This Week’s Topic: Your No-Stress Guide To Thanksgiving Dinner & The Perfect Outfit

BIG BACK SEASON

I said I wasn’t talking shit today….Fck that. Big Back Season is here! The most anxious and the best time to be built like a fcking cozy couch. You’ve been waiting all year to eat up some shit. This week we are going over universal etiquette, what to wear, and what it means when the host says “just bring yourself?” Wear something loose too, Big Back style, and roll in smiling. Most of all enjoy yourself and your family, and don’t start no shit. Happy Thanksgiving. Let’s eat.

CONTROLLING ANXIETY

Control Thanksgiving Day anxiety by planning ahead, breathing slowly, setting boundaries, and taking quick breaks when needed. Focus on comfort, stay present, and remind yourself the day is about connection, not perfection.

GOOD SNACKS

Feeding a house full of people that are waiting all day for Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful, but there is also snacks to feed them that will hold them over for a few hours. Start with or try these 1. Charcuterie Board 2. Veggie Tray & Hummus 3. Deviled Eggs 4. Spinach Artichoke Dip with bread or crackers 5. Egg rolls and 6. Pizza to feed your hungry family and friends and hush them the fck up.

SERVING TIME

If the host hasn’t said the time, the best assumption is 3-4 PM is the national sweet spot. Ask to be clear. The most common serving times:

• 1:00-3:00 PM - Earlier Holiday Lunch/Dinner for big families (Pre-Game also)

• 3:00-5:00 PM - Classic Thanksgiving Dinner window

• 5:00-7:00 PM - More modern, Dinner-Style

JUST BRING YOURSELF

When a host says “just bring yourself,” it means they don’t expect you to bring food or contribute to the meal. They’ve planned and prepared everything and simply want your presence. It’s still thoughtful to bring a small host gift (something easy) as a gesture of appreciation.

FOOD VS. GIFT

Listen Linda Honey, Listen, there is a general rule of thumb in bringing a dish, if the host didn’t specify the dish, a gift is safer. Don’t fck this up.

Bring food when: The host asked you to bring a dish, or it’s a potluck, you know your dish won’t stress the host (no oven space needed), you want to contribute something everyone can enjoy, or you’re comfortable cooking or picking up a ready-made item.

Bring a gift when: The host is doing all the cooking, you’re unsure what food is needed, you don’t want to interfere with their menu, you want to show appreciation without adding stress, and it’s your first time celebrating with them.

HOW-TO BUILD-A-PLATE

If you don’t want to fck up your diet or carb count, and to be healthier, this is a tip on the best way to build a healthy plate. Just get your ass up and get to the Victory Steps on Friday.

Best low carb choices when building your plate: Turkey (white or dark meat, no gravy), Green vegetables (green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, sautéed greens), Salads (with vinaigrette), Roasted vegetables (non-starchy), Deviled eggs, Cheese or charcuterie, Cauliflower mash (instead of potatoes)

Foods to limit: Dressing, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and pies

THANKSGIVING DAY COMMANDMENTS

Top 3 etiquette rules or must-do’s to follow when you’re a guest, simple, respectful, and universally accepted:

1. Bring something. Showing appreciation is the #1 rule of good etiquette.

2. Arrive on time and greet everyone. Arrive within 10 minutes of the invitation time. It sets the whole evening.

3. Offer help, but don’t take over. Ask “Can I help with anything?” If the host declines, step back. If they say yes, help with simple tasks, clearing plates, taking out trash, without hovering or reorganizing their kitchen.

FIRST TIMERS GUIDE ON WHAT TO BRING

If it’s your first time being invited to someone’s house for dinner here are the Top 3 things for first timer’s and guests to bring that are consistently appreciated that are easy, helpful, and guaranteed to make you the favorite guest (These are 3 answers to the commandments):

1. A good bottle of wine (or non-alcoholic sparkling cider)

2. A ready-to-serve dessert (dessert, rolls, charcuterie, or drinks)

3. A thoughtful host gift (candles, fall flowers, gourmet treats, or a nice card)

WHAT TO WEAR (MEN & WOMEN)

Smart casual is always safe. Neat, comfortable, and slightly polished is perfect everywhere. Nice jean, trouser or leggings, and a simple sweater, tee, or blouse.

Choose soft, comfy fabrics. Thanksgiving = hella eating + hella sitting. Cotton, knits, sweaters, and stretchy fabrics always fit the vibe. Be easy and chill.

Dark jeans or neutral pants. Dark denim looks put-together without being too dressy. Khaki, black, or brown pants work universally too.

Be comfy though, nothing too tight. no need to squeeze your gizzards (insides), and that shit causes anxiety, and gas, now you have to leave early and get to the house.

WHAT TO WEAR (MEN & WOMEN)CONT’D

A layered top or sweater. Homes can be warm from cooking or chilly with doors opening, layers save you.

Closed toe shoes or dark socks. Comfortable, clean flats, boots, or loafers work everywhere. Avoid heels unless you know it’s a dressier household.

Stick to fall tones. Neutrals, browns, greens, burgundy, and cream, always appropriate, always safe.

NEVER-FAIL OUTFIT (MEN & WOMEN)

Avoid: Anything too tight or revealing, loud logos or offensive graphics, super casual items like gym wear or slides, overly formal clothing.

The never-fail outfit: Dark jeans + cozy sweater + boots. Perfect for any house, any family, any style.

Fck that, it’s all about leggings and an off-the-shoulder top and cozy socks because we remove our shoes and a personal fan for me, Did I say I be hot? Make sure you have that elastic waistband or stretch so you don’t have to unbutton your jeans so you can sit down, cuz you know you are gonna fall asleep, with your Big Back.

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FINAL THOUGHT

When anxiety finds you this Thanksgiving, it means your mind is still trying to protect you. Be gentle with yourself. Each time breathe through it, you teach your body safety again. Healing isn’t about never feeling anxious, it’s about getting back to calm.

FCKTHAT 

Thank you for reading. Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe.

See you next Friday 🗓️

Email questions, comments, and suggestions to help@fckthat.com