kindredhomelife

Family gatherings

Bring everyone together. Enjoy it too.

Plain-English guides to hosting family gatherings and holiday meals: planning, how much food to make, turkey thawing and roasting, make-ahead dishes, food safety, and making room for everyone.

Plan the dinner Make-ahead timeline

Dinner for 1210 adults, 4 kids

  • Turkey18 lb
  • Thaw in the fridgeAbout 5 days
  • Roast at 325°F, unstuffed4¼ to 4½ hours
  • Potatoes6 lb
  • Pies2

Done when it reaches165°F

An example using USDA thawing and roasting guidance.

Start with one of these

CalculatorHoliday dinnerTurkey, timing and sides. GuideMake-aheadFive days to dinner. ChecklistHostingSixteen steps to a calm day.

15 hosting guides

Planning

The food

The home

Afterwards

Free download, no email needed

The Holiday Hosting Workbook

Track your guest list and dietary needs, plan the menu and who brings what, shop from one list, and follow a make-ahead timeline and day-of schedule.

Get the free PDFSee the Hosting checklist

Coming soon

Host without the stress

Kindred Gathering Planner: printable guest lists and RSVPs, menu and potluck planners, shopping lists, timelines, seating charts and leftover labels for every gathering.

$8 once. Yours to keep. 30-day refund.

See what's in the planner