Part 2/8:
One of the earliest mistakes Mike made was trying to be a "Thanksgiving hero." Like many passionate home cooks, he aimed to impress his family by preparing an extravagant spread of around 20 dishes. While the intention was good, he quickly realized that this overkill created unnecessary stress and chaos. Instead, Mike advises a more measured approach: plan a meal that emphasizes a few key dishes, featuring one or two proteins, a handful of well-thought-out sides, and, importantly, desserts. A simple, balanced menu demonstrates that you can create a memorable dining experience without the pressures of an over-the-top feast.