1. General Rule of Thumb: A good rule of thumb is to allow about 1 pound of turkey per person. This ensures that there is enough meat for everyone, including leftovers.
2. Appetite and Meat-to-Bone Ratio: Take into account the appetites of your guests and the meat-to-bone ratio of the turkey. Some people may prefer more meat, while others may be satisfied with a smaller portion. A turkey with a higher meat-to-bone ratio will provide more edible meat per pound.
3. Side Dishes and Accompaniments: Consider the side dishes and accompaniments you will be serving with the turkey. If you plan on having a substantial amount of side dishes, you may be able to get away with a slightly smaller turkey.
4. Leftover Consideration: If you want to have some leftover turkey for sandwiches, salads, or other dishes, you may want to increase the size of the turkey accordingly.
Based on these guidelines, here are some recommendations for turkey sizes for 14 people:
- 14-16 pound turkey: This size is suitable if you want to have some leftovers.
- 18-20 pound turkey: This size is a good option if you have a group with hearty appetites or want plenty of leftovers.
- 22-24 pound turkey: This size is ideal if you are expecting a large group or want a lot of leftovers.
Remember, these are just recommendations, and the actual size of turkey you need may vary depending on your specific preferences and the appetites of your guests. It's always better to have a little more than not enough, so it's a good idea to err on the side of caution when choosing the size of your turkey.