I can’t believe Thanksgiving is a few days away. I’m hosting this year and as much as I’m excited, it can also be a lot to juggle. I’m now in countdown mode and want to prepare as much as I can so I’m not totally frazzled on Wednesday when guests arrive. I also want to make sure to slow down and enjoy being with family. I know by Friday I’ll be exhausted, and possibly want to kick everyone out to go back home, but I always have the most fun memories at Thanksgiving and hope my kids feel the same way.
Here are some key things I’m doing for T-Day:
Set the Mood — Candles make a big difference when hosting a special dinner. I light scented and unscented candles in all sizes because they set the mood. Two current favorite scented candles I’m loving are: the woodsy Maison Louis Marie Bois de Balincourt and Nest Birchwood Pine, which smells so good and perfect for this time of year. During dinner, I’ll light white pillar candles and tea lights to add a glowy ambiance.
Flowers — I don’t often do a color pattern, but buy what looks fresh and has some longevity. I always love a blend of pretty white blooms, but some soft oranges and yellows make the table more festive on Thanksgiving.
Music — I will have my music on the entire time or at least when football not playing on the TV. Here is my current go-to November Playlist.
Menu — I make a few dishes for Thanksgiving, but most of our guests offer to make and/or bring something, which is a huge help.
Here’s our menu: Dry-brined Turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts, sour cream mashed potatoes, carrot soufflé, roasted cauliflower, herb and fennel stuffing and cranberry sauce. Sour cream apple pie and salted caramel bars for dessert.
Table — I love using neutral linen tablecloths or a just a neutral linen runner and put greenery around the center to make it look festive. I also forgo real China and use the fancy paper plates and plastic silverware. It’s not ideal, but it makes dinner cleanup so much easier and less stressful to monitor all the dishes and glasses you need to wash.
Football and Leftovers — Always the best thing on Friday is to put out all the leftovers on our kitchen counter, buy some crusty bread and everyone makes sandwiches or plates while watching TV.
Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and get to do some holiday shopping on Black Friday and my fave…Cyber Monday. I’m already putting stuff in my shopping carts, but also hope I get to do some in-store shopping, too.
Main image by Angel Tucker
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