Thanksgiving is upon us, and while most of us look forward to family, food, and maybe some football, we all know there’s another game happening around the table: the strategic art of the Thanksgiving swap. Negotiation at Thanksgiving isn’t just about peace treaties with that one opinionated brother-in-law; it’s also about securing your culinary favorites.
Whether you’re a stuffing connoisseur, a pie enthusiast, or a fan of canned cranberry sauce (yes, the cylindrical jelly with ridges), everyone has their go-to. This year, I’m breaking down the top 5 strategies to secure your favorites while keeping things fun and festive.
1. Leverage the Yum
Every Thanksgiving table has its power dynamics. Aunt May brings her famous stuffing, and she knows it’s a crowd-pleaser. Grandma? She’s the gatekeeper of the sweet potato casserole, and she might just keep it all to herself if she’s feeling protective. But if you’re holding the mashed potatoes, you’re not without bargaining chips. Assess your position and remember: Sometimes, the key to getting what you want is knowing what someone else wants even more.
2. Dessert Clause
It’s not Thanksgiving without dessert drama. When the last slice of pumpkin pie is on the line, the stakes are high. The key here is timing: Claim your piece early, or propose a strategic share (half-and-half can go a long way). Pro tip: Sweeten the deal by offering to “bring it to the table” for everyone (then casually set aside your slice first, of course).
3. The Seat-Shuffle
Positioning can make all the difference. If you’re seated closer to the turkey or that beloved green bean casserole, you’ve got a proximity advantage. Subtly suggest a seating arrangement that gives you easy access to your top picks. If it’s a more formal setup, you might find a strategic “plate-pass” plan effective, where you offer to help serve others — sneaking in an extra spoonful for yourself along the way. Remember: location, location, location.
4. The Compliment Trade-Off
Never underestimate the power of a well-timed compliment. A heartfelt “Your pumpkin pie is absolutely the best” could very well earn you that extra slice or a copy of the recipe for later. People love to share when they feel appreciated, so sprinkle a little charm around the table. Just be sure to keep it genuine — Thanksgiving is, after all, about gratitude.
5. The Leftover Strategy
If Thanksgiving Day is the main event, leftovers are the encore. Who doesn’t want a turkey sandwich the next day? The challenge is that everyone’s vying for the same prize. This is where transparency and communication come into play. Suggest a leftover draft system where every person picks one item they can’t live without, and negotiate from there. Remember, a little cooperation here can ensure everyone leaves happy, if not a little stuffed.
At its heart, Thanksgiving is about coming together and sharing. It’s a time to appreciate family, friends, and all the good things in life. It’s a reminder that the best moments aren’t just about what’s on our plates, but who’s around the table. As much as we might jest about “strategies” and “swap tactics,” the real prize is the laughter, the stories, and maybe a second helping of memories that we create with one another.
So, this year, negotiate with grace, laugh at the small victories, and maybe even let someone else have the last roll (or not — we won’t judge). From turkey tactics to dessert clauses, may your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, good food, and a few friendly negotiations around the table.
Happy Thanksgiving from the negotiating table to yours!
We Can Help You Master the Strategic Art of the Thanksgiving Swap.
Negotiation at Thanksgiving isn’t just about peace treaties with an opinionated brother-in-law. It’s also about securing your culinary favorites. Rely on Scotwork’s nearly 50 years of experience to help make your T-Day festive, fun, and filling.