Here’s the curveball: booze. If you’re serving wine, cocktails, or those craft beers your neighbor brews, appetites shrink. Trust me, after two glasses of Pinot, nobody wants a third slice of breast.
Calculating what size turkey to get for Thanksgiving Day dinner | WZTV
On the flip side, if you’re all with the kids or just a bunch of carnivores who skip the greens, bump that turkey up to 16 pounds. I’ve seen five people finish a 12-pounder before the gravy was even poured. It’s wild, but it happens.
So, think about your crowd. Are they “lighter pourers” or “double-scoop mashed potato” types? Adjust accordingly.
The Leftover Lie (And The Truth)
Everyone says they want leftovers. They say it, but then they forget to bring Tupperware. You, the host, are stuck with a mountain of turkey that you will eat for a week straight.
If you don’t want that life, stick closer to 11 pounds. But then, on the day, you’ll watch people sneakily tear off more meat, and you’ll feel a pang of regret. Honestly, I’d rather have extra than stress.
My advice? Make the bigger bird. Freeze what you don’t finish. It’s perfect for quick soups or lazy Sunday sandwiches. Your future self will thank you.
