With three energetic boys and only basic cleaning skills, I’ve picked up some clever hacks to make hosting Thanksgiving a lot more manageable. I’m pretty sure many of you can relate to the late-night closet clutter stuffing and the enthusiastic spritzing of Febreze on the linens. So, without further ado, here are 10 practical tips for hosting a memorable Thanksgiving gathering:
- Avoid Hosting at All Costs
This may seem extreme, but I genuinely believe the best advice is to never volunteer to host Thanksgiving. If you’ve already committed, well, let’s have a talk next year before you make the same choice! For now, here are some helpful hints. - Plan the Day Wisely
To prevent meltdowns and tantrums, create a schedule. Serve dinner early. It’s tough for adults to wait three hours for a meal, so imagine how a toddler feels! Start with outdoor games led by your oldest child (who you might consider bribing with a twenty), and allow adults to mingle with drinks. Follow this with dinner, then dessert, and wrap up with laughter and football—all while plotting an early exit for your guests before bedtime chaos ensues. - Wine Strategy
When your guests arrive, have a nice bottle of wine on hand—something that costs a bit more than $10. They’ll think, “Wow, she’s a supermom and a wine expert!” Once the good stuff runs out, discreetly refill the bottle with your secret stash of budget wine hidden at the back of the fridge. - Room Temperature Rolls
We often think warm rolls are a must, but they can be a disaster waiting to happen. I’ve burned frozen rolls more times than I can count. Instead, serve them at room temperature; if anyone complains, just say they’re “artisanal”—a fancy term for not hot. - Pre-Packaged Potatoes Are Your Friend
If you dread peeling and mashing potatoes, try the pre-made options from the grocery store. Just add sour cream and a random spice, and voilà! Your guests will think they’re gourmet. Nobody needs to know they came from the refrigerated section. - Start a New Tradition with Ham
Let’s face it, turkey can be overrated. I’m a vegetarian, and I prefer to skip the messy turkey prep altogether. Instead, I call ahead to the HoneyBaked Ham store and pick one up. It’s a great way to save time and avoid the chaos of cooking a turkey. - Ditch the Crafty Tips
If you come across articles titled “10 Tips for Stress-Free Hosting,” just set them ablaze. Most of those tips involve crafts that take too long, and let’s be honest—who has the time for that? - Be Prepared with Conversation Starters
When the kids get cranky and Uncle Bob starts his long-winded stories, have a list of engaging topics ready. Discussing controversial subjects like politics or religion can end conversations quickly, allowing guests to finish dessert and move on. - Customize Store-Bought Desserts
You can make grocery store cupcakes look homemade by scraping off the frosting and re-decorating them. Maybe sprinkle some candy corn on top for a seasonal touch—just be subtle about it. - Take Care of Your Feet
After standing all day, your feet will ache. Consider prepping your feet the night before with a foot file to avoid discomfort in your shoes. A little self-care goes a long way for a stress-free evening.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to set a few extra places at the table; you never know who might drop by!
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In summary, hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some thoughtful planning and a few shortcuts, you can create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for your friends and family.