Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday – food, family, and thankfulness! Now that’s worth celebrating!
It can also be quite daunting if you are the person hosting the occasion, especially if it’s your first time. We decided to help those of you out and assemble a handy dandy list of tips perfect for the first time, or a great refresher for the most seasoned of hosts.
Since we love you guys so much, we’ve even put together a handy dandy checklist because that’s how we roll! Stay tuned Tuesday when you can grab it for free, print it, and check as you go. Now that’s definitely something to be thankful for!
For now, let’s get started by checking out these 10 tips for the first time host.
- Start preparing and planning as soon as possible!
- Select your menu and beverage selections.
- Make lists – lots of lists! If you are shopping at several stores, make a list for each store. Make a virtual list on apps like Evernote so that you can edit on the go. This helpful app really helps to ensure you don’t end up at the store and realize that your list is on the kitchen counter where you accidentally left it. We’ve all done it!
- Send out invitations. Whether you decide to go with evites or stationary, get them out as soon as possible so you can find out how many guests will be coming to your soiree.
- Determine which type of turkey you wish to serve. If you are planning to serve a fresh or heritage bird, you’ll need to arrange for delivery or pickup for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Be sure to order in advance at your meat market or grocery store. If you’re not sure where to go seek out a neighbor or relative with experience in the Thanksgiving Hosting Department. They’ll gladly advise.
- Enlist your guests to each bring something. They can bring a side dish, dessert option, cocktail items, etc. Hosting a potluck is a great option for the first timer! Thanksgiving hosting is no small feat.
- Create a cooking plan. Determine which dishes cook at the same temperature and what will cook longest, etc.
- Make a seating chart and create festive place cards.
- Decorate for the festivities! Need some inspiration? Hello, Pinterest! How we love you! Check out our hand selected pins for a little help. Click here: Our Fall Pinterest Board
What are some of your best tips and/or advice for preparing for Thanksgiving? Leave them below and we may just add them to the list!
Until Tuesday, cheers!
The L’s