10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR HOSTING THANKSGIVING Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided
Can you smell the turkey and stuffing already? Thanksgiving dinners are not something that happens without preparation and strategy. If the day doesn’t flow just right, you could be in for disaster. But here are a few helpful tips for hosting your big dinner with ease of execution.
1. BAKE DESSERTS EARLY
Or buy them pre-made. Honestly, this is one thing that you don’t NEED to worry about if you don’t want to. If there’s that one pie that you make every year, then make it, but make it early. Make it a day (or two) before and it will still taste just as good, if not better!
2. SET THE TABLE PRIOR
If you can, set the table at least the day before, do it. Gather your florals, your plates, your flatware and arrange them how you like. Not only will you be able to enjoy the table setting for a day or two longer, you will have taken one more thing off your plate for the big day and given yourself more time!
3. WRITE OUT A SCHEDULE
The key to hosting Thanksgiving like a boss is execution. So the best way to execute
flawlessly is to know how you want the day to go down. Write out a schedule showing the order you’ll be putting things in the oven and include how long and what temperature. Leave spaces in between where you can add in what you’ll be doing on the stove during those cooking times. A schedule will really help the day go much smoother and prevent forgetting things.
4. EMPTY EVERYTHING
Trashes, Dishwasher, Fridge. Lots of things are going to be happening in the kitchen and you don’t want to have the extra stress of needing to unload the dishwasher and shove things in the fridge when you should be checking the turkey. Remember, there will be LOTS of dirty dishes and LOTS of leftovers so make sure there is room for both before you even start the day. This is a perfect task to do the night before.
5. MAKE BREAKFAST EASY
This will give you a nice, quiet time before the other guests arrive.
6. DON’T DENY HELP
It can be hard to open up your kitchen and allow others in, especially when you have a plan or idea of how everything is going to go. But if you’ve written it all down, don’t deny someone asking to help. Take all the help you can get! This might even allow you to sneak in a shower which you probably haven’t taken yet. With the morning schedule being written out, others can see your plan and can help without hindering. If you don’t have it all written out, make sure when you accept the help from others that you give specific tasks so no one is feeling in the way.
7. DON’T FRET OVER THE APPETIZERS
Look, there’s going to be a lot of food, so don’t fret the small stuff. Appetizers can be kept to easy charcuterie boards, fruits and veggies. If you are famous for certain appetizers, feel free to still make them, but try to make them ahead of time so all you have to worry about on the big day is setting them out.
With all the food that’s going to be available in just a few short hours, don’t worry too much about preparing breakfast for everyone. Grab store bought muffins, donuts, or cinnamon rolls to set out early in the morning that the kids and husband can grab as they like. Or, if you have houseguests 8. MOCKTAILS & COCKTAILS who prefer a warm breakfast, have the rest Very. Important. Make sure you have of the family take them to the best local cafe. drinks available for your guests. If you don’t NOVEMBER 2020
