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two words.... Crock pots. Otherwise it's either fresh out the oven or off the stove top, or it doesn't have to be piping hot. If you're really A R about it you can splurge and buy chaffing dishes, or a large roaster or two and use them like chaffing dishes, or to roast whatever.

It's a team effort in our apartment as well. My husband will do the apple cake the day before, and I'll do some of the apps. The day of, we'll do the stuffing and turkey together, then the sides (tho I'll probably do most of them while he cleans and sets the table). For the last minute prep, the gravy is his department, and I do the mashed potatoes.

Growing up, my mom did everything except carve. My, how far we've come. Still... I wouldn't dream of depriving the man of the house of carving duties.

I am a crock pot fan, as well as a make ahead and simply reheat fan too. I also believe in using that drawer under your oven for what is was meant for - WARMING! I know most of us use it for storing oversized pans etc, but if you can take a moment to clear them out (fling them under your bed if you are not using them for prep), then you can keep dishes (esp wrapped in towels, newspapers, etc) nice and toasty in there as other dishes cook above. The thing I had challenges with when I was younger was planning too many dishes for a single oven. Over the years (OK I'm seasoned but not ancient yet, so have more to learn I'm sure!) I've tweaked my big meal menus to feature items that can be cooked on the stove, done in a crock pot, baked ahead, served at room temperature. But I must say that has taken probably 15 years of recipe investigation. For example, I never serve a hot appetizer at such an event.

Another item to consider in your rotation, if you own one, is a bbq. Makes a great place if you are frying anything - bacon that you want to toss with green beans for example.

grandpa or grandma cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I go grandpa. He is awesome in the kitchen and the food taste excellent.

Lots of awesome suggestions! I happen to have an electric roasting pan that I sometimes need to put into service. It can keep quite a bit of food warm.

This year we are going to MIL's house with a couple of SIL's doing the bulk of the cooking. I have several items I have been requested (that reads ordered) to bring. But when dinner is at my home, or if I am the one in charge of the meal wherever we happen to be, my dh is my second in command all the way. The man can peel, take out trash, wash, taste, offer opinions, go out for ice, and pass along my requests (ok, orders) with the best of them! And make me laugh and not take things too seriously while doing all the above.