I do thanksgiving every year for my family. I have 12 total for dinner this year, or so I thought. My mother works at UNH and has befriended a grad student from Kenya. She just called and asked if she could bring him and his girlfriend to dinner, as they have never celebrated it, and want to learn about our culture and customs. So NOW what? How can I make this a nice experience for them. And I just realized while typing I only have nice dinnerware for 12 not 14 and I know I don't have enough silverware. Would it be ok if I used dinnerware from a different set - maybe for the dks or something? Do you think one twenty pound turkey is enough for 14 (3 dks, one is a vegetarian)? Should I do a spiral ham too?

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 06:13 pm:

My best friend married last year and her husband is from Kenya. They visit quite often so i'll email her and ask her about cultural stuff and maybe some things her DH may recommend. He was born there and has been here less than 10 years so he may have some good ideas.

By Colette on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 06:19 pm:

Thanks - I'd like to do something special to make them feel welcome.

By Happynerdmom on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 08:06 pm:

I think the turkey would be big enough. Of course it would be fine to use dinnerware from different sets! I would really suggest you relax and do what you normally would do...they want to see what your typical celebration is like. It's not the food, or the dinnerware, or whatever that they will remember the most...simply your hospitality.

By Melanie on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 08:25 pm:

I agree with the others. Mix in the other dinnerware-no one will think a thing of it! I also think the turkey will be fine.

One a side note, which department does your mom work in at UNH? My mom is in the controllers office. (She was anyway...I know she has moved around a little, but I think she is still associated with that office!) That would be fun if they actually knew each other!

By Colette on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 08:49 pm:

Oh that's neat, Melanie. She is in the Department of Kinesiology.

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 09:35 pm:

I agree about mixing the dinnerware. Also, there are disposable utensils that look and supposedly feel like real silverware. I haven't tried them, but it may be worth looking into. I would focus on having very traditional decorations that symbolize Thanksgiving, so they can see what we celebrate and why. Enjoy your feast!!

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 05:34 am:

Certainly it is fine to mix dinnerware. And a 20# turkey should do it, though you may not have much in leftovers. If it were me I'd try to get a slightly larger bird, but I like leftovers. If you have any concerns about having enough, you can always get a turkey breast and roast that too.

By Annie2 on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 06:41 pm:

Right before dinner have the kids and other family members put on a short skit about the first Thanksgiving. In the skit have the native indians wear necklaces made of corn husks, nuts, acorns, noodles, leaves, similar rustic looking items. At the end of the skit have the kids place a necklace around your guests' necks. Then invite your guests to your table as it may have happened in the skit. At the table, have each member say what they are thankful for this year.

Can you borrow some utensils from a neighbor who won't need the extra this year?
I agree that mixing dinnerware is fine but I would make sure I had real utensils and glassware for this special holiday affair.

By Annie2 on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 06:43 pm:

double posted...sorry

By Imamommyx4 on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 07:44 pm:

It's not about matching silverware and tableware anyway. Relax and enjoy your family.

By Colette on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 07:49 pm:

Thanks everyone - I am not positive now that they are coming. I should know by tomorrow. I usually have a very food filled but relaxing stress free thanksgiving and I am shooting for that again.

However, I now have 2 very sick children.

By Imamommyx4 on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 09:35 pm:

Suggestion--the little kids around me love those paper plates that have the animal faces and the ears are separate holders for other foods. Let the little ones eat from those and save the nice dinnerware for anyone who want the nice stuff. They have Christmas ones out now too but you may or may not want to use those for Thanksgiving.

Hope your kids get to feeling better real soon.