I think sending leftovers with your guests at the end of the night is a wonderful gesture. Not only does it ensure that you don’t have too much food that will eventually spoil, it’s also a way to keep the memory of the dinner alive for the next day.
I’ve been told that one of people’s favorite things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers, so don’t be embarrassed about offering them to your guests.
Here are some ways to make bringing leftovers home more special:
(Image via The Container Store)
- Provide take-out containers for your guests. You can find some colorful take-out containers from places like the Container Store.
(Image via Happy Mall)
- Or, if you want to add an elegant touch, offer Japanese bento boxes like these.
- Create groups of containers for each guest or family and label them with their individual names or family names. Personalization like this will make your guests feel even more special.
- Make the act of taking leftovers an event. After the meal is finished, create a line up of the food with the front of the line being the stack of take-out containers. Each guest can line up, find his or her containers and scoop up all the food they want.
At the end of the night, what everyone will remember is the good laughs, happy stories and the great food. And that’s really what it’s all about isn’t it?
What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? How do you meld old traditions with new ones?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Melissa Paul
November 23, 2010
A “leftover buffet” has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite parts of the day.
thelifestylemaven
November 23, 2010
What a great idea Pres! Knowing not too much about Thanksgiving i can say that, Christmas leftovers are the bomb the next day. I think when i start entertaining and having parties i will have my own carry away containers provided for guests
Savannah (Pearls and Pages)
November 24, 2010
Brilliant, Preston! Love this idea. Gosh, you’re such a well of knowledge. Always such a delight to wake up in the morning, power up the ‘ol MacBook, ready for work, and check out what you posted the day before (6 hour time difference from NY to Berlin
. This one is great! Leftovers are one of the most fun parts of Thanksgiving (and Christmas) and I purposely make SO much not just so guests don’t feel like they can’t go for seconds, but because everyone loves leftovers from the holidays. It’s true- it keeps the holiday and memories alive. (Not to mention they’re great to have on hand when you’re too pooped the next day to cook due to all of your Black Friday shopping. haha)
Asking guests to bring their own tuppaware is great if you’re on a budget or just don’t feel like getting a bunch of extra favors. I say that unless they’re fanciful boxes, then maybe forego getting personalized ones. Perhaps one time would be fun, regardless of how fun and fancy the tuppaware may be, but after that I think guests would be safe to say that they already have more tuppaware than they need. I know I do. In the end, we all just want the food and companionship during the holidays.
Have fun,
Savannah
The French Bouquet- http://www.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com/blog
Zaara's Mummy
November 28, 2010
Depends on how formal the event is, I guess. I went to a semi-formal dinner on Thanksgiving Day, but when the host asked if I’d like to take some food hoem with me, I was too embarassed to say “yes” even though I would have loved to take some! I write about children’s fashion. Check out http://www.zaarascloset.com.
Gloria Brown
November 28, 2010
I like to purchase the less expensive see-through tupperware for guests. I wash the plastic containers before I set them out. Everyone loves leftovers!