Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. Lots of food. If you’re tasked with hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, you might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Where do you even start? What do you need to do to make sure the day goes off without a hitch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips about what it takes to make the day stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Plan ahead as much as possible.

The key to a successful Thanksgiving dinner is organization and planning. There’s so much to do, and everything has to be perfect. Make a detailed list of everything you need to do in the weeks leading up to the big day, including shopping, cooking, decorations, and cleaning. This will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute scrambling.

Make use of your slow cooker/Instant Pot/air fryer/etc.

These handy appliances can be lifesavers when it comes to preparing a big meal like Thanksgiving dinner. Let them do some of the work for you!

Enlist help from family and friends.

You don’t have to go it alone! Ask your family and friends to pitch in with cooking, cleaning, and setting up on the day of the feast. They can also help with errands in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Potluck style meals are your friend.

One of the best ways to take some of the pressure off of yourself is by having guests bring dishes to share. Assign specific dishes to specific people so that you don’t end up with six pumpkin pies (unless that’s what you want, of course).

Set the table the night before.

This may seem like a small thing, but it makes a world of difference come Thanksgiving Day. The first step is to choose a tablecloth or runner that will set the tone for the rest of the table. If you’re going for a traditional look, try a richly-colored cloth in fall tones like orange or red. For a more modern look, go with a neutral fabric or patterned runner. Next, it’s time to select your place settings. If you’re using china, make sure each plate is lined up with the forks, knives, and spoons placed above it. For a less formal look, mix and match different plates, bowls, and cups. Once your place settings are in order, it’s time to add some finishing touches. Candles are always a nice touch, and flowers or foliage make great centerpieces. So gather up your supplies and get ready to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table and wake up feeling calm knowing that at least one thing is already taken care of!

If all else fails CATER!

Why not take the stress out of cooking by having your Thanksgiving meal catered? There are many benefits to catering, including saving time and hassle. With a professional catering company like Lee n’ Eddies handling the food, you can relax and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends. With a variety of Thanksgiving menu options you can be sure to find a meal that everyone will enjoy.

Don’t forget about dessert!

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a delicious dessert (or two… or three…). Whether you make it yourself or have someone bring it, make sure there’s something sweet for everyone to enjoy after the main meal is over.

Relax and enjoy yourself!

Take some time to actually enjoy the company of your family and friends instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off all day long. After all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.

Following these tips will help ensure that your Thanksgiving dinner is enjoyable for both you and your guests! Just remember to relax, take some deep breaths, and have fun!

Here at Lee n’ Eddies, we understand that bridal showers are a special occasion. That’s why we offer professional catering services to help make your bridal shower planning easy and stress-free. Our catering experts can work with you to identify the perfect menu for your event, whether you’re looking for finger foods or a more formal sit-down meal. So, if you’re planning a bridal shower, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.

Dan Veles

Dan Veles is the heart and soul behind Lee n' Eddies, steering the beloved catering company for over four decades. As the owner and operator, Dan has dedicated himself to serving the Chicago area and its surroundings, consistently delivering great food and service at unbeatable prices. Under his leadership, Lee n' Eddies has become synonymous with quality catering, offering a wide range of delicious options that cater to every taste and occasion.

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