10 Rules for Mastering Thanksgiving Dinner, Once and for All

All the words, the manners, and the little things that will get you to pie time.
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Photo by Bobbi Lin

We think of Thanksgiving like it's the biggest game of the year—hey, when did sports metaphors ever let you down? Which is why this year we laid out the Thanksgiving pre-game rules, and the post-game strategy, but what about the feast itself? You know, the reason we're all here to begin with? We polled our staff and gathered our 10 best pieces of advice for the big meal.

  1. Actually, do bring up politics. It's 2017.

  2. Make a toast about what you're thankful for. And make your kids give one too.

  3. Never take the last roll unless you're under ten or over 65.

  4. Large-format meal? Buy large-format wine.

  5. The late-afternoon meal is superior.

  6. You can rent anything–plates, glasses, napkins.

  7. Children are about two-thirds the size of an adult, so they should have to stay at the table only two-thirds as long as the adults do.

  8. Buffet is the only way. But a few gravy boats on the table are a must.

  9. You don't need one of everything on your plate–that's what seconds are for.

  10. Do a seating a chart.

Now about those children: