Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of homeownership is hosting. Whether you are hosting overnight guests, hosting a holiday celebration or hosting a dinner with friends, hosting is truly one of the most rewarding parts of owning a home. One of the greatest rewards of helping clients find their new home in the fall is the opportunity it presents for them to host family and friends for Thanksgiving.
Hosting Thanksgiving can be quite stressful – especially for the first time. Many new homeowners aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to planning their dinner, as there are so many elements to consider. From the food, to the entertainment, to the decorations and beyond, effectively planning a good Thanksgiving Day takes a lot of work and preparation. Here are some tips to help you organize and plan a great first Thanksgiving in your new home.
Plan Ahead
Early planning is the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving. Invite everyone far enough in advance. Even if your friends and family are spur-of-the-moment types, they may still make Thanksgiving plans early, so get the word out as soon as possible.
Think about the space in your home. Where do you want guests to sit? Where do you want to set up the food? Sit down dinner? Buffet style? Everyone together in one room / at one table? Children in another room / another table? Do you have enough tables & chairs?
Be Organized
Planning and organizing is crucial for hosting a successful dinner. It will ensure that you don’t find yourself with missing ingredients, a messy home and three hours of cooking when your guests arrive.
- Make lists of everything you need to do for your dinner.
- Prepare a schedule for the week leading up to dinner.
- Write shopping lists before you head to the store for ingredients and supplies.
Curate Your Thanksgiving Menu Early
Thanksgiving is a big tradition and the foods that you serve say a lot about where you are from. People all around the country celebrate with different dishes on Thanksgiving. From the mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and the debate on canned or fresh cranberry sauce, you will have a lot of decisions to make when planning what you and your guests will have. It’s your first Thanksgiving, so why not start your own tasty tradition? Also, try not to stress by cooking everything on Thanksgiving Day. Create a timeline, and figure out what can be made ahead of time. Don’t forget that casseroles can be premade and vegetables can be chopped ahead of time.
Consider Your Seating
While you will likely figure out your guest list early, it’s important to think about where all of your guests will sit. While folding chairs make setting the dinner table fairly easily, you also need to consider how many seats you have in other areas of your house. While Thanksgiving dinner is the focal point of the day, it’s likely that your guests will spur off at some point to socialize in a smaller setting. Taking time to think about your seating options is crucial as you want to make sure that your guests always have a place to sit. Set the table the day before. Not only will this give you major peace of mind when everyone shows up at your house and your table is ready to go, but it’ll give you a chance to identify if you’re missing any flatware, glassware, plates, etc. Most importantly, it’s one less thing to think about on the actual day, so you can focus on food, drinks, and spending time with your people.
Offer Snacks Before Dinner
Tasty appetizers benefit the cook as much as the guests. Guests can get busy munching while you finish up in the kitchen!
Becoming a homeowner is a significant life event and sharing that moment by hosting Thanksgiving Dinner can be memorable. While preparing for your first Thanksgiving can be daunting, it’s important to remember the central point of Thanksgiving and that your guests are thrilled that you have invited them into your new home. Take advantage of the gathering and take time to relax and enjoy it.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with wonderful memories.
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for your confidence and friendship.
About Me
Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 35 years. At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Inside Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate. I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.
I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City. Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends. I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes. My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.
Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker at Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, in Lagoon City, Ontario and provides you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today. Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community. Contact him today for a free home evaluation.
