Every family has Thanksgiving rules. Some are spoken (“Dinner’s at 3 sharp!”), others understood (Mom gets the wings), and plenty are hotly contested. We asked Bon Appétit staffers, friends, and their kids to settle the holiday’s thorniest questions. Turns out, there’s no one right way to Thanksgiving—just plenty of opinions.
What makes a good guest?
If you don’t cook, you’d better clean! —Meredith, 41, Golden Rule follower
As someone who hosts, I have a system, and I want everyone to stay out of my way. —Catherine, 41, channeling inner peace
My mom makes me dust everything. And be honest, no one is going to see the baseboards. —Alice, 8, at your service (begrudgingly)
Guests should bring dessert or flowers. Let me figure out the wine! —Rachel, 41, future somm
What’s the dress code?
You need to look nice for Grandma. —David, 48, upstanding gentleman
Bring out the stretchy pants! —Haleigh, 31, comfort queen
Turkey costume. —Max, 9, gobble-gobbling
Brown sweater and, like, beige pants. —Amanda, 12, loves a uniform
When should we eat?
12–2 p.m. 26%
2–4 p.m. 16%
4–6 p.m. 58%
After 6 p.m. 0%
What’s on the menu?
There has to be turkey. —Ashley, 43, traditionalist
Turkey isn’t actually that good. —Lindsay, 44, big bird hater
Brisket, prime rib, chicken, elote, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and many, many different pies. —Noah, 13, demanding excellence
Instead of sides we should have doughnuts and Cheetos and cakes. —Charlie, 10, angling for leftovers
Who gets the first slice of pie?
The youngest: 30%
The oldest: 20%
The baker: 20%
Whoever gets up first: 20%
Take a plate and pass it down: 10%
But maybe we’re all overthinking this…
Just do your best. —Synge, 28, here for moral support
The grown-ups eat and talk and the kids eat as fast as they can so they can go play in the other room. —Charlie, 10, ready for the Turkey Trot