Whether your family has a traditional turkey dinner surrounded by extended family, or you are a guest at someone’s affair, it’s time to make arrangements for Thanksgiving dinner.

1. If you are hosting a dinner, send out the invitations and plan to accommodate extras.

2. Plan seating and decorations. If serving buffet style, plan for space to place food, beverages and desserts.

3. Plan the menu and buy groceries or assign dishes to guests to prepare.

Here is a menu that you can customize to fit your family’s tastes.

The main dish: Turkey and Dressing with Gravy and Cranberry Sauce

Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes, Squash Casserole, Waldorf Salad

Desserts: Pecan Pie, Chocolate Pie and/or Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Beverages: Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks, Wine

Rolls with butter

4. If you are a guest, ask the host what you can bring, from a bottle of wine to a bag of ice. If you prefer, bring an appetizer to enjoy.

5. Arrive on time, dressed appropriately for the holiday. It’s a special occasion, so dress festively. Use your best manners. Say please and thank you; let the elders choose their seats first and hold the chair for a lady.

6. Prepare a blessing. A prayer from the heart or one recited from a book will do.

7. Help out. Set the table. Fill the tea glasses, offer to carve the turkey. Then, afterwards, help clear the table, scrape the plates and load the dishwasher. Your host will thank you and invite you back next year!

Here’s an appetizer to bring to Thanksgiving dinner or another get together.
CORN DIP
2 Tbsp. Butter
2 Cans Whole Kernel Corn, Drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup jalapeno, minced
2 tsp. garlic
1 cup mayonnaise
8 oz. Monterrey Jack cheese, divided
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1. In skillet, melt butter and cook corn over medium heat till golden brown, or about five minutes.

2. Add pepper, onions, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic. Cook five minutes.

3. Add mayonnaise, half of cheese, and cayenne pepper.. Transfer to an 8”x8” dish and bake at 350 degrees till golden brown. Top with remaining cheese and cook 10 minutes. Serve with corn chips.