Thanksgiving is my wheelhouse, too. Told Mom and Sis I was hosting every year from here on out. Take it or leave it, LOL!
We used to alternate, but I just want ONE set of dishes that I can use for Thanksgiving, along with Grandma’s collectables. I don’t need three sets of dishes (T-Day, Christmas and Easter) for entertaining. ;)
The year my mother died, right before Thanksgiving, 2019 - I wasn’t up for shopping, cooking, clean-up, etc., something I’ve never minded before.
I made reservations that year for all of us at a “fancy” restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner - we ended up loving it so much that this has now become our new tradition.
This allows me to spend a lot more time with my out-of-town guests without having to do all the work for the dinner, far easier and more relaxing for me - and the food is great. I always order the Prime Rib b/c we have turkey all year long, those who want a traditional turkey dinner can have that.
I took it over 20 years ago when my SIL served a tofurkey. Never to go back. We usually have about 25 depending on who is away at school or too weak to come. I do the whole deal but note that the three cottage hams that I serve are always, always gone. All nine pounds of falling apart smoked pork with green beansThe turkey - not so much.