6 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

Whether it is your first time hosting or you are a Turkey-serving veteran, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner can be a lot of work. With several dishes to prepare and the pressure of hungry guests, it’s no wonder why hosting can be overwhelming. However, if you keep organized, hosting Thanksgiving in your home can be a wonderful experience, full of happy memories. Below are some tips on hosting a memorable Thanksgiving in your home.

1. Never turn down help.

 The beauty of Thanksgiving is friends and family coming together. There is no reason for you to be in the kitchen by yourself! Divide and conquer. Don’t be afraid to delegate those side dishes. It will make the day all the more memorable having everyone be a part of the process.

2. Prep!

Avoid those “When will the food be ready?” questions by planning your menu ahead of time. There may even be a few dishes you could make the night before. If not, look for ways to cut down on prep time early like peeling the potatoes, chopping the vegetables, or toasting the nuts. And don’t forget the place settings! You can also prep the non-food tasks beforehand. Set your table the night before to eliminate one more task the day of.

3. Stick to what works.

 Thanksgiving is all about the classics so it may not be the best time to experiment with a new recipe. If you want to spice up the menu, try a practice round a week or two before to work out the kinks.

4. Don’t stress over appetizers.

Fancy appetizers can be overkill—you don’t want your guests getting full before dinner!  Some crudités or store-bought cheese and crackers are perfect for your guests to nibble on before the main event.

5. Store bought is okay!

Making everything from scratch is a wonderful gesture but it is usually too much work for one person. If you haven’t delegated a few things to some guests, don’t be afraid to buy freshly baked rolls or a pie from your favorite bakery.

6. Enjoy the company of your family and friends!

 At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about being thankful. Be sure to take a moment to relax and enjoy sharing a meal with those you love. Down the road, your guests will remember the laughs and the stories much more than they will remember the meal.

Sources: TheKitch.com