5 steps to plan the almost perfect Thanksgiving dinner
Gather an accurate head count of guest attending – We all know them, people that rsvp to an event but never show up. Or perhaps the polar opposite, the dreaded uninvited guest as well. To prepare for both – communicate to confirm their attendance. This can be done via phone call, text, or evite. The key here is to follow up, follow up and over follow up.
Plan your menu now – Create and finalize your Thanksgiving menu. Don’t stress by having fifteen side dishes. Plan to make at least have three side dishes that are generally enjoyed by all. For example: Try something like mash potatoes & gravy, macaroni & cheese, and a vegetable (like green beans).
Create your grocery list – Go through your cabinets & freezer to see what items you already have in stock. This will avoid you from rebuying items you may already have. Don’t forget to items like plastic ware and throw away plates if you don’t plan to wash dishes. This maybe one of the most tedious task, but creating a grocery list will help you out in the long run.
Clean your house – We all know our relatives are not going to leave after enjoying your wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Nor will they just stop by to grab a to-go plate right? So, make sure your house is clean and in order. It’s no fun for relatives to climb over the mountains of clothing in your bedroom, just to use your bathroom (not cool, not cool at all).
Create Décor on the low– Decide what theme you will have at your dinner table. Here are some ideas: Go outside – Grab a few beautiful pine combs and put in a hurricane glass jar. Have the kids help by using a piece of construction paper to write one sentence of what they are “thankful” for. Then take it to your local office supply store like Fed Ex or Office max and laminate it. Voila! You have an instant placemat. And expect your guest to give aww’ s or laugh their socks off depending on what your child may have to say.
I hope you enjoyed my 5 steps to a “almost perfect” Thanksgiving dinner.
Great tips! I especially love the tip you offered about only making 3 side dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone. That will save ALOT of time and heartache.
fashionplatekc@gmail.com
November 21, 2015 / 6:53 pm
Yes, why stress? Just make the favorites and keep it small.
Great tips. I’m not hosting a Thanksgiving dinner but I will have guests for the holidays. I guess I should get to work! Buy those mac & cheese veggies! 🙂
The holidays can become so hectic. You must have a plan in place in order to not pull all of your hair out. These are wonderful tips to help keep things organized.
Great tips! We are out of the country so I will be enjoying a Thanksgiving meal out this year, but if I were hosting, I would DEFINITELY be utilizing these.
I went last night to buy my food and was in various grocery stores for 3 hours…I am tired and beat and I am not even hosting. It was just for me and my family + dinner for the week cause it’s cold and I am not going back out lol
…..but isn’t Mac and Cheese a vegetable?
I’m pretty sure it is… 😛
Great tips! I especially love the tip you offered about only making 3 side dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone. That will save ALOT of time and heartache.
Yes, why stress? Just make the favorites and keep it small.
Great tips. I’m not hosting a Thanksgiving dinner but I will have guests for the holidays. I guess I should get to work! Buy those mac & cheese veggies! 🙂
Yes! Get to work!!
Nice tips. Especially for those who have many people who come by
You’re welcome!
Great advice for the holiday thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
The holidays can become so hectic. You must have a plan in place in order to not pull all of your hair out. These are wonderful tips to help keep things organized.
Thank you!
I am so happy you enjoyed them.
Great tips! We are out of the country so I will be enjoying a Thanksgiving meal out this year, but if I were hosting, I would DEFINITELY be utilizing these.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Thank you!
I am glad you found the tips useful.
Today i found 3 different bags of brown sugar. These is what happens when you dont follow tip number 3.
It’s important to check before you go.
This is a great list with great tips! Perfect for someone who is hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
Thank you, Kasi!
Ahh holiday hosting…good tips. I especially like using the kids writings on the table setting.
Jaye,
I am happy you found them useful and the kids writing is to a great idea, right?
Great tips! I would love to host a Thanksgiving one day and the decor part is what I am looking into now!
Kiwi,
No need to go far! Just go outside and gather ideas to decorate.
Thanks for the reminder. When it comes to my girls Mac and Cheese is a vegie.
Yes!
Mac and cheese is a veggie, right?
I went last night to buy my food and was in various grocery stores for 3 hours…I am tired and beat and I am not even hosting. It was just for me and my family + dinner for the week cause it’s cold and I am not going back out lol
Oh, no 3 hours.
I hope your Thanksgiving gets better.
Awesome steps, a great foundation for any holiday dinner party