10 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Mascarpone mashed potatoes. Fresh cranberry sauce. One giant bird that makes the hearts (and stomachs) of almost everyone sing.
Thanksgiving is officially within reach and if you’re a nostalgic angel like me, you can already smell your grandmother’s marshmallow sweet potatoes roasting in the oven.
After the unfortunate year that caused families and friends across the world to celebrate solo, I’m really looking forward to sharing space and amazing food with the people I love this year. In fact, I’m smiling uncontrollably at my computer screen just thinking about it.
If you’re hosting this year, I’m here to remind you that being hostess of the season doesn’t have to be stress-filled, or break the bank. Take advantage of these Thanksgiving tips for a cool, calm and collected holiday. I know I will.
Create an Instaworthy tablescape for under $15.
Styling your table doesn’t need to be expensive! Skip over to Trader Joes and snag a bouquet of filler greenery ($4-$5), like eucalyptus and adorn the center of your table with it. You can take it an extra step by getting a miniature pumpkin or gourd ($1-$2) to place at each table setting. I like to nestle them on top of every guest’s salad plate.
Set the table before your guests arrive.
Your guests will love walking into a welcoming, thoughtful dining room - and equally as important - you’ll have one less task to tackle on the big day.
Use name cards at each place setting.
Remember the time Aunt Liz got into an argument with Grandma Connie at the dinner table? When you make a seating chart, those squabbles can easily be avoided. Plus, it’s fun to find your seat when it’s time to sit down and break bread.
Prep your sides the week of.
When it comes to sides, and trust me, it’s all about the sides… preparation can be done 2-3 days and sometimes even a week (if you’re planning to freeze) in advance. I love making Butternut Squash soup a few days before Thanksgiving. It not only makes my life easier, but the extra time allows the flavors to further develop into a silky, delicious experience. For an A+ recipe, check out my cookbook! Aside from soups, muffins, biscuits, and mashed potatoes are just a few additional examples of sides that can be prepped and made in advance.
Use an ice chest or cooler to streamline fridge space.
Thanksgiving requires lots of time, coordination and FRIDGE SPACE. Mainly because turkeys take up a lot of real estate. Grab a cooler, fill it with ice and transfer things you don’t need, like half-empty dressing bottles and pickle jars, into a temporary new home. You can also use an ice chest to keep white wine, beer, kombucha and sparkling waters chilled.
Don’t be afraid to serve store bought items.
If Ina Garten, the queen herself, can get behind buying store bought items, so can you. Outsource the items you hate to get involved with and feel good about checking them off of your gigantic to-do list.
Say “YES!” when your guests ask if they can bring something.
Remember the time your sister called and asked if she could bring something to Thanksgiving dinner… And you said, NO?! WHY?!! As a guest, it’s proper etiquette to roll up to said event with a dish to pass, a dessert to devour or a bottle to sip on. When your guests ask what they can bring, be kind to yourself and give them specific instructions.
Serve room temperature appetizers.
On Thanksgiving Day your oven is bound to be occupied, 90% of the day. When it comes to appetizers, take a step away from stove and serve your guests something that can be enjoyed at room temperature. Our family lives for quiche, figs wrapped in prosciutto, and of course, the almighty cheese board.
Batch a signature cocktail for the event.
Stocking a full bar comes with a huge hit to your bank account. There’s simply no way around it - unless you offer a signature cocktail for your crew. Whip up a batch of milk punch or classic Negronis in advance for a streamlined bar set-up. It’ll make your guests feel special, and deflect them from asking you to shake up a cocktail in the midst of cooking your ass off in the kitchen.
Entertain your guests with the Gratitude Game.
When your family and friends start slipping into the inevitable turkey coma, a good game never fails to reignite the energy in the room. This year, I created the Gratitude Game and I’m very excited to share it with you! It’s a double-sided card that each guest can fill out, encouraging them to reflect on their favorite moments of the year. When everyone has completed their card, the host (that’s you!) can collect them, shuffle them and hand them out at random. Each guest will read their new card and guess who wrote it. You can print out and place on each table setting, or hand out to your guests when the meal is through. Download it for free here!
Now that the table’s been set, your sides are primed to be prepped and you’ve got your hands on a fun game, I hope you’ll join me in taking a second to be grateful for sharing this moment. If you’re reading this, thank you. I hope you have the best Thanksgiving surrounded by all the love your humans can possibly muster.
For more tips and cocktail ideas, check out my segment with Tampa Bay’s WFLA News Channel 8.
Cheers to you!!
Melissa