Stress-Free
Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving In Your New Home
It’s the holiday season! The weather is getting colder,
the Halloween candy is almost gone, and turkey day is right around the corner.
Depending on how recently you moved into your new house, tackling Thanksgiving
dinner may be a tremendously gutsy thing to do. Even if it’s been a couple of
months, you probably still have at least a few boxes left unpacked. But that’s
just fine because we’ve got some ideas that will help your Thanksgiving dinner
be a little less stressful.
Roll Your
Housewarming Party into Thanksgiving
Even the happiest host is going to feel fatigued having
people over when there are pictures to hang and rooms to paint, so make it easy
on yourself. You’re already inviting people over, whether it’s your group of
friends or family, so why not host a double-feature? Combine your Thanksgiving
dinner with your housewarming party.
Who knows -- you might even convince those friends or
family members to help you unpack or set up a room or two. It’ll be a way for
your guests to stave off the post-turkey nap, at least.
Give a Potluck Spin
to Thanksgiving Dinner
Instead of spending the entire day (or several days, if
we’re honest) preparing dishes, digging out roasting pans, and shopping for
last-minute ingredients you couldn’t find in the post-move chaos, why not ask
your guests to help?
Ask each guest to sign up for an item to bring on the big
day. That way, you’ll only be responsible for one or two dishes and can focus
your energy on getting your new home ready for your friends and family.
Serve Food You Can
Eat on the Go!
Every single person who walks into your new house is going
to want a tour. Like, right away, please. It’s going to be a blast showing off
your new home to your loved ones, but make sure nobody’s feeling peckish while
you’re taking on the role of a tour guide. Put out plenty of snacks and finger
foods for guests to nibble on while you take them through the rooms of your new
home.
Don’t Just Prep
Dinner -- Prep the Cleaning Station, Too
Thanksgiving dinner is a warm, cozy meal that makes you
want to curl up and take a nap, not spend hours washing dishes. Save yourself
the hassle by preparing for the Big Clean Up even before guests arrive. Make
sure your dishwasher is empty and ready for business. Clean your pots and pans
while you’re cooking, so there’s not a mountain of dishes to wash before you
even eat. And finally, fill your sink with soapy water and encourage guests to
pop their plates right in after dinner. You’ll be happy you put the time into
this when you’re deep into the post-turkey haze.
Have Fun and Be
Thankful!
Finally, Thanksgiving is about spending time with your
family and friends. So enjoy it! Even if you’re eating off of paper plates, or
you’re sitting on uncomfortable folding chairs between boxes, what’s important
is the time you’re spending together. Enjoy your holiday!
