Martha Stewart Thinks This Is The Best Time To Serve Thanksgiving Dinner (It's Way Earlier Than We Thought)

In true Martha Stewart fashion, the "Queen of Thanksgiving" appeared on the Today show to talk all things turkey and holiday hosting. Donning a sash with the unofficial title, plus a golden crown and turkey baster, Stewart took video questions from viewers shortly after serving the hosts a bourbon-spiked cider cocktail — made from fresh-pressed cider from her apple orchard, naturally. When one fan asked what the best time to serve Thanksgiving dinner is, Stewart shocked some by answering that she prefers 2 p.m. in the afternoon, when she thinks guests are getting hungry.

"You can eat and then watch the big game," says Stewart (via Today). "And then have more drinks and have fun," she emphasized, noting that you can eat dessert later on. Serving Thanksgiving dinner early does sound like a nice way to give yourself a break on the holiday (besides making some side dishes in advance, of course). 

With the Today hosts nodding along approvingly, the show's website later posted viewer comments relaying how some really felt about a 2 p.m. Thanksgiving feast. Their takes were, understandably, mixed.

Comments on Reddit show that an early Thanksgiving dinner isn't that strange at all. Many users themselves reported eating at 1 or 2 p.m. Reasons ranged from convenience for out-of-town guests to having time to watch holiday movies to simply family tradition. One commenter says "We eat around 2:00. Just because that's what my mom said was the proper time to eat on Thanksgiving. So that's what I've done my whole life." Another Reddit user claimed "I always thought 1-2 [p.m.] was pretty common. Eat, watch football, nap, then eat a turkey sandwich and more pie."

Others prefer serving the Thanksgiving meal around dinner time, which was broadly defined as sometime between 4 and 8 p.m. If this is the case, many said appropriate snacks are served earlier in the day. One commenter says, "I know we're weird: we have apps all day and then have an actual dinner at dinner time." Another agreed with a later meal, saying, "What I like about it is it gives everyone time to travel and I'm not waking up at oh-dark-thirty in the kitchen. It works for us."

If you do choose to have Thanksgiving dinner on the early side, take a note from another hosting goddess, Ina Garten, on what to prep days in advance (she also has suggestions on selecting the perfect Thanksgiving wine, if you really want to impress).