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Your Thanksgiving, Your Way: The Edwards Meats Guide to a Delicious Holiday

From traditional turkey to hickory-smoked favorites, prime rib, homemade sides, and pie—your Thanksgiving feast starts here.

Some families wouldn’t dream of Thanksgiving without a golden-brown turkey at the center of the table. Others swear by prime rib. And then there are the families who discovered Edwards Meats’ hickory-smoked turkey years ago and haven’t looked back since.

That’s the wonderful thing about Thanksgiving. There isn’t just one way to celebrate.

Whether you’re hosting twenty relatives, gathering with a few close friends, or putting your own twist on a family tradition, Thanksgiving is about sharing good food with the people who matter most.

And at Edwards Meats, we believe planning a great Thanksgiving dinner should be almost as enjoyable as eating it.

We’ve been helping Colorado families bring delicious meals to the table since 1962. Along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two about choosing the right turkey, planning the perfect roast, and making sure nobody leaves the table hungry.

So, let’s talk Thanksgiving!

A Little Thanksgiving Help, From Our Family to Yours!

Planning the perfect Thanksgiving feast? We’ve made it easier with our Printable Thanksgiving Planning Checklist! From choosing your main course to getting everything ready for the big day, it’s your handy guide to a delicious, stress-free holiday.

Scroll down to find your checklist, then click the image to download and print your copy!

First Things First: What’s Going in the Center of Your Table?

Every great Thanksgiving meal needs a centerpiece. The good news? You’ve got options.

The Traditional Favorite: Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey

There’s something special about pulling a beautifully roasted turkey from the oven. The golden skin, the aroma filling the kitchen, and that first slice make all the preparation worthwhile.

At Edwards Meats, we offer fresh Barber turkeys for families who love the tradition of preparing their own Thanksgiving bird.

Our butchers can help you choose the right size for your gathering, whether you’re feeding a small group or a houseful of hungry guests.

Fresh Turkey Sizes Available to Order:

  • 8–12 pounds
  • 12–16 pounds
  • 16–20 pounds
  • 20–24 pounds
  • 24 pounds and up

How much turkey should you buy?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1 to 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person, including bones. If your family loves leftovers (and who doesn’t love a Thanksgiving turkey sandwich?), plan toward the higher end.

Number of Guests |   Suggested Turkey Size
4–8   8–12 pounds
8–12   12–16 pounds
11–15   16–20 pounds
14–18   20–24 pounds
18 or more   24 pounds and up

 

These are general guidelines. Your ideal size will depend on appetites, side dishes, and how many leftovers you’d like.

Our team is always happy to help you choose the right size for your Thanksgiving gathering! And our Thanksgiving turkeys are always fresh, never frozen, so you can skip the thawing and focus on preparing a delicious holiday meal.

The Edwards Favorite: Hickory-Smoked Turkey

Want all the deliciousness of Thanksgiving turkey with a little less work?

Meet one of our most popular holiday traditions.

Our hickory-smoked turkeys are prepared right here at Edwards Meats in our own smokehouse, bringing rich, savory flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

There’s a reason these birds have become a customer favorite—and why they sell out every year!

For families who want something a little different, or hosts who would rather spend more time enjoying their guests than tending the oven, smoked turkey is a delicious option.

Smoked Turkey Sizes Available to Order:

  • 8–12 pounds
  • 12–16 pounds
  • 16–18 pounds (maximum size)

Serving suggestion: Plan approximately 1 to 1½ pounds per person, including bones.

How to Reheat Your Edwards Meats Smoked Turkey

One of the best things about our smoked turkeys is that the smoking has already been done for you!

To reheat your fully cooked, refrigerated smoked turkey:

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F.
  2. Wrap your turkey securely in aluminum foil to help retain moisture.
  3. Heat for approximately 10–15 minutes per pound.
  4. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.

For food safety, previously cooked and refrigerated turkey should generally be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Heating times are estimates; follow any specific handling instructions provided by Edwards Meats.

Then carve, serve, and enjoy!

Our advice? Order early. Our hickory-smoked turkeys are a holiday favorite, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

The Holiday Showstopper: Prime Rib

Who says Thanksgiving has to be all about turkey?

For some families, a beautifully roasted prime rib is the holiday tradition.

Tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor, prime rib makes an impressive centerpiece for any Thanksgiving gathering. It’s also a wonderful choice when you want to serve something special alongside your turkey.

Our butchers can help you choose the right roast, recommend a size for your guest list, and offer preparation advice.

Planning tip: For a boneless prime rib roast, approximately ½ pound per person is a useful starting point. For bone-in roasts, plan closer to ¾–1 pound per person, depending on appetites, side dishes, and how many leftovers you’d like.

The point is simple: Your Thanksgiving table should reflect what your family loves to eat.

The Holiday Classic: A Delicious Thanksgiving Ham

Turkey might be the star of Thanksgiving, but let’s not forget about ham!

For many families, a beautifully glazed holiday ham is every bit as much a tradition as turkey. With its savory flavor, touch of sweetness, and beautiful presentation, it’s a crowd-pleaser that deserves a place at the Thanksgiving table.

And here’s one of our favorite ideas: Why choose between turkey and ham when you can serve both?

A holiday ham makes a wonderful second centerpiece, especially when you’re feeding a crowd or hosting guests with different tastes. Plus, the leftovers? They’re practically a holiday tradition of their own!

At Edwards Meats, we offer delicious ham options to help make your Thanksgiving meal something special. Our butchers can help you choose the right ham for your gathering and offer preparation advice.

How much ham should you buy?

As a general guideline, plan for approximately ½ pound per person for boneless ham or ¾ pound per person for bone-in ham. If you’re serving ham alongside turkey or prime rib, you may need less of each.

Whether ham is your family’s longtime favorite or a delicious addition to this year’s feast, we’re here to help you bring it to the table.

Thanksgiving tip: Ask about our holiday ham selection when you place your order. Availability and preparation instructions vary by product.

Don’t Forget the Sides! (They’re Half the Fun.)

Let’s be serious for a moment.

Is Thanksgiving really Thanksgiving without stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry relish?

The main course might get all the attention, but we all know some people show up for the sides.

At Edwards Meats, you’ll find delicious holiday favorites to help complete your meal, including:

  • Homemade stuffing
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Savory gravy
  • Cranberry relish

And here’s a little hosting wisdom: You don’t have to make everything from scratch to create a memorable Thanksgiving.

Choose the dishes you genuinely enjoy preparing, and let Edwards help with the rest.

Maybe you love roasting the turkey but dread peeling ten pounds of potatoes. Maybe your family stuffing recipe is sacred, but you’d happily let someone else handle the gravy.

That’s not cheating. That’s smart Thanksgiving planning.

After all, the goal isn’t to spend the entire holiday in the kitchen. It’s to enjoy the people gathered around your table.

And Then There’s Pie…

We firmly believe every great Thanksgiving dinner deserves a great dessert.

That’s why we’re proud to carry The Village Pie Maker pies.

Whether your family reaches for classic pumpkin, apple, or another delicious favorite, these pies make a wonderful finishing touch to your holiday meal.

And here’s a little secret: Nobody has to know you didn’t spend the afternoon rolling out pie dough.

We won’t tell. 😉

Ask about our holiday pie selection when you place your Thanksgiving order.

Your Thanksgiving Planning Checklist

A little preparation goes a long way toward making Thanksgiving Day easier.

Here’s a simple timeline to help you stay ahead of the holiday rush.

Three to Four Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Make your Thanksgiving game plan.

  • Decide how many people you’re hosting.
  • Choose your centerpiece: fresh turkey, smoked turkey, prime rib, ham, or a combination.
  • Estimate how much meat you’ll need.
  • Think about your favorite sides and desserts.
  • Place your holiday order with Edwards Meats.

Thanksgiving orders begin November 1, and popular holiday favorites can sell out.

One to Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Get the details organized.

  • Confirm your guest count.
  • Review your menu and shopping list.
  • Make sure you have roasting pans, serving dishes, and enough refrigerator space.
  • Plan any dishes you can prepare ahead of time.
  • Confirm your holiday pickup arrangements.

If you’re preparing a fresh turkey, this is also a good time to decide how you’ll season and roast it.

The Days Before Thanksgiving

Start getting ahead.

  • Pick up holiday items according to your scheduled pickup time.
  • Prepare dishes that can safely be made in advance.
  • Set the table or organize serving dishes.
  • Review cooking and reheating instructions.
  • Double-check that you have everything for the big day.

Thanksgiving Day

Enjoy the celebration!

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare the main course, warm your sides, and gather everyone around the table.

For food safety, cook fresh turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F, checking the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing with a food thermometer. Follow the specific preparation instructions provided for other meats and prepared foods.

And remember: A memorable Thanksgiving doesn’t require everything to be perfect.

Sometimes the best holiday moments happen when dinner runs a little late, somebody tells the same family story for the twentieth time, and everyone goes back for just one more helping.

Take Thanksgiving Planning Home!

Love a good checklist? We’ve made it easy! Download our free Edwards Meats Thanksgiving Planning Checklist, print it out, and check things off as you prepare for the big day.

Click the image below to download your printable checklist!

 

A Few Thanksgiving Questions We Hear Every Year

Should I choose a fresh or smoked turkey?

That depends on your family’s preferences! A fresh turkey gives you the traditional roasting experience and the freedom to season it your way. Our hickory-smoked turkey offers rich smokehouse flavor and a convenient alternative. Both make a delicious holiday centerpiece.

How early should I order my Thanksgiving turkey?

As early as possible! Edwards Meats begins taking Thanksgiving orders November 1. Our smoked turkeys are especially popular and sell out every year. Availability varies, so don’t wait until the last minute.

What is my family wants something besides turkey or ham?

Absolutely! Prime rib is a wonderful holiday option. There’s no rule that says Thanksgiving dinner has to look exactly the same every year.

Can Edwards help me figure out how much meat to buy?

Of course! Tell us how many people you’re feeding, what you’re planning to serve, and whether you want leftovers. Our team is happy to help you choose.

Can I order sides and pies along with my meat?

Yes! Ask about our homemade Thanksgiving sides and Village Pie Maker pies when you place your holiday order. Selection and availability may vary.

Great Food. Family Traditions. That’s Thanksgiving at Edwards Meats.

For more than sixty years, Edwards Meats has been part of the Wheat Ridge community, helping families bring quality meats and delicious meals home to their tables.

We’re proud to be a family-owned butcher shop where personal service still matters, where customers can ask questions and get real answers, and where holiday traditions are something we genuinely enjoy being part of.

Whether you’re continuing a tradition that’s been in your family for generations or starting something entirely new, we’re here to help make your Thanksgiving delicious.

Because when the cooking is done and everyone gathers around the table, the best part of Thanksgiving isn’t just what’s on the plate.

It’s who you’re sharing it with.

Ready to Plan Your Thanksgiving Feast?

Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26, and Edwards Meats begins taking holiday orders November 1.

From fresh turkeys to our famous hickory-smoked turkeys, prime rib, hams, homemade sides, and delicious pies, we’ve got what you need to make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

📞 Call Edwards Meats at 303-422-4397 to place your Thanksgiving order.

📍 Visit us at 12280 W. 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

We Have It All!

 

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