Home Tip Tuesday: Tips on Hosting Thanksgiving

Follow these tips to prepare for Thanksgiving so you can enjoy the day.

Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the day.  All it takes is some planning ahead and organization and it will be a great holiday filled with warmth and family memories.  That’s what Thanksgiving is all about.  Use the following tips so you can serve a delicious meal and still get to spend precious time with your loved ones.



Organize 
Getting organized on paper is the first step to a successful Thanksgiving. Plan your menu and make lists for what food items you need from the store, what you need to get done around the house, and what you need to ask people to bring. Once you get your thoughts on paper, it will be a lot easier to keep track of everything. Making the lists ahead of time also gives you a chance to make sure nothing gets forgotten.

Prepare
There are plenty of things you can do in advance to eliminate your to-do list on Thanksgiving Day. For example, you can buy the non-perishable food items you are going to need and stock up on paper goods now. That way, when it comes time to fight the crowds at the grocery stores you can get on your way faster. Now is also the time to get any folding chairs or tables you might need to make sure everyone has a place to sit.  Setting the table the night before is also a wise idea.

Decorate
Stick to a general fall theme so you can set up the decorations early. Swap out your throw pillows for ones in warm colors, like deep reds and burnt oranges. Bring in some outside elements to complete the look, like acorns, fall leaves, and some pumpkins.  Carry the color scheme throughout your home so it has a nice warm and welcoming ambiance.

Delegate
You don’t have to do it all!  Have guests bring a dish – appetizer, side dish, wine or dessert.  People generally ask what they can bring and offer to help on the day.  Accept these offers and you will have more time for other tasks that need to be done.  It takes a village!

Activities
It’s important to keep the little ones happy and occupied while you are working – at least for a bit.   Pick up a few activities to entertain the kids so you can focus on the task at hand. Coloring books, puzzles and books are always a good choice.  If all else fails, put on a new or favorite movie!

For more entertaining tips, please visit homechanneltv.com.