https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:28:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks/page/2#post-2903162 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:17:11 +0000 periwinklebee 2903162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: Love it... And while you're decorating that pumpkin with DS, I'm going to take a nap. Exhausted from "baking" the pies 😆 </p> <p>@FelicityMerriman: Thank you!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2903031 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 18:02:59 +0000 MrsSRS 2903031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's the pie specific excuse: I made it early because it tastes so much better when the spices have time to permeate it overnight. DS is looking forward to coloring and putting stickers on your little pumpkin to decorate his place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2903025 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:58:22 +0000 FelicityMerriman 2903025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have to make a turkey, this Washington Post recipe is my go-to. It sounds crazy but al you need are herbs, Mayo and the time to let it cook. </p> <p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/herb-slathered-turkey/16689/" rel="nofollow">https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/herb-slathered-turkey/16689/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2903024 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:30:22 +0000 periwinklebee 2903024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all!!</p> <p>@bees_knees: You are so close to that bloody mary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902977 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 12:17:16 +0000 graceandjoy 2902977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: It's about family gathering! Maybe she just doesn't really realize it, but I am sure she would feel bad if you did produce a 100% home cooked feast, but then you would be completely exhausted/unhappy to even enjoy the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902967 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:19:34 +0000 erinbaderin 2902967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrslibrarian: This is a great idea. “Mom, I can home-make a pie, a turkey, OR appetizers. Everything else we’re ordering. Which is most important to you?” </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902962 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:46:06 +0000 mrslibrarian 2902962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or make the fresh pumpkin pie and order everything else. Maybe the pie is all that matters to your mom ;)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902925 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 01:15:32 +0000 DesertDreams88 2902925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just going to chime in with a hell to the no. Order all the food or make your husband do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902924 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:39:14 +0000 bees_knees 2902924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: 😂😂😂 I’m not a huge drinker either, but desperate times...</p> <p>This is my 4th pregnancy and this is legit the first time I’ve missed alcohol. My sister promised to bring me a Bloody Mary to the hospital :silly: </p> <p>Glad you’re feeling less overwhelmed. You have SO much going on, pretty sure a pumpkin pie from scratch deserves to be extra low on your list of priorities! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902915 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:16:43 +0000 periwinklebee 2902915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: @bees_knees: @JJ2626: @graceandjoy: @Chuckles: @erinbaderin: @jhd: @bhbee: @Foodnerd81: @lindseykaye: Thank you! You all make me feel much better, versus inadequate and overwhelmed at the thought of preparing an entire home cooked feast (and let's be honest, I'm more generally overwhelmed by a crazy job that needs to be put in order for mat leave, home renovations in full swing, a toddler, and pregnancy exhaustion - something has to give...) I don't think my mom means to be demanding per se, it's more of a cultural thing, where a good wife/daughter/etc is just expected to do this stuff. And they are traveling a long ways to see us for Thanksgiving, so I feel bad. You all are the best - I get the most amazingly well-grounded perspectives here, thank you, thank you, thank you! </p> <p>@bees_knees: quote of the day "Sorry you can’t have a cocktail" 😂 I'm not even much of a drinker and that is sounding like heaven, hah hah. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902904 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 20:39:44 +0000 SweetiePie 2902904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: yeah thanks for saying what I’m thinking. I mean, I don’t like to bash moms but that’s insane. Expectations, traditions, and preferences go out the window when you’re 8 months pregnant.<br /> My mom and dad are coming to our house for thanksgiving (7 hour drive) and the first thing she said was “don’t worry, we’ll do it together.” And 8 months pregnant I am not :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902896 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:40:53 +0000 bees_knees 2902896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to read that like 10 times before it sunk in that it was a “pie pumpkin” and not that she was bringing an actual “pumpkin pie”. </p> <p>That’s insane. And...nope. </p> <p>Crockpot mashed potatoes (that you can make the day before).<br /> There are lots of salads/appetizers you can make in advance—veggie tray and dip is easy to make ahead, broccoli salad (we always make this for thanksgiving for some reason?), almost all desserts.<br /> Honestly I’d prob skip the turkey and just do a Costco ham...they are effing good, and I don’t really like turkey anyways 😆<br /> If it’s available, I would 100% order a few sides and prep a few and I wouldn’t feel guilty about it AT 👏🏼 ALL 👏🏼<br /> Fancy paper plates AND fancy plastic silverware. </p> <p>GL with your mom...I hope she can reign in her expectations and it’s as stress free as possible for you! Sorry you can’t have a cocktail 🤣 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902890 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:10:56 +0000 JJ2626 2902890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chuckles: yes I would say exactly this! But again, I don’t know how difficult things see with your mom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902888 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:05:45 +0000 graceandjoy 2902888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Or just make it up and say doctor said you cannot be standing :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902887 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:48:29 +0000 Chuckles 2902887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: yeah, holy crap, I would definitely address this head on since the expectation that you make a pie from an actual pumpkin is crazy. I know it depends on your relationship with your mom, but I would just say, "I'm tired, pregnant, and not up for cooking everything from scratch. We're going to order most stuff. I hope you understand." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902881 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:23:49 +0000 erinbaderin 2902881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Ok, I’m sorry, this makes me angry. I’m probably overreacting to this but NO! If your mom wants a pumpkin pie, from an actual pumpkin no less, she can learn to make a pie. It’s not hard. Buy a pie shell if necessary. That’s insane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902878 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:07:44 +0000 jhd 2902878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: yes! Everyone else should be cleaning up afterwards while @periwinklebee: puts her feet up. </p> <p>There are times when I feel it’s ok to have a change from tradition and this would be one of them. Order food and don’t apologize for it. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902871 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:57:48 +0000 bhbee 2902871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: that’s what I thought, use that pumpkin to decorate! </p> <p>I mean I’m not pregnant this year and I still bought a frozen pie because I only care about the things I like and that isn’t one of them :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902870 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:53:49 +0000 Foodnerd81 2902870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: wait, what?? She wants you take make a pie from an actual pumpkin?? Along with everything else? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 </p> <p>Definitely order the desserts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902869 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:52:21 +0000 Foodnerd81 2902869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t care what the expect, you do what you are comfortable with and up to! Which to me would be ordering most of it. Also scale back the sides- that’s where I really go overboard and make myself crazy because I want to have all of it. But one starch, one veggie, store bought gravy... </p> <p>And it’s so true the memories we have of big meals- I remember us teasing my mom for burning the crescent rolls every year- AFTER SHE MADE AN ENTIRE THANKSGIVING FEAST FOR 16 people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902868 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:52:12 +0000 lindseykaye 2902868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: She is expecting you not just to make a homemade pie from pumpkin puree but actually bake a pie pumpkin, puree it, and THEN make a pie with that? Wow.</p> <p>That pie pumpkin would make a really cute centerpiece decoration. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902867 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:51:12 +0000 lindseykaye 2902867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Yikes! Yes do please prioritize yourself vs. your mom's expectations of herself that she is now projecting onto you (in the nicest of ways I am sure). I think you'll have a lovely time, and you will provide your guests with a beautiful and delicious meal no matter where it came from or how it was made :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902866 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:49:51 +0000 periwinklebee 2902866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chuckles: They are driving to see us and my mom is literally bringing a pie pumpkin (along with the caveat "I am just horrible at pies, your poor father for having to put up with my pies, but know you will make a great one!"), and has brought this up repeatedly. But I'm sure if I was like, "Sorry, I just can't handle this", they'd get over it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902864 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:42:30 +0000 Chuckles 2902864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: has your mom actually said that she's expecting a traditional meal that you have cooked yourself? I would hope that if you checked in with her about being super pregnant with a toddler and said you were planning to order most everything, that she would completely understand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902863 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:38:59 +0000 periwinklebee 2902863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all!!! Last year for Thanksgiving we actually ordered Whole Foods, which I thought was delicious - MIL came to visit but didn't care because she's a first generation immigrant and doesn't even normally celebrate. My parents on the other hand are pretty traditional; my mom is not the love to cook type but would never dream of store bought stuff because it's expected that the host provides a home cooked meal. But you guys are inspiring me to find a middle ground - figure out what's a must have, try to do as much prep as possible for that in advance, and order the rest. Actually, probably my main memory of Thanksgiving as a kid is my mom being stressed out that something would turn out wrong with the food and my dad's relatives would then look down on her for her lack of homemaking skills - not what I want to project to my kids! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902862 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:34:24 +0000 cake2017 2902862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: So you have “ they will expect” .... I hope they can be understanding and not expect a “perfect gourmet meal”. I don’t have any hacks but I like the above suggestions of ordering. Hopefully not too expensive and they can help with preparation, clean up etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902860 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:29:43 +0000 bhbee 2902860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely recommend picking the 1-2 things you care most about being scratch made and ordering the rest or buying somehow. My ILs were into honeybaked ham so we often did that (I don’t love their turkey though). I think Sister Schubert yeast rolls are really good and all they require is heating from frozen. TJs frozen is awesome for brunch items or appetizers. Good luck! I remember being soooooooo over it when my ILs came for Christmas a few weeks before each of the first two were born! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902858 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:09:13 +0000 pachamama 2902858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: my hack is to go to my in-laws for dinner. Perhaps bring a bottle of wine. :wink: </p> <p>kidding. but is there any way you can order the sides from a restaurant at least? A bunch of places near me do "everything but the turkey". The timing of Tday is SOOO tricky and you will be so pregnant!! No one will care if you order some delicious sides! And don't be afraid to delegate ("could you bring an app/ dessert etc?") </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902857 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:54:46 +0000 MrsSRS 2902857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: fancy paper plates is genius. DEFINITELY park your pregnant butt post meal, thank everyone for coming, and tell them you so appreciate them cleaning up since your doctor told you to stay off your feet. Then don't get up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-meal-hacks#post-2902856 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:52:37 +0000 MrsSRS 2902856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Order from your local grocery store!</p> <p>Or: frozen Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes<br /> StoveTop stuffing made with broth and a little fresh sage<br /> Cranberry and rolls from grocery store deli<br /> Green beans made the day before<br /> Turkey or ham not both<br /> Pies from store with homemade whipped cream </p>