The holiday season will soon be upon us and maybe this year you have volunteered to host your first Thanksgiving meal. Although an exciting time for you, being the hostess for such a grand event can bring on a lot of added responsibility.
Here are a few tips to follow to help you plan for the big day and to ensure that your first job as hostess is successful –
1~ Remember Your Guests Special Needs. Think about each guest on your list ahead of time, remembering if any of them have any specific dietary needs. Make sure to offer gluten-free or vegetarian options to the meal, if necessary, so that everyone is able to enjoy their dinner.
2~ Prep Your House. In addition to a thorough cleaning, make sure that you make extra preparations to your home for your guests. Place extra toilet paper in the bathroom in a handy location. Purchase a nicely fall scented anti-bacterial hand soap and decorative hand towel for the bathroom as well. Stock the kitchen with a variety of beverages for all ages and place glasses on the counter so they are easily accessible to everyone.
3~ Set the Table Correctly. Not only is it important to have the table set with pretty table wear, make sure to follow correct procedure for each place setting. If you are unsure of the proper protocol for where to put the forks or glasses – look online for tips and ideas. Also remember to add pretty and festive centerpieces to the table but keep them short in size so that everyone can see over them – making conversations easily flow during dinner.
4~ Plan Ahead. Make sure ahead of time that you have enough serving utensils and platters for the big day. It’s also a good idea to count chairs and ensure you have enough space for all guests to be comfortable while eating.
5~ Remember the Appetizers. Many people enjoy snacking before being served dinner. It’s a good idea to also offer a variety of appetizers in case your dinner takes longer to cook than originally planned, tiding guests over.
6~ Have a Back-Up Plan. In case this is the first time that you have cooked a turkey, it might be a smart idea to also bake a ham in case things don’t turn out exactly as planned. A fully cooked turkey breast kept in the refrigerator, can also be heated up quickly if the turkey does not turn out. Extra food can be easily frozen for later and having more than necessary is much better than running out.
7~ Make Everyone Feel Welcome. No matter how busy you are, be sure to greet every guest at the door upon arrival. Have soft music playing and the appetizers fully prepared. Offer guests a drink and a comfortable place to sit while you are preparing the meal.
8~ Don’t Get Stressed. Instead of trying to impress everyone by offering dozens of new side dishes at the meal, keep things simple. Most people love the traditional Thanksgiving fixings and don’t expect or have room for extras. Keeping things simple will mean less work for you and more time to socialize with guests too.
Thanksgiving is a special holiday, meant to be spent surrounded by favorite friends and family. Following these tips will help you to host a traditional gathering that both you and your guests will enjoy and remember.
