Cater Your Own Thanksgiving Dinner

Dream Dinners makes it easy for you to host and cater fantastic parties, for any occasion. Use this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to self-cater your next party with Dream Dinners.

Checklist for Planning your Party:

  • Determine how many people you will be serving
  • Choose the date and place of your event
  • Choose your menu.
  • For ideas and menu choices, visit dreamdinners.com.

Party Planning Time line:

  • 4 – 6 weeks prior to your party – Visit dreamdinners.com and make a reservation to assemble your party menu selections at a Dream Dinners location near you.
  • 2 weeks prior – Purchase paper goods and beverages (see quantity tips below)
  • Less than 1 week prior – Purchase groceries for salads, butter for breads and fresh cut flowers.

Paper Product calculations are assessed on a per person basis.
Example: 25 guests, 50 dinner plates.

  • 2 dinner plates per person
  • 1 dessert plate per person
  • 3 forks per person
  • 1 knife per person
  • 3 beverage napkins per person
  • 2 dinner napkins per person
  • 3 beverage cups per person
  • 1 hot cup per person

Beverage calculations need to be assessed by evaluating who is attending your event, but as a standard rule, this can help.

For 25 guests:

  • 4 liters white wine
  • 6 liters red wine
  • 1 full case beer (24)
  • 4 liters of champagne
  • 22 liter bottles of soda

Holiday Roasted TurkeyThanksgiving Family Favorite Dinner – 50 guests

Your approximate cost $16.75 per person, compared to $53.75 per person with a professional caterer.

Follow this Sample Time line for an Easy Party

  • 4 days before: Thaw all Dream Dinners items
  • 1 day before: Make Orzo Salad, refrigerate
  • 1 day before: Make Tossed Green Salad, refrigerate, dressing on the side
  • 5 hrs before: Bake Turkey hold*
  • 2 hrs before: Bake Biscuits hold*
  • 1½ hrs before: Bake Mashed Potatoes
  • 1 15 min before: Bake Stuffing
  • 1 hr before: Bake Sweet Potatoes
  • 45 min before Bake Green Bean Casserole
  • 30 min before: Heat Turkey Gravy
  • 10 min before: Place Cranberry Relish in serving dish
    • * To hold, use a large cooler to keep cooked dinners hot for up to 2 hours and at a minimum temp. 140 degrees. Keep cold foods at a maximum temp. of 40 degrees.

With a little help from Dream Dinners and a few family members or close friends you can host a fantastic holiday party!