Whether you’re planning on hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, you’re a seasoned host, or it’s been a few years since you’ve put on your hosting hat, there’s always room for some helpful tips to help you get through the day. Here are 5 tips to help you pull off a seamless Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Make A Plan
“I’ve learned that the more detailed my plan on the front end, the more I can kick back and relax on the day-of.” – cammillestyles.com
Figure out:
- How many people will be attending
- Where the meal will be served
- What your menu is
- When you will do your shopping
- How comfortable you are with all your recipes
- What items can be made in advance
- What your timeline is (and communicate it with your guests)
2. Accept Help
“Do not be too proud. This is important. Nothing ensures a Thanksgiving hosting disaster like biting off more than you can reasonably chew.” – southernliving.com
3. Prep In Advance & Do A Practice Run
There are lots of sides you can make in advance, so be kind to your future self and get some of the work out of the way the day before your feast. And for some of the more important elements of your meal… pssst… the gravy, consider doing a test run.
“Want guaranteed lump-free gravy? Test out your recipe on an earlier turkey or chicken dinner.” – food.com
Things you can make or prep in advance include:
- Pie dough
- Cold appetizers
- Buns or rolls
4. Set The Table The Night Before
“Setting the table the night before allows you to pay a little more attention to setting your table with intention – and without the rush. Also, set your serving dishes out on the buffet the night before. Pair serving spoons and forks with each dish.” – ahostinghome.com
5. Go With Self-Serve Appetizers
“The way to guests’ hearts is through their stomachs. Set out a bounty of snacks and a delicious signature cocktail to welcome them, and you’ll buy yourself more time, too, in the even that dinner falls a little behind schedule.” – marthastewart.com
Creating a self-serve grazing station will allow your guests to make themselves at home, help themselves to some snacks, keep them out of the kitchen, and keep you from getting too distracted as a host.
