Since this is your first Thanksgiving, don't go overboard offering guests an open bar. Instead, serve beer, wine, champagne, and one specialty cocktail. A few weeks before the dinner, head to your local wine shop or Trader Joe's. Talk with the owner or the store's sommelier. Explain that you are hosting your first Thanksgiving and want a couple of bottles of wine for dinner. Tell him how many people will be in attendance and what you are serving. Zinfandel and Beaujolais pair wonderfully with turkey and a good bottle of bubbly makes for a festive cocktail with appetizers. If you prefer to pour white wine serve a Chenin Blanc, Riesling, or Gewurtraminer.

Have lots of sparkling and still water on hand, and be sure to set water glasses on the table. If you know your dad only drinks Tanqueray and tonic, tell him to bring his own supplies. Otherwise offer guests a dark and stormy to sip while they wait for the turkey to cook. Get the recipe to this classic cocktail, just read more

Dark and Stormy
From Rachael Ray

Ice cubes
1/2 lime
3 ounces dark rum
Ginger beer
Fresh ginger sticks, optional garnish

1. Fill a pint glass three-quarters full of ice, squeeze in all the juice from the lime half, then drop the rind into the glass.
2. Add the rum and fill with the ginger beer. Garnish with the ginger sticks, if desired.

Serves 1.

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