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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscues

Cooking for a Thanksgiving crowd can be daunting. / Dreamstime/TNS
Cooking for a Thanksgiving crowd can be daunting. / Dreamstime/TNS

PITTSBURGH — Most of us are not professional chefs or caterers or decorators, so the thought of cooking for and entertaining a Thanksgiving crowd can be daunting.

That’s why we turned to the experts — professional chefs and caterers and interior designers — to discuss some typical Thanksgiving mistakes and how to avoid them.

NOT PREPPING

“The overriding first mistake people make is they think they have more time than they do,” said Bistro To Go Cafe and Catering executive chef Kate Kobylinski.

She regularly hosts her extended family of 30 and knows “every single problem.”