Perhaps you moved to a new area and can’t visit family for Thanksgiving. Maybe you’re creating new family traditions. Whatever the reason you’re considering hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, don’t be intimidated. Here is a guide to planning the perfect Thanksgiving.
Plan the Guest List
Before you plan the menu, you’ll need to know how many people will be there. As you make a list, think of the social implications of your choices. Including a few people who are excellent conversationalists will help keep the conversation flowing. Don’t limit your guest list to the number of chairs that go around your dining table. Most people don’t mind crowding in or holding a plate over their laps in the living room for a casual meal. When you make calls, be sure to ask if guests have any dietary restrictions or allergies, so you can prepare foods with those things in mind.
Plan the Menu
If cooking is not your thing, you can buy a pre-made Thanksgiving meal at many grocery stores, or you can stick to simple recipes. Thanksgiving is more about family and friends than displaying fancy cooking techniques. If you enjoy creating fancy meals for guests, that’s great too. Traditionally, turkey or ham is prepared, accompanied by dressing, mashed potatoes, a green vegetable, cranberry sauce, and bread. However, if you want to try something different that’s okay too. Giving guests an idea of what to expect when you invite them is polite, so they won’t leave disappointed if you don’t offer a traditional Thanksgiving spread. If kids are coming, make sure that you have something that you know they will eat, like bread and potatoes.
Just Be You
Don’t try to be Aunt Arlene who does it all perfectly in her high heels and pearls. If your style is paper plates and soda or fancy china and wine, do what is comfortable for you. There are as many Thanksgiving traditions as there are families, so just be yourself and enjoy the holidays.
If you need new dining chairs or a nice sideboard on which to set out the food items, check out the offerings at Regency Furniture Showrooms. They have exactly what you will need to host a lovely Thanksgiving this year.
