If this is your first year hosting Thanksgiving in your new home, we’re so excited for you! Hosting your friends and family is one of the best parts of homeownership. That being said, the holidays can be overwhelming–so we’re here to offer some tips for easing the stress. Take a look at the ideas below to help you host a cozy and memorable gathering:
Confirm the Guest List Ahead of Time
Whether you prefer an intimate gathering or invite the whole neighborhood, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to confirm the guest list before you start cooking. Although it’s better to be over-prepared than underprepared, it’s frustrating when you’ve spent all day cooking large quantities only to realize that the guest list has dwindled. Many Thanksgiving dishes can be prepared a day in advance, so consider contacting invitees a few days before the event to ensure the most accurate head count.
Choose Make-Ahead Recipes
Hosting a Thanksgiving meal is enough work without saving all the cooking for one day. If you’d like to front-load some of the effort, make as many dishes as you can ahead of time. Many Thanksgiving classics are perfect for cooking a day ahead of schedule, and you can simply pop them in the oven to warm them up (if needed). Mashed potatoes, refrigerated desserts such as pumpkin pie or cheesecake, and even green bean casserole are great candidates for preparing in advance. You’ll thank yourself later!
Offer Outdoor Seating
You never quite know what the weather will be like in late November, but even if it’s snowy, some guests may appreciate an opportunity to venture outdoors. Setting up some simple seating in the backyard will provide more breathing room and can offer a chance for one-on-one conversations. To make the area cozier, consider providing outdoor heaters or throw blankets.
Accept Help
When it’s your first time hosting a holiday gathering, the pressure can take some of the magic away from the event. If you feel stressed by the mile-long to-do list, be receptive to help. If guests offer a side dish or dessert, take them up on it! Holidays like Thanksgiving are about community, so keep that in mind as you prepare.
The holiday season is a beautiful time of year. Whether this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving or an annual tradition, we hope the tips mentioned here can help. If you’re searching for a brand new home to make memories with your loved ones, we have exceptional options at Independence. Our conservation community is located in Elizabeth, Colorado, with homes by the top builders in the nation. Please contact our team to learn more about availability.