Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and gratitude, but it can also be a recipe for stress if you’re trying to host an elaborate dinner from scratch. Instead of getting overwhelmed with all the cooking, cleaning, and chaos, why not embrace a laid-back approach this year? You can still enjoy a wonderful holiday without all the effort and exhaustion. Here are some simple, stress-free tips to help you host a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner without losing your mind.
1. Embrace the Potluck
If you’re the type of host who insists on preparing every dish yourself, it’s time for a change. Potlucks are a great way to ease the workload. “Ask your guests to bring a dish they excel at,” suggests Ana Cummings, a design expert. But instead of dealing with a counter full of casseroles that need to be reheated in your already crowded oven, have your guests bring their dishes in crockpots. That way, their meals can stay warm and ready to serve right from the pot, freeing up oven space for the turkey!
2. Hire Help Where You Can
No, we’re not talking about hiring a full staff, but rather treating yourself to a little luxury. Let someone else take care of some of the work for you—whether that means buying pies from a local bakery, picking up pre-chopped vegetables, or grabbing a fully prepared salad from the grocery store. “Many stores offer pre-prepped ingredients that can save you tons of time,” says Cummings. And if you really want to ease the stress, consider hiring someone to clean your house before or after the gathering, so you don’t have to worry about it.
3. Simplify the Bar
Instead of offering a full bar with every liquor under the sun, keep the drink menu simple. A white wine, a red wine, a few beers, and a couple of spirits (like vodka or bourbon) will do the trick. For extra ease, try batching a signature cocktail the night before. Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Caterers recommends a pre-made apple cider cocktail. Set up a serving tray with the pre-poured drinks in another room, keeping your kitchen less cluttered and allowing you to focus on the meal.
4. Skip the Elaborate Appetizers
While it’s tempting to create a spread of fancy appetizers, they can create more work for you. “Too many pre-dinner snacks means more dishes and a distracted crowd,” says Correale. Instead, keep it simple with a few cheeses, crackers, and olives, or go with a charcuterie board. Your guests will still have plenty of time to snack before dinner without you adding unnecessary prep work to your list.
5. Set the Table Ahead of Time
Take the stress out of table setting by preparing it well in advance. Keep it simple: opt for one type of glass that works for both wine and water, and avoid dealing with multiple glasses for each beverage. Setting your table a day or two before Thanksgiving will allow you to check that off your list early, and you’ll avoid last-minute scrambling when everyone starts arriving.
6. Create a Coat Storage Plan
The last thing you want to see is your guests’ coats and bags cluttering up your table or couch. Designate a spot—whether it’s a coat closet or a spare room—where guests can leave their belongings. You’ll keep the space tidy and save yourself from the chaos of a disorganized entryway.
7. Plan for Leftovers
Thanksgiving leftovers are a wonderful thing, but they can quickly overwhelm your fridge. Avoid fridge chaos by gathering plastic containers ahead of time. Set up a space for guests to fill their containers with leftovers—whether it’s on the kitchen counter or a sideboard in the dining room. This way, you can make sure nothing goes to waste and everyone leaves with a little extra holiday feast to enjoy.
By simplifying your Thanksgiving plans, you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Remember, the goal is a stress-free holiday, and these shortcuts will ensure your Thanksgiving is full of fun, flavor, and minimal fuss!