What Size Platter Do You Need for Serving Turkey?

Determining the right sized platter for serving your Thanksgiving turkey is key to creating a beautiful holiday table presentation. You want a platter large enough to comfortably fit the turkey along with any side dishes or garnishes. But how do you know what size platter you actually need? Here’s a helpful guide on picking the perfect turkey platter size for your feast.

General Size Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, your platter should be about 2 inches larger on all sides than the turkey itself. This provides a nice border around the turkey to allow for decoratively arranged sides or garnishes without crowding the platter.

For a typical 12-14 pound turkey a 16-18 inch platter is usually sufficient. An 18-20 pound turkey would need a 20-22 inch platter. And a very large 20+ pound turkey calls for an extra large platter in the 22+ inch range.

Oval and rectangular platters provide the most surface area and are ideal turkey platter shapes. But a wide, round platter can also work well if it’s big enough. The key is ensuring adequate room around the turkey along with a platter border for decorative touches.

Factoring In Your Turkey’s Size and Shape

Beyond just the weight of your turkey, also consider

• Turkey shape: A rounder, plumper turkey variety may need a bigger platter than a longer, narrower turkey shape.

• Stuffing: A stuffed turkey will be larger and require more platter space than an unstuffed one.

• Carving: If you’ll be carving the turkey at the table on the platter, allow extra room for carving tools.

• Serving style: A buffet layout needs a larger platter than plated individual servings.

Measure your actual turkey dimensions and allow an extra inch or two for your border workspace to determine the perfect size.

Matching Your Table Decor

Once you’ve decided on the right size, choose a platter style that complements your tablescape. Options include:

• White porcelain or stoneware for an elegant, classic look.

• Wood, bamboo or marble for natural, organic style.

• Colored or patterned ceramics to match seasonal decor.

• Metallic platters like silver or pewter for glamorous flair.

• Clear glass to showcase the turkey underneath.

• Rimmed platters to contain gravy and sauces.

Pick colors and materials that tie in with your dinnerware, linens, centerpieces and other table decor.

Artfully Arranging Your Turkey

Once your turkey is roasted to perfection, it’s time for the fun part – the presentation! Carefully arrange the turkey along with complementing sides and garnishes.

• Surround turkey with roasted fall veggies like squash, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

• Include traditional cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing.

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme around the turkey.

• Nestle white and dark meat together attractively.

• Place a gravy boat alongside the platter.

Keep the arrangement bountiful yet not overcrowded. Let your stunning turkey shine as the star!

Extra Large Platter Options

For grand turkeys and lavish holiday spreads, oversized platters can provide an impressive presentation. Some spacious platter ideas include:

• Plymouth Extra Large Platter (18 x 21.5 inches) – Glazed porcelain from Williams Sonoma

• Sur La Table Turkey Platter with Handles (21.5 x 16 inches) – White porcelain oval with handles

• Crate and Barrel Coupe Oval Platter (21.5 inches long) – Clean lined white porcelain

• World Market Farmhouse Wood Serving Platter (21 x 15 inches)- Beautiful rustic acacia wood

• Quartermaine Oval Tray from Bergdorf Goodman (22 inches) – Elegant silver-plated serving tray

Alternative Turkey Platter Ideas

While traditional platters are most common, here are some creative non-platter turkey serving options:

• Carving boards – Offer rustic style and ample carving space.

• Stone slabs – Sleek marble, granite or slate slabs for modern flair.

• Metal baking sheets – Use sheet pans, roasting pans or cookie sheets.

• Large trays – Repurpose plastic, vinyl or metal serving trays.

• Cutting boards – For small turkeys, an oversized wooden cutting board can work.

So don’t be afraid to improvise if you lack a true turkey platter. Focus on finding a surface large enough to comfortably fit your turkey creation.

Key Takeaways

Picking the perfect turkey platter ensures you can proudly display your centerpiece bird. Keep these tips in mind:

• Allow 2+ inches of border space all around the turkey.

• Consider turkey size, shape, carving style and serving method.

• Choose a style that complements your decor and dishware.

• Arrange turkey and sides attractively with garnishes and gravy.

• For lavish feasts, go for extra large platters.

With the right turkey platter, you can present your holiday bird in all its golden glory this Thanksgiving!