Blog & Social

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the pressure is mounting! This holiday is filled with gratitude, community, and of course, all the food. However, amidst everything going on, it's important to be mindful when welcoming guests into your home for Thanksgiving Dinner or being a guest in someone else's home.

For both the Thanksgiving host and guests, there are a few things to note before the holiday rolls around this year. As a host it is important to always make your guests feel welcome and comfortable in your home. When being a guest it’s important to brush up on your manners and seize opportunities where you can help the host have a smoother dinner party.

Here are a few Thanksgiving dinner etiquette tips to help you conquer the season like a pro:

Pro Tips – How to Host Thanksgiving Dinner:

1. Set the Menu – Plan for Mishaps

A full course menu is the foundation for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner. To plan for success, brainstorm menu items in advance. Keep in mind any allergies, restrictions, or personal food preferences that your guests have. This will help you plan out what you can serve and what you need to shop for.

Be aware that grocery stores are very busy around major holidays, and many popular ingredients and items might sell out quickly. To avoid this issue, buy canned and dry ingredients well in advance and shop a few days before for fresh produce and meat. It’s worth pre-ordering from some local grocers to ensure you get exactly what you want for Thanksgiving dinner.

While creating the menu, don't be too creative. There are many unique twists on classic Thanksgiving dishes and sides, however, it's important to keep a few crowd favorites around. Your guests will not only be expecting some of the classics to be served (stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.) but it's also synonymous with the season to cook these dishes at this time of year!

2. Create the Perfect Thanksgiving dinner Atmosphere

What says: ‘holidays’ like a decorated home? Creating a cozy atmosphere is a must for your Thanksgiving dinner party. Use the colors of the season to create an autumn wonderland feeling for your guests. Use a variation of small and large pumpkins to decorate inside and outside the home to bring in more color. Feeling more festive? Use an old wreath and create a Thanksgiving wreath. You can use foliage and acorns (real or fake) to decorate the wreath.

The Thanksgiving dinner table is a key area where your guests will be crowding around. Use a simple table runner and candles to create a candlelit setting for your guests to enjoy as they dine. Use small accents like wine glass charms to add special details to the occasion.

3. Be a Timely Host

Everyone is always excited to mix and mingle for the first hour or so. It is important to keep time when hosting Thanksgiving dinner, so you avoid leaving your guests feeling bored or hungry! Aim to serve all main course food at a specific time. Leaving a few appetizers on the table for your guests to peck at, will allow you time to get any last-minute items in the oven.

Cooking a full turkey can be a tricky dish to perfect. Make sure you have alarms set for the turkey and any other dishes that are more time-sensitive.

4. Be a Gracious Thanksgiving Host

Be the host/hostess with the mostest! On a more serious note, it's important to enjoy your party yourself! Your guests are not only coming for the party and delicious food but to also enjoy quality time with you. Greet your guests and enjoy catching up over a drink with them. These are the moments at a Thanksgiving dinner that matter the most.

Check up on everyone's plates and drinks once in a while to make sure everyone is eating and drinking well. Try not to get wrapped up in perfecting every detail and enjoy yourself as well.

5. Clean Up Occasionally

The process of cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner is one major downside of being the host. However, it doesn't need to be an overwhelming process. If you plan in advance, you can reduce the number of dishes you need to clean at the end of the night.

Set aside food containers for leftovers and clear out your dishwasher to make room for larger pots and pans that will need to be washed. Washing up small plates and utensils along the way will prevent the sink from getting full too quickly. Send your guests home with a few Thanksgiving leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Pro Tips – Attending Thanksgiving Dinner:

1. Got Invited? - RSVP Early

If you were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, it's only fair to let the host know if you will be attending or not. Being prompt to accept your invitation is a great way to let the host know that you are excited to come and that you're not weighing out your options till the last moment before accepting the invitation. Doing this will also enable the host to plan in terms of how many ingredients to buy or how many people to cater for.

2. Bring the Host a Gift

It’s always a nice gesture to bring the host a small gift. Whether it's their favorite bottle of wine, flowers, or a box of quality chocolates, the thought is always appreciated. A great gift idea is to offer to bring a dessert or another dish to reduce the number of things the host needs to plan for.

3. Lend a Helping Hand

Being a considerate guest never goes a miss. Offer the host your help throughout the party. Helping to clear the dinner table or staying to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner is done are all very thoughtful superstar type of behavior as a guest.  The host might not always take you up on your offer, but it makes the world of a difference to put it out there.

4. Be Mindful of Time

If you're attending a Thanksgiving dinner, plan out your stay. Start by arriving on time. It's important to stick to the suggested start time of the invitation. Arriving too early could mean that your host is not fully prepared for guests as they may be running around getting last-minute things done or might need a moment to themselves before people arrive. Overstaying your welcome is also a party faux pas. Thanksgiving can be a long day, especially for the host.

By following these Thanksgiving etiquette tips, you can rest assured that you will be a pro host or guest! Remember that Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what you have. Being both a gracious giver and receiver are equally important. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, and the rest of the holiday season!