When embarking on the traditional journey of hosting your first Thanksgiving, the plethora of choices can be overwhelming. This includes contemplations such as whether to opt for dry or wet brine turkey, if you should make cranberry sauce from scratch, or perhaps the most crucial decision of all - at what time should dinner be served?

There is certainly a diverse range of practices. Some rise early and have everything prepared and served by noon, while others aim for the mid-afternoon slot between 2PM and 5PM that sits neatly between football games. Yet there are those who treat Thanksgiving like a traditional dinner soiree, only dining when the sun has fully succumbed to the night.

Is there a definitive 'correct' answer to the question of the optimal time to serve the turkey? The consensus among seasoned chefs of the nation is undeniable - 14 out of 15 crown the 3pm slot as the best time for Thanksgiving dinner. This is why.

Jody Adams, a 1993 F&W Best New Chef and co-founder of A Street Hospitality, unequivocally lands on the 3pm side. She explains that it allows her to complete the majority of her cooking without having to rise at the crack of dawn while also providing a window to prepare herself before the big meal.

Agreeing with Adams, Brady Williams, a 2018 F&W Best New Chef and owner of Tomo believes the 3pm slot allows for a calm morning with time for a light breakfast and casual football watching while leaving ample time for food preparation without feeling pushed for time.

Moreover, a mid-afternoon meal allows for time-honored family traditions to ensue when everyone is still energized to partake. The likes of Caroline Glover and Jon Shook, both recipients of the F&W Best New Chef award, highlight that engaging in activities such as capturing perfect family photos or participating in the obligatory game of touch football organized by Uncle Joe are best done before the indulgence begins.

Glover begins her feast offering from 11 a.m. with appetizers that include crudités, chips, and caviar paired with some bubbly. Shook, on the other hand, starts his guests on small bites like ham, mustard, and pickles from 2 pm.

The timing also ensures that your guests don't fill themselves up too much on snacks before the main meal. As chef Kelly Jacques of Ayu Bakehouse astutely points out, any later than this and you risk everyone filling up on nibbles before they even sit for the main meal.

Not only that, but this timing also ensures that the celebration extends into early evening, allowing everyone time for their evening duties while still providing time for further snacking, as Chef Shook mentions is part of the tradition.

In conclusion, the key takeaway for the much-debated best time to serve Thanksgiving dinner lies in the wisdom of chefs and the universal agreement that 3 pm is the golden hour - the sweet spot that allows for both preparation and enjoyment, yielding a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.