As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, otherwise known as the Super Bowl of family dining, it\u2019s time to start planning. This is the day where the hosts either rise to the occasion or crash and burn. And look, I get it \u2014 it\u2019s a lot. Even for someone who\u2019s cooked professionally most of my life, Thanksgiving still brings a little stress. Let me make your life easier with a few tips, a game plan, and of course, some drink recommendations to keep it all rolling smoothly.<\/p>\n
Step One: Make a Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n Start early<\/strong>. Trust me, future you will thank you. The later you wait, the more you\u2019ll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder in the store with everyone else who didn\u2019t read this article.<\/p>\n Write your menu<\/strong>. It\u2019s okay to mix it up \u2014 toss out the dishes that no one\u2019s really into unless you\u2019ve absolutely nailed them. This is also where you decide what you\u2019re drinking. (Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ve got some recs for you below.)<\/p>\n Make a timeline<\/strong>. I use a little whiteboard and break it down by day \u2014 prep lists, shopping lists, everything. That\u2019s how to avoid those \u201coh sh*t\u201d moments of realizing you need more cream cheese or onions and sprinting back to the store.<\/p>\n Step Two: Coordinate<\/strong><\/p>\n Find out now who\u2019s bringing what. Nothing worse than spending half a day making dessert only for five guests to walk in with pumpkin pies. (And honestly, who really loves pumpkin pie? I only know about three people who do.)<\/p>\n If you want to make life even easier, check out what local restaurants are offering for Thanksgiving to-go. I\u2019m a huge fan of mixing in some restaurant help, even if it\u2019s just the gravy. Seriously, skip roasting bones and making stock this year. Buy it. Game changer.<\/p>\n Each restaurant has a cutoff for orders, so hit their websites early and get those orders in. Know your pickup times and reheat instructions, and you\u2019ll be golden.<\/p>\n Step Three: Use Your Space Wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n Oven and stovetop space and prime real estate when planning a big meal. Be strategic.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got an immersion circulator and vacuum sealer, use them \u2014 they\u2019ll save you a ton of space. Gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pur\u00e9e, even smoked turkey breast work great sous vide.<\/p>\n I\u2019m also a big fan of disposable aluminum pans (with lids). They\u2019re easy to stack, fit perfectly on the grill if you\u2019re using it as a warming zone, and cleanup is as simple as tossing them out.<\/p>\n Step Four: Don\u2019t Stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Plans are great \u2014 but don\u2019t freak out if you have to change them. Confidence is key. Do what you\u2019re good at, try something new if you want, and don\u2019t be afraid to order what you don\u2019t want to cook. This should be fun. You\u2019ve got this.<\/p>\n Thanksgiving To-Go: Some Local Favorites<\/strong><\/p>\n Local Foods Group<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Turkey from Maximo, sides and salads from Local Foods, pasta from Milton\u2019s, and desserts from all their spots. One-stop shop.<\/p>\n Hugo\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Caracol<\/strong><\/a>, and <\/strong>Urbe<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 All have slightly different menus, but expect roasted turkey, pineapple-habanero ham, tamales, killer sides, desserts, and even cocktails or taco kits. Yes, please.<\/p>\n Latuli<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Really cool options here. You can get your turkey either fully cooked and ready to serve, or raw, brined, seasoned, and ready to smoke or roast. Don\u2019t skip the sausage stuffing, green bean casserole, or duck gumbo.<\/p>\n Feges BBQ<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Whole smoked turkeys, brisket, ribs, sausage, sides, desserts, and sauces. Basically everything you need.<\/p>\n Truth BBQ<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Smoked brisket, turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings. Simple. Perfect.<\/p>\n A Few Spots I Love for Thanksgiving dinner<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019d rather skip the cooking altogether, make a reservation and let someone else do the heavy lifting. Restaurants love seeing guests on the holidays, and it\u2019s a great way to support them.<\/p>\n Brennan\u2019s of Houston<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Might be tough to snag a table, but worth it. I worked there for nine years, and Thanksgiving was always my favorite shift. The turkey dinner is a classic, and the prix fixe menu has something for everyone.<\/p>\n Navy Blue<\/strong><\/a> and Bar Bludorn<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 My family went to Navy Blue last year, and it was fantastic. The turkey was spot-on, the hanger steak was a hit, and those crispy potatoes with bordelaise? Absolute perfection.<\/p>\n Toro Toro at the Four Seasons<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Great for families with different tastes. Their Thanksgiving buffet is beautiful, and when you\u2019re done, go downstairs to Bayou & Bottle for a bourbon and some football. Perfect combo.<\/p>\n