With an increased interest in economy and saving money, more people are using all of their leftovers. But this question involves serving them at a social gathering.
Dear Lady Hooper-Brackett,
For the past six years on the day after Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law has a party at her home. She feels that since we are all not together on the holiday proper, it can be a ‘second-edition’ Thanksgiving for us. She extends invitations to about a dozen of us in the family. My question is this: Is it really acceptable for her to heat up her Thanksgiving leftovers and serve these items to us as she has been doing? Don’t get me wrong, her cooking is wonderful, but I can’t help but feel that it is a little rude to be served leftover food. Who is correct here?
I Don’t Like Leftovers
Dear I Don’t Like Leftovers,
I admit that I have never been asked this question before, so some time was needed to come up with a thoughtful answer.
- I believe that since she is very upfront about this being a ‘second-edition’ Thanksgiving and is inviting family only, this is perfectly fine. I wonder just what else you would be eating on the day after Thanksgiving if you weren’t eating turkey and all the fixings?
- Your sister-in-law is being gracious by providing a venue for you all to be together after not spending the holiday proper together. Her invitation is sent from affection.
- What’s wrong with eating food that is wonderfully cooked?
- I’m pleased to see that she will not be discarding perfectly good food, but sharing it with you all.
The one caveat to this that I will add: It never seems proper to serve leftovers in any other circumstance than this one: Invite family or extremely close friends only and be upfront.
Try to be gracious yourself, even if you do not like leftovers.
Best Leftover Wishes,
The Lady Hooper-Brackett
The Lady Hooper-Brackett 