15 guides
Hosting and family gathering guides
Plain-English guides to hosting family gatherings and holiday meals. Food safety guidance follows the USDA.
Planning
Guests, invites, potlucks and dietary needs.
- Plan a family gathering
Decide the shape of the day first.
- Guest list and invitations
Invite early, ask the right questions.
- Run a smooth potluck
Assign categories, not dishes.
- Plan for dietary needs
Ask, label and separate.
The food
Amounts, turkey, make-ahead and food safety.
- How much food per guest
Simple rules of thumb.
- Turkey basics
Thaw in the fridge, cook to 165°F.
- Make-ahead dishes
Do the work before the day.
- Buffet food safety
The two-hour rule.
The home
Guest rooms, seating, small spaces and fun.
- Prepare for overnight guests
Small touches, big welcome.
- Seating and the table
Room for everyone.
- Hosting in a small space
Smart use of every corner.
- Games and conversation
Easy ways to bring everyone together.
Afterwards
Leftovers, cleanup and budget.
- Leftovers, safely
Two hours to the fridge.
- Make a cleanup plan
Many hands, less work.
- Hosting on a budget
Generous without overspending.