I've been a vegetarian for over 5yrs. I stopped going to my families T-giving meal as they never fixed anything I could eat and when I did bring dishes to share they wolfed then down leaving me with little to eat. I do not expect people to accommodate me but I do at least expect them to respect me and my dietary choices. I now attend my fiance's family gatherings as they are vegetarians and their t-giving meal is out of this world, everything but the meat and some different and unique main dishes that make your mouth explode in ecstasy.
lola - 13 years ago
I am not a vegetarian but respect vegetarians, poultrytarians , lacto ovo veggie pescis, and vegans. I think people need to realize whether one eats a specific dish or not ( especially at Thanksgiving when there are usually too many to choose from) has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the eater. Some people don't eat the mashed potatoes because they have butter and cream in them and prefer a fat free mashed potato ( as a weight watcher I know about this). Some will pardon the pun gobble up turkey but refuse the green beans with ham in them. At the dinner I usually go to , one family member brings vegetables from their organic farm that are in season. There are few at the dinner table eating the fennel and roasted beets- but these are the two veggies I heap the biggest serving of. To each his own. I do not judge the person who does not take seconds of pumpkin pie or has a slice of pecan instead of pumpkin. I do not think it is a threat to my pumpkin pie loving ways. A vegetarian who does not eat the turkey is not judging you. They are not trying to guilt you into not eating meat. They came for the true meaning of Thanksgiving of a feast, family, friends,and thanks. If they truly were repulsed they would not have come. Get over yourself meat and non meat judgers and let others eat in peace...
michelle - 13 years ago
it seems to me that it is only polite to find out any likes or dislikes of your guests when you invite them over for a meal (any meal). They are your guests, after all.
Julie - 13 years ago
If it is a good TG meal, there should be some dishes that us vegetarians can eat...rolls, veggy dishes, salads, snacks, cheese tray offerings, pies, etc. If the host allows it, bring your own stuffing or a nice side dish to share. If I was going to have a vegan over for TG, I would make accomodations for them.
My husband and I have been vegetarians for 12 years, and thankfully our families (all non-vegetarians) realize that when we don't eat something they've made, we're not passing judgment on them or trying to be rude. If someone came to your house and didn't like mushrooms, and you had mushroom stuffing, mushroom gravy, etc., would you try to force them to eat it? Or be angry when they pass on your mushroom-laden food?
This year, we're hosting Thanksgiving at our home for the first time, and we've got a great compromise going. My mom will be making the turkey, and I'll be making all of the sides. Since our traditional side dishes were all meat free anyway, no real changes to those were necessary. When we sit down at the table, my husband and I will have plates full of broccoli rice casserole, sweet potato souffle, garlic mashed potatoes, apple-pecan stuffing, and cornbread pudding. Our families will have all the same, plus some turkey.
I think the bottom line is that if your Thanksgiving is a celebration of everyone loving each other and being thankful for the time that is spent together, it doesn't really matter whether or not someone's eating turkey. Thankfully our family members' egos aren't fragile enough to be shattered by our decision not to eat turkey!
Jessica - 13 years ago
When I'm hosting, I try to be as accomodating as possible for whoever is going to be there and would have a variety of things for people to eat - vegitarian and carnivour alike. I also wouldn't mind if people brought along one or two of their favorite dishes - I like to try new things, and the person could ensure they have something around they'll really like. In fact, I would encourage someone with an ultra stirct diet (i.e. vegan, kosher,etc) to do so. I have limited knowledge on how to prepare most things without, say, any animal products at all, and I obviously wouldn't have a kosher kitchen. Overall, I don't understand why people are so opinionated about this topic. Who is anyone to judge others about their dietary choices? Why do you care? And honsestly, would you really invite someone over to your house (knowing they are a vegitarian) and not have anything around for them to eat? How rude is that??? And, ultimately, isn't the day supposed to be about family and giving thanks? I say - move on, people!!!
Meat Eater for a Looooong Time - 13 years ago
If I knowingly invite a veggie-eating person, I'll make it a BYO side kind of of dinner. I'd let everyone know, including the veggie-person, what's going on and let them decide. No reason everyone should suffer for the preferences of a few. If the veggie-person will be offended by the presence of dead, delicious animals on the table, they are welcome to decline my invite. If I find out after the fact that someone is the only veggie-person on the guest list, everything still applies. Fair's fair.
jen - 13 years ago
Looking at our fellow Americans' waistlines, I'm pretty sure we can afford to stop using animal fats to flavor our side dishes and accomodate anyone that may not wish to eat animal products. I don't have anything against eating meat or not eating meat, but I try not to use saturated animal fats in my otherwise vegetable or starch dishes. Also, I don't see the point in being a "vegan" and eating meat-shaped tofu products. Learn to cook your veggies and enjoy them for what they are .... tasty and good for you!!
Think healthfully, not hatefully.
Jan - 13 years ago
I'm a vegetarian, but my sister-in-law brings a fully cooked turkey to our house when we host the family Thanksgiving, and I have no problem with that. Part of the reason I am a vegetarian is so that I can avoid contributing to the suffering of animals raised for food, so providing a turkey for my meat-eating guests is not something I will do, but they are welcome to bring their own, as they do. And once a person has been a vegetarian for a significant period of time, eating meat WILL make them sick, so a previous commentor's suggestion that it is not going to hurt a vegetarian to eat some meat on Thanksgiving is dead wrong. On the other hand, meat-eaters eating vegetables or pasta do not take the same risk. When we are the guests rather than the hosts, I make a big dish of my famous macaroni and cheese and my husband makes his always-in-demand brussels sprouts. Those meat-eaters ALWAYS chow down on our delicious meat-free dishes!!
H.B. - 13 years ago
Thankfully, most people who have taken the poll are respectful to guests. I am definitely NOT a vegetarian, but I find the behavior of the people mentioned in the article to be shocking.
Thoughtlessness aside, the idea that every dish at the thanksgiving meal contained meat (or perhaps dairy) is a bit disturbing. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't give up my bacon-wrapped turkey or sausage stuffing for anyone. Without vegetable sides like squash and several roasted vegetables though, my meal just wouldn't be complete.
Adrienne - 13 years ago
I am a vegetarian and I just eat all the delicious sides! Veggies, potatoes, breads, corn, meatless stuffing. Bring it on!
I don't care if other people eat meat as long as they respect my choice too :)
loreta - 13 years ago
I am a vegetarian purely for the reason of not wanting to contribute to the suffering of animals so I can satisfy my palate. I do not find it necessary to have meat on my plate to consider my meal enjoyable.
When I host a party, I serve both vegetarian and non vegetarian meals. I have nothing against meat-eater. Its a matter of personal belief, practice and preference.
The bottom line "IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR EITHER PARTY TO PRACTICE THE SAME DIET BUT TO RESPECT EACH OTHER'S PREFERENCE."
FYI, there are a lot of wonderful sumptious vegetarian meals. We only need to open our minds and get informed.
Cheri - 13 years ago
I am a vegetarian but when I cook for the holidays I always make a turkey or ham. Just because I am not a meat-eater I do not impose my choices on anyone else. I have found that most Thanksgiving spreads have ample amount of side dishes that don't contain meat. Mashed Potatoes, Yams, vegetables, fruits, etc. We are going to my son's house for Thanksgiving. He is smoking and deep frying a turkey. I am bringing mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and stuffing, all that does not contain any meat, so I have at least 3 things I can eat!
rab - 13 years ago
Animals have to sacrifise their 'entire lives' living in cages for just one mans meal one square meal..
Multiply that by (n billion people.)
Guiltfree eating is what you should go for.. weather thanksgiving or not..
It is a sad story and plight for the animals!!
Callie - 13 years ago
I've been a vegetarian for ten years, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When I attend Thanksgiving at other people's houses I bring my own main course and there are usually plenty of side dishes I can eat too. That way I am not putting anyone out by making them make a special meal just for me. When I host Thanksgiving at my house, it works the same way. My mom or my husband cook turkey and ham and guests are invited to bring dishes with meat if they would like, but I make enough food for everybody if they don't want to bring anything and don't mind veggie foods.
I don't think it is unreasonable to ask somebody to make their own main course if the one you serve does not suit their needs. It's more about spending time with family anyhow.
Alice - 13 years ago
It's one celebratory meal with friends and family, what the big deal. I'm a vegetarian for health reasons and will not die if some meat accidently happens to pass my lips. Everything should be welcome at thanksgiving. I am hosting and will serve Turkey, not tofurkey but will have plenty of veg sides. If I weren't a veg and I knew vegetarians were dining I'd still make a couple extra veg sides. Be a good host and be a good guest. What's the point of making someone uncomfortable. And likewise, vegetarians and vegans should be accommodating as well, bring a dish to share with all and make sure it's a delicious one so the carnivores can see the light!
Sourland - 13 years ago
It is a sad Thanksgiving meal indeed if there are no vegetable dishes that a vegetarian can enjoy. My table offers the traditional fare, potatoes, corn, carrots, peas, beans, squash, cranberry and various pies. None of which contain any meat prodcts. Any diner, vegetarian or not, who cannot find something to like in all this is a whining complainer and will not be invoted back next year.
holly - 13 years ago
im curious though would a vegan or veg. accomodate my need for meat..and it is not always a belife...
Vegans and vegetarians aren't being rude to refuse dishes with animal products. It's part of their beliefs which should be respected. Vegetarianism is a healthier way of living, supports the environment, and prevents cruelty to animals raised in factory farms. For delicious traditional Thanksgiving recipes "made vegan", go to my website at www.FoodsForLongLife.com. At least your readers can create delicious side dishes and desserts that all their guests can share. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Joanne L. Mumola Williams
I've been a vegetarian for over 5yrs. I stopped going to my families T-giving meal as they never fixed anything I could eat and when I did bring dishes to share they wolfed then down leaving me with little to eat. I do not expect people to accommodate me but I do at least expect them to respect me and my dietary choices. I now attend my fiance's family gatherings as they are vegetarians and their t-giving meal is out of this world, everything but the meat and some different and unique main dishes that make your mouth explode in ecstasy.
I am not a vegetarian but respect vegetarians, poultrytarians , lacto ovo veggie pescis, and vegans. I think people need to realize whether one eats a specific dish or not ( especially at Thanksgiving when there are usually too many to choose from) has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the eater. Some people don't eat the mashed potatoes because they have butter and cream in them and prefer a fat free mashed potato ( as a weight watcher I know about this). Some will pardon the pun gobble up turkey but refuse the green beans with ham in them. At the dinner I usually go to , one family member brings vegetables from their organic farm that are in season. There are few at the dinner table eating the fennel and roasted beets- but these are the two veggies I heap the biggest serving of. To each his own. I do not judge the person who does not take seconds of pumpkin pie or has a slice of pecan instead of pumpkin. I do not think it is a threat to my pumpkin pie loving ways. A vegetarian who does not eat the turkey is not judging you. They are not trying to guilt you into not eating meat. They came for the true meaning of Thanksgiving of a feast, family, friends,and thanks. If they truly were repulsed they would not have come. Get over yourself meat and non meat judgers and let others eat in peace...
it seems to me that it is only polite to find out any likes or dislikes of your guests when you invite them over for a meal (any meal). They are your guests, after all.
If it is a good TG meal, there should be some dishes that us vegetarians can eat...rolls, veggy dishes, salads, snacks, cheese tray offerings, pies, etc. If the host allows it, bring your own stuffing or a nice side dish to share. If I was going to have a vegan over for TG, I would make accomodations for them.
My husband and I have been vegetarians for 12 years, and thankfully our families (all non-vegetarians) realize that when we don't eat something they've made, we're not passing judgment on them or trying to be rude. If someone came to your house and didn't like mushrooms, and you had mushroom stuffing, mushroom gravy, etc., would you try to force them to eat it? Or be angry when they pass on your mushroom-laden food?
This year, we're hosting Thanksgiving at our home for the first time, and we've got a great compromise going. My mom will be making the turkey, and I'll be making all of the sides. Since our traditional side dishes were all meat free anyway, no real changes to those were necessary. When we sit down at the table, my husband and I will have plates full of broccoli rice casserole, sweet potato souffle, garlic mashed potatoes, apple-pecan stuffing, and cornbread pudding. Our families will have all the same, plus some turkey.
I think the bottom line is that if your Thanksgiving is a celebration of everyone loving each other and being thankful for the time that is spent together, it doesn't really matter whether or not someone's eating turkey. Thankfully our family members' egos aren't fragile enough to be shattered by our decision not to eat turkey!
When I'm hosting, I try to be as accomodating as possible for whoever is going to be there and would have a variety of things for people to eat - vegitarian and carnivour alike. I also wouldn't mind if people brought along one or two of their favorite dishes - I like to try new things, and the person could ensure they have something around they'll really like. In fact, I would encourage someone with an ultra stirct diet (i.e. vegan, kosher,etc) to do so. I have limited knowledge on how to prepare most things without, say, any animal products at all, and I obviously wouldn't have a kosher kitchen. Overall, I don't understand why people are so opinionated about this topic. Who is anyone to judge others about their dietary choices? Why do you care? And honsestly, would you really invite someone over to your house (knowing they are a vegitarian) and not have anything around for them to eat? How rude is that??? And, ultimately, isn't the day supposed to be about family and giving thanks? I say - move on, people!!!
If I knowingly invite a veggie-eating person, I'll make it a BYO side kind of of dinner. I'd let everyone know, including the veggie-person, what's going on and let them decide. No reason everyone should suffer for the preferences of a few. If the veggie-person will be offended by the presence of dead, delicious animals on the table, they are welcome to decline my invite. If I find out after the fact that someone is the only veggie-person on the guest list, everything still applies. Fair's fair.
Looking at our fellow Americans' waistlines, I'm pretty sure we can afford to stop using animal fats to flavor our side dishes and accomodate anyone that may not wish to eat animal products. I don't have anything against eating meat or not eating meat, but I try not to use saturated animal fats in my otherwise vegetable or starch dishes. Also, I don't see the point in being a "vegan" and eating meat-shaped tofu products. Learn to cook your veggies and enjoy them for what they are .... tasty and good for you!!
Think healthfully, not hatefully.
I'm a vegetarian, but my sister-in-law brings a fully cooked turkey to our house when we host the family Thanksgiving, and I have no problem with that. Part of the reason I am a vegetarian is so that I can avoid contributing to the suffering of animals raised for food, so providing a turkey for my meat-eating guests is not something I will do, but they are welcome to bring their own, as they do. And once a person has been a vegetarian for a significant period of time, eating meat WILL make them sick, so a previous commentor's suggestion that it is not going to hurt a vegetarian to eat some meat on Thanksgiving is dead wrong. On the other hand, meat-eaters eating vegetables or pasta do not take the same risk. When we are the guests rather than the hosts, I make a big dish of my famous macaroni and cheese and my husband makes his always-in-demand brussels sprouts. Those meat-eaters ALWAYS chow down on our delicious meat-free dishes!!
Thankfully, most people who have taken the poll are respectful to guests. I am definitely NOT a vegetarian, but I find the behavior of the people mentioned in the article to be shocking.
Thoughtlessness aside, the idea that every dish at the thanksgiving meal contained meat (or perhaps dairy) is a bit disturbing. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't give up my bacon-wrapped turkey or sausage stuffing for anyone. Without vegetable sides like squash and several roasted vegetables though, my meal just wouldn't be complete.
I am a vegetarian and I just eat all the delicious sides! Veggies, potatoes, breads, corn, meatless stuffing. Bring it on!
I don't care if other people eat meat as long as they respect my choice too :)
I am a vegetarian purely for the reason of not wanting to contribute to the suffering of animals so I can satisfy my palate. I do not find it necessary to have meat on my plate to consider my meal enjoyable.
When I host a party, I serve both vegetarian and non vegetarian meals. I have nothing against meat-eater. Its a matter of personal belief, practice and preference.
The bottom line "IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR EITHER PARTY TO PRACTICE THE SAME DIET BUT TO RESPECT EACH OTHER'S PREFERENCE."
FYI, there are a lot of wonderful sumptious vegetarian meals. We only need to open our minds and get informed.
I am a vegetarian but when I cook for the holidays I always make a turkey or ham. Just because I am not a meat-eater I do not impose my choices on anyone else. I have found that most Thanksgiving spreads have ample amount of side dishes that don't contain meat. Mashed Potatoes, Yams, vegetables, fruits, etc. We are going to my son's house for Thanksgiving. He is smoking and deep frying a turkey. I am bringing mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and stuffing, all that does not contain any meat, so I have at least 3 things I can eat!
Animals have to sacrifise their 'entire lives' living in cages for just one mans meal one square meal..
Multiply that by (n billion people.)
Guiltfree eating is what you should go for.. weather thanksgiving or not..
It is a sad story and plight for the animals!!
I've been a vegetarian for ten years, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When I attend Thanksgiving at other people's houses I bring my own main course and there are usually plenty of side dishes I can eat too. That way I am not putting anyone out by making them make a special meal just for me. When I host Thanksgiving at my house, it works the same way. My mom or my husband cook turkey and ham and guests are invited to bring dishes with meat if they would like, but I make enough food for everybody if they don't want to bring anything and don't mind veggie foods.
I don't think it is unreasonable to ask somebody to make their own main course if the one you serve does not suit their needs. It's more about spending time with family anyhow.
It's one celebratory meal with friends and family, what the big deal. I'm a vegetarian for health reasons and will not die if some meat accidently happens to pass my lips. Everything should be welcome at thanksgiving. I am hosting and will serve Turkey, not tofurkey but will have plenty of veg sides. If I weren't a veg and I knew vegetarians were dining I'd still make a couple extra veg sides. Be a good host and be a good guest. What's the point of making someone uncomfortable. And likewise, vegetarians and vegans should be accommodating as well, bring a dish to share with all and make sure it's a delicious one so the carnivores can see the light!
It is a sad Thanksgiving meal indeed if there are no vegetable dishes that a vegetarian can enjoy. My table offers the traditional fare, potatoes, corn, carrots, peas, beans, squash, cranberry and various pies. None of which contain any meat prodcts. Any diner, vegetarian or not, who cannot find something to like in all this is a whining complainer and will not be invoted back next year.
im curious though would a vegan or veg. accomodate my need for meat..and it is not always a belife...
Vegans and vegetarians aren't being rude to refuse dishes with animal products. It's part of their beliefs which should be respected. Vegetarianism is a healthier way of living, supports the environment, and prevents cruelty to animals raised in factory farms. For delicious traditional Thanksgiving recipes "made vegan", go to my website at www.FoodsForLongLife.com. At least your readers can create delicious side dishes and desserts that all their guests can share. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Joanne L. Mumola Williams