Tips and Tricks To Surviving Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you're hosting it for your family, you might feel a little nervous! It's normal to feel stressed out; it's not just any holiday. Thanksgiving is a day that brings up all kinds of feelings. You might be worried about every detail: what to cook, what to buy, where to seat everyone, so they have enough room… the list goes on and on! But don't worry—there are some fun and enjoyable ways to get through the holidays! 

Here are some tips for making your Thanksgiving dinner stress-free:

1. Start planning early! You don't want to put off anything until the last minute (trust me). If you have time, start grocery shopping in September or early October so that when Thanksgiving finally does roll around and it's time for turkey prep time, you'll have everything you need ready to go.

2. Focus on the turkey! For an excellent turkey recipe that's easy and delicious, check out Bon Appetit magazine's expertly spiced and glazed roast turkey recipe.

But, Don't stress about what kind of food people like or how many people are coming—do what makes sense for your family! If everyone else wants sweet potatoes, but one person hates them? Don't sweat it! 

3. Activities! Create a list of activities everyone can do together or individually with friends and family members. Options will ensure everyone has something fun to do while visiting with one another instead of just sitting around being bored (or worse yet—bickering).

For ideas or inspiration on activities, check out this link. The Pioneer Woman - Thanksgiving Family Activities. 

4. Drinks. Drinks. Drinks! Nothing goes better with Thanksgiving than alcohol, and don't skimp on the booze! If there's one thing we know about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, someone always gets drunk before dessert arrives! So, keep those bottles coming!

Set up a bar or self-serve drink station. It's a great way to keep everyone entertained while waiting for food and each other! Plus, that takes one task off your to-do list! There is no need to wait on family after all! Just make sure there are lots of non-alcoholic options as well as alcoholic ones so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

Check out this video on how to set up a self-serve drink station How to Set Up a Self Serve Cocktail Bar | Martha Stewart

5. Think about space! Set up some space where people can hang out if they want to get away from the main party. That way, they can socialize with other family members without feeling like they're missing out on anything.

Also, make sure you have enough seating for everyone! You don't want anyone having to sit on the floor or in an uncomfortable chair just because there's not enough space for everyone at the table.

6. RELAX! Lastly, before the panic sets in, remember that although this can be stressful, you're a trooper and will get through the holidays!