There’s something special about celebrating your first Thanksgiving in a new house. The smell of roasted turkey, the hum of conversation in your freshly painted dining room, the clink of wine glasses—it’s all part of making your house feel like home.
But let’s be honest: hosting the holiday can also be a little overwhelming. How many rolls do you need for 12 guests? How long should a 20-pound turkey thaw? Are three pies enough?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re welcoming friends, family, or new neighbors into your Southern New Hampshire home, this Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet will help you plan the perfect feast without overbuying or underpreparing.
Appetizers: Break the Ice (and the Hunger)
Start the celebration off right with easy-to-share apps that keep guests happy while you finish dinner.
Per Person:
-
Dips: 3 oz
-
Small Appetizers: 2–3 pieces
-
Cheese Plate: 2 oz
-
Salad: 1 cup
Quick Breakdown:
| Guests | Dips | Small Apps | Cheese Plate | Salads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1.5 lb | 16–24 pcs | 1 lb | 10 cups |
| 12 | 2.25 lb | 24–36 pcs | 2.5 lb | 18 cups |
| 24 | 4.5 lb | 48–72 pcs | 3 lb | 30 cups |
💡 Pro Tip: A rustic charcuterie board with local New Hampshire cheeses adds a warm, local touch.
Main Dish: The Heart of the Table
Guest Breakdown
For 8 Guests:
- Turkey: 12 lb
- Stuffing: 6 cups
- Gravy: 4 cups
- Mashed Potatoes: 8 cups
- Roasted Potatoes: 6 cups
- Candied Yams: 4 cups
- Cranberry Sauce: 8 cups
- Dinner Rolls: 12
- Roasted Veggies: 2 lbs
For 12 Guests:
- Turkey: 18 lb
- Stuffing: 9 cups
- Gravy: 6 cups
- Mashed Potatoes: 12 cups
- Roasted Potatoes: 9 cups
- Candied Yams: 6 cups
- Cranberry Sauce: 12 cups
- Dinner Rolls: 18
- Roasted Veggies: 3 lbs
For 24 Guests:
- Turkey: 36 lb
- Stuffing: 18 cups
- Gravy: 12 cups
- Mashed Potatoes: 24 cups
- Roasted Potatoes: 18 cups
- Candied Yams: 12 cups
- Cranberry Sauce: 24 cups
- Dinner Rolls: 36
- Roasted Veggies: 6 lbs
Desserts: Sweet Finishes
Don’t let the turkey steal the spotlight—dessert is just as important!
Per Person:
-
Pie: 1 slice
-
Cookies: 1 piece
-
Baked Apples: 1 apple
Serving Sizes:
| Guests | Pies | Cookies | Baked Apples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1–2 | 8–10 pcs | 8 apples |
| 12 | 2–3 | 12–15 pcs | 12 apples |
| 24 | 6–7 | 24–30 pcs | 24 apples |
🥧 Local Tip: Try a classic apple pie made with fresh-picked apples from a nearby orchard like Mack’s Apples in Londonderry.
Beverages: Keep the Cheers Coming
No one likes a dry Thanksgiving (literally). Here’s what to stock up on.
Per Person:
-
Wine: 3 glasses
-
Beer: 3 beers
-
Coffee: 1 cup
| Guests | Wine Bottles | Beer Cases | Coffee Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4–5 bottles | 1 case | 8 cups |
| 12 | 7–8 bottles | 1–2 cases | 12 cups |
| 24 | 14–15 bottles | 3 cases | 24 cups |
Reminder: Don’t Forget to Thaw That Turkey!
Depending on your bird’s size, here’s how early you should pop it in the fridge:
| Turkey Weight | Fridge Time |
|---|---|
| 4–12 lbs | 1–3 days |
| 12–16 lbs | 3–4 days |
| 16–20 lbs | 4–5 days |
| 20–24 lbs | 5–6 days |
🚨 Plan ahead—no one wants a frozen bird on Thanksgiving morning!
Hosting in a New House? Here’s Why It Matters
If this is your first Thanksgiving in a new home, congratulations! Hosting is more than just cooking—it’s about creating memories. It’s about that first time everyone gathers around the table in your space.
This is why so many buyers in Southern New Hampshire make it a goal to settle into their homes before the holidays. Whether it’s the charming colonials in Nashua or cozy farmhouses in Amherst, there’s something extra meaningful about saying, “This is our first Thanksgiving here.”
Thinking Ahead to Next Year?
If you’re dreaming of a bigger kitchen, a spacious dining room, or just want to be closer to family for the holidays, let’s talk. The fall and winter seasons are a great time to explore the real estate market in Southern New Hampshire—without the springtime frenzy.
Looking for your dream holiday home? Get in touch today and let’s make it happen before next year’s turkey hits the table.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Thanksgiving in your new Southern New Hampshire home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this cheat sheet, you can focus less on logistics and more on laughter, love, and leftovers.
Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to making new memories in a place you love.
Need more space to host the holidays?
Let’s find you a home that fits the feast. Book a quick consultation—no pressure, just possibilities.