Thanksgiving Entertaining Ideas: How to Host
Hosting Thanksgiving might seem like an overwhelming task, but it does not have to be. We are giving you our best hosting tips, tricks, and hacks for a stress-free holiday, complete with Thanksgiving menus and recipes that have an easy cleanup.
Step One: Set the Table
When it comes to planning our Thanksgiving menu, on of our favourite elements, is the Thanksgiving table setting. Right now, we are loving neutral tone table setting, its modern and sophisticated, you can compliment with painted pumpkins and a collection of small glass votives to add a layer of much-needed patina. Oh, remember to fill the votives with unscented candles. You do not want the aroma of candles overpowering the incomparable smell of your thanksgiving feast.
Step Two: Give Good Service
Thanksgiving entertaining naturally lends itself to buffet style service (consider making your bar and appetizers self-serve too!) – it allows your guests to have an opportunity to taste each of the dishes and, of course, load their plates up with any favorites. And remember, although the Thanksgiving menu is a combo of your family’s traditional recipes, you can help your sideboard feel cohesive by using all white serving pieces. If you prefer simpler family-style dining, use your serving dishes as your main table decor, and incorporate seasonal placemats and cloth napkins to embellish your table.
Step Three: Exhibit Kindness
Capture the spirit of the day by keeping your guests primarily in your thoughts. When setting the table, remember to keep table decor below eye-level so that guests can see each other across the table without having to look around a floral arrangement. Anticipate their needs by placing pitchers of water on the table, extra hand towels in the guest bath, and cocktail napkins on the bar and appetizer stations. And finally, use place cards to help take the guesswork out of where you want your guests to sit.
Step Four: Make a Sweet Ending
At Thanksgiving dinner, dessert is as much a part of the main event as the turkey. Use a variety of cake stands and pedestals to elevate the display of pies and desserts to star status. And remember to fire up coffee and tea, the best antidotes we know to end the feast.
Step Five: Stay Awhile
Do not forget to make the rest of your home as inviting as your dining room table. Add poufs and stools for additional seating. Place floor pillows around the living room and family room to allow guests to lounge comfortably. Looking for after-dinner cocktails? Consider pouring brandy or liqueurs into crystal decanters and set up a DIY drink station on a separate console table to allow guests to help themselves.
Step One: Set the Table
When it comes to planning our Thanksgiving menu, on of our favourite elements, is the Thanksgiving table setting. Right now, we are loving neutral tone table setting, its modern and sophisticated, you can compliment with painted pumpkins and a collection of small glass votives to add a layer of much-needed patina. Oh, remember to fill the votives with unscented candles. You do not want the aroma of candles overpowering the incomparable smell of your thanksgiving feast.
Step Two: Give Good Service
Thanksgiving entertaining naturally lends itself to buffet style service (consider making your bar and appetizers self-serve too!) – it allows your guests to have an opportunity to taste each of the dishes and, of course, load their plates up with any favorites. And remember, although the Thanksgiving menu is a combo of your family’s traditional recipes, you can help your sideboard feel cohesive by using all white serving pieces. If you prefer simpler family-style dining, use your serving dishes as your main table decor, and incorporate seasonal placemats and cloth napkins to embellish your table.
Step Three: Exhibit Kindness
Capture the spirit of the day by keeping your guests primarily in your thoughts. When setting the table, remember to keep table decor below eye-level so that guests can see each other across the table without having to look around a floral arrangement. Anticipate their needs by placing pitchers of water on the table, extra hand towels in the guest bath, and cocktail napkins on the bar and appetizer stations. And finally, use place cards to help take the guesswork out of where you want your guests to sit.
Step Four: Make a Sweet Ending
At Thanksgiving dinner, dessert is as much a part of the main event as the turkey. Use a variety of cake stands and pedestals to elevate the display of pies and desserts to star status. And remember to fire up coffee and tea, the best antidotes we know to end the feast.
Step Five: Stay Awhile
Do not forget to make the rest of your home as inviting as your dining room table. Add poufs and stools for additional seating. Place floor pillows around the living room and family room to allow guests to lounge comfortably. Looking for after-dinner cocktails? Consider pouring brandy or liqueurs into crystal decanters and set up a DIY drink station on a separate console table to allow guests to help themselves.
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Photo credit: Olivie Strauss on Unsplash
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