Vegetarian Thanksgiving Etiquette?

Proper etiquette is to not bring anything unless your grandmother tells you it's ok. Just remind her you are vegetarian and I usually say something like "I don't want you to have to go out of your way, so is it ok if I bring some sweet potatoes and a main dish for myself?"

It would also be proper to make enough for everyone to at least try. Take as much as you want and then allow everyone else to try it if they wish to.

If grandma declines your offer and instead offers to make something vegetarian for you, just be careful. People often forget that gravy has meat, that stuffing usually uses chicken stock (or turkey stock), that some cranberry dishes have gelatin, that many pie crusts have lard, etc.

Talk to your grandmother about it, just to make sure she isn't offended. It sounds like she wouldn't be; I would suggest that instead of saying that she might forget about you, say that you want to bring the sweet potato dish, and a tofu dish for yourself and anyone else who wants it.

For Thanksgiving etiquette, I think the most important thing to keep in mind would be oven usage. Your grandmother is going to need the oven for the turkey, and possibly for other side dishes. Unless she has a double oven, it's going to be hard to accommodate you if you have to cook one of your dishes in the oven. My mom used to get mad about a guest who brought a dip that had to be cooked in the oven, which meant she actually had to take the turkey out so that the dip could cook! Sweet potatoes should be fine if you cook them beforehand, and reheat them in the oven after the turkey is done. I don't know anything about how one cooks tofurkey, but if oven usage is going to be an issue, you might consider instead bringing an alternate protein dish that won't require the oven.

Just give grandma a heads-up and bring enough to share. Even though everyone is going to be saying how weird and crazy you are for not eating the turkey/ham and how they could never be vegetarian, you will get at least a few that say, "Can I try some of your stuff?"

Maybe you could help Grandma in the kitchen. Volunteer to chop stuff and keep a close eye on what she puts in which dish. Eat anything that fits your dietary needs and rave about how great it is so she's less sad that you aren't eating the other stuff. :-)

Don't hold your nose, or say ew, when the turkey is passed by you that would be rude. Don't bring up animal rights when others have their mouths full of dead bird. Always tell your host that you don't eat meat before you arive. Tell her you will Bring a vegetarian dish to share. There's going to be turkey on the table, so bring a nut or been roast or veggie casserole. Eat the sides provided, with the exception of the gravy and stuffing it's veggie.

I don't think it would be a problem. Just make sure that they know, so that they can accommodate your meals at the table. I'm not sure of any rules about Thanksgiving. Bringing food to the holiday dinners is a tradition in most families.

Oh no not at all! SHe will be happy for you Isn't it about bringing things anyway??

SHe will be happy for you I think, espeically if your mother is OK with it, and she does forget before.

Make some home made cranberry sauce or something too. Give it to her, or some kind of thing she would like, just a gift.

X

Well, it's much better than showing up and frowning in disgust at all the stuff you can't eat. Both of those sound delicious! Be sure to make enough for more than just you. Be sure to eat SOME of what she makes, whatever you can, to be sure she isn't too offended.

I would call your grandma and tell her that you have some yummy dishes and recipes that yi woud like to share.

Make sure you bring enough for everyone, that is always the bets etiquette.

No! Not at all. I'm a vegetarian and, in fact, my family is always relieved when I bring my own food because it keeps them from having to cook a special meal for me or feel guilty when they're eating and I don't have any food. Maybe just have your mom tell grandma that since you have such specific dietary restrictions, you'll be bringing your own food-- that way you don't catch her off guard and offend her.

Nope. Bringing some food to contribute to any gathering is not only acceptable but a very nice gesture.