5. SET THE TABLE AND SERVE THE FOOD

Set the table

And now that your feast has been cooked up, it's time to dish it out! Instead of jangling a bell and hollering, "Come and get it, ya animals!" we advise that you properly set up the dinner table. Here's how:

  1. Make sure that you have enough space, chairs, and utensils for everybody. Guests shouldn't have to sit in each others' laps and share forks.

  2. Get out the fancy silverware, dinnerware, napkins, and glasses, and wash them all off. If you don't own any fancy dining equipment, buy a matching plastic set. After all, nothing says "class" like a plastic champagne flute!

  3. Arrange the tableware at each seating nicely. For tips on how to set things up properly, check out "SYW Improve Your Table Manners?" If you're serving chowder, place a soup bowl on top of each plate.

  4. If your table isn't large enough to accommodate all your guests, all the dishes, and the turkey, then get out a folding table, situate it right on the end of the dinner table, and place all of the dishes and food there. After each guest has helped him/herself to some of each side dish, the dishes can be placed on this back-up table and easily accessed for seconds and thirds. Drinks and ice can also be placed on the folding table.

Serve the food

  • Bring out the dishes. Get everyone seated before presenting the side dishes. Bring out the turkey last. You want to make a grand entrance with your piece de la resistance so clear out a space for it on the table beforehand and whatever you do, don't drop the bird! Get someone else to help you carry it if it's too heavy for your feeble arms.

  • Carve the turkey. When carving your turkey, keep these tips in mind:

    1. Cut the joints, not the bones.

    2. Go with the grain of the meat.

    3. Separate the thighs and drumsticks by bending the turkey legs away from the body and cutting at the place where they meet.

    4. When cutting the breast meat, place your knife parallel and as close to the wing as possible. Cut straight to the bone. Then cut slices perpendicular to this base cut.

  • Leftovers. Don't fear leftovers - they're good to eat for up to 5 days after you prepared them, if stored properly. Cover the dishes with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stick them in the fridge. Remove all the stuffing from the turkey and store the two separately. To find out how to use uneaten turkey in ways you wouldn't have thought possible, go to this site for turkey recipes.

So there you have it: everything you ever wanted to know about preparing a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner. Eat, drink, and be merry!