I would not mind if I were served on festive disposible plates. Nobody likes to clean up afterwards. Get some pretty & fancy ones. Napkins to match.

Answer 6

Definitely use nice plates!! It's a holiday and it sound like you are going to a lot of effort in cooking and decorating. You don't want to use plastic!!!

Go to a place like TJMaxx or Target and buy some plates. You can always return them after the holiday if you need to!!

Have a happy holiday!

Answer 7

I always use styrofoam trays and colored plastic cups. You can pile more food on them, and if a glass is dropped, you haven't lost an heirloom. People remember the food and the good time they had. You will remember how nice it is to bring in a garbage bag for cleanup!!

Answer 8

i would say since it is thanks giving just to go with the nice plates not the disposeble ones just because u know to bring the thanksgiving spirt i guess is what i am trying to say but hey u still have 2 monthes to make up your mind

Answer 9

http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/recipe.cgi?r=841

Answer 10

watch moives