WASHINGTON — The holidays can be a daunting time of the year, especially for the host.

With limited time, space and too many cooks, things can quickly spiral out of control, especially for first-time Thanksgiving cooks.

But with some planning and a few safety basics, even beginners can pull off a successful holiday feast.

Here’s what first-time cooks should know.

Start thawing your turkey early (that means now)

The number one mistake new Thanksgiving hosts make is not giving the turkey enough time to defrost.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. That means:

Under 12 lb turkey: Start thawing 1-3 days before Thanksgiving

12–15 lb turkey: 3-4 days before

16–20 lb turkey: 4–5 days before

20+ lb

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