Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course FOOD! But if you’re hosting this year, you might be wondering, how exactly can you pull off the perfect Thanksgiving dinner and leave a lasting impression on family and friends. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with some surefire hosting tips below! 

Prepping Your Home

Firstly, you’ll want to prep your home for your guests. This is a time to settle in with family, indulge in a warm and delicious meal and simply enjoy each other's company, but creating the perfect mood and atmosphere for the evening is also key! 

Declutter and Deep Clean: Before the festivities begin, take some time to declutter and deep clean your home. Clear away any unnecessary items, dust all surfaces, and vacuum or mop the floors. A clean and organized home will create a sense of calm and make guests feel more comfortable.

Make an Impression: Make a great first impression by enhancing your home's curb appeal. Sweep the front porch, rake the leaves, and add some festive touches like pumpkins or a fall wreath. For the entryway, make sure it's clean and inviting. Add a seasonal doormat and perhaps a small table with a vase of fresh flowers.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Set the mood with soft lighting, candles, and background music. Consider adding some fall scents like cinnamon or pumpkin spice to enhance the ambiance. Pay special attention to the areas where guests will spend most of their time, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen and make sure these spaces are clean. You can also add touches like cozy throws and pillows on the furniture to invoke that extra feel of hominess. 

Set the Table in Advance: If you're hosting a large gathering, consider setting the table a day or two in advance. This will save you time on Thanksgiving Day and allow you to focus on other preparations. Choose a festive tablecloth, napkins, and a fall centrepiece to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Plan the Menu Ahead of Time: Avoid last-minute stress by planning your Thanksgiving menu well in advance and testing out any recipes you’re trying out for the first time.  Make a shopping list and gather any necessary ingredients a few days before the holiday so you’re all stocked up and ready to cook on the day.

Delegate Tasks: Don't try to do everything yourself. Hosting is a big job and getting help where you can is crucial. Enlist family and friends to prepare dishes, set the table and to lend a hand wherever needed. 

Plan Some Games and Cue Up a Movie: After everyone is stuffed full from a great meal, you’ll want to plan some fun activities to unwind with for the rest of the night. It’s a great idea to think of some family friendly games ahead of time or for a more low key option, cue up some movies and have plenty of munchies on hand for everyone! 

Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be as stressful as you may think! Do your best to have fun while hosting, put your own spin on things, and remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy yourself. Happy Thanksgiving!