10 WAYS TO MASTER THANKSGIVING
For most men, Thanksgiving means turkey, pumpkin pie, and hordes of kooky cousins and in-laws. Here's how to rise above the pack and make this your best holiday ever
#1
Dominate the backyard football game.
When it comes to Thanksgiving Day battles, history isn't made by "get-open" routes. Read our football playbook, courtesy of Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin — whose gadget plays helped his Broncos topple Oklahoma in the now-legendary Fiesta Bowl last year.
#2
Beat the bulge.
Going for a walk after the big feast will make you feel better, but only as a temporary way to increase bloodflow to the whole body. If you really want to stay trim: Eat less and squeeze in a long workout before the turkey orgy — studies show it'll rev your engine for hours to come.
#3
Be a better guest.
You're having the best free meal you're going to get all year, so let the hosts know how much you appreciate it. "Don't just plunk down in front of the TV," suggests Hilka Klinkenberg, founder of the Etiquette International. "Play with the kids, set the table and offer to clean up." The ultimate? A simple, well-timed toast.
#4
Bring the right bottle.
Red wine protects the body's cells, helps lower cholesterol, and decreases the risk of cancer. Showing up with the right wine will impress your family, your dates, and even your cardiologist. Problem is, buying wine can feel like an Olympic event. View our printable guide of the 12 best wines — under $12.
#5
Laugh at her family's jokes.
Best to remember that building relationships requires insincerity. Particularly in the early days, you have to do some sycophantic spadework, say things you don't mean as a way of signaling respect, and genuflect to the more mature culture.
#6
Cook, then carve.
Two roads to take here, depending on time: a 90-minute turkey or the all-day affair. Both yield great results, but neither matter much if you can't carve the bird. Follow this simple, no-fail technique to ensure everyone receives a succulent slice.
#7
Create a signature cocktail.
Beer leaves you bloated and ill-equipped for the pigskin marathon. Instead, mix up a cranberry-sauce cocktail by borrowing a favorite from the kitchen. Triple sec's orange flavor is a classic partner for tart cranberry, and the gin makes for a more complex and manly drink than the everyday cosmopolitan.
#8
Never let your father-in-law see you lying down.
All right-minded men are workers, you see. It doesn't matter what they're doing — cleaning the gutters, shining the wife's shoes — as long as something productive is being done. The best a man can do as a son-in-law is give good value, and have enthusiasm for the thousand tasks that the yard, the car, and the kids require.
#9
Make smarter choices, lose a pound.
The average American gains 1 pound between Thanksgiving and New Year's. You can avoid this. The smart man turns to our Eat This, Not That guide for his Turkey Day menu. Follow this roadmap to enjoying the (right) flavors of the holiday — dessert included.
#10
Just splurge.
We know what you're having for dinner on Thursday. Go ahead. Have the gravy, the creamed corn, a slice of pumpkin pie. Enjoy it, savor it, thank Mildred for peeling the potatoes, wear the pants with the elastic waistband, watch the Cowboys lose. Happy? Good. Now get back on track.
