Have You Ever Hosted Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving. It really is such an awesome holiday, full of comfort food, family, and no pressure to bring gifts like at Christmas. I have very fond memories of this holiday. Growing up we would travel to both sets of grandparents one for lunch and one for dinner. I loved seeing the cousins, playing football outside, and enjoying all the traditional food of the season.

After Brent and I were married for a few years I was able to host Thanksgiving at our home. Finally, I saw all the work that went into the holiday. From making memories to the ambiance and last but not least the food. There are some things I’ve learned along the way.

Setting the Thanksgiving Mood Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a movie that really kicks off the Thanksgiving season for me. It’s a classic John Hughes comedy about two very different men trying to make it back to their families for Thanksgiving. Heartwarming and hilarious I’d recommend it before your road trip this year. I was surprised to see it’s rated R but I think that’s mostly for language and adult humor.

I made a Thanksgiving playlist. I’m so excited to have a go-to song list for this season. You’re welcome to listen along.

A few years back I wrote a Thanksgiving toast for my family. Reading cookbooks is one of my hobbies and in How to Celebrate Everything the author Jenny Rosenstrach talks about how meaningful it is to say something at a special event. Whether it be a toast or a prayer, a simple moment of reflection and acknowledgment really does make the moment more meaningful.

The Decorations

I’m seeing a lot of pampas grass used as decoration lately. Decorating by bringing the outside in, is a win for me. I fill glass bowls with multi-colored leaves we’ve collected from walks. I ensure a sugar pumpkin is on at least one surfaces in my home and buy dried wheat stalks which last for years as a fall decor staple.

I just can’t stop talking about this candle. Note: If out of stock online they may still have some on the shelf. I’m telling you– it’s just the right thing to usher in the season. I get so many compliments about it!

You know the cute little handprint turkeys your kids bring home from school? Well, I save them from year to year and make a turkey wall every November. The kids love it and it makes me smile when I walk into the room and get bombarded by colorful turkeys.

I like to display this Thanksgiving print on the dinner table. The kids love this Disney one!

Here’s a fun and simple craft to entertain the kids while they wait for the pies to cook.

The Feast

Would you rather have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or at dinner?

Can I get a shout out for the surprise jello salad? I know some people are not a fan but I always really liked my grandmother’s version. This is a similar recipe but my Oma added nuts.

I’ve cooked the bird a few years. I find this recipe helpful– plus you’ll feel so fancy making rosemary citrus butter. Note: Be sure you schedule enough time for your turkey to defrost before cooking day.

Brent is crazy about plain ol’ pumpkin pie so I usually make one. I use this classic recipe, add some homemade whipped cream and it’s golden.

If you are hosting my best advice would be to make a cooking schedule ahead of time and try to do as much as possible before the day of the meal.

Tips to Ease your Cooking Stress

• Could a casserole be assembled a day or two ahead?
• What chopping or prepping could be done earlier in the week?
• How early could you make the pies and desserts?
• Could anything be frozen then fully cooked or reheated the day of?
• What about setting the table the night before?
• What if you bought all the drinks 2-weeks prior and had them chilling?
• I find fridge space is a big issue when hosting Thanksgiving. Is there a small dorm type fridge you could borrow for the week? My mother-in-law uses different ice chests to either keep things chilled or hot items warm. So smart!
• In my experience, homemade rolls are best baked on the day of the meal.
• Mashed potatoes need to be done right before the meal.
• I find the gravy is the thing I’m usually trying to rush at the end. It just takes so long to cook down. My advice would be to start the gravy earlier or buy a box of ready-made turkey gravy and call it done.

Happy Turkey Day

The smell of broccoli and cheese casserole cooking in the oven. In the background, you can hear the football announcers rehashing the last play. The children are running about trying to complete one last round of hide-n-seek before the meal is served. It’s all a part of the beauty of the day; a day where we lift our glasses with grateful hearts for all that we have in this country. It may not be perfect or even what you hope it to be but it’s ours.

I’m going to do my best to enjoy the little moments this Thanksgiving. I’m going to try to fully be present. It’s not about if the turkey turns out dry or if the rolls were undercooked, it’s about time with people that you love. May this be your best Thanksgiving yet. What a glorious thing it is to partake in a feast!

What tips would you add for those hosting Thanksgiving?

You may also like dinner party in the woods or our fall traditions.

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