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Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and thanks, right? But every host knows there's a secret list of things that can make the day totally cringe-worthy. We found a bunch of hilarious, eye-roll-worthy stories from hosts who’ve seen it all. Buckle up and check out the wild, weird, and downright frustrating things people do when they come for Thanksgiving.
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Guys, if you could somehow help with dinner prep instead of just plopping on the couch and watching the game, that’d be great. Bonus points for not acting like you're the real MVP just because you showed up.
People showing up can be a whole thing. Too early and the host is still jamming in the kitchen, too late and everyone’s already elbow-deep in pie. Just show up when you’re supposed to, okay?
One couple’s best Thanksgiving was actually the one they had to cancel because they both got bronchitis. Yep, they’d take sick over all the hosting madness any day.
Here's a quick scoop from Reddit user 2planks, who chatted about why they started all this Thanksgiving rant sharing. Married into a huge family, they’d often host 75-100 people (yep, that’s a party). Over 20+ years, they picked up lots of lessons and set their 'house rules' accordingly.
Hosts spent tons on food and decor, only for kids to wreck the place and trash talk the food. When the parents let the chaos happen, you might just cry happy tears when it’s over.
Rolling up too early means the host is probably scrambling to clean or cook. Remember, fashionably late is still a thing, but way too early is just rude.
Nothing worse than guests who won’t lift a finger to help clean. Hosts already cooked a storm, so come on, help out or at least look busy!
So why do some Thanksgiving guests act a little... off? 2planks thinks folks usually try their best, but family quirks and chaos happen. It’s all about adjusting expectations and remembering everyone's trying, even if it’s messy.
You’ve got two bathrooms? Use the guest one! Don't go snooping into the personal bathroom hidden in the bedroom. Boundaries, people.
Nothing like someone bringing their own groceries and then acting like the host should help them cook. Thanksgiving is plenty stressful without surprise kitchen takeovers!
The ultimate Thanksgiving faux pas: critiquing the food when you didn't bring a thing. ‘Turkey’s dry’, ‘broccoli needs salt’, ‘salt is missing everywhere’...just eat it or bring your own!
You know those people who hang out in the kitchen ALL DAY like it's their living room? Even if they're 'helping,' they're probably not. Just let the host cook in peace, please!
Some folks miss their huge family Thanksgiving shindigs. Even if things get crazy, those memories (and even the chaos) mean the world.
One time, a tiny dish of green bean casserole for 30 guests led to shocked gasps and a family feud over leftovers. Lesson: size matters, especially with casseroles.
Nobody loves showing up late without the goods, bratty kids causing trouble, or folks who bring nothing but their bodies and bail on all the work. Don’t be that guest!
Some families keep it simple: host does turkey & ham, guests bring sides or desserts, and bam! Plenty of food and happy tummies.
Want to help without getting in the host’s way? Bring drinks! Sodas, lemonade, anything to keep thirsty mouths happy while the host rocks the feast.
This host sets a precise dinner time, sends individual invites, manages RSVPs, assigns perfect dish types, and keeps the kitchen a no-go zone (unless deputized). Chaos-free and loved by all.
Showing up hours early might seem sweet, but to a last-minute-prep host it’s a disaster—especially when the host’s mom got sick and they were solo. Still, it shows love... in a weird way.
Don’t be that guest who sneaks bites before dinner even starts. Save your noshing for when everyone’s digging in! Kitchen samplings are a no-go.
We’ve all seen the guest who shows up with... a single can of jellied cranberry sauce. Meanwhile, others busted their butts making multiple dishes. Thanksgiving balance disrupted!
A relative brought gluten-free cauliflower mac and cheese expecting applause. Instead, it sparked the legendary "Cauliflower incident of 2022" with a near rebellion. Sometimes classic beats experimental.
A ‘fun’ grandma who didn’t cook but threw kitchen chaos by inviting randos and starting last-minute projects (like painting grandkids on the table) is less fun and more... stress tornado.
If you’re told to bring mashed potatoes, don’t show up with sushi. Stick to your dish assignment unless you want confused looks—and a hungry host!
Some guests bring dishes but then insist the host keeps the leftovers. News flash: if you bring it, you should haul it back or don’t be surprised when it disappears.
You’ve got a huge house and plenty of spaces, yet everyone just chills in the toaster-hot kitchen where the host is working overtime. Space is a thing, friends!
One golden rule every host wishes: keep politics out (please!), and hey, leave some food on the table for everyone else. Thanksgiving isn’t a food free-for-all.
Ever had an in-law who makes a duplicate of your dish just in case yours isn’t perfect? And then yours gets treated like the 'backup'? Oof. Pass the rolling eyes.
Sure, helping with cleanup is great. But clearing the table while the host’s half-way through eating? Not cool. And some dishwashing instructions can’t be ignored!
Some kids won’t touch the Thanksgiving plate, so parents try grilling cheese last minute. But using the stove during dinner chaos? Major kitchen traffic jam.
You know those guests who bring a whole different menu ‘because so-and-so likes it that way’? Everyone else brought turkey, but you brought a whole new party.
Hosts and dads bond watching classic holiday movies every year. Changing the channel? That's just a hard no.
Interrupting the turkey baster or pie mixer is a no-go. If you gotta be in the kitchen, grab what you need and scram. Let the chef do their thing!
A quiet, scaled-back Thanksgiving for four turned awkward when the ham was still wrapped and potatoes frozen at dinner time. Sometimes small means more stress, not less.
Some folks salt their food before even tasting it. Pro tip: try it as is first! You might save the host some extra salt and sweat.
Hosts hate when kids run wild, staining furniture and pillows. Reminder: washing up after eating isn’t just polite, it saves couches!
When the host does all the cooking and then is left to do all the dishes alone, dinner turns into a solo chore fest instead of a party.
When a guest says “No thanks” to a food they don’t like, don’t push. Everyone has their tastes, and hosts get it!
Loading up your plate then leaving food behind is just rude. If unsure, take a little first. Seconds are always an option if you like it!
Hosts are usually ready to serve at the set dinner time. Showing up late? You just delay the food frenzy and the hangry crowd.
Sometimes it’s just you and yourself saying thanks. It can be a bit lonely but it's also a special kind of quiet celebration.
Cleanup is a team effort. If you’re just sitting back and watching, you’re missing out on the post-feast fun (and the chance to keep the host your BFF).
Cut flowers wrapped in cellophane sound nice, until you realize now the host’s juggling vase hunting, unwrapping, trimming, and tidying flower mess. Skip the stress and bring flowers ready to display!
Some hosts love to fly solo, meaning they prefer to cook and prep themselves. Inviting them over is great, but bringing unexpected crowds? Not so much.
Showing up with a random dish, like lukewarm Italian meatballs, can mess with the whole menu vibe. Hosts have planned, they want a theme, so please stick to it!
A mother-in-law who won’t cook but insists on hovering in the kitchen? That’s a special kind of Thanksgiving headache. Bonus points for eating the carefully cut croutons!
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