I really want to hear this story but the audio, both on wnyc.org and itunes, is the Occupy Debt story. I hope I can listen to Sam Sifton soon. Thanks.

its sucks when thanksgiving dinner that some interfaith marriages make where one cant eat it because its not kosher/halal or it may include beacon!!!!

I think my family does it best. We make the turkey and stuffing, and then carry it across the street to our friends' house. They make all the sides, and deal with all the cleaning.

Our first Thanksgiving was in Peekskill, NY. We rushed home from the parade in the city to get the turkey in the oven. Both sets of parents were there as well as a smattering of siblings and friends. It was auspicious because we announced both our plans to marry and the pending birth of our first child! Otherwise notable: we had half a pie for each guest!

Turkey resting:critical

My first time I just made as many of those tiny hens (Cornish?) as there were guests, and it went just fine! It gave everyone their own individual mini "turkey" and was much easier and quicker to cook. Looked great, too. If they didn't like it, too bad! They got hospitality and good food, that's what thanksgiving is about, isn't it?

I'm hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, but I sure as hell didn't volunteer to cook the whole meal. I delegated various dishes to every adult couple. That way even if I wreck the turkey, we're covered.

BRINE a turkey! my favorite turkey recipe is a maple brined turkey (any turkey will do because the brine will make it fantastic), then a maple/cola gravy (along with a basic gravy).
Make this every year now, along with new sides and some old ones. People never leave! they wait for a few hours and eat it again.