MarciaShare
Hosting a Successful Thanksgiving Dinner
Years ago, my husband’s dear Aunt was the family member that hosted Thanksgiving. However, when she moved out of state, that’s when I took up the task of hosting. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I just wanted to share some of my process for hosting my family’s Thanksgiving gathering.
If you host, or have ever hosted Thanksgiving, then you know that the meal is center stage, so let’s begin there.
Traditional Menu
Each year, I generally keep the same menu. From time to time, I may serve different snacks, appetizers, or desserts, but for the most part, the menu for the meal stays the same. I prepare and serve traditional Thanksgiving dishes. So, it’s not like I have to come up with a creative menu.
Having a traditional menu definitely helps me in my planning. I have my menu and grocery shopping list saved on a Word file on my computer. So all I have to do is make any needed changes (usually there aren’t any) and print it out. This process works best for my personality. I am a person who thrives on lists and order. I don’t want to forget anything that I need, and I definitely don’t want to have to remember everything. [Just a side note, I also use a packing list, when I’m preparing to travel.]
The Guest List
This goes without saying, but anytime you are hosting an event, you want to know the number of people that you’re hosting. Our Thanksgiving gathering generally consists of the same people each year, with the occasional exception of a few people. Our guests are primarily family from my husband’s side and from my side. I simply list out everyone that is invited. We keep it informal, so no RSVPs, just a general headcount.
Shopping
It’s been my experience that it’s best to shop as soon as possible. There have been years where I have shopped the week before or the week of Thanksgiving. During these times, the stores are always crowded, and certain items that I need are unavailable. As I am preparing this post, on Tuesday, November 12th, I’m feeling a little behind in my shopping, since I have not yet started. However, I don’t feel too bad or stressed, because I still have some time (for my comfort level) before I’m feeling as if I’m shopping at the last minute. But, as in all things, you have to know and do what works best for you. I know there are people that actually enjoy the crowds, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I just happen to not be that person. I enjoy peace, quiet, and a slower pace of living. So, I have to work very hard to cultivate this environment, within my life, as much as possible.
Cleaning
Typically, you have your general cleaning, and then you have your deeper cleaning and decluttering. For my deeper cleaning and decluttering, as you have probably deduced by now, I do not like to wait until the last minute. I’m actually working on some of these tasks this week. The more that I am able to get done ahead of time, the better off I feel. Ideally, the deeper cleaning and decluttering should be done months before Thanksgiving. My schedule just did not permit that this year.
The Thanksgiving Schedule
Last, but certainly not least, and perhaps the most important aspect of Thanksgiving hosting, is the Thanksgiving schedule. The purpose of the Thanksgiving schedule is simple: identifying and listing what you need to do and when you plan to do it. There are a lot of big and small tasks with hosting Thanksgiving, so time management is absolutely essential.
The better organized and prepared that I am, the more relaxed and at peace that I feel.
Happy planning!
