Tips for new Thanksgiving cooks

Advice from Food Network hosts for cooks hosting their first Thanksgiving dinner:

"Do as much as possible the day ahead. Serve things that can be eaten at room temperature. Casseroles are great because you can cook and freeze them ahead of time and just pull them out and heat up at the last minute." — Paula Deen, "Paula's Home Cooking" and "Paula's Party"

"Get done as much as you can ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy your company! — Ellie Krieger, "Healthy Appetite"

"Test run a turkey in your oven with the recipe you are going to use, a week ahead of time, make sure you track time, temp and method. You can always use some extra turkey, and if you do end up blowing the turkey deal on turkey day, you already had some the week before, and it won't be so traumatic. Make real cranberry sauce, it is so worth it." — Guy Fieri,"Guy's Big Bite"

"If you sit down for even a few minutes ahead of time to write down all of your dishes and the ingredients you need, you will actually get to be a guest at your own party. Ask yourself, 'What can I do two days ahead, or even one day ahead?' Also, don't be embarrassed to ask for help." — Michael Chiarello, "Easy Entertaining"

"You need to create a mood of welcoming plenty, but too many pots on the stove will not help you get into a hospitable mood. Make a homemade cranberry sauce. It's easier than you think and will make everyone feel you've made a real effort. What's more, you can make it in advance." — Nigella Lawson, "Nigella Feasts"

"Make as much as you can ahead of time and freeze it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat just before serving. Let guests bring the more labor-intensive and baked dishes. Don't panic! Perfection is overrated, and anything is fixable." — Sandra Lee, "Semi-Homemade With Sandra Lee"

"Don't make too much, and get your relatives to help. Delegate." — Dave Lieberman, "Dave's Deal"

"Start early, have a plan, know how many you're cooking for. Try frying your turkey this year and have fun with your friends and family, that's what it's all about." — Bobby Deen, "Road Tasted"

"Remember WHY your guests are there. Sure, we all want the food to be glorious and the table setting to be stunning ... but we're talking real life here. When things go awry, your family will be glad just to be together, and your friends probably will be thrilled to have something to hold over your head for the next 15 years. That being said, when you plan your menu, don't be overambitious and bite off more than you can chew. Plan on dishes that can be at least partially prepared one or two days in advance." — Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, "Party Line with the Hearty Boys"

"Invite Mom over." — George Duran, "Ham on the Street"

"Do a potluck — assign a dish to everyone so that you don't have to do all the work yourself. And don't be afraid to let your guests help out in the kitchen and with other loose ends. It makes them a part of the meal, while also taking off some of the workload." — Giada De Laurentiis, "Everyday Italian"

SOURCE: Food Network