Hosting Friendsgiving? The Knives You Actually Need
So, you're hosting Friendsgiving this year. First of all, ambitious. Second, you've got this.
Between the turkey, the sides, the drinks and figuring out where everyone is going to sit, hosting can turn into a full-time job pretty quickly. But here's the secret: You don't need a kitchen full of gadgets or a culinary degree to pull off a great gathering. You just need a few reliable knives, the right tools for the job and a game plan that keeps you out of the weeds.
We've narrowed it down to three things that will make your life a whole lot easier, from the first guest arriving to the last slice of turkey.
1. Start with a good cheese board (and a glass of something)
Never underestimate the power of a well-stocked cheese board. It's the easiest way to welcome guests, keep everyone happy while dinner comes together and buy yourself a little extra time in the kitchen.
Put out a mix of soft and hard cheeses, a few cured meats, crackers, fruit and something sweet. No need to go overboard. A little variety goes a long way.
A 4-Piece Cheese Board and Knife Set makes serving easy, with a hardwood board, a soft cheese knife, a hard cheese knife and a spreader all in one set. Less scrambling around the kitchen, more time catching up with your guests.
Need a little inspiration? Check out our guide to building the perfect holiday charcuterie board.
2. Get your prep work done before the doorbell rings
Here's a Friendsgiving rule worth following: Do as much chopping as possible the day before.
Onions, celery, carrots, squash, herbs. Your chef's knife is going to get a workout, so make sure it's sharp and ready to go. A good chef's knife can handle most of the prep on your menu, from chopping vegetables for stuffing to slicing through butternut squash for that side dish everyone insists on bringing.
Wash, chop and store your ingredients in labeled containers the night before. Your future self (the one juggling three dishes and answering the door) will thank you.
And don't forget to clear some counter space. You'll need it.
3. When it's turkey time, bring out the carving set
The turkey gets the spotlight, so don't let the carving be an afterthought.
Whether you're serving a whole turkey, a turkey breast or a holiday ham, a proper carving knife and fork make all the difference. You'll get cleaner, more even slices, and you won't have to wrestle with the bird in front of a hungry audience. No pressure.
The Beacon 3-Piece Carving Board Set and Delta 3-Piece Carving Board Set have everything you need: a forged German stainless steel carving knife, a carving fork and a matching board.
Bring the whole set to the table and let everyone admire your handiwork. You've earned it.
New to carving? Our step-by-step turkey carving guide will help you get those slices just right.
The Friendsgiving game plan
A little planning goes a long way. Here's your cheat sheet to keep things running smoothly.
One week before
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Figure out the menu and assign dishes. It's perfectly acceptable to put someone in charge of dessert.
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Check that you have enough plates, glasses, serving dishes and seating.
Two days before
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Give your knives a little attention. Hone them or sharpen them if needed.
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Make sure your carving set and cheese board are clean and ready to go.
The night before
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Chop vegetables and herbs, prep ingredients and get as much cooking done as possible.
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Set the table, chill the drinks and make room in the fridge.
The day of
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Put out your cheese board about 30 minutes before guests arrive.
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Get the turkey in the oven and keep an eye on your sides.
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Let the turkey rest before carving. This is not the time to rush.
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Bring out the carving set, serve dinner and enjoy the fact that you pulled it off.
One last thing: Keep a few containers handy for leftovers. Sending guests home with turkey and stuffing is practically part of the job.
Get your kitchen Friendsgiving-ready
You don't need every kitchen gadget on the market. Just a few hardworking essentials that make prep, serving and carving easier.
Here's what we'd have on hand:
Hosting Friendsgiving doesn't have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen. Get the right tools, do a little prep ahead of time and save some energy for what really matters: good food, good friends and maybe a second helping of pie.
Shop Schmidt Brothers hosting essentials and get ready to host your best Friendsgiving yet.
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