From cooking an extravagant turkey dinner to readying the house for guests, hosting Thanksgiving is a lot of work. This annual day of thanks should be focused on connecting with family and enjoying each other’s company, not worrying if the bird will be dry or the guests will love the decors. These 6 tips will streamline your Thanksgiving holiday so you can relax and enjoy it to the fullest.
1. Plan ahead
Start planning Thanksgiving up to a month in advance. Get solid RSVPs so you know how many people to expect. This makes planning meals, organizing activities and rearranging chairs/furniture much easier. Pick up the phone or send out a nicely crafted email with an RSVP request.
2. Visit a restaurant
Mix things up this year by eating your Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant. You won’t be alone, an estimated 15 million people choose to eat at a restaurant for their turkey day feast.
3. Keep the kids busy
Keep kids from bouncing off the walls by planning a few simple activities. Create “busy bags” for each child with fun activities they can do on their own, such as counting cards, puzzles, dominos and memory games. These are great on-the-go or at home. Another idea is to create special kid spaces throughout the home, such as a table with crayons and paper, or a corner with blankets, pillows, and picture books. If the weather is nice, create a scavenger hunt list with things that are in the yard.
4. Prime the pumpkins
No need to buy extra bowls, just reach for your favorite gourds. Pumpkins add elegance to any setting when used as bowls. All you have to do is carve and line them with tin foil or place a smaller bowl inside. Now you have the perfect way to serve dip and chips or add ice to stylishly chill drinks.
5. Delegate duties
Trying to do it all leads to a stressful Thanksgiving and almost guarantees something will go wrong. If you’re overwhelmed, take up offers to help. From asking your aunt to watch the children and your uncle to set the table, delegating can be the key to Thanksgiving happiness.
6. Schedule breaks
Make time to rest and enjoy your family on Thanksgiving. You don’t need to slave for hours in the kitchen only to eat and immediately clean up the entire mess! When you’re done, everyone will be heading home! Enjoy the parade, read to little ones, and savor a cup of tea with grandma!
Did you enjoy this article?
