What time of day do you have your Thanksgiving Meal?

[CeeCee]

I am curious what time you serve the Thanksgiving meal at your place, anyone? We seem to do it differently every year - sometimes traveling and doing whatever happens where we are etc. Since we've been married just 4 years, we've been home only one of those. This year we are home and hosting some friends from Oregon (we live in FL), and a neighbor couple will join us, and maybe some single adult children. Since I have house guests, I don't want to get into cooking more than one meal that day - does anyone have a mid afternoon feast? And, is it appropriate to have wine mid-afternoon? Suggestions?

[djoygirl]

We always have the big meal around 3:00. Alot of snacking goes on during the day, while preparing the meal, so we don't really worry about lunch. Plus, there are always appetizer-type things, as well. If anyone is hungry later that night, a turkey sandwich, or small plate of leftovers is usually the standard.

Also, wine is appropriate at any time!:D

[LaraW]

My parents always serve their meal around 4:00, in laws always do it at noon.

I prefer to do our meal about 7:00 pm, I am just not hungry for a big meal (ever) in the middle of the day. Just my preference :)

[clairea]

When I was growing up we always had Thanksgiving dinner mid-afternoon, and I really liked it. Now that I have 2 small children we tend to have the meal closer to their regular dinner time because it is easier for them, but as they get older I would like to go back to having it mid-afternoon.

I agree with djoygirl. Wine is appropriate anytime!

[KValley]

WHEN IS IT NOT APPROPRIATE TO HAVE WINE? :D Sorry, couldn't resist.

This is such an interesting question and so family culture-specific. THis year, our Thanksgiving Day meal with DH's parents is at a chi-chi restaurant and our reservation is for noon. THis is so like DH's parents- eating a big meal early so it can digest and we have time to walk in the afternoon/evening. We definitely plan to have wine with our meal!

Friday is Thanksgiving Dinner at my dads. It is doubtful that we will eat before 6. This is so like Dad's SO- her day generally doesn't start before 10 am and she takes her time. So the day will be spent watching football, nibbling on appetizers, and no one will really be hungry by dinner time In true Thanksgiving style :)

Growing up, T-Day dinner was always around 2:00.-3:00 If I was hosting, that would be my preferred time. Late enough to allow for a sensible breakfast, not too late that you can end the day with a turkey sandwich, and allow for a long bike ride or walk before or after dinner!

[aggie94]

When we host Thanksgiving for guests, we usually eat mid- to late-afternoon, somewhere between 3 and 5. We also have lots of appetizers and snacks for people to munch on throughout the early afternoon. And I agree - wine is appropriate any time of the day!

[buddie]

we have dinner between 3 and 4 then later that night we are making turkey sandwiches! YUMMY

[claire797]

I like to serve the meal around 6:00 PM -- a little bit earlier than regular dinner time. I hate eating big meals in the middle of the day and having to feel full the rest of the afternoon. I like feeling full before I settle down for the night. I don't believe that whole thing about how eating after 6:00 makes you gain weight. Besides, I do not stuff myself at Thanksgiving. I eat and enjoy a little bit of everything, but I do not look at the holiday as an excuse to totally pig out.

[SueK]

This year we are hosting dinner, and I plan to eat around 1 or 2. That way we'll just have something light later in the day. I can't eat a big meal in the evening, or I'll never get to sleep! I know DH's family will show up early anyway, so we might as well eat as soon as they get here!

[SandyM]

We usually eat between 3:00 and 4:00. This gives us a chance to go out for a nice walk afterwards, weather permitting, before it gets too dark!

[Curleytop]

Regular Dinner time: 6:pm:D

[pes]

We always have dinner around 4:00pm, with snacks, football, and cocktails beforehand. After the meal, we go for a walk, then we take our kids to the movies around 7:00pm

[Jewel]

Growing up dinner was always around 1:30 or 2pm, so we had the afternoon to sit around and burp and complain about how full we were. Usually right after the "I'm sooooo full" declaration, my grandmother would say "Who wants pie?" and all four of us would go trudging into the kitchen like ants, completely forgetting how miserably full we were! :rolleyes: Of course, eating that early made it easier for my father and I to meet every year like clockwork at 9pm in the kitchen, to put together cold turkey sandwiches with Miracle Whip on soft white Wonder bread...sigh.

Since DH and I have been together, he usually has to work Thanksgiving day from 8am to 4pm, and he's home by 5pm, so I've got dinner 90% ready for the two of us by then. I don't like eating Thanksgiving that late, but we do what we gotta do! ;)

[Molli526]

My parents used to eat between 2- 3pm but now that we are older and my sister and BIL have Lions tickets, we eat later, like 6ish. My MIL eats around 4-5pm so now we have to switch every year and not be at both houses :( I prefer the 2-3 time frame b/c there is plenty of time to digest, eat pie, and have a light leftover dinner :p

[Varaile]

My folks seem to land these holiday dinners right about 1:00p. I enjoy having it in the early afternoon for the same reason's other people mentioned: still enough time to get out for a walk, take a little nap and socialize. I find it easier with my family to do the talking after everyone has eaten and settled down.

When we have Christmas eve at my SIL house, she prefers to eat around 5 or 6 o'clock. That way she doesn't have to get up so early in the morning to start dinner. :rolleyes:

When I'm hosting dinner it's 1:00p and I do as much prep the night before as physically possible! :D

[clarksmom]

3 pm. All my life.

[vbak]

Since the kids are married, we have our dinner later ,.5ish. That way they can eat at the inlaws and then here. And yes, wine is very appropriate while you are cooking and after you are done cooking! Vicky

[KelLeg]

We play football in the morning and will eat around 2 or 3 pm. This is around the time I ate when I was growing up.

[valeriek]

I grew up in Michigan. Dinner was NEVER allowed to be served until the Lions game was over. I carried that tradition into my adult life. Dinner is usually served around 5 p.m.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by valeriek
I grew up in Michigan. Dinner was NEVER allowed to be served until the Lions game was over

But.....but.......but Valerie?? It's different now......their record this year is 0 - 7, or something obscene like that. The games are over anymore, even before they start now!!! :rolleyes:

Lions fans will be starting their dinner right around kickoff this year.

[valeriek]

Sandy,

I know, I know, they are really in the toilet. But its tradition - even if it is painful to watch!!! Plus, as the eternal optimist, I'm betting they will win their first game of the season this Thanksgiving :D

Valerie

[caregiver50]

We always eat around 1. Some of the relatives will have to leave to return home. Wine is always appropriate.

[Kelli Kerrigan]

For the past 10 years I've had Thanksgiving with 'my second family' and they eat later on.....if they say 5, it will be 6. There are typically at least two 26 pound turkeys, possibly three and we all bring side dishes and desserts.....and a great pinot noir!!! (My favorite with turkey!)
This year I'm really happy that it is later. I'm a chairperson for the Chicago Thanksgiving Jingle Elf Parade and I need to be downtown no later than 5am! I think I'll take a nap before going to dinner this year!
;)