Last Minute Thanksgiving Day 911

It's Thanksgiving and you're on the verge of a crisis. We rounded up some useful information to help get you through the day and have a fantastic meal. 

Help! I don't know how long to cook the turkey! — For a 10- to 18-pound bird, Butterball recommends cooking it for 3 to 3 1/2 hours for an unstuffed bird. Add another 45 minutes to an hour if you like to cook yours with the stuffing inside. Visit Butterball's website to find answers to more questions or call their hotline at 1-800-288-8372. 

Help!  I forgot a key ingredient! — Many grocery stores such as Ingles and Publix will be open until Thursday afternoon, and some will even be open regular hours.

Help! My mashed potatoes are a mess! — Try to soften them up by adding milk or chicken broth. If that still doesn’t work, then try these tips on how to dress up store-bought items.

Help! I forgot to buy a centerpiece! — Some of the best things in life are free! Send the kids out in the backyard to collect leaves, berries and acorns. Arrange them in a vase or a bowl. You can also arrange candles of different heights or place a few on an elevated cake plate for height.

Help! I totally ruined the entire dinner! — A number of restaurants in Barrow County are open on Thanksgiving Day. 

• Fatz Cafe will be open until 4 p.m. and will offer its Thanksgiving Special — oven-roasted turkey, gravy, cornbread dressing, red-skinned mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie — for $8.99.
• Golden Corral will serve up a $12.99 Thanksgiving Day dinner buffet from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here to view the buffet offerings. Seniors can dine for $11.99. 
• While no Thanksgiving specials will be offered, Ruby Tuesday will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Do you have last-minute tips and Thanksgiving Day advice to share? Know of a local restaurant that's open this holiday? Post a comment in the comments section below. 

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