The Editors of Williams-Sonoma - Williams-Sonoma the best of Thanksgiving : recipes and inspration for a festive holiday meal

The Best of THANKSGIVING Contents Time for Thanks Although we all gather around a table to give thanks on the fourth Thursday in November, theres really no single way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thats why weve put together this abundant collection of Thanksgiving recipes that help you blend inspired new dishes with your most dearly held traditions. In these pages, youll find more than 80 recipes for cocktails and appetizers; main dishes, including six imaginative ways to cook turkey, plus a glazed ham and a tempting vegetarian potpie; stuffings and breads; twenty sides of all kinds; gravies and relishes; holiday-themed desserts, including the iconic pies (pumpkin, apple, and pecan) and other tempting sweets; and four standout sandwiches for making the most of the leftovers. Most of the work of Thanksgiving, as with any kind of entertaining, should be done in advance of the event itself. With a good plan in hand, you will be able to join the party and share in the fun. Look for useful tips about creating a realistic timeline for a .

With this book in your arsenal, youll have everything you need for a wonderful holiday meal. But remember, cooking what you love and serving your feast with joy are key to giving your family and friends something to be truly thankful for: a celebration to remember. Timeline The key to stress-free entertaining is to plan aheadespecially when it comes to the Thanksgiving meal. This timeline will help you stay on track. You can do much of the prep work beforehand, so youll have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your family and friends on the day of the feast. 1 TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING Confirm the number of guests and plan the menu Order the turkey Plan the table setting, serving dishes, and decorations Read through all your recipes to determine the food and cooking tools you will need Make the shopping and to-do lists A FEW DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING Prepare the turkey brine (if using) but do not add the turkey; cover and refrigerate Prepare any food that can be made a few days ahead of time, such as pie dough and cranberry sauce THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING Complete the food shopping If you ordered a fresh turkey, pick it up or have it delivered If you are brining the turkey, place it in the brine and refrigerate Prepare dishes that can be made in advance, such as soup and pie Chop vegetables for side dishes; refrigerate them in covered bowls or zippered plastic bags Peel and cut the potatoes; place in cold water and refrigerate Set the table THE DAY OF THANKSGIVING Refrigerate wines that need chilling, or place on ice in a cooler if you need refrigerator space Prepare the stuffing and other side dishes Prepare the turkey for roasting and put in the oven at the determined time.

If you plan to stuff the bird, do not stuff it until just before you put it in the oven While the turkey is resting, make the gravy and cook or reheat the side dishes Arrange the dishes on a buffet or the dining table Carve the turkey and serve your guests Setting the Scene Whether your celebration will be formal or casual, its a good idea to plan ahead of time how to set up and decorate your space. Begin by choosing a color palette that looks good with your tableware and the room. That palette will help you create a centerpiece, place settings, and room decorations that will work together to set a festive mood. Stick with two or three colors and a few complementary textures, such as wood, pewter, and foliage. The key is restraint and simplicity. Also, think about how you want to serve your food, whether its arranged on an elegant buffet or offered more casually from an open kitchen.

A rolling kitchen cart or folding table can stand in for a buffet in a pinch, but make the effort to ensure it looks inviting by lining it with a tablecloth or runner that coordinates with your color theme. Taking the time to think about the ambience in advance will ease stress on the day of the meal. Turn the page for more ideas on organizing and making your house look beautiful for the upcoming feast. Planning for the Feast To set a celebratory mood and help ease any stress on Thanksgiving Day, take time to think about the details of your meal in advance. Choose a Spot The first step is to determine where the feast will be held. If your dining room table cannot accommodate your crowd, borrow additional tables or chairs from friends or rent them from an event rental company.

Check Your Supplies Check all your linens, glassware, tableware, and flatware well before the party to make sure you have everything you need. Purchase, borrow, or rent any items that are missing. Plan Your Serving Pieces The day before the event, set out all your serving piecescarving board, serving platters, serving dishes, and the likeon your buffet or table. Write the name of each menu item on a sticky note or piece of tape and attach it to the appropriate serving platter or dish to remind you of which food goes on each piece. When purchasing new serveware, choose neutral or white pieces. That makes it easy to add to your collection over time and ensures the food takes center stage.

Select the Utensils Set out the appropriate serving utensils for each item on your menusuch as a fork for the turkey, large spoons or elegant tongs for the side dishes, and a pie server for dessertso you wont need to hunt for them at the last minute. Borrow, rent, or purchase items that are missing. Add a Centerpiece To make the table look special, select an attractive centerpiece that evokes a holiday theme and creates a focal point for the room. It can be anything from a floral arrangement with autumnal blooms or an heirloom bowl filled with seasonal fruits or vegetables to a slender vase of olive branches or fall berries on the stem. Keep the centerpiece natural and uncomplicated, and avoid too many tall or wide elements that could block sight lines at the table. Bring in the Outdoors Visit your local farmers market and gather a selection of seasonal fruits, such as persimmons, pomegranates, pears, and quinces.

Arrange the fruits in low wooden or ceramic bowls and set them around the room to add a seasonal ambience to your house. Delight in the Details Matching place cards in holders, charming salt and pepper shakers, and complementary napkin rings will all help contribute to a streamlined style. If you will be hosting the Thanksgiving meal every year, invest in tabletop elements that can be reused. Set up a Drinks Bar Designate an areaa side table or a free countertopwhere you can arrange the drinks. Set out glasses, ice, and assorted beverages for family and friends to help themselves. Light the Room Use floor lamps, table lamps, and groupings of large candles to create soft, flattering pools of light.