The Top 10 Essentials for Every Thanksgiving Host

It's already mid-November and you've volunteered (or been volunteered) to host your first Thanksgiving. There's not a lot of time to prepare, but don't panic. We've got you covered with this list of top 10 kitchen essentials for hosts. Turkey roaster: A large turkey roasting pan is key to cooking a moist and succulent bird. A V-shaped roasting rack set into the pan will raise the turkey up and out of the liquid, which will fully expose the legs and leave room for hot air to travel around the turkey's surface for a crisp skin. If you don't want to invest in a roasting pan for a single meal, then feel free to purchase a disposable aluminum roasting pan and place a wire rack inside to lift the turkey or roll a few pieces of aluminum foil into tight cylinders and place them in the pan to create a DIY rack for minimum cost. Turkey platter and carving knife: You'll need a large platter to serve the turkey slices, as well as the accompanying wing and leg pieces. The platter can be simple or decorative and a great place to pick up these types of rarely used pieces for an affordable price is at the thrift store. Additionally, a sharp cutting knife will be required, or you can try your hand at an electric knife if you're feeling adventurous. The electric knife will make short work of a sometimes-overwhelming task. Dishware and cutlery: How many guests are you expecting? Be sure to have enough dishware and cutlery (that have been pre-cleaned) for the joyous event. Again, if you're short a few place settings and don't mind the mix-and-match style, a thrift store might be your best friend. If you're hosting a very large crowd of family and friends, then don't be afraid to go the disposable plates and cutlery route. No one expects you to have enough dishes for an army. Plus, disposable dishes mean less cleanup, and if you're worried about the environmental impact, then you can purchase biodegradable or compostable options. Casserole dishes and slow cookers: You'll need a selection of casserole dishes for cooking those craveable side dishes. Utilizing a slow cooker or two to keep sides warm is an easy way to free up space in the oven. Pie plate(s): Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a piece of pie for dessert. Do you have enough pie plates to bake a few varieties of slices? Once again, disposable aluminum pie plates are easily accessible and affordable if you need a quick vessel for Grandma's favorite pecan pie recipe. Punch bowl or pitcher: Making a large batch of punch, whether spiked or not, can be a massive timesaver for busy hosts who don't have time for fetching individual drinks. Providing pitchers of water for the table will also make for ease of self-service once the meal begins. Stemware: Will you be offering wine with dinner? If so, a selection of stemware will be a must for those indulging in a glass of vino. You probably can already guess what my advice will be, right? Make a thrift store trip for 25 cent glasses. Decor and linens: A simple tablescape of seasonal flowers in short vases, a few candles and a cornucopia or decorative gourds will do the trick here. Don't overthink it. Likewise, a seasonally colored and textured tablecloth and cloth napkins can add a festive touch. Kids' activity: Don't forget to occupy little hands and minds. Whether it's as simple as using craft paper to cover the kids table and passing out Crayons or coming up with a premade craft activity with a turkey theme, you'll be happy in the moment that you've kept the youngest guests busy and out from under foot in the kitchen. Older kids can be given helpful duties like setting the table and filling water glasses. The meal is more special when everyone feels like they've contributed toward the effort. An ability to delegate: Last but not least, don't forget to ask for help and let all your guests pitch in, whether it's by bringing a pie, a bottle of wine or doing the dishes post-meal. You might be the host, but don't be a martyr. Let everyone play a part in making it a positive hosting experience.