A Thanksgiving Menu for Small Gatherings

For a few years in my late 20s and early 30s, Thanksgiving dinner was comprised of exactly five people: My husband, my brother and his wife, and my grandmother. We didn’t have children yet, and the rest of my family was living in various locations throughout the United States.

Those meals were some of my favorites because dinner was manageable, and I had plenty of time to enjoy not only my holiday feast, but also the company.

When life shifts course or family dynamics change and our once huge family celebration is whittled down, it’s easy to think making a feast isn’t worth the trouble. But the special touches that make holiday dinners feel important still matter regardless of how many chairs are at the table.

Set out your best plates, make that gorgeous centerpiece, iron the table cloth, and cook until your heart is content.

If you are planning a small family gathering for the holidays this year, why not think outside the 20-pound bird and try something a little different? Who knows? This may be the year to start a new tradition.

With a little planning you can do most of the work ahead of time, so the day of is relaxing and (relatively) fuss free.

Your Thanksgiving Prep List

• Up to Three Months Ahead of Time: Parker House Rolls
• Three Days Ahead of Time: Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Pie
• Two Days Ahead of Time: Green Bean Casserole
• One Day Ahead of Time: Sausage Sage and Cornbread Stuffing
• The Big Day: Stuffed Turkey Breast, Hasselback Potatoes, and Drinks