The holidays are filled with joy, laughter and spending time with those who mean the most to us. At its heart, Thanksgiving is a special time to remind ourselves of what we have and express our gratitude. While some love hosting, others see it as another hoop to jump through or a hill to climb. While hosting can feel all-consuming and daunting, it doesn't need to be. Whether you're a seasoned professional or hosting for the very first time, we've rounded up four incredible hosting tips to elevate your experience this Thanksgiving.
Prep Ahead of Time. The art of hosting truly comes down to the details. From preparing side dishes to allocating enough time to cook the turkey, making a plan in advance will save you time in the long run. Creating your guest list, organizing your grocery list, staggering your trips to the store and preparing desserts and side dishes ahead of time are all small, yet important steps that will ensure your day runs smoothly.
Curate a Thoughtful Tablescape. Ambiance is everything. While it's important to decorate your space, you want your guests to feel comfortable. Avoid using large, distracting centerpieces on the table such as tall flower arrangements, candles or vases. While they are beautiful, it can be quite difficult to converse across the dinner table if you cannot see the guest across from you. Simple details such as timeless cutlery and functional decor will transform your space, while keeping the focus on the event itself.
Add seasonal touches. The fun in hosting Thanksgiving yourself is that you truly can design your space as you see fit. Leaning in on the seasonality of it all makes the holidays even better. Considering adding a harvest tone/earthy based wreath to your front door, or have a pot of apples and cinnamon simmer on the stove to fill the air with the smells (and nostalgia) of fall. When it comes to the cocktails, stocking your bar with seasonal flavors and garnishes, as well as non-alcoholic options such as sparkling grape juice and hot chocolate, prove to be a fan favorite.
Involve your Guests. At the end of the day, we truly crave interaction and a sense of community amongst one another. Involving your guests in the entirety of the experience is our final tip that will transform your Thanksgiving (plus a little added help in the kitchen is never a bad thing). Whether you ask a guest to step in on the finishing touches for drinks, refill snacks or bring out games and crafts, the sense of the community is truly what brings everyone together.
While hosting Thanksgiving is a big responsibility, remembering what truly matters at the end of the day is the key. A time to spend with loved ones, enjoying great food and creating new memories cannot be beat! From all of us here at William Means, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
