Hosting Thanksgiving? 10 Tips to Make it a Breeze!

When it comes to holiday entertaining, there are two schools of thought: go big or go home. But when it comes to your menu, we say go familiar. This is not the time to try out that new recipe you found on Pinterest. Leave the experimental dishes for another dinner party and stick to tried-and-true recipes that you know everyone will love. Serving a dish that no one liked, we guarantee you'll be hearing about it for years to come. So play it safe this holiday season and stick to dishes that are guaranteed hits. Your guests will thank you - and so will your waistline.

2. Make A Timeline And Stick To It!

Any experienced cook knows that timing is everything. Whether you're preparing a simple meal for two or a multi-course feast for twelve, there's always the risk that things will get chaotic in the kitchen if you're not careful. That's why it's so important to make a timeline and stick to it. Creating a detailed schedule of when you need to start cooking each dish will help ensure that everything is ready on time. And don't forget to factor in some buffer time in case things don't go according to plan. After all, even the best cooks sometimes find that their dishes don't turn out quite the way they intended. By following a timeline, you can minimize the chances of disaster and ensure that your meal is a success.

3. Set The Table The Night Before!

Thanksgiving is the time of year when families gather together to feast on turkey and stuffing and give thanks for all they have. But before the feast can begin, there's always that pesky task of setting the table. forks on the left, knives on the right, napkins in the center... it can be a real pain. But there's no need to fret! Just do it the night before and save yourself the trouble. That way, when Thanksgiving morning comes, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the parade in peace. No more scrambling around at the last minute! So go ahead and put those place settings out tonight, and relax knowing that everything is taken care of.

4. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that it's a holiday that is all about food. From the turkey to the stuffing to the pumpkin pie, there are so many delicious dishes to enjoy. But let's be honest, preparing all of that food can be a lot of work. That's why I always make sure to delegate, delegate, delegate! I ask friends and family members to bring side dishes or desserts, and put them in charge of setting up, serving, and cleaning up. That way, I can sit back and enjoy the feast without having to lift a finger. And on Thanksgiving Day, that is exactly what I want to do!

5. Keep It Simple!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to dust off those old family recipes and give them a try. But when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, sometimes simpler is better. The more complicated the menu, the more likely something is to go wrong. Stick to tried-and-true recipes that can be easily executed, and save the experimental stuff for another day. Thanksgiving is all about tradition, so don't try to reinvent the wheel. Keep it simple, and you'll be sure to have a Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will remember.

6. Don't Forget About Drinks!

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, food! But let's not forget about drinks! Make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic options on hand for designated drivers and those who don't drink alcohol. And if you're serving wine or beer, make sure there's enough for everyone! No one wants to be left out when friends are clinking glasses and having a good time. Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, and that includes giving thanks for delicious drinks! So don't forget about drinks when you're planning your Thanksgiving feast. Cheers!

7. Avoid Kitchen Accidents!

With so many people in and out of the kitchen, accidents are bound to happen. To avoid any potential disasters, make sure your smoke detectors are working and keep a fire extinguisher close by—just in case! Even the most experienced cook can forget to turn off the oven or leave the stovetop on, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. And while you're at it, why not Thanksgiving-proof your home by putting away any breakable dishes and getting rid of anything that could be a trip hazard? That way, you can enjoy all the holiday has to offer without worrying about any unwanted accidents.

8. Be Prepared For Leftovers—or Lack Thereof.

Lots and lots of food. turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie... the list goes on. And while Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy all of your favorite foods, it's also a time to prepare for leftovers. If you're expecting guests to take home their share of the feast, make sure you have plenty of tupperware on hand. But if you're worried about having too much food left over, invite friends over for a post-Thanksgiving feast the following weekend—that way, everyone wins!

9. Put Your Feet Up and Relax—You Deserve It!

After spending hours slaving away in the kitchen, it's only natural to want to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. So pour yourself a glass of wine, put your feet up, and relax—you deserve it! Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, but it's also a time for relaxing and enjoying the company of those you love. So don't be afraid to take a break from cooking and cleaning. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. After all, you deserve it!

10.[Bonus tip] If All Else Fails...Order Takeout!

What would the holiday be without a massive turkey dinner? But sometimes, things don't quite go according to plan. Maybe the turkey is dry, or the potatoes are lumpy. Whatever the case may be, if Thanksgiving dinner isn't coming together the way you'd hoped, don't stress! Just order takeout and enjoy the company of your loved ones. After all, the most important thing is that everyone has a good time—and sometimes that means taking the easier route! So if all else fails this Thanksgiving, just remember that there's always pizza delivery!

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced Thanksgiving host, these tips will help make your feast go off without a hitch. Follow them and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones while they gobble up your delicious food. Gobble, gobble!