Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for the whole family can be stressful. Don’t get overwhelmed this year! There are some ways to make it easy on yourself so you can actually enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Thanksgiving Dinner does not have to be perfect.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask others to pitch in. Maybe you cook the turkey and have everyone else bring the side dishes and dessert. Treat the meal more like a potluck. This alleviates some time, cost and stress from you and everyone will feel like they are contributing to the holiday meal. Don’t forget to have someone bring appetizers, too, for the guests to munch on while you finish getting dinner on the table.
Have a Plan
Plan your meal ahead and you will find Thanksgiving Day going a little more smoothly. Write out your menu in advance and begin purchasing items as they go on sale. If you plan ahead you will have less worry about what to make.
Simplify
Do you really need two kinds of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, too? Stick to one type of each dish (including salad). Have some cut up veggies with some dip for an appetizer instead of something fancier.
Make Ahead
Many items for Thanksgiving Dinner can be made ahead of time (think 1-2 days before.) Pies and other desserts are good to make ahead. Some salads, appetizers, and even stuffing can be made beforehand as well. You can also set your table the day before and have it look nice, so you don’t even have to think about it on the big day.
Keep the Kids Busy
To keep the kids entertained before dinner, have a little craft area, and they can maybe make little table decorations. There are also some cute kid-friendly desserts, like turkeys made from candy or cookies. This will keep them busy and out of the way until the meal begins, and they will have a good time.
Feel Free to Cheat
If you just don’t have time, do not feel guilty to cheat a little. Buying a cooked turkey, or store bought pie is not that big a deal. Most of your guests won’t even notice, and you can relax a little, too. Enjoy the day, and just be thankful to be with your family and friends!
How do you make Thankgiving easier on yourself? Let us know in the comment section below.