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A timeless guide for Thanksgiving hosts 


Thanksgiving is a moment made for gathering, gratitude, and good food. And nothing says the holiday is here quite like a beautifully carved turkey at the center of the table. If you want to elevate your [Thanksgiving](https://www.dickeys.com/press/blog/how-to-host-thanksgiving) traditions this year, learning how to carve your turkey the classic Norman Rockwell way brings both nostalgia and skill to your celebration. 


Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving for the very first time or adding a new touch to your long standing holiday rituals, this guide will help you carve the turkey with confidence and style. It is equal parts technique, presentation, and heart, and it creates that picture perfect Thanksgiving moment your guests will remember.

[![dickeys order.png](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/dickeys_order_79b2c1e287.png)](https://www.dickeys.com/quote/everyday?type=carryout)



## Why the Norman Rockwell Style Matters

There is something special about the iconic Rockwell scene. It is warm, inviting, and full of pride. The carving itself becomes part of the Thanksgiving story. It says you took time to honor the meal, the traditions, and the people at your table. 


This technique is simple, elegant and designed to keep your turkey juicy while giving each guest the perfect slice. If you want a show stopping centerpiece, this is the way to do it.


## Step by Step: How To Carve A Turkey Like A Pro

**Let the turkey rest**

Once your turkey is fully cooked, let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This keeps the juices where they belong and makes carving much easier. A well rested turkey makes every slice more flavorful, which is exactly what you want for your Thanksgiving dinner ideas and best Thanksgiving recipes. 


**Start with the legs**

Gently pull the drumstick away from the body until the joint pops. Use your knife to separate it cleanly. Repeat with the other side. You can leave the drumsticks whole for serving or slice the dark meat for guests who prefer it.


![carve.jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/carve_b8bd3c0d3d.jpg)


**Remove the thighs**

After removing the legs, cut along the backbone to release the thighs. Slice the thigh meat crosswise for tender, rich pieces your guests will love. 

**Take off the wings**

Pull each wing away from the turkey and make a clean cut at the joint. This gives your platter that classic Rockwell look and balances out the visual appeal. 

> [WATCH THE VIDEO HERE ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjwq9l0O40)

**Carve the breast**

This is where the magic happens.

Make a long, confident slice down one side of the breastbone. Gently peel the entire breast away from the bone in one large piece. Once removed, place it on your cutting board and slice it crosswise into beautiful, even pieces. This technique keeps every slice moist and gives you the stunning Thanksgiving carvings that look like they came straight out of a magazine. 

**Repeat with the second breast.**

Arrange it beautifully

Thanksgiving is a feast for the eyes too. Fan your slices on a platter, nestle the wings and drumsticks around the edges, and garnish with fresh herbs, citrus, or roasted vegetables. 

A well arranged platter becomes part of the decor and adds to your Thanksgiving food ideas and overall presentation. 

**Pair it with the perfect Thanksgiving side dishes**

Once your turkey is carved to perfection, round out your table with classic and modern Thanksgiving side dishes. Think creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, green beans, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a bright cranberry chutney. The right mix of sides brings balance, comfort and color to your table. 

![Carved turkey.jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/Carved_turkey_203498f7a8.jpg)


## A Few Tips For Hosting

If you are thinking about how to host Thanksgiving with less stress, here are quick reminders:

•	Prep as many side dishes as you can the day before

•	Keep appetizers simple to save room for the main feast

•	Create a carving station that feels intentional and beautiful

•	Ask guests to bring one favorite dish to share in the tradition


Hosting becomes a joy when you plan ahead and focus on the experience rather than perfection.


## Keep the tradition alive

Thanksgiving is about togetherness, joy and shared memories. The Rockwell carving moment is a chance to pause and celebrate everything that matters most. When you carve your turkey with care, it sets the tone for the entire meal and connects you to decades of tradition.

Bring the warmth of that iconic holiday image to your own table this year. From the first slice to the last bite, this is what Thanksgiving is all about.

How To Carve A Turkey The Norman Rockwell Way

CEO Magazine: Secret Sauce: Laura Rea Dickey & Roland Dickey Jr

Holiday Feast with Dickey's Barbecue Pit

*Free Family Event Celebrates Football, Barbecue and Thanksgiving Texas-Style* 
 
There’s nothing more Texas than barbecue and football, and this Thanksgiving season, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is bringing both together for an unforgettable hometown celebration. 

On Saturday, November 22, from 1–3 p.m., fans are invited to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit off Highway 121 in McKinney for a free meet-and-greet with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion Drew Pearson, the Original Mr. "88". Guests can enjoy Rancher’s and Dickey’s sausage samples, free Red Bull, exclusive coupons, and holiday catering specials just in time for Thanksgiving week. 

And since this celebration lands right before one of the Cowboys’ biggest rivalry games of the year against the Eagles, it’s the perfect pre-game warm-up for families and football fans alike. 

“Barbecue, football, and family are what Texas does best,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of [Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants](https://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/2025/09/18/dickeys-barbecue-pit-coming-soon-to-canon-city/), Inc. “This event is all about community and connection. We’re excited to celebrate the season with our guests, our retail partners, and one of the Cowboys’ all-time greats.” 

Guests who RSVP to receive a signed autograph will receive a special item. Attendees can also enjoy swag giveaways, exclusive retail coupons, and holiday catering discounts that make it easy to add big flavor to their Thanksgiving table. 

“Dickey’s has always been about bringing people together around the pit, the table, and the traditions that make Texas special,” said [Roland Dickey Jr.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8MWeC8Oag0), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “We’re proud to partner with our retail division to give fans the chance to meet a Cowboys legend, enjoy great barbecue, and celebrate the season with true Texas pride.” 

Whether you’re a lifelong Cowboys fan or just looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend the weekend, [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7gaDKwS_zg&t=1s) is serving up the ultimate combination of community, football and flavor. 

**The Dickey’s Retail Cowboy Alumni Activation will take place at:**
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Highway 121, McKinney
- Date: Saturday, November 22nd
- Time: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
- Admission: Free to the public

Fans can RSVP and learn more at [Eventbrite.com](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1708830170039?aff=oddtdtcreator). 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed. 

With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. 

For more information, visit [www.dickeys.com](http://www.dickeys.com/). For franchise opportunities, visit [www.dickeysfranchise.com](https://www.dickeysfranchise.com/).

Holiday Feast with Dickey's Barbecue Pit

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