With Thanksgiving just a week away, I’m sure everyone is in planning mode whether you are hosting or attending dinner somewhere else. We have hosted at our house for years now so we have become pretty accustomed to the planning needed to make the day a success and focus on what really matters the most, being together. Here are some tips and tricks to help make the day go smoother.
I. Get Organized
Putting together a guest list is priority one. Whether you send out a formal invitation or do a quick check-in with everyone, getting a total is critical to ensure you can get rentals in time and plan ahead for the amount of food needed. Once the guest list is complete, putting together a list of needed items also allows everyone to select the dishes they want to contribute so one family isn’t responsible for the whole meal.
II. Logistics Planning
Depending on the size of your group and where you live, the next step is deciding where to put everyone. Thankfully, we live in CA where we have the option to eat outdoors and give everyone more space. Last year during the pandemic was the first time we tried this and we actually really enjoyed it. While we have the room to squeeze into our living room, it usually means the kids have to sit in the other room. Now that most of them are older and can appreciate the meal and time together at the table, moving to the backyard allows us to all be together in one space. The location and set-up can also dictate any rentals you need to secure. I like to even draw out a map of seating to better visualize the arrangement.
III. The Set-up
Years ago when we first started hosting, we went pretty traditional with our decorations, incorporating the standard Thanksgiving colors through our flower arrangements and candles spread throughout the house. In recent years, we have done away with tradition and went brighter with lots of whites and greens. With our dinner outside last year, it gave us the chance to rent farmhouse style tables and chairs, eliminate the formal tablecloths and keep the feel of everything very open, warm and inviting. Basically, less is more and it really turned out beautiful.
IV. Don’t Do it Alone
While the holiday is at our home, it is not organized by me alone. My mom and sister-in-law each bring so much to the planning with their design style, cooking ability (Mom cooks the turkey) and creativity. It is truly what allows the day to be so beautiful without all of that falling on just the host family. Coming from a large family and extended family, this has always been the way to make the most of the holidays. Doing it together makes it feel more special and something that I will cherish the memories of just as much as the day of the holiday.
V. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
While we all desire to have the perfect holiday, let’s face it, that is an unrealistic expectation. Setting ourselves up for everything to go off without a hitch is a recipe for a disappointing day. Going into the day knowing that it won’t be flawless but it will be filled with love is the best way to end the day with a grateful heart and likely even some laughs at a few mishaps from the day.
VI. Remember What the Day is About
Funny enough, the Thanksgiving meal has never been my favorite. I’m a very picker eater and don’t enjoy heavy foods but that isn’t what this day is about for me. This day has always been about gratitude that we get to come together another year. It’s about traditions and showing our kids from the time they are young, how important family traditions are. While some family members groan about it initially, after the meal each year, we all take the time to share the things we are grateful for over the last year. And our kids have carried on the tradition from when they are young enough to talk to when they are full-fledged adults. It is always a beautiful reminder of what life is truly about and what the meaning of Thanksgiving is.
My prayer for all of you after a year that was filled with more uncertainly is that you would be able to stop and soak up each moment. Treasure the memories and take the time to engage in those conversations. At the end of the day, it will be what you carry with you forever in your heart.