5 TIPS FOR HOSTING THANKSGIVING IN YOUR NEW HOME

Each November, you await Thanksgiving. This year, however, things are a little different: it's your first holiday at your new home! You're eager to show off your new and lovely home to everyone! You want it to be one-of-a-kind. Don't be worried. We offer some suggestions for making the day memorable and stress-free!

1. Plan ahead and be organized

Planning and preparing are necessary to avoid running out of ingredients, having a messy home, and still having hours of cooking to complete when your guests come. Consider the logistics. Which seats do you like your visitors to take? Where do you want the food to be set up? Dinner at a table? How about a buffet? Is everyone in the same room and at the same table? Children in a different room or at a different table? Do you have enough seats and tables? Make sure to plan out your dinner before in order to not run into problems the day of.

2. Cook in advance anything you can

Don't overwork yourself by attempting to prepare everything on Thanksgiving morning. Make a schedule and determine what can be done ahead of time, like Casseroles. Vegetables can be pre-chopped and steam-ready. Although some items cannot be cooked ahead of time, practically everything else for the festive dinner may be prepared ahead of time and placed on the stovetop or in the oven.

3. Make sure every room in the house is ready for guests

Begin with a spotless kitchen. Clean out the dishwasher and garbage cans. Line your bins with multiple bags so that you always have a fresh bag on hand. To protect valuable items from energetic nieces and nephews, remove them from the living room. Better to be safe than sorry. Cover your bed with a sheet to protect it from the elements if coats and luggage are going to be on it.

4. Plan out how you will decorate

 Pumpkins make a simple seasonal centerpiece. On a tray, arrange tiny pumpkins of various colors and sizes. Pomegranates and other seasonal fruits can be used to provide aesthetic flair. As part of your new Thanksgiving traditions, create a magnificent DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece, assemble cute autumn-inspired place cards, make a few pumpkin crafts, and use fancy napkin rings to shift the overall mood of the feast. Consider how these details will add charm, elegance, and visual interest to a meal that might otherwise be indistinguishable from a fine dining experience.

5. Keep the kids busy

Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and serious food preparation, but keeping track of all the kids may be a challenge. You might want to think of some fun but not too messy Thanksgiving activities, crafts, and games that your family can enjoy on the big day to help you stay focused on the turkey that needs roasting. Here are some fun activities to keep the kids occupied until it's time to eat! Make a turkey scavenger hunt, turkey tag, a coloring table, thankful jars, turkey bingo, or even set up a photo booth with fun props. 

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to people who are close to you. It's all about being thankful for what you have and who you have in your life. It doesn't have to be a day-long affair, nor does it have to be a particularly stressful one. Make a list of hilarious stories or Thanksgiving wishes to tell at the dinner next year. Hopefully, these tips will assist in planning long-lasting memories when hosting Thanksgiving in your new home. Happy Holidays from all of us at Darin Marques Group!