Five Easy Steps to Host Thanksgiving Dinner

The holiday season is almost here and I couldn’t be more excited! The cozy inviting smells of honey glazed ham, candid yams, mulled cider and pumpkin pie…I get nostalgic just thinking about it.

But then reality hits me. I need to start planning now for the 15 people that are coming to my house for dinner. Grocery shopping, meal planning, table settings – there is so much that needs to be done for just one day.

No need to stress! If this is your first time or you’re a pro just looking for a few tips, I have you covered. Below are my top five ways to host a successful and stress-free Thanksgiving!

TIP #1: START EARLY

Martha Stewart has a wonderful Daily To-Do List. Start by planning out your menu and creating a shopping list. Having this list readily available will help to track items that go on sell closer to the holidays.

And don’t forget to order your turkey! Maple Lawn Farms in Maryland is a great place to buy fresh turkey or try your local Yes! Organic Market. Consider preparing and pre-cutting items in advance.

Don’t wait until the last minute!

TIP #2: PLAN YOUR DÉCOR

Take inventory of everything! Make sure you have enough chairs, plates, glasses, etc. If you are low on items consider renting for a nearby company. I use Perfect Setting in Maryland all the time.

Think about your theme (glam, rustic, clean, etc.) and pull inspiration from sites such as Pinterest or Frugal Coupon Living. If you are on a budget, a nice table linen paired with a full place setting and candles can create a cozy ambiance. My Domaine has a great list of essentials for the host

TIP #3: ASK FOR HELP!

Overwhelming yourself with all of the responsibility of hosting Thanksgiving dinner is stressful enough, but cost can really add a burden. Don’t hesitate to delegate task or ask your guest to contribute. If you are preparing a full meal, it is not in poor taste to ask your guest to bring a bottle of wine or dessert.

TIP #4: HACK YOUR THANKSGIVING

Someone has thought of an easier way to do everything. Why not use this time to try a couple of Thanksgiving hacks? Also, I can’t get enough of Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Wisdom. Martha suggests, “Chop all ingredients for stuffing and sides, then combine and label them in a container in the fridge. “ Don’t you just love her!?

TIP #5: ENJOY

Sometimes as host, we stress over the smallest details. We want everything to look perfect and go off without a hitch. The biggest thing to remember is this is a celebration of family and a time to enjoy one another. Remember to laugh, eat, drink and have fun! Hey, if the turkey catches on fire and your uncle has to put it out, it will make for one heck of a story for years to come!

Happy Holidays!

Divinity

Director of Special Events

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