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Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Hosting Kit: Cook, Carve, Serve & Send Home
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items Hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving this year? These are the practical basics that make the day easier: a thermometer so the turkey comes out right, the gear to carve and serve it, an easy table upgrade, a hostess gift, and containers for keeping a...
Sections
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Cook It Right
Carve & Serve
Hostess Gifts & Leftovers
Cook It Right
The one tool that takes the guesswork out of the turkey. An instant-read thermometer tells you in a second when the thigh hits 165°F, so no dry bird and no undercooked surprises.
ThermoPro TP19H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
The classic speckled roaster a lot of us grew up with. The lid keeps the turkey moist, it's light enough to lift out of the oven, and it doesn't cost much.
Granite Ware 18-Inch Covered Oval Roaster
The secret to smooth, not-greasy gravy. Pour in the pan drippings, let the fat rise, and pour the good stuff out from the bottom.
OXO Good Grips Good Gravy Fat Separator - 4 Cup
The easy secret to a juicy turkey. Mix your brine, seal the bird in one of these extra-large bags, and let it sit in the fridge or a cooler overnight. There's no giant pot to clean.
Extra-Large Turkey Brining Bags (2-Pack)
For the smoothest mashed potatoes with zero lumps. Press the cooked potatoes through, stir in butter and cream, and done. It's sturdy stainless steel that comes out every holiday.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer
Carve & Serve
A long, sharp carving knife and a sturdy fork make clean slices instead of shredded turkey, and the big moment at the table looks the part. It comes in a gift box, so it works as a host gift too.
Cutluxe Turkey Carving Knife & Fork Set
A simple white porcelain gravy boat with an attached saucer and a little ladle, so no drips on the tablecloth. It goes with any dishes and comes back out every year.
HIC Porcelain Gravy Boat with Saucer & Ladle
The easiest way to make the table look finished. A long terracotta cheesecloth runner, scrunched down the middle with a few mini pumpkins and candles, and you're done.
Terracotta Cheesecloth Table Runner (120 in)
A big acacia board with a deep juice groove, so the turkey juices stay on the board instead of running across the counter. It's handsome enough to carve right at the table, and it pairs with the carving set above.
Villa Acacia Carving Board w/ Juice Groove
Hostess Gifts & Leftovers
I've used these for years. My parents used to sell Yankee Candles, so I grew up around them, and they have some great holiday scents. Autumn Wreath smells like cinnamon and fall spices, and the big jar burns for over 100 hours. It's an easy hostess g...
Yankee Candle Autumn Wreath (22 oz Jar)
For the leftovers you're keeping. Glass containers with snap-on lids go from fridge to microwave, so the turkey-and-stuffing lunches the next few days are easy.
Pyrex Simply Store 8-Pack Glass Containers
For sending leftovers home with guests. A big pack of small foil pans with lids means nobody has to return your good containers, and everyone leaves with a plate for later.
DOBI To-Go Foil Pans with Lids (50 Pack)
For the guest bringing a dish. This insulated carrier fits a standard 9x13 pan and keeps it hot (or cold) on the drive over. It's a great Friendsgiving gift for the friend who always brings the mac and cheese.
Rachael Ray Insulated Casserole Carrier (9x13)
A Seattle-made hostess gift with a little class. Fran's has been making chocolates in Seattle since the 1980s, and the gray salt caramels are their signature. Hand them over with the dish you bring.
Fran's Chocolates Gray Salt Dark Caramels 0.9oz