Choreographing a memorable Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I will never be confused for the amazing  Martha Stewart; however, I would like to share my blueprint for how to host a fun and memorable Thanksgiving Day!

As the leaves trade green for red, orange and gold, our family looks forward to Thanksgiving:  Turkey, Family, Football. I have been hosting for about 10 years now. Here is my blueprint:

Preplan 

Don’t worry. You can pull off the holiday if you plan well:

• Secure your guest list and request three favorite songs from each guest to create a master playlist. Evite is a good invitation tool. Encourage guests to bring an appetizer or dessert as they wish.
• Establish an event schedule and share it on your Evite invitation.
• Draft a menu.
• Determine where you will order the prepared foods and groceries from, when you will pick them up, and where you will store them. In Northeast Ohio, Whole Foods has been a good source for us, but there are many others to consider, including Hartville Kitchen, Heinen’s, Edwins and other local establishments. Lizzie’s Bakery is great for desserts and also offers nut-free choices. Check your local grocery store websites for their offerings.
• Scope out your place to determine the event set up and access to the: Buffet, appetizers, bar and drinks, football and movie viewing, kids play area, sitting and dining areas, overnight arrangements, coat racks, etc.
• Take inventory on plates, cups, silverware, bakeware, decorations, candles, towels, beds, blow-up mattresses, pillows, sheets, extra large garbage bags and any other supplies you might need. Visit your local Home Goods, Marshalls or TJ Maxx for these quick hits. If you have the time to look, Goodwill is also a great place to find recycled dishes, glasses and silverware.

Okay, we are ready to roll!

Early morning

For early risers, a game of touch football, a bike ride or a nice Turkey Trot will help you start your day off feeling energized.

Followed by mid-morning

Watch the Macy’s Day Parade, (I heard Snoopy is getting a new float this year!) prep in the kitchen, and begin to set up. Engage the spatially talented members of your group to arrange the furniture to easily accommodate traffic patterns with easy access to bathrooms, buffet, coat check, etc.

Next up

A favorite of mine, view the The National Dog Show. Take a quick check on decor, bathroom towels, soap, sanitizers to ensure everything is clean and ready to utilize. Continue with meal prep and set up.

Happy Hour at 2 pm

Guests begin to arrive! Run the playlist, serve appetizers, drinks and chat in the living room or watch football together in a designated area. Sports enthusiasts know it is tradition that the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions always play on the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early dinner

Assemble in the dining area for an early dinner at 3 or 4 pm. Direct guests to the buffet with any special directions.

Once seated, invite guests to share prayers, toasts, blessings, thoughts or any other traditions.

Bon Appetit! Continue the playlist and enjoy dinner! 

After dinner stroll

After dinner, get up and move! As weather permits, walk around the block, or even a mile or two. (We sometimes have guests borrow shoes and socks for this exercise!) Bring the dog! Sing Over the River and through the Woods or a Christmas carol! Most of all, take in the benefits of after dinner walking.

Dessert and Wrap Up

After the brief exercise, return to have dessert, coffee and wind down the evening. Set up a hot chocolate bar with sprinkles, whip cream and Bailey’s Irish Cream and let the kids decorate gingerbread cookies.

Retreat to watch family favorites like The Sound of Music or It’s a Wonderful Life in the TV viewing area.

Show overnight guests to their rooms.

Clean up

Once your guests have departed, I recommend immediate clean up. You will be exhausted, but you will be grateful the following morning. 

Play a Christmas playlist while you are loading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, and moving the furniture back to its usual placement. Wash the glassware by hand and put away food and drinks. 

Success. You did it!

Let us know how you incorporate your traditions for a memorable Thanksgiving holiday by sharing  in the Comments section.