advice - re: Thxgiving manners

[perSue]

So we're going over to family's house this year... yay! I don't have to do all that cooking!!!

But of course, I'm the dessert queen.
And I love it... so no worries here about going anywhere empty-handed. I'm taking 3 desserts & 2 (always requested) side dishes.

Here's what I would like your perspective on.

My manners teach me that I don't take anything to someone's house unless I have enough for everyone.

With that said...
I'm probably the world's pickiest eaters.
I won't eat the turkey (but everyone else will be)... but I require a higher protien diet.

The traditional side dishes will be present.... starchy, sugary or just carbs. So, eating mashed potatoes, yams & green beans & salad isn't enough for me.

So, I was thinking I would take some baked chickpeas (snack before dinner) & falafel (for my salad). That way I won't pass out from sugar issues (and will get some good protein too).

No one would eat (let alone try!) baked chickpeas nor falafel.
But I don't want to have to make a ton of all of this in the case someone might want to try.

What's your recommendation in how to be delicate w/out over doing this?

Thanks

[frugalfranny]

How about do 'just more than enough' for you......in other words, not enough for everyone to have a 'helping' but in case they want to try it, you won't be without food.

[ritabelle]

I usually plan for a good sized serving for about a third of the people attending... We usually have about 17-18 people around the table, and I bring a side that would serve 6 if it was a dinner with only one or two sides available.

Considering that there are so many dishes it's enough for everyone to have a taste if they like, but not so much that I'm taking a huge pan of green bean casserole home with me either.

[VanVivCam]

I think personally it is family they should be just fine with you bringing a couple of "extras" just for you. But, also, I like the first suggestion of having a second "helping" if you do feel like sharing with those that want to just taste it.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

[nodmicks]

I bring my own stuff to family meal because to control my diabetes without insulin my diet is ketogenic (or very darn close). With all but the SF desserts I always bring just a little extra just in case. There has never been a "just in case " happen so I just bring the extra (usually enough for 1 more meal for me home.

[perSue]

great ideas... thanks for the input.

since i'm already taking so much, i didn't wanna have so much more to take... but a small tupperware container of my couple things "with extra" i think should do the trick.

it's polite & fits what I need to do for me.

thanks!!

[AmyBoz]

Here's what I'm doing...

I cook for the crowd I've been invited to.

This year we are at my in-laws with a crowd of 30. Typical carby, starchy Thanksgiving dinner. I'm the only diabetic. So, I'll make what I was asked to bring, despite the fact that I can't eat it. I'll just eat a small meal before going.

I figure, it's not going to kill me to eat beforehand and then maybe pick at something or two that won't drive my blood sugar insane.

This is just how I'm handling it, but it may not work for everyone.

[littleplum]

I believe that Miss Manners makes exceptions for dietary restrictions. I know that she has said that generally you eat what your host has prepared, unless it would cause you actual harm. I think if you need to eat chickpeas for your diabetes, and are bringing FIVE other dishes, chickpeas for one is fine.

[jontue]

i would make enough for everyone to at least have a taste. who knows, you might be surprised. if nothing else you take home the leftovers and have it the next day for lunch

[mauimagic]

It's Thanksgiving and I'm sure everyone else is so looking forward to the traditional dishes that they are probably not even going to look at what you bring to eat for your health. Turkey day is at our house this year and I will be making all the traditional dishes with extras for me to keep diabetes in check. When asked, I know the others will respond 'no thank you' to even trying mine!! Works for me!! Have fun!!

[NikoSan999]

I would think since it's family it wouldn't matter if you made a small container of what you need for health reasons. No one would probably even notice. Or as someone said eat some before you leave. My family wouldn't care one smidgeon.

[madhen]

No advice, but personally, you'd have to be slapping my hand to keep me out of the baked chickpeas!! Love them!!!

[RetiredVeryEarly]

I thought this thread would be going someplace else. One Thanksgiving when I had finagled as hard as I could to get my brother and his family over (his wife hates our whole side of the family) we agreed to have everyone over for a late dinner, since brother's wife insisted they were going out to lunch for Thanksgiving. So we had them over in the late afternoon for a dinner about 5 p.m. Wife and kids sat in the living room and wouldn't eat! My brother ate plenty and tried to cajole his family to eat, but they wouldn't. She has poisoned the kids' minds, basically. So that was some weird example of poor Thanksgiving manners I wanted to share with you!

I did get them to eat part of a dessert (pumpkin pie) that my in-laws (not at all related to wife and kids) had made. Evidently my sister-in-law had told the children I would poison them with my food!?! Needless to say, there is an ugly divorce going on right now.

[perSue]

wow RVE - that's so sad!
Fine is the sis in law doesnt wanna eat... but the kids?!
What if they really were hungry??

Well thank you to everyone to replied... I'm going to eat a little before I go... and am only taking the baked chikpeas (I'll share madhen!!!).

The falafel I'll either have before I go (and have plenty left over for lunch/dinner tomorrow). *Mmmmm!!

But I appreciate all of you sharing what you do... it helps =)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[rictor]

I think people are understanding about special diets.