You want to let the turkey roast 15-20 minutes before carving, which could take you 5-10 minutes depending on you skill. So right there you have lets say a good half hour before you can even serve the turkey. I would have people arrive one hour to 90 minutes.

I carve the turkey ahead of time, before the guests arrive, and cover the platter with foil so it won't dry out -- or even pile it in a Corningware dish that I can warm it up in a bit (it doesn't have to be really hot when you serve it, just warm or even room temperature, especially if you have gravy) and then move it to the platter just before serving. I strongly recommend doing it this way, especially as you anticipate a lot of company in the kitchen.

Are you having a first course before the turkey course? (A while back someone asked everyone "Do you serve soup on Thanksgiving?" I was so surprised how few people do -- in our family, it's not a holiday meal without soup!) Anyway, figure that into your timing, too.

Okay, so, your timing: in my opinion, it will depend on the food that you put out during the champagne time. If you only put out something very light, like olives and nuts, and everyone arrives pretty much on time, 20 minutes will be more than enough time before you call everyone to the table. If you want more "cocktail hour" than that, I'd serve heavier appetizers.

You didn't ask, and I don't know how old the kids are, but I'd rethink a crafts table. If it's anything messy and they are dressed up in holiday clothes, their parents won't appreciate it. If it's too involved, it will be hard to get them to the table. Games would be fine. Parents of kids young enough to need it usually bring along their kids' favorite amusements anyway.

Thanks!! I have hosted before, but the family is getting bigger and bigger, so I needed a little advice. The crafts we do for the kids are actually designed to keep them at the table while they are eating and encouraging them to stay and talk/interact while eating and a little bit afterward, so they they don't all flood into the dining room. It works well because most of the crafts and games can't be completed individually; they have to talk to each other and work in teams. I like soup, but the logistics aren't going to work out for that. I will seriously think about carving the turkey ahead of time. That sounds like a very smart idea. Thanks!