Over the years I've experienced everything from a warm and fuzzy family Thanksgiving to the classic chinese takeout after working a long retail shift in NYC. Throw in a few odd ball Friendsgivings and I've pretty much seen it all on the turkey day food front. So wanted to share a few tips you might find useful if you're headed to someone else's place next week and on the hook for bringing some chow. And because food isn't the only thing you bring,.. chucked in a few thoughts too on gifts and attire for the full you package.
What dish to bring
Name of the game here is know your audience. (Still remember the sad face when I brought a spicy mexican dish to a meat and potatoes T-day crowd... there sat my full dish as the desserts rolled out #t-dayfail) Hence the no-fail recipe list below. Find the category that reps the gaggle of guests you'll be supping with and click the dish you plan to bring. All recipes range from easy to medium effort but carefully selected so your dish will jive with the rest of the food spread.
(Note: the general bearing here is, bring what pleases the assembly less our usual clean eats stance. But there's something in here for you too if you're aiming to stay on your compliance game and/or want to introduce others to how good no-gluten, no-dairy items can be.)
| Meat and potatoes crowd, no frills or fancy eats necessary | Anticipating a wow factor in every bite, bring the yum | More of a compliance crew, need to know what's in the food | Bring a food-o-graph ready dish cause we're posting pics of everything |
| Dressing or stuffing | Herb sausage stuffing | Gluten & Dairy free | Corn bread & sage dessing |
| Mashed potatoes | Roasted potatoes | Nut free | Scalloped potato gratin |
| Green bean casserole | Roasted brussel sprouts | Vegetarian | Bacon brussel sprouts |
| Cranberry sauce | Cranberry sauce with pinot & figs | Vegan | Orange scented green beans Cranberry citrus dressing |
| Classic sweet potato/yam | Lemon maple squash | Paleo | Sweet potato & marshmallow |
| Pumkin pie | Bourbon & chocolate pecan pie | Sugar free | Apple-berry cobbler pie |
| Wine | Mulled red wine sangria | Low carb | Cranberry champagne cocktail |
*Option for the NON-COOK: Order a few Power Supply meals, separate the sides, throw them in a pan, grab a few different serving dishes, cover with foil and head to the feast. Or BYOM (bring your own meal) and chow on what you know you like. Looks like we have a few roasted turkey dishes with perfect Turkey Day sides on both DC and LA menus. Vegetarian menu has a pumpkin ragout with tempeh that is so yum (DC only).
What to give the host
(That one time when everyone brought the host a bottle of wine and I showed up empty handed because I totally forgot that was a thing). Don't make that mistake. Give the host a little something they can use once the crew of hungry guests has vacated the premises. I've some low cost and DIY ideas that are pretty friggin sweet.
Buy or DIY the gift:
- Know your host well? Arrive with their fav coffee drink in hand and a bag of delicious beans (they've probably been up since 4am #coffeefortheWIN)
- Grab a gift bag, tissue paper and fill it with fancy flavored olive oils and vinegar
- Spice is nice. Stop by the farmers market or even Whole Foods and put together a spice package. Vanilla beans, Himalayan sea salt, a little spanish saffron and white peppercorn are all handy for more holiday cooking which happens to be right around the corner.
- DIY decor - Autumn leaf mason jar makes an uber festive candle holder (how to)
What to wear
(When I awkwardly arrived in jeans and a sweater when everyone else was in bow ties and pearls last year, oops). Never again. Here's the redemption formula I came up with that works for guys and gals. Best advice, don't over think it. First, use the human shield approach, ask the host what they're wearing. If nothing else you'll have a fashion buddy and no one is gonna knock the host for dressing up or down at their own shindig. If that doesn't pan out, jump on the fashion train we're headed to plan B. Destination good-for-any-occasion outfit. Using a smart layering system you can show up on the fancier side and de-layer if you notice everyone is in for a casual vibe. Think break-away khaki's ... just kidding.
Basic rules of thumb to achive the good-for-any-occasion outfit:
- Steer clear of deep v-neck tops and dresses (stay classy) yes, you too guys
- Nix the tight fitting clothes... unzipping and unbuckling are uncouth. Food babies are real
- Layering is the name of the game. Start with casual frocks and a nice pair of shoes. Guys go with suede shoes then add layers of fanciness to your shirt and pants like vests, ties, jackets. Gals start with heels, wedges or decorative flats, add statement jacket, scarf, jewelry, string of pearls etc. Option to de-layer upon arrival
- Wear something you can move in. Never know if you'll be up on your feet playing charades post feast
There you have it, now you can cook, look, and gift your way to Turkey day. Shout if you need more ideas knowledge@mypowersupply.com. Always happy to hear from you.
On behalf of our entire crew, truly hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. Laugh, hug, and enjoy the people.
Erin