It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! To help out with any hosting anxiety that you might experience, we have come up with several hosting tips and tricks to make your day run smoothly and be enjoyable for you, the host.
Tip 1: Start grocery shopping now!
Waiting till last minute will always cause stress and can make you feel rushed and unprepared. Stock up on the items you know you will need, but will still be good by Thursday. It is also a good idea to start cleaning out your fridge and pantry to make room for these items, because lack of space is never a good thing!
Tip 2: Spend less on table décor
Flowers look great on your dining room table, however, too many fresh flowers can get pricey. Instead, buy fewer flowers and break them up into mini arrangements. Also using items from your own backyard is always an easy fix, pinecones, branches, and leaves can make a gorgeous table scape.
Tip 3: Fast-track your food
Prep beforehand as much as possible. Cut up any vegetables that you may need, put together any casserole dishes ahead of time and wait till the day of to put them in the oven, or even pre make your desserts and just heat them up if needed.
Tip 4: Break out your summer cooler
You may need something much larger then just an ice bucket to keep your drinks cold. Also place your cooler somewhere other then the kitchen, that way you have less people in your way while you try to cook!
Tip 5: Have guests pitch in
If you aren’t comfortable with having your guests cook part of the main meal, you can always assign other items. Making desserts can be time consuming, and wine is expensive, so passing off those duties will save you time and money!
Tip 6: Occupy the little guests
Since kids aren’t big on hanging out after they finish their meal, try keeping them seated at their table with an activity. Supply crayons and paper and have the kids write their wish list to Santa!
Tip 7: End the night with a next day buffet
Everyone loves Thanksgiving leftovers, however, being the hostess with a fridge packed full of leftovers might not be ideal for you. Set up a sandwich bar, which can simply be providing slices of bread and waxed paper and having your guests make their own sandwich with the leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. Or have baggies and restaurant takeout containers handy so guests can take home individual portions.
