Culture

The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier


By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

Thanksgiving used to mean one thing: A long day in the kitchen, pots bubbling and every oven rack occupied. But in 2024, hosts are finding ways to reclaim their holiday time without sacrificing the feast. It turns out, ordering Thanksgiving takeout isn’t just an option – it’s becoming the new normal.

Gone are the days when hosting Thanksgiving meant hours in the kitchen, orchestrating a dozen dishes while trying to keep every detail just right. Today, more hosts are embracing Thanksgiving takeout, allowing them to reclaim their holiday time without giving up the feast. With an array of gourmet options available at the tap of a finger, from perfectly roasted turkeys to chef-inspired sides, families can now enjoy the flavors they love minus the stress.

According to Popmenu, about a third of Americans plan to skip the cooking altogether by ordering in for Thanksgiving, and nearly one in five are planning to dine at a restaurant. For anyone who’s ever juggled making cranberry sauce while trying not to burn the stuffing, it’s easy to see the appeal. Young Americans, especially, are embracing this shift. Nearly half of consumers under 35 prefer restaurant-prepared meals, showing that Thanksgiving takeout is less of a backup plan and more like a modern-day tradition in the making.

Why takeout works for today’s Thanksgiving

There’s no getting around it – Thanksgiving is a production. So when Popmenu’s survey found that 64% of people who order Thanksgiving takeout do so because it’s simply easier, it makes perfect sense. For a lot of people, easier is music to their ears.

Even beyond convenience, there’s the whole “I don’t feel like cooking” camp, which makes up 35% of those opting for restaurant fare. And there’s no shame in admitting that sometimes the thought of preparing a turkey, sides and dessert feels more like a marathon than a holiday. Plus, buying from a restaurant can be easier on the wallet, especially this year. The cost of a homemade dinner may have dropped a bit, but around a quarter of people still find it cheaper to let their favorite local spot handle the heavy lifting.

And it’s not just about handing over the main course – many families are creating their own blend-and-buy style of Thanksgiving. In 2023, 22% planned to roast their own turkey but will leave the side dishes to the pros. So while Aunt Margaret might insist on her famous green bean casserole, others will happily pass on the kitchen duty, knowing they can still enjoy a traditional feast without all the work.

The real stars: Sides and sweets

Turkey might be the headliner, but let’s be honest – Thanksgiving’s real charm is in the side dishes and desserts. According to survey results compiled by Restaurant Business in 2023, almost half of the people who bought restaurant Thanksgiving items chose the sides, with mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans leading the way. Meanwhile, 41% opted for ready-made desserts, making dishes like a no-bake pecan pie cheesecake an easy choice …read more

Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment

      

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