The Thanksgiving holiday is coming up quickly, and if you are planning to host this year’s family gathering, stress is probably starting to creep in.
Here are some tips – from planning to organizing and more – to help the host stress less through the process, resulting in a perfect Thanksgiving gathering!
Plan ahead and ask for help.
Make Thanksgiving a potluck family affair! Write down the dishes you want on your menu and delegate which sides, including desserts, you want each family member to bring to avoid duplicates and keep you from feeling overwhelmed. And don’t worry about incorporating appetizers into your menu – the meal will be plenty!
Special considerations.
When planning your menu for you and your family/guests, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have and offer alternative options. Also, remember to provide a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices, and have them ready to be poured on the big day.
Get ahead of the game.
During your planning step, look into which dishes can be made ahead of time or prepped beforehand to stay ahead of the last-minute rush on Thanksgiving Day. Don’t be afraid to think of buying parts of the meal, too, like pumpkin pie from your favorite local bakery.
Stay away from new recipes.
It’s fine to experiment with new recipes for other meals with your family, but Thanksgiving calls for the classics, which will also alleviate any stress that may come with venturing outside the tried-and-true traditional sides.
Focus on the turkey.
Be sure to allow plenty of time for the centerpiece protein to thaw to wow your guests (and keep them safe) when it’s cooked and revealed. The USDA recommends thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, which takes about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey to thaw (a 16-pound turkey would take about four days to thaw).

Make a timeline.
Count down from the time you have told your guests that Thanksgiving meal will be served to figure out when prep and oven time should be scheduled out. It may even help to set alarms on your smartphone for major moments, like when the turkey should be shoved in the oven or fryer. And don’t forget to schedule in time for you to shower and freshen up before your guests arrive!
Set the mood and the table.
Beyond the food, of course, is the non-food items to pay attention to. For example, wash and polish those special holiday dishes and silverware, count your napkins, create a beautiful fall-themed centerpiece, and set the table a day or two before Thanksgiving to give you one less thing to do that day.
Entertainment and ambiance.
Think of adding special touches, like soft background music to set a relaxed mood. You could also have Thanksgiving-themed games, like trivia, or have guests around the table share what they are thankful for.
Relax!
Remember to relax and soak it all in on this holiday! Take breaks, have a glass of wine, and have conversations with your family. They are here to engage with you and one another, not just to be entertained. Be thankful for that.
For more home tips, connect with Paige Bird, a successful local real estate agent who has worked for 20 years in the Myrtle Beach area real estate market. During her tenure, she assisted more than 2,200 families in their home-buying and selling journeys. Paige is renowned for her extensive experience and commitment to high ethical standards, which uniquely positions her as the go-to agent for those looking to achieve their 2024 real estate goals.
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