Thanksgiving is synonymous with heart and home. For those who are just starting out and establishing their own family traditions, it can feel overwhelming when wondering where to begin. Don’t get discouraged.
Here are a few etiquette tips for hosting your first Thanksgiving meal.
1. Make a Thanksgiving Guest List
Don’t keep it in your head, write it down on paper to ensure you won’t forget anyone. Add to the list as you go along.
2. Send Out the Invitation Early (If you haven’t done it already-Today is the day!)
Whether you plan to mail out a card or make a call, get on people’s calendar before they start accepting other offers. The weekends get full very quickly, and you should not delay.
3. Delegate
This is not the time to be shy. People are often more than happy to pitch in when you ask them to bring a favorite dish or help set the table. It’s a compliment to ask the opinion and assistance of those you admire.
4. Divide and Conquer
Give people tasks both beforehand and during the day, and let them get to work. Ask your sister to pick up a few bags of ice. Put your mom in charge of making the gravy. Let your niece make festive place cards for everyone in attendance and set them out any way she would like.
5. Get a Jump Start
Prepare and cook as much as possible before your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner. Chop and peel vegetables, make the cranberry sauce and your grandmother’s famous oyster stuffing the day before. Make casseroles, brownies, pumpkin pie and various appetizers early and store them in the fridge. As an alternative, buy a few gallons of ice cream and serve it for dessert with a simple cookie. The kids will be more than content with a few holiday sprinkles on top of their creamy confection, and the adults will rave at your bakery style macaroons.
6. Take Inventory of What You are Missing
Set the table a week or two ahead of time if you have a formal dining room and won’t be eating on the table in the meantime. Take note of what trays, utensils and serving pieces you are missing. Look for sales and borrow from your friends and family. No need to break the bank serving your first holiday meal. You will eventually collect things as you go and grow.
7. Utilize your Ice Buckets and Spare Space
Set up a bar with a couple of buckets of ice and refreshments. Allow your guests to help themselves to water, punch, wine or ingredients to make their own cocktails. Use one bucket for non-alcoholic beverages and the other for alcoholic libations. Set out pretty (paper) napkins and allow your guests to serve themselves freely.
8. Order Out
There is no shame in supplementing your meal with store-bought items. The kids may not want your duck confit and would much prefer a slice of cheese pizza. Keep your guests in mind and don’t feel guilty for offering foods everyone will enjoy, especially when you can have them delivered hot and to your door.
9. Dress for the Festivities
Keep in mind you will be running around, and your stylish riding boots may become uncomfortable as the day wears on. You can select clothing you will both look good, and feel comfortable, in while you work. An apron is a beautiful hostess gift – give them and request them if anyone asks. It sure beats getting your outfit dirty with grease and various splatterings.
10. Enjoy Yourself
Your guests may forget the food you served but will remember the way you made them feel. Do your best to enjoy yourself and feel proud of your successful holiday gathering.
