Thanksgiving is around the corner and that also means that hosting is definitely are on the horizon. Whether you have a small gathering to a larger than life expedition, the way to make your hosting duties easier is to set expectations early. If you are a first timer or even need some tips to make it run smoothly here are some that will help make hosting a breeze. So cheers to hosting or having the most epic Friendsgiving.
Setting Early Hosting Expectations
Decide what you are making as far as your menu. Scrambling around to get the menu together last minute will add stress. The name of the game is to plan. Planning is your best friend. How many people are you preparing for? Set your menu now including drinks. Write out your menu and what you will need to make each dish happen. Go to the store early. This will help as you know that you will forget a few items and need to do final runs on the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Now that the menu is set and you are prepping for the day, your hosting expectations is also to know your guests. How can you prepare for your guests and their needs?
What are the guest like? Host Questions
You get to set the vibe for the day by knowing your guests and what they need. Are they more laid back? Will they want to watch the games or Beyonce who is heading the half time show this year? Are you going with a traditional theme? All of these types of questions will help you carve out the best time. For instance a few weeks ago I went to a Halloween pajama party. It was laid back and comfortable. The host at that party made sure that we had plenty of drinks and food options. Some watched basketball. Others talked amongst themselves. At the end of the night we were all signing to karaoke together. It all worked because the host set the atmosphere.
Start with the Home
Hosting people means that you need to make sure that the home is clean. There is a lot of controversy that happens on whether or not to hire someone to clean your home. This only comes up with people who feel as if having someone clean your home means you aren’t capable. Self care can look like hiring a cleaning company to clean your home too. You are about to host people.
This means that your living space needs to be clean and inviting. I do deep cleans in our home and make everyone in it contribute. They live here so that means they can help. From moving the couches, checking the walls, to decluttering and more are all things you are going to want to pay attention to.
With hosting and all of the preparation that many of us are about to do in order to enjoy this one day of eating and fellowship, if you can hire someone to help do it.
Place Settings are Important
This is when the hosting aesthetic will come together. That table setting will be something that many will remember. We set our table beautifully and its just us that are eating. So how much more if you are hosting family or friends? You don’t have to go spend a lot of money. It is about how the items are presented. Some keep it simple and others will layer the settings. How you do it is up to you. For me even though its just my 5, I go with a layering effect.
If you want to make it extra special you can do place setting name tags too. Fresh flowers to use as a decorative piece is also nice. Nine times out of 10 we remove the flowers to set the food in its place.
Have Options as a Host
The name of the game is knowing your guests. This means that if you are supplying alcoholic drinks you also will need non alcoholic drinks. So many are choosing to do great tasting mocktails as an options. Many people aren’t looking to be drunk on Thanksgiving day.
Whereas my husband and I make a signature drink for the adults along with wine for dinner. When it comes to food as you invited your guests knowing any dietary needs is important especially on food allergies. A rule of thumb is to eliminate any food allergies from the menu. I know some will say simply label it but for me unless it is a key ingredient, labeling may not be enough. You don’t want anyone leaving to feel or get sick.
To add New traditions
It is okay to start traditions with your guest. If for instance you want to have people say what they are grateful then do that. Another way to do it is to have guests write what they are grateful for on decorative notes. The hosts can read them during the day/evening. They can be anonymous but still provide and encourage the spirit of gratefulness. Want to be creative? Ask the guests to share a song that they like to hear in this season. You will be surprised that it will help you build a playlist for the next event.
Attending someone’s Gathering as a Guest
Although this blog was focused on ways to make hosting a breeze there comes a responsibility as guests too. For instance, show up to the home with a hostess gift. This is important especially if you aren’t being asked to bring a dish to share. Let the host know you are thankful for them inviting them. Follow up with a thank you either by card or communicate with a call or text message afterward too. Know your host.
If they have a mostly aesthetic home and you are coming over make sure that whatever you do to leave that home in the same way you came in. This is alsos important if you have kids. It is not okay to have your children tear up other people’s home. Even if there is behavior that you allow at your home, remind them how to mind themselves at other people’s house. If you know that your children aren’t well behaved, I hate to say this but it may be best to decline the offer. No one and I mean no ones wants their day disrupted by ill behaved kids. So consider that when you are entering other people’s home.
So here is your host recap:
- Plan ahead
- Know your guests
- Have options
- Consider your decor or theme ahead of time
- Have or arrange help for set up or take down
- For guests; mind your kids and bring a hostess gift
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. No matter how big or small the gathering, its a blessing to be a blessing and have others at your home. God bless all who can host this year. You never know if you are making a difference in someone feeling connected and less alone.
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