Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Potluck

No one remembers a Thanksgiving dinner if it’s held every year, much like how we recall only the memorable moments of our past gatherings. How was your 2015 Thanksgiving? 2014? 2002? And what about the 1993 one – was it a riot?

Embrace Imperfection and Let Go of Perfectionism

The key is to accept that perfection is a myth and a pain in the a. Rooms won’t be featured on the cover of House Beautiful, and no one cares about old bathroom wallpaper, pet scratches, or un-painted back doors. The guests are there to have a good time, so let go of the perfectionist mindset. Relax and enjoy yourself and your loved ones – that’s what we’re all thankful for anyway!

Back It Up With a Post-Hosting Strategy

Accept help, and delegate tasks. No one force-feeds you into cooking an entire Thanksgiving dinner, even if they are not named Martha Stewart or Gordon Ramsey. If hosting this year, limit yourself to preparing the turkey, gravy, and stuffing. Encourage others to bring sides and desserts that match their specialties.

Preparation is Key to Success

Preparation significantly reduces hosting stress. Cook the turkey the day before and store it in the refrigerator or outside grill. Reheat it the next day at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes. This way, you can avoid the mind game of worrying about the turkey’s readiness and prevent potential food poisoning.

Engage the Kids

If children are involved, engage them in fun activities that keep them occupied and happy. Buying gingerbread houses, cupcakes, coloring books, or Christmas crafts will keep kids busy until mealtime. A shower curtain under a card table serves as an ideal workspace for kids. Prepare for any potential issues and ensure pets are securely locked up if they might cause trouble, especially cats.

Tips for an Organized Event

Here are a few additional tips to make your Thanksgiving a breeze:

Set the table well in advance. Have insulating pads at the ready to protect your table from hot dishes.

Have drinks and appetizers ready when guests arrive.

Prepare the kiddie table in advance and have kids help with setting the table if they want to.

Lock up pets, especially cats, if they can be problematic.

Most vegetable sides can be prepared in advance. Chop, peel, and slice ingredients and keep them chilled until needed.

Desserts can be made ahead of time, as can cranberry sauce if you make it yourself.

Main dishes vary, and here are some specific tips:

For ham, simply take it out of the oven the evening before and slice it. Pot roast needs some attention for gravy-making, but it’s not difficult. For turkey, I prefer to roast it the day before.

Start the giblet gravy preparation by boiling the giblets with your preferred vegetables about when you put the turkey in the oven. Scrape the pan and save both the fat and browned bits for the gravy. Gravy preparation is quite complex and not for newbies.

Final Thoughts

Hope these tips help you have an amazing Thanksgiving. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your hosting experience is stress-free and filled with joy and laughter – the things we’re all truly thankful for.