Camilla Luddington, a beloved star of Grey's Anatomy, once faced a Thanksgiving disaster that changed her traditions forever. After an unfortunate incident where she accidentally made everyone sick with her overcooked turkey, she now opts for a pre-cooked turkey from Whole Foods to avoid a repeat of that fateful year. Born in the U.K and not having grown up with Thanksgiving traditions, she initially struggled with the proper cooking time. As she shared on her November 25 podcast, "Call It What It Is", she got used to the Friendsgiving traditions around her and loved the idea of cooking the turkey. But that one Thanksgiving, the turkey took an eternity to roast, leaving everyone starving. In a moment of desperation, she decided to serve it anyway, not realizing the consequences. "It was like 10pm. I'm not even kidding, it was that late. I was like, okay, I'm taking it out. It is what it is. Whatever it has been cooked is cooked and we're all gonna eat it," she recalled. Little did she know that this decision would lead to food poisoning for everyone who had turkey. "I gave food poisoning that year to everyone that had turkey. I'm not kidding," she added. "I've never given food poisoning to anybody before, but people were throwing up that night." After this experience, she realized the importance of getting the timing right for roasting turkey. As etiquette experts advise, Thanksgiving guests should never complain about the food served. "Complaining about the food, comparing it to other meals, or ignoring efforts made by the host also comes across as disrespectful and unappreciative," said Pamela Eyring, president of the Protocol School of Washington. She used the example of the Griswald's Christmas Vacation movie where Uncle Eddie's wife overcooks the turkey and the family eats it without complaining. "A Thanksgiving table is a space for gratitude and connection, so practicing active listening, showing genuine interest in others, and keeping the conversation light and inclusive are essential to being a gracious guest. Keep your mindset positive," Eyring added.

Grey's Anatomy Star's Thanksgiving Food Fiasco and Etiquette Lessons

How Camilla Luddington's Thanksgiving Disaster Shaped Her Traditions

Camilla Luddington's experience on that one Thanksgiving was a wake-up call. Growing up in the U.K, she was unfamiliar with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey roasting process. As she embarked on cooking the turkey for the first time, she had no idea how long it would take. This lack of knowledge led to a situation where the turkey took an astonishing 12 hours to roast, leaving her guests starving and impatient. In a moment of haste, she made the decision to serve the undercooked turkey, not realizing the potential consequences. The result was a night of food poisoning for everyone who had partaken. This incident not only taught her the importance of proper timing but also made her realize the impact that one mistake can have on a holiday celebration.

Since then, Luddington has changed her Thanksgiving tradition. She now buys a pre-cooked turkey from Whole Foods to ensure that such a disaster never happens again. This simple change has given her peace of mind and allowed her to enjoy the holiday without the worry of making everyone sick. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest adjustments can make a big difference.

The Etiquette of Thanksgiving Guests: No Complaining Allowed

Etiquette experts emphasize the importance of being a gracious guest during Thanksgiving. Complaining about the food, comparing it to other meals, or ignoring the efforts made by the host is considered disrespectful and unappreciative. Just like in the Griswald's Christmas Vacation movie, where the family ate the overcooked turkey without complaint, Thanksgiving guests should show gratitude for what is served. As Pamela Eyring said, "A Thanksgiving table is a space for gratitude and connection." By practicing active listening, showing genuine interest in others, and keeping the conversation light and inclusive, guests can contribute to a positive and enjoyable holiday atmosphere.

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of the holiday and forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. However, by following these etiquette guidelines, guests can show their appreciation for the host and create memories that will last a lifetime. Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it is about coming together with loved ones and expressing gratitude.