You've sent out your Thanksgiving invites and the guests have RSVP'd. However when the big day arrives, someone brings three other guests, so what do you do? Do you send them away? Tell them they can stay for drinks, but can't stay for dinner? You could, but it wouldn't be very host-like of you. So instead of panicking, graciously invite the guests in and figure out a new game plan.

Here are a few simple tips you can do to accommodate unexpected Thanksgiving dinner guests:

• Remember, your extra guests are probably going to be embarrassed that they didn't RSVP or are someone's plus one. Don't make them feel worse, invite them in, get them a drink and quickly squeeze in their place setting at the table. Don't worry if you have to use makeshift seating with office chairs or outdoor chairs.
• If you don't think you have enough food for everyone, whip up a quick side dish such as spaghetti and jarred pasta sauce. It's not exactly standard Thanksgiving fare, but at least this way there's enough to go around.
• Holidays are generally full of family and friends, so you may want to anticipate extra guests and havesome extra crackers, tapenade, mixed nuts, and cookies on hand just in case.
• If you're setting up fancy place card settings, prepare a few extra blank ones. Keep them in the kitchen drawer with a pen; this way if an extra guest stops by, you'll be prepared.

Come back tomorrow for more tips on how to deal with unexpected holiday guests!

Source

Bea takes us behind the scenes of a styled food photo shoot. I wish I had taken this class! — La Tartine Gourmande

Cranberries are such a beautiful berry, so why use them only once a year for cranberry sauce? A gorgeous cranberry dessert makes for a showstopping finish to a fall dinner. This layered tart has a crisp cookie crust and luscious creamy filling. A cream cheese mixture subtly flavored with the egg nog spices is sandwiched between two sheets of sweet cranberry jam. Make this dessert the night before to ensure enough time to chill. To get the decadent recipe, read more

Thanksgiving is early this year, and I must confess I've started obsessing about it! Last year I spent an hour searching for my gravy boat only to realize it had vanished. It turned out to be a good thing because I had a horrible time getting the gravy to thicken! This year I'm determined to have deliciously smooth gravy in an elegant little gravy boat. That's why I asked you to help me find the perfect gravy pourer. You looked for vessels that are modern yet traditional, in a sophisticated Thanksgiving color palette. You bookmarked the gravy pourers you found in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Gravy Boat.

All of the turkey shaped pourers are adorable, but I want one I can use at Christmas dinner as well. This sparkling glass gravy boat is exactly what I had in mind! I love how it comes with a cute little ladle. It was saved by two of you, gruaig_rua and timberlake_box_lover, so it must be fabulous. Take a look at all of the gravy boats by browsing the collection below.

For more on how to bookmark, please refer to geeksugar's guide.

Looks like Giada De Laurentiis has got a bun in the oven, and by that I don't mean a delicious loaf of bread! According to People, the celebrity chef just announced that she is expecting her first baby in early April. Here's more:

"When I found out I was pregnant I was in complete shock," De Laurentiis, 37, admitted. "I truly didn't believe it. I honestly thought, 'there has got to be a mistake.' "

But as she watched the sonograms – first a "lima bean" then a "lemon" – the Everyday Italian chef said that when she could make out fingers and toes, it "brought tears to my eyes."

She is a regular contributor on the Today show and announced the news on this morning's show. This will be her first baby. Congrats Giada!

Update: Here's video of her announcement!

Source

Last week I put together a party plan for those of you who are hosting your first Thanksgiving. Well, what about the rest of us seasoned pros who are excitedly awaiting the biggest dinner of the year? This week I'm giving you special attention by creating a wonderful plan for a traditional Thanksgiving! 100 percent classic and 100 percent homemade, down to every little detail starting with the invitations.

I wanted the invites to be crafty and warm, with a fun and festive turkey. To see how I made them, read more

Quite a few of you were upset by the addition of meatballs in pasta. However, I do believe that meatballs definitely have their time and place. One of those places — besides in my belly — is in a hearty meatball sandwich. A few months ago, I came across a recipe for Meatball Sliders and made a mental note to make them. These tiny sandwiches are so kid-sized and adorable, if you have any meatballs leftover from last night's dinner, I'd suggest whipping up a batch of these sliders tonight! If you didn't make yesterday's meal, don't fret. There's a full recipe, just read more