Growing up in a large family, there are more hands to prepare a delicious, extravagant Thanksgiving dinner, but there are also more mouths to feed and bodies to seat. Knowing what to cook, bake, or clean first can make anyone overwhelmed. No need to panic because after much trial and error, there are easy steps to simplify planning for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.
Prepare a guest list:
One month prior to Thanksgiving dinner, there should be a guest list. Call, text, or email all family members to get an exact count of who is going to attend your exquisite feast. Get as precise of a headcount as possible, so name cards can be made to make each guest feel special and welcomed.
Choose suitable seating arrangements:
Whether dinner is gong to be hosted at a house or rented venue, there should then be a plan for seating. Seating arrangements may depend on if dinner is going to be casual or cocktail attire. It would be absurd to invite family and guests wearing button down shirts, ties, or dresses to sit on couches and eat nice plated meals.
Keep in mind who gets along. Be honest and plan ahead to have the night go as smoothly as possible. As usual when planning seating arrangements, place people that get along well at same tables.
Seat family members according to age. Decide if some children are mature enough to sit at adult tables. Adults may want to catch up and discuss current events without children interrupting or tell some funny stories. Same for children. The kids of the family may want to joke around and get away with feeding the vegetables to the dogs.
Plan a glorious feast:
After all, when you think of Thanksgiving, your stomach grumbles and your mouth waters thinking of your favorite dishes. When planning this meal, make sure to ask what everyone’s favorite dishes are. As a host, it is dire to make everyone feel included. This is a great time to write a list of sides or proteins your guests would like to bring.
Decide if buffet style for a more casual feel is what’s fitting or if a plated meal for a more elegant evening is necessary. Either way, there should always be left-overs to offer guests to take home. Create a menu, and anticipate grocery shopping or calling caterers. Furthermore, if it all seems a bit too overwhelming, consider hiring an event planner to execute day of decorating so you may focus on the food.
Shopping list preparation:
If you have decided to take on the task of preparing a dinner made with love, then prepare by looking for sales. This is the time to decide if there will be alcoholic drinks or solely non-alcoholic beverages. Buying in bulk is the smartest way to get the most for each dollar spent. Ordering online may be an option as long as orders go out well in advance. Ordering turkeys and hams may be wise. The best selection usually sells out the day they’re put in the freezers at local grocery stores.
House preparation:
Every house has an eye sore. Take care of those and have the house deep cleaned before because you only want to feel the warmth of your family’s company the day of Thanksgiving. Night before cleaning will only make a host feel tired and drained for the actual holiday.
Clear areas of your house for tables and chairs to be set up. Make sure tables are not too far away from each other so it still feels like an intimate meal rather than a stuffy restaurant. Declutter and simplify your usual house decor to make room for holiday and event decor.
Two weeks before, a theme should have been selected. The theme will inspire decor and the evening’s prayer or charitable cause. Inspired by the devastation in Puerto Rico, authentic desserts may be ordered or made. Also, donations can be gathered and sent because this holiday’s purpose is to remind us of all we have to be thankful for.
