# New Year's dinner list — from turkey to decorations

Preparing the New Year's table usually gets squeezed into the last day, and something is always missing in the store crowds. This list gathers everything from food to decorations and games, and with a room code everyone ticks the dish they bring. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** A New Year's dinner needs turkey or chicken, potatoes, salad, appetisers, a cheese platter, nuts, mandarins, dessert and cake, soft drinks, sparkling wine and ice, with decorations, candles and a bingo set to round off the night. Thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge, two days ahead for a 4 to 5 kilo bird. Buy long-life items in the first week of December and leave fresh ones for 30 December.

## What's on the list

### General

- Appetisers
- Sparkling wine
- Ice
- Decorations
- Pine cones
- Candles
- Bingo set
- Paper napkins

### Meat & fish

- Turkey
- Chicken

### Fruit & vegetables

- Potatoes
- Salad ingredients
- Mandarins

### Dairy & breakfast

- Cheese platter

### Sweets & snacks

- Nuts and snacks
- Dessert
- Cake

### Drinks

- Soft drinks

## Tips

- Thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge: a 4 to 5 kilo bird needs two days, or it will still be icy inside on the night.
- Buy long-life groceries and drinks in the first week of December and leave only fresh items for 30 December.
- Chill the drinks at least a few hours ahead, and use a bucket of ice on the balcony if the fridge is full.
- Agree on one clock for the countdown; phones differ by a few seconds and the count falls apart.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many people does a turkey feed for New Year's dinner?

For a whole bone-in turkey, count roughly 500 to 700 grams per person, so a 4 to 5 kilo bird feeds about 6 to 8 people. For a bigger group, add chicken or plenty of side dishes.

### How long does a frozen turkey take to thaw in the fridge?

Roughly 10 to 12 hours per kilo, so take a 4 to 5 kilo turkey out two days ahead and a larger one three days ahead. Thawing at room temperature is not recommended because of the bacteria risk.

### What is traditionally on a New Year's dinner table?

It differs from country to country and family to family. In Turkey, for example, turkey, mandarins, nuts, dessert and cake are common, and many homes play bingo late into the night; chicken or another roast is a popular alternative to turkey.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

---

[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/new-year-dinner-list) — 18 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.