Thanksgiving is all about the food. But if we’re being perfectly honest, we’d rather stay out of the kitchen. We’re hosts, not chefs — we set the table, create the ambience, and enjoy a good glass of vino. So with that in mind, here’s how to host a beautiful Thanksgiving gathering.
The To-Do List
A few weeks out (aka do these things now):
□ Send out an email to find out how many people are coming.
□ Be straightforward with timing (i.e. “Appetizers at 2 pm, Dinner at 4 pm”).
□ Let your guests know what they can bring to avoid overlap.
The day before:
□ Press your linens. (We don’t always do this, but it is Thanksgiving, after all.)
□ Set the table. A nice tablecloth, some candlesticks, and seasonal produce (think: pears or figs) will do the trick.
□ Write out your menus and place cards. This makes the table feel a little more special (and avoids potential family drama).
□ Pick out your serving pieces and assign a dish to each one.
The day of:
□ Get yourself ready early. We know from personal experience that once you’re in the thick of it, you won’t want to stop and shower.
□ Stay caffeinated.
□ Set up a pour-your-own-beverage station. Have a batched cocktail, wine, and NA beverages ready to go.
□ Never turn down help. Have some things in the back of your mind that your guests can do (i.e. place trivets and refill ice buckets).
□ Light a candle in the bathroom.
□ Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy!
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