Hosting Friendsgiving for the First Time

Okay, so... I may have gotten carried away with the menu.

Three kinds of stuffing? Maya, there are only ten of us!

Ha, abundance is the whole point of Thanksgiving, Ben.

Sure, but so is not having a meltdown by noon.

Oh... fine. The soufflé goes.

Oh no. Did you see Priya's message? She's gone vegan.

Since when? She was devouring brisket in August!

Apparently a documentary changed her life. Last week.

Ugh, and Sam's gluten-free, which rules out half the sides.

Okay, don't panic. We'll make a couple of dishes that suit everyone.

Ooh, roasted squash with wild rice! Vegan and gluten-free!

Perfect. And I'll thicken the gravy with cornstarch instead of flour.

Does that actually work, or is that internet folklore?

It works. My aunt's done it for years.

Hmm, one oven, and four dishes fighting over it.

The turkey stays in until three. That's non-negotiable.

Then when does the pie go in?

Well... while the turkey's resting, I think.

You think? Bold strategy for a first-timer.

Happy Friendsgiving! I brought my grandma's famous green Jell-O salad!

Oh, wow! Are those marshmallows... suspended in it?

It's a Midwestern classic. Trust me, it grows on you.

I'm sure it does. We'll give it pride of place.

Dana, would you mind setting the table while we finish up?

Wait, do you smell something burning?

The rolls! Ugh, I completely forgot about the rolls!

Okay, deep breath. Nobody comes to Friendsgiving for the bread.

Oh... they're charcoal, Ben. Actual charcoal.

Good thing there's plenty of Jell-O salad, then!

Okay, everyone, grab your sparkling cider. I'd like to say something.

Um, this year has been... a lot, for all of us.

But you guys turned this apartment into a home.

To friends who eat charcoal rolls without complaining!

Cheers! And to second helpings of Jell-O salad!