Help! I just found out I'm hosting Thanksgiving!

[jenni-anti-fur]

You should tell one of your meateaters to cook a turkey ahead of time and bring it. Or order one from a restaurant (or tell them to) tons of places do that because some people can't be bothered to cook.

And there are plenty of meat free yummy thanksgiving dishes. Potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, squash.

thats what I was gonna suggest....I dont know about you but I couldnt make a turkey ever....good luck

[imahag]

I'm having a hard time thinking of making a turkey. I thought for one second I could but I know I can't. Horrible to imagine the pain the poor thing went thru to get to the oven. Sad and disgusting

[Amy SF]

Then don't!!! There's no law that says you have to if it disgusts you.

[rabid_child]

If I'm hosting, the family (both sides) knows to expect a veg*n meal and are fine with that, but I'm in a different situation than you since I've been vegetarian since I was 15, and vegan since my mid 20's (I'm 30 now), so on my fiances side they only know me as vegan and my family is just used to it. The way I see it you have a few options. If you absolutely do not want a dead bird on your table, then you can either inform your guests that being vegetarian now, the turkey thing makes you uncomfortable and you'd be happy to host if they'd be happy to eat veg, or suggest that someone else host it this year if that's going to be a problem. If you have a problem preparing it but not serving it, then either buy one precooked from the store, or have a guest bring the prepared turkey and make all the sides vegetarian.

[Purp]

I'm having a hard time thinking of making a turkey. I thought for one second I could but I know I can't. Horrible to imagine the pain the poor thing went thru to get to the oven. Sad and disgusting

Since this is at your house, you do not have to serve turkey or any other meat. If you go through the recipe section here on VB, you will find several appetizers, main courses (for rice, pasta, and "other"), salads, breads (I happen to know someone posted a vegan Parkerhouse roll recipe that sounds scrumptious) and desserts. If anyone goes hungry, it's their fault, not yours.

[Midwestgal]

Don't serve turkey! I'm also hosting Thanksgiving this year and trust me when I say that you can create a delicious holiday spread without any meat. I also wouldn't bring it up ahead of time (unless of course someone else brings it up first). Personally, when I ate meat, the turkey was still my least favorite part of the meal. Make enough delicious food and no one will notice.