The weather is starting to get a little cooler, the days are seemingly shorter-it’s finally close to Fall! Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here. Read on to see how to host the perfect Thanksgiving for family and friends. There are plenty of tips for planning for overnight guests, meal prep, and an awesome dessert menu. Don’t forget fun family gathering activities! Now is a great time to start planning- let’s get to it!
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Location and Invitations
If you are going to be hosting Thanksgiving at your home, be sure to let your guests know and invite them several weeks before. This will ensure that everyone will be able to make it and if you’d like anyone to bring a dish, this gives them time to plan and prepare. You can invite people by calling or texting, or mail out invitations if that’s more your style.
Thanksgiving Home Décor
Decorating for fall is my absolute favorite. There are so many cute ways to spruce up your home and make it warm and cozy for the season. A relaxing and adorably decorated home is a happy home. Here are some adorable (affordable) fall décor ideas for your home:
Fall Throw Pillow
Flower Fall Wreath
How cute is this fall candle holder?!
Enjoy this amazing pumpkin-spice-scented candle, it doubles as great decor.
Hello Fall Doormat
Rustic Iron Galvanized Pumpkin
The Perfect Thanksgiving Menu
When learning how to host the perfect Thanksgiving, the menu is pretty much the most important part. Without an amazing Thanksgiving meal, guests are bound to be bummed. Have your food list and recipes ready a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Get all of the shopping done a week or so out, the closer it gets to Thanksgiving the more crowds there will be and it makes it harder to find all of the items that you need.
If you want guests to bring a dish for the meal, be sure to let them know at least a week or two before the dinner so that they can plan accordingly. Prepare your kitchen so that you have plenty of space to set up all of the food for serving. Don’t forget cutlery, utensils, and napkins!
How to Host the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes:
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing
Easy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Soft Garlic Chive Potato Rolls
Dessert
You can go with a Thanksgiving cake or cookies for dessert. Or you can have a table with a variety of Thanksgiving desserts. Here are some of my favorites:
Family Activities
Besides the normal tradition of going around and saying what you’re thankful for, add to it this year. Have a bonfire and tell stories and reminisce. Or enjoy charades or a fun board game that everyone can take part in. Have some crafts or coloring supplies out for the kids to enjoy. You could even have pumpkin decorating contests. Don’t forget the coffee and hot cocoa! And flavored creamers of course.
Overnight Guests
If you have guests that will be coming in from out of town and staying the night, make sure that you have clean bedding ready and everything that they will need. Extra pillows, towels, and maybe some snacks to help make them feel at home. Check ahead of time if there are any certain foods or drinks that they may wish to have around. Remember to treat your guests like family, especially if they are family. You want them to feel at home, not like they are a burden or inconvenience.
Another good idea with overnight guests is to stock up on toilet paper. It may seem like a silly thing but your guests (and yourself) will appreciate not having to worry about what to do if it runs out. If you already keep stock on essential household items, then you’re ahead of the game.
Lastly
The most important thing about how to host the perfect Thanksgiving is to simply be present and enjoy it. Lavish the time spent with family and friends, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and all of the yummy food. Now go decorate that lovely home of yours and get in the fall spirit!
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