Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year with your friends and family? Here is a checklist and some some helpful tips so that you don't miss a beat!
Thanksgiving Planning Checklist:
- The menu
- Group task assignments
- Servingware and place settings
- Indoor Decor
- Outdoor Decor
- Other forms of entertainment
- Your hosting look
- Group Photos
- Tupperware
- Schedule a break!
Number one: The Menu
It doesn't take too long to figure out what's on the menu- no stress! To start, you don't exactly need appetizers for Thanksgiving dinner, just plenty of refreshments and entertainment. This is also a great time to assess dietary restrictions. A great host makes sure that everyone can eat. Gluten free is actually very easy to cater to on Thanksgiving. If something such as celiac is involved, just communicate with that person on what needs to be done to keep them safe. This goes into play with every other food allergy! Pro tip: Usually it is known if one of your guests gets wild with something like tequila. You can always be selective on what and how much you want to serve.
Cooking vs Catering?
Let's face it, if you are a host, you have a lot on your plate. But not all things on your plate need to be made from scratch. In addition to actual catering companies, there are a few restaurants with fantastic Thanksgiving catering options. If someone is able to bring a side, that scratches another thing off of your list! After you have figured out the menu you can begin to decide what you are able to make and what is easier to still have catered. Some markets or grocery stores have great pies! Places like the Cracker Barrel have really good sides and sauces. Don't set yourself up with too many things to cook!
Fun Tip: Make an album on your phone with screenshots of any recipes you are trying to follow. Keep the sites or pages separately open or have the links saved in a notepad on your phone. If you are using a cookbook, have the recipes bookmarked so that you are not scrambeling to find the page last minute.
Number Two: Group Task Assignments
Who said you needed to do everything alone? Thanksgiving is all about coming together and giving thanks. You will be surprised at how much people are willing to help make this day special. Many will ask what they can bring! Begin the conversation and see who wants to contribute! Always keep in mind that you want to keep the process as enjoyable as possible. Maintaining harmony is vital as a host, you may sometimes need to be the peacemaker. This will help create a legacy for your events. Make your home the place everyone wants to go to and they will surely be willing to either bring something, help decorate, keep an eye on any kids and pets, or help clean up.
Number Three: Servingware and Place Settings
Now is the time to decide what is best to keep everything warm or cold. A hot, warm meal will add to your guest's enjoyment. Does your dining table have enough space for every plate and menu item? If not, no worries! Create a drink station, and a dessert station. They do not need to stay this way the entire evening, but the organization can help when you would like to begin serving.
Giving everything it's own place makes it easier to also ask guests for help in passing a dish. Don't forget to have a few serving trays ready for any item a guest is bringing to the party. Home Goods and Target have amazing serving trays, but always keep in mind what needs to be kept warm!
Here are some warming station options for your Thanksgiving dinner:
When it comes to choosing flatware, glassware etc, consider using things you are ok with potentially being broken by you or a guest. Think about if there are children and what they will need to be able to sit and eat. Choose a uniform look overall when possible: all things can be silver or all gold, whites and light colors vs deep autumn, plastics/paper vs glass.
Number Four: Indoor Decor
The meal itself is a decoration! Look into food garnishes and accent pieces of decor for around the table and dining area. Is it safe anywhere in your dining space for candles? As long as they are not in the way, this can help create a homey feel and mood. Another option would be to include some twinkling fairy lights.
Autumn foliage is always an easy addition, as well as fresh in season floral arrangements. If you'd like to go above and beyond, decorate the living room and guest bathrooms. Decorative pumpkins/squash will be a great addition to your fall foliage. When decorating inside of a home, don't forget to always look up at the ceiling. Decorate the ceiling or moldings around the room for extra flair! Lay out some comfy pillows and soft blankets, and prepare an after dinner coffee or espresso for when everyone has the Thanksgiving "Itis".
Helpful Tip: Have your bathroom ready with fresh scents, lots of hand soap, hand towels, extra toilet paper and a plunger. Not the prettiest thought, but it will be necessary.
Number Five: Outdoor Decor
Always consider curb appeal when you are inviting guests over. It is underrated but appreciated! Creating a festive and inviting entryway will help set the scene at the beginning of the party. If the weather is good and you have a great porch or backyard, consider setting up a fire pit and some comfy seating. Maybe even consider setting up the dining table outside. To go above and beyond, create a decorated arched entryway to the front door; add some additional candles or bistro lights in the backyard or porch. Perhaps even set up a projector and screen. Designate a space that is safe and spacious for deep fryers or bbq smokers. Think about where all of the parking will be. If you have guests who smoke, have an area with ashtrays and lighters.
Number Six: Other forms of Entertainment
It is always a good idea to have more forms of entertainment available for before and after dinner. Have music or a movie (or the Macy's Day parade) playing when guests arrive. Always offer your guests a drink after you greet them! If there are kids, have a play area prepared away from the food prep and dining area. Be sure not to have any valuable items or decor out, just in case they are more energetic than you expect! Adults will happily mingle as they wait for the dinner to be served. Consider some light and happy topics of conversation for each group or couple so that everyone feels involved. After dinner, make things cozy and have cards or games ready in case your guests are staying the night or hanging for a few hours more. If you are able to have a fire pit or light a fire, that is always a great scene changer. If you celebrate Christmas, this is also a good time to go tree shopping or start decorating the tree all while you are together.
Number Seven: Your Hosting Look
What you choose to wear is totally up to you, but don't forget to plan ahead so that you aren't stressing last minute! For any online ordering, it is good to purchase things online about 3 weeks before an event. That way you have time for it to arrive, and time to make sure you have something that fits! 100% pick something that is not too restrictive or heavy/hot, you will likely be running around. Whenever you are dealing with food, it is best to have your hair clipped or held back. There are many different hairstyles on Pinterest to choose from. I tend to save a snapshot of my hair or makeup inspiration and set aside the outfit the day before. Nothing has to be perfect, you do not have to worry about staying perfect either, but you will be happy that you planned this ahead!
Helpful Tip: Wear a cooking apron or change into a separate blouse right before you announce that dinner is served. That way, you won't have to worry about stained clothes in photos!
Number Eight: Group Photos
Most people do not think of this anymore, but a group photo will definitely help keep people entertained. The group photo does not need to be a strict and uniform portrait. Any and every photo is better than none to help preserve the memories of when you all were able to come together. This can be on a phone, polaroid, or a fancy camera if you or your guests have one! Be sure to share a digital copy of the photo with all of your guests so that they can save it also.
Helpful Tip: Having an easygoing photo op with everyone will give you more brownie points! Don't over think it, candids will even be great for a memory.
Number Nine: Tupperware
There are almost always leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner. It is up to you on if you would like to keep it all or give some out to your guests to take home. Many guests will be fine with basic to-go packing on a plate. But if you would like to go the extra mile, order some affordable Tupperware to give out! You can find affordable giveaway tupperware at the Dollar Tree or Daiso. They sometimes have festive options also! Amazon and Temu have cardboard to-go options. There are many different shapes and sizes, as well as small sauce containers. Whenever possible, try to think about what is less wasteful and not bad for the environment.
Number Ten: Schedule a Break!
Never forget to take a day to destress and relax after hosting Thanksgiving. It can be a tough job, but it's the season of giving and you deserve a break after it all! Many hosts enjoy the thrill and excitement during the party, but you will likely be quite exhausted the next day. Try to do some self care in the mix of Black Friday shenanigans. Your mind and body will thank you! Schedule a massage or facial or just cozy up all day with a book or series to watch while online shopping. Don't forget to hydrate! You get a pass from exercising on days like these, but you will need to recoup some hydration from the busy day you had.
Those were 10 things to think about and when you are trying to be the best host for Thanksgiving! You are going to do great! Kick butt and don't forget to get some rest!!
xo Starlight 💕