# Thanksgiving Dinner Time Rules

> Family debates over when to eat Thanksgiving dinner.
- Title: Thanksgiving Dinner Time Rules · Bon Appétit | Shortify
- Summary: Family debates over when to eat Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving dinner times vary by family, with 58% eating between 4-6pm.
- Keywords: thanksgiving, dinner time, family rules, turkey, pie, kids, food, lifestyle, Dinner, Time, Rules, Bon Appétit
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/thanksgiving-etiquette-questions
- Author: Joe Sevier
- Published: 2026-11-01T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thanksgiving, dinner time, family rules, turkey, pie, kids, food, lifestyle
## What makes a good guest?
Guests should bring dessert or flowers while the host handles wine.

> Guests should bring dessert or flowers. Let me figure out the wine!
## When should we eat?
58% of families eat between 4-6pm, with 26% choosing 12-2pm.

> 12, 2 p.m. 26% 2, 4 p.m. 16% 4, 6 p.m. 58% After 6 p.m. 0%
## Who gets the first slice of pie?
The youngest, oldest, baker, or first to get up all have equal chances.

> The youngest: 30% The oldest: 20% The baker : 20% Whoever gets up first: 20% Take a plate and pass it down: 10%
## Key takeaway

Thanksgiving dinner times vary by family, with 58% eating between 4-6pm.