Items Everyone Should Bring to a Family Thanksgiving Dinner

Cranberry Sauce

Even if you haven't been asked to bring something for the Thanksgiving dinner, you should definitely pick up a can or two of cranberry sauce. There can never be enough cranberry sauce and if there are any cans left allow the host to keep them for future dinners.

Dinner Rolls

Brown and Serve dinner rolls are always a hit, even if the cook is making her own special breads. With your rolls on hand, she will have plenty to serve should unexpected guests arrive.

Drinks

If you are one of those people that 'only' drinks diet this or caffeine free that then bring your own. Don't expect the host/hostess to cater to every ones particular taste. It's work enough to provide for everyone and this is a small way you can help.

Cheer

Whether it's a case of beer or a bottle or two of fine wine brings some added cheer. Of course, you know your family best so you may want to opt for non-alcoholic cheer. Why not bring some eggnog or a box of hot cocoa for relaxing after the dinner.

Appetite

Of course, bring your appetite. Thanksgiving day is not a time to be shy or dieting so bring your appetite. Nothing says Thanks like a cleaned plate. Eating, enjoying the food and cleaning your plate are truly the highest forms of praise you can give any cook.




Final Thoughts

One of the nicest things you can do for the host is offer to clean up and follow through. My kids know that anytime we go to a family dinner they are expected to be the clean-up crew. They have learned to recruit other kids for this chore and tend to make a game of it and they get the job done.






Comments

  • ElaineChastain 11/29/2010

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    I think this list may have gotten around. I have several cans of cranberry sauce left. But hey, cranberry sauce goes quite well with ham, right? ;)

  • Ginae 11/19/2010

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    I am glad to see this in a post. I only know what *I* care about bringing...but, I KNOW that I should do better than that...good job!

  • ElaineChastain 11/18/2010

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    Jeannie, you are such a nut! ((Hugs))

  • Jeanniemaries 11/18/2010

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    I'm sending this list to all my guests!

  • ElaineChastain 11/18/2010

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    Thank you all for the wonderful comments! :)

  • clewand550 11/18/2010

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    Great list! I absolutely love your final thoughts. It teaches kids at a young age appreciating and respect. Great job Elaine.

  • ListMaker 11/17/2010

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    One other pet peeve of mine. As a hostess, I do so appreciate getting flowers when guests walk in the door but then please don't expect me to find a vase, cut the ends, arrange them, etc. It's best if you walk in with flowers already in their vase. Great list, Elaine.

  • nrichford 11/17/2010

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    Bringing your own drink to a Thanksgiving Dinner is a great idea.

  • penelope7 11/16/2010

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    I love the cranberry sauce and dinner roll idea. Seems like you can never have too much of either. I am a diet soda and red wine lover....I definitely bring my own. Great and necessary list.

  • tamron 11/15/2010

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    I agree with your final thoughts! I think everybody should enjoy the holidays so everyone should pitch in cleaning up! 5*

  • JuliaBodeeb 11/15/2010

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    The more food the better. I always bring stuff, great ideas here.

  • BonnieDossKnight 11/15/2010

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    Cranberry sauce is my weakness. (My daughter works for Ocean Spray) Your suggestions are well thought-out.

  • bossypants 11/15/2010

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    Your family can come to my house anytime! You offer great suggestions of what to bring to the feast.

  • goodselfme 11/15/2010

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    When people bring to the Thanksgiving dinner time the things on your list, everyone enjoys those items. I always offer to help to clean up too. Your suggestions are great ones.

  • barbiecrafts 11/15/2010

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    I LOVE the idea you included in your final thoughts....what great kids you must have! Tell your kids they are invited to my house!


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