Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that people hold dear to their hearts all year long. There’s nothing better than sharing a warm and cozy afternoon with friends and family and enjoying a delectable turkey dinner with all the fixings — unless of course you are the host who is running around like a turkey with your head cut off because you didn’t properly plan your holiday gathering!
Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner designed to make it easier for you to sit back, take in the beauty of your efforts, and truly enjoy the holiday feast with your friends and family.
Don’t Procrastinate – Don’t wait until the last minute to get your turkey! You don’t want to end up with a still-frozen turkey come Thanksgiving morning. And remember: It is never a good idea to leave a turkey on the counter or in a sink full of hot water. It is not safe and could seriously harm your guests!
Let Family Help – When your guests ask if they can bring something then let them! Give them something specific to bring so you don’t end up with four salads and no desserts, and then make sure to check it off your list.
Make Your List, Check it Twice – List your guests, your complete menu, all the dishes you plan on serving and all the ingredients you need to prepare them. Don’t forget the beverages and the desserts!
Don’t be Afraid to Cut Corners – Use frozen green beans for that casserole, jarred gravy for the turkey, or consider buying a Sara Lee frozen pumpkin pie. These little things probably won’t be noticed by your guests and having a few less things to cook from scratch will be a blessing to you when the big day arrives.
Decorate Early – Set the table and put your decorations up two days or so before the big day. Press your napkins, iron your tablecloth, polish the silver, and rinse the china— when Thanksgiving morning rolls around you will be glad you did!
Serve Appetizers Buffet Style – Tell your guests to help themselves to the appetizers while you finish the final touches in the kitchen. Feel free to use paper plates for the appetizers…you can get some really nice and sturdy festive paper ware at Target or Wal-Mart.
Use Parchment Paper! – This makes clean up a breeze. Line your baking dishes with it…it prevents scorching and it makes clean-up a breeze!
Have a Plan for Clean-Up – Make sure your dishwasher is empty before serving the meal and then load it up after dinner. Fill your sink with hot soapy water just before you sit down to eat and throw in your pots and pans and things you don’t normally put in the dishwasher. Leave them in the sink to soak and take care of them after your guests leave, giving you more time to sit and spend with family after the meal.
Thanksgiving should be a time to celebrate all the blessings we have in our lives. Remember that the feast is not what’s important, but the family and friends who are gathered at your home to celebrate. Enjoy their company and have a spectacular holiday!
Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner designed to make it easier for you to sit back, take in the beauty of your efforts, and truly enjoy the holiday feast with your friends and family.
Don’t Procrastinate – Don’t wait until the last minute to get your turkey! You don’t want to end up with a still-frozen turkey come Thanksgiving morning. And remember: It is never a good idea to leave a turkey on the counter or in a sink full of hot water. It is not safe and could seriously harm your guests!
Let Family Help – When your guests ask if they can bring something then let them! Give them something specific to bring so you don’t end up with four salads and no desserts, and then make sure to check it off your list.
Make Your List, Check it Twice – List your guests, your complete menu, all the dishes you plan on serving and all the ingredients you need to prepare them. Don’t forget the beverages and the desserts!
Don’t be Afraid to Cut Corners – Use frozen green beans for that casserole, jarred gravy for the turkey, or consider buying a Sara Lee frozen pumpkin pie. These little things probably won’t be noticed by your guests and having a few less things to cook from scratch will be a blessing to you when the big day arrives.
Decorate Early – Set the table and put your decorations up two days or so before the big day. Press your napkins, iron your tablecloth, polish the silver, and rinse the china— when Thanksgiving morning rolls around you will be glad you did!
Serve Appetizers Buffet Style – Tell your guests to help themselves to the appetizers while you finish the final touches in the kitchen. Feel free to use paper plates for the appetizers…you can get some really nice and sturdy festive paper ware at Target or Wal-Mart.
Use Parchment Paper! – This makes clean up a breeze. Line your baking dishes with it…it prevents scorching and it makes clean-up a breeze!
Have a Plan for Clean-Up – Make sure your dishwasher is empty before serving the meal and then load it up after dinner. Fill your sink with hot soapy water just before you sit down to eat and throw in your pots and pans and things you don’t normally put in the dishwasher. Leave them in the sink to soak and take care of them after your guests leave, giving you more time to sit and spend with family after the meal.
Thanksgiving should be a time to celebrate all the blessings we have in our lives. Remember that the feast is not what’s important, but the family and friends who are gathered at your home to celebrate. Enjoy their company and have a spectacular holiday!
This is a great article! Very helpful info! I'm looking forward to MY stress free Turkey Day!!!
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