I would add though that hosts should be clear on exactly what their veggie guest does or does not eat. Some vegetarians do eat dairy, gelatin, etc while some do not. While the writer doesn't eat butter, I will gladly take her share of those mashed potatoes! Knowing exactly what vegetarianism means to your guest will save you a lot of guesswork and make the holiday meal smoother for everyone involved.

Thanks for sharing - as for the comments: gee, thank goodness 'Thanksgiving' happens on the other side of the ocean in the US of A!!!

Another great way to ensure a wonderful, worry-free, and happy Thanksgiving: don't invite any vegetarians or vegans! If these people want to live out a "first world luxury" then it's their business, but at the end of the day it's a choice, just like it's my choice not to include them at a Thanksgiving gathering.

Talk with your guest - ask them if they are vegan or vegetarian. If vegetarian then you can serve a cheese tray and deviled eggs.

This is like talking to your diabetic or hypoglycemic guest about sugar. Or in my case - I recently learned I have celiac disease and need to avoid gluten - that means no gravy. It is a friendly conversation. And some give and take. I told my hostess I would bring gluten free bread and a dessert. Stress off both of us.
Easy vegan tips - Vegan pasta,.... More

I think this article is helpful for us meat eaters who don't really consider our veggie friend's feelings. The bummer about this article is the hateful comments by some of the readers. I don't think it's necessary to post such rude things. If you don't feel this article applies to you, move on. And please, you think you're going to have dinner at the authors house? Get a life.

I thought the article was good up until "Vegetarian is chic after all" - it just made the whole thing sound so superficial - like do it because its fashionable. I know lots of vegetarians and am happy to accomodate them - because they're friends and family. I also support meatless Mondays, never planning on being veg myself. Chic? Chic never enters my mind when I think of vegetarian. Ever.

This is so great! I have two vegetarians coming to my house this year for Thanksgiving and I was so worried about it! Thanks to you, I feel so much less stressed out. I looked at your recipes on your website, and can't wait to try some of them. Your sweet potatoes look amazing! Happy Thanksgiving!

Actually the Thanksgiving meal provides lots of vegetarian options besides the turkey, gravy and stuffing. There are the mashed potatoes or yams, salads, veggies and rolls, plus the pies! A veggie can offer to bring a side dish. Is it not a meal of giving thanks and enjoying the company of those we care about?

Hey Guys. My reasons for becoming a vegan two years ago were for my health. My friends and relatives have been as conscious and accommodating as possible to provide something for me whenever I am graced by their cooking. That being said, I would never expect them to eat things simply because they think it's what I want. It's not, and never has been, about the food. It's about enjoying the company and conversation with others. The meal is just an accompanying activity. Perhaps if the author of.... More

The arrogance of this woman is quite something. Vegetarians are making a conscious decision and therefore not comparable to allergies. I will do my best to accommodate or substitute items to avoid allergies but if you think I am going to remove butter and cream from the mashed potatoes you have another thing coming. You made a choice being a vegetarian so be prepared to provide your own solutions and don't expect everyone to change what works for you.

Wow. I've been a vegetarian most of my life, and I would never dream of expecting others to change their traditions to meet my needs. I've been to many a dinner party or family event where I've had limited menu choices; I've ate what I could and enjoyed the company. If the guests are at your house, you can control the menu, but if you're a guest in someone else's house, suck it up. Sorry Leslie, but you're wrong.

I just found out I am Gluten intolerant. I believe my mother who died of cancer at a young age was as well and an analysis of her records reveal a possible link to Celiac disease. Back then no one even know what Gluten was. Anyway, now that I'm attempting to adapt my life to my new reality, I can't tell you how challenging it is -- to explain to friends, to dine out, to stick to it.... You can no longer just eat what's put in front of you. Because in my case, it can actually kill you.

I know that I became a vegetarian just to ruin holiday traditions and make people angry. I'm glad that I'm succeeding. It's mostly because I'm arrogant and an un-American socialist. Happy Holidays everyone!

I started to post this to encourage those who have vegetarians coming to dinner. Then I read the comments and realized some omnis don't want us there at all. Thanksgiving? Really? Folks -- most veggies won't lecture you on why not to eat meat. We just want to be able to know what we're eating and have more than a dish or two we can eat -- even if we have to bring it ourselves. Otherwise, all we want is the time with family and friends. Don't turn it into a challenge for all involved..... More

Keep in mind this article is for those who want to seem more welcoming to vegetarians this Thanksgiving. I've never had a vegetarian over to a meal where a vegetarian meal or special items have been demanded. As a hostess though, I have tried to be considerate of my guests and serve at least something that they can confidently eat. No, none of them would have ever been in danger of starvation. Yes, it is the habit of a good host to learn what they can to make someone on a special diet feel more welcome..... More

Alternatively (get it?), you don't have the right to expect your host to cater to your special needs because they constitute a choice and not an actual special need. If you require so much special care, host your own, in your own home. Make the entire meal vegan, like your article ACTUALLY describes. It's your house and your rules then. It also allows you to proselytize for your cause because maybe you can fix some alternative dishes that taste just as good. Vegetarianism/veganism =/= food.... More

Holidays sure bring out the stress in everyone. Seems like most of you are working too hard - relax a little.

At the risk of sounding all Rodney King with "can't we all just get along", there is an angle to this that has only been lightly touched on. My wife is vegetarian (almost vegan), but for medical reasons. A cup of milk (butter, etc.) would confine her to bed for a week. Any form of fowl (even eggs), shellfish, and (most) animal flesh will put her into the hospital.
To be clear, I'm an omnivore (as God made me), and agree that its ludicrous to think that a host should change their menu to.... More

At least she isn't killing Americans with her cooking like Paula Deen. She looks better too. Now Eat Your Veggies.