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It's that time of year again and you just found out from your family that YOU are the one nominated to host Thanksgiving this year.
Congratulations and I'm sorry. ;)
Just kidding... Thanksgiving is a time to gather, feast, and be grateful. So, as the lucky host, here are some expert tips to help you host a memorable Thanksgiving that’s as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests.
If you follow these tips you’ll be able to savor the day and maybe even put your feet up for five minutes!
First and foremost, if you haven't already, pick up our complete Thanksgiving Planner Pack! This digital download is your secret weapon for planning a memorable holiday feast, keeping everything organized, and even squeezing in a little time to relax. With 5 sections packed full of tools!
So now, let's dive into our favorite hosting tips by category!
Organizing the Menu and Preparing the Food
- Plan the Main Course and Side Dishes: Failing to plan is planning to fail! If you're the host this year, write out all the dishes you're planning on having for dinner. Be sure it covers all the bases from appetizer to dessert! Having it all on paper will help make sure you don't forget the things everyone loves like Aunt Mable's cranberry sauce! Share the list too that way you're not the only one who knows what's going on.
- Coordinate with Guests Bringing Dishes: Avoid the Great Green Bean Casserole Crisis by creating a shared document or group text (Google Sheets is your friend here!) so everyone lists their dish. You’ll dodge duplicates, and, best of all, you won’t end up with five desserts and no veggies. (Although, let’s be honest, 2 apple crisps might not be such a disaster.)
- Prep Ahead: Once you have your menu ironed our and know who is make what, anything you can do the day before is a gift to your future self. Chop those veggies, mix those pies, and take care of anything that can be prepped early. The last thing you want to be doing is calling people to see if they have the ingredients you forgot to buy! Imagine your relief when all you have to do is pop a dish in the oven instead of chopping a mountain of onions.
Managing Time for a Seamless Meal
- Create a Cooking Schedule: Thanksgiving dinner is like an Olympic event—timing is everything! Start with the main dish (the turkey) and work backward, factoring in prep and cook times for each dish. This way, you’ll hit that golden moment when everything is ready at once, and the crowd goes wild. Pro tip: use the cooking schedule we made for you in our Thanksgiving Day Planner!
- Utilize All Cooking Appliances: Don’t limit yourself to the oven. since you know what everyone is making, think about how all that is going to be heated or prepared. Think of the slow cooker as your trusty sidekick, and remember, even the microwave can be a hero on Thanksgiving(your family won't judge you if it tastes good). Side dishes, sauces, and appetizers can live happily outside the oven—let them.
- Assign a ‘Cooking Buddy’: Enlist a friend or family member to help. After all, there’s no rule against bribing someone with an early taste of dessert in exchange for a bit of stirring, chopping, or turkey-carving assistance. This person will help you stay calm and stay on track.
Cleaning and Decluttering Before the Big Day
- Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize the spaces where guests will actually be. No need to clean the attic—focus on the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. If there’s a room you don’t want anyone to see, just close the door. It’s the oldest trick in the book.
- Set Up a Coat Area: Clear a closet or designate a guest room for coats, bags, and shoes. Call it “The VIP Coat Check” if you want to make it sound fancy. Guests feel welcomed, and your entryway stays clutter-free. When people arrive, you can assign this task to your trusty teenager to show guests where they can put their coats.
- Do a Pre-Thanksgiving Purge: Let’s talk about the fridge. Now’s the time to clear out any expired leftovers and mystery containers. You’ll need the space for fresh ingredients and the inevitable mountain of leftovers.
Decorating and Setting Up the Table
- Simple and Elegant Tablescape Ideas: This isn’t an HGTV competition—keep it simple! Try a centerpiece with mini pumpkins, candles, or a few fall leaves scattered artfully around. If it’s seasonal, it’s on-theme. Check out our recent post on EASY Thanksgiving day Decor!
- Place Settings and Seating Arrangements: Personalized name cards are a nice touch, and they also keep that cousin who loves to debate politics a safe distance from your aunt who brings the wine. Thoughtful seating can save a lot of headaches. This may not be necessary for all families or gatherings but could be a HUGE help for others... don't ask me how I know that. :)
- Lighting and Ambiance: Candlelight adds a cozy, festive vibe—just make sure they’re unscented so they don’t compete with the meal. Or, string some fairy lights for a warm, welcoming glow that practically says, “Sit back, relax, and let the turkey coma commence.”
Planning Activities to Keep Guests Entertained
- Game Ideas: If you're a group that likes to have fun after Thanksgiving dinner don't be shy about busting out some classic games! Thanksgiving bingo, anyone? Add some trivia on Thanksgiving history for the adults and a gratitude jar where everyone can share what they’re thankful for. It’s sweet and gives you some lovely blackmail material for next year’s gathering.
- Activities for All Ages: Set up a craft station for the kids with coloring sheets or simple turkey crafts. OH, did I mention our Thanksgiving Day Planning Pack has some coloring sheets? And, of course, don’t forget the football game for those who need a break between helpings of mashed potatoes.
- DIY Photo Booth: Hang a fall-themed backdrop, throw in some goofy props, and let everyone capture a few moments. It’s a fun addition that requires minimal effort, and it keeps guests entertained while you finish up the meal prep.
Cleaning Up After the Feast
- Clear Plates in Stages: Channel your inner ninja by clearing plates as courses finish. This prevents a mountain of dishes later and keeps things organized. If you want to make your life really easy, and you don't feel the need to be overly fancy, get yourself some quality Thanksgiving Paper Plates. This will allow you to save time and play some bingo with everyone else.
- Enlist Helpers: Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, so why not make it a team effort? Now that you're all bloated and have tons of dishes to do, hand over a dishtowel or two and start a dish-drying assembly line. You’ll all bond over shared post-feast chores, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll even make cleanup fun.
- Pack Leftovers for Guests: To-go containers are a lifesaver. Get some cheap ones in advance that you wouldn't mind parting with because odds are Aunt Pauline isn't bringing back your Tupperware! Send everyone home with a little bit of everything and reclaim some fridge space at the same time. It’s the perfect parting gift and clears up storage space for you.
- Post-Dinner Relaxation: Offer coffee, tea, or a second helping of dessert (it’s the holidays, after all!). This gives you a chance to kick back, pour some wine, catch up, and maybe even close out the night with a game or two. After all, you’ve earned it.
By breaking down your hosting duties into manageable steps, you’ll be able to prepare and enjoy the Thanksgiving celebration without breaking a sweat. And with a few laughs along the way, you’re sure to create a holiday that’s stress-free, special, and stuffed with happy memories.
I hope you found our Thanksgiving Day hosting tips to be helpful! be sure to subscribe for more!
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