If you’re hosting Thanksgiving at your house, it feels like there are 101 things to think about.

However, with the right amount of preparation, you’ll have enough time to host Thanksgiving like no-one else. More than anything, consider investing in quality ingredients and accessories. Moreover though, we want you to enjoy these family moments. Let’s take a look at ways to easily host Thanksgiving at your house.

Stress-Free Tips to Host Thanksgiving 

If you’re looking to host Thanksgiving for the first time and are in need of some ideas, we’ve got you covered. This easy-to-follow guide breaks down everything you need to know into digestible chunks.

1. Plan Ahead and Order Online in Advance 

If this is your first time to host Thanksgiving, make sure you plan well ahead. This includes preparing a menu at least two weeks in advance. The Internet is buzzing with heaps of recipes. Make the most of this support if you’re not advanced in the kitchen. If possible, purchase your ingredients days before you plan on cooking. This is because you’ll want to give items such as your turkey plenty of time to dethaw. Plus, you don’t want to be stressed with other last-minute Thanksgiving shoppers.

Why not skip the crowds and order your ingredients online? Research has shown that this is a great way to get the best savings too. Order a good quality, organic turkey for around $6 per pound. To further reduce costs, stick to simple sides which will please others. For example, potatoes are cheap, and salad is reasonably priced too. To mix up your courses, add one or two pies for dessert. As a result, you can feed 10 people for ​cheaper cost each.

2. Don’t Take on Too Much Food​

It can be tempting to want to prepare lots of food to please others. However, we advise that you don’t take on too much. A few simple, delicious dishes can win over others. Choose recipes which you can prepare and make ahead of time. Also, choose ones which aren’t complicated to make your life easier. That way, you’ll allow yourself plenty of time to focus on roasting and carving on Thanksgiving. Also, ask guests well in advance if they have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. You should know about this as soon as possible so you can tailor your menu accordingly.

3. Two Thanksgiving Recipes for Side Dishes

Many hosts ask their guests to prepare a side dish to bring for the meal. If so, here are two delicious recipes to pass to two guests. By bringing these, it’ll make your life easier and take the pressure off of you.

Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 lb. potatoes
• Kosher salt
• 1 stick butter, plus 2 tablespoons, for garnish
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• Freshly ground black pepper, for taste

Recipe:

• In a large pot, cover potatoes with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until totally soft, for 18 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to pot.
• Mash the potatoes with a masher, until soft.
• Melt milk and butter in a saucepan, until warm.
• Pour the warm milk mixture until creamy. Add source cream and continue stirring.
• Season the mashed potato with salt and pepper.
• Add the mashed potatoes to a bowl and top with two tablespoons of butter. Season with pepper to taste.

Honey Glazed Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, cleaned and halved
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, for taste

Recipe:

• Over medium heat, heat oil. Add the sprouts for 3-4 minutes until golden.
• Add ¼ cup water and cover. Let the sprouts cook a further 3 minutes, until tender. Add more water if the skillet seems dry.
• Remove the sprouts and set aside on a plate. Add vinegar, mustard, garlic and honey and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes. Return the sprouts to a pan and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

4. Get Your Home Ready

Another way to host Thanksgiving is to start by cleaning your kitchen and living room. Line all the bins with new trash bags and put fresh towels in the bathroom(s). Also, clean the bathroom(s), kitchen area and dining room. Keep cleaning tools under the kitchen sink for any food or drink spillages so you can be on hand immediately.

If any guests are staying over, change the bedding and place a clean set of towels on the bed. You can also light some candles to make the bedroom more inviting. For the dining area, use scented tealights and a fall-themed flower arrangement. Alternatively, you may want to make your front door more interesting with Thanksgiving décor for when guests enter.

5. Set the Table the Night Before

We suggest preparing the table the day before your guests arrive. If you have pets – particularly kittens – throw a sheet over the table to keep their paws away. Think through who will sit where. Place your serving vessels and utensils as well. Add a little note in each space where a guest will set. This is a helpful way to prevent rooting around your cupboards for the turkey platter in front of guests.

Also, have wine chilling in the fridge before guests everyone. If everyone has a drink in their hand, they won’t be upset if dinner is served later than planned.

6. It’s Okay to Buy Some Prepared Food

With so much to think about, it’s perfectly okay to buy some ready-made food from the bakery or specialty grocery. It’s completely acceptable to buy gravy from a grocery store if you hate making it. Also, bring some prepared food and side dishes makes it more relaxing on the day your guests arrive.

The most important part of Thanksgiving is that you spend it with your loved ones and enjoy the experience. By freeing up time for yourself, you can spend more moments with family.

Quick Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas 

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of the year. Now that we’ve discussed how to host Thanksgiving, let’s touch on decoration ideas. Make your home festive and cozy with table embellishments and arrangements.

1. Thanksgiving Burlap Banner

This Thanksgiving banner will transform your living space. Plus, it’ll leave you with more spare money to spend on pie. This is a must-have for any party and is long enough to put along the fireplace. Alternatively, hang on the wall. With a colourful theme, it’s also made of strong burlap natural material with real glittery maple. Add a festive atmosphere and bring happiness everywhere. We love that it’s pre-assembled, which makes it convenient for you to set up.

2. NEST Classic Pumpkin Candle

If this is your first time to host Thanksgiving, this pumpkin-fragranced candle is the perfect edition to your dining area. This particular flavour creates a cozy, autumn ambience with a blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Also, this special-edition candle is housed in a sophisticated brown translucent glass with a blush orange wax. Lasting 50-60 hours, you’ll get plenty of use out of this Thanksgiving candle.

Available in three sizes, this is part of an exquisite collection luxury-scented candles. NEST fragrances combine colour, texture and fragrance. As a result, they enhance your everyday living and entertaining experience.

3. Artificial Leaves Decorations

These artificial fall leaves are perfect for crafts when you host Thanksgiving. This particular package contains 500 assorted fall maple leaves in five colours. Made of polyester and printed-on nice vein detail, they easily peel apart for instant use. They’re great for table decoration, wreath formation and other craft projects. Add them to your current flower arrangements too for a cozy atmosphere.

4. Thanksgiving Lighted Fall Garland

These lighted LED on its string will accent any room and generate a warm atmosphere for any occasion. Whether you only need 8 feet for the mantel, 16 feet draping over a doorframe, or 32 feet for the stair banisters, this garland has you covered. Just use multiple garlands together to suit your decorating needs. It’s versatile enough to use in all areas around the home. For example, use on the table top, fireplace, doorframe, stair banisters, windows and more. Place it in the most popular place you and your guests will be.

Do You Have Any Tips to Help Host Thanksgiving Without Extra Stress?

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, the most important thing is that you enjoy the experience. Plan well in advance and create a strict schedule, and stick to it. With an array of things to do, we recommend preparing your lists a few weeks before the party.

Do you have any tips to host Thanksgiving? If so, share your advice and even recommendations in the comments to inspire others.

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