Now that Halloween has passed and we are swapping costumes for sweatpants, it is time to start planning for Thanksgiving.
As we dive into holidays, it is important to have some trusty tips in your back pocket. With a mile-long to-do list, reliable advice can make the process a breeze!
Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) or you’re a seasoned vet looking for a way to elevate your hosting game, here are 13 helpful tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner:
1. Plan the Menu Early
Decide on your full menu at least 1–2 weeks out. This not only prevents duplication, like three people showing up with a green bean casserole, but also helps you budget, shop with purpose, and identify which dishes require oven space, stovetop time, or special tools. Planning early also lets you choose recipes that complement each other in terms of flavor and difficulty, ensuring your workload stays manageable.
2. Prepare the Seating Arrangements
Once you have your RSVPs back and determined a headcount for the day of, it is time to create a seating arrangement that will fit all your guests. If needed, bring in extra folding tables and chairs to make room for your company.
While creating the seating layout, plan to have a few extra seats on hand. There could be a last-minute change of plans for guests and they may seek a meal at your dinner party. Welcome them with open arms and have a seat ready for them. This could be adding a few extra chairs to the existing tables or having some on stay-by nearby.
3. Set the Table the Night Before
The day of Thanksgiving will be a little hectic between food prep and handling the inflow of guests (and the nonstop messages in the morning about last-minute details). A good piece of advice for making Thanksgiving hosting a little smoother, set up the table and seating arrangements the night before. Lay out your plates, silverware, and any decor you like on Thanksgiving Eve. Setting up the little details the day before, like setting the table, gives you more time to focus on the food and guests during the day of the feast.
4. Set Up a Drink Station
Adesignated station allows guests to refill without interrupting kitchen workflow. Place cups, napkins, an ice bucket, and a variety of soft drinks, sparkling water, cider, wine, or cocktails. If kids are attending, consider a small “kids drink corner” with juice boxes or festive mocktails.
5. Do Your Shopping Early
We all know that grocery stores can be incredibly hectic around Thanksgiving. If possible, try to purchase as much as you can sometime before the big day. If this isn’t an option, consider purchasing some shelf-stable items a week in advance, so there’s less shopping to do on Thanksgiving.
6. Give the Turkey Time to Thaw – and Use a Meat Thermometer
A frozen turkey takes much longer to thaw than most people expect. Plan for about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds in the refrigerator. A partially frozen turkey will cook unevenly, leading to dry breast meat and undercooked dark meat.
After the turkey is adequately thawed and you begin cooking, make sure to use a thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out the bird. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and breast. A safe internal temperature is 165°F.
7. Plan out Entertainment 
Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently. For some, the day is technology free and electronics are away. Others may race to the TV to bond over watching the football game or the parade. If your crowd is competitive, break out some board gams or head outside for a football game of your own. Is your crowd creative? Create a craft for everyone to enjoy! If your interests and ages range among your guests, have an array of options for them to choose from. Plan your entertainment around the interests of your guests, and remember to have fun!
8. Create a Cozy, Holiday-friendly Playlist
If you’re planning to play some music, consider something that will fill the room without dominating it. Most jazz works, as well as something acoustic, or, if you’re feeling particularly festive, some holiday instrumentals. Background music helps smooth transitions throughout the day, adds warmth, and helps reduce awkward silences, especially if guests arrive at staggered times.
9. Create an Irresistible Menu and Prep Ahead
One suggestion for having a successful Thanksgiving meal is to stick to tried and true recipes. Do you have a dish that guests rave about? Bring it out and show it off! Others may be a little more daring and willing to try new recipes. This could be the perfect time to test out that recipe you’ve been eyeing and get instant feedback from the crowd. If you’re opting for a Thanksgiving without turkey, try this mouthwatering Spiral Ham or Prime Rib recipe! No matter which dishes you are going to be serving, try to make as much as you can ahead of time!
10. Have To-Go Boxes Handy
It is better to be overprepared rather than underprepared, and if you tak
e this saying seriously, especially when it comes to food, there is always going to be extra food. There is often a ton of food left after everyone has finished their seconds (and thirds and fourths) and just squeezes in some dessert. While the piles of food left over may look like no one had anything to eat, our full stomachs would say otherwise. Having leftovers on hand is great, but it is better to spread the joy among the guests.
Having containers easily accessible for guests is a great way to encourage them to take some of the leftovers off your plate. If you’re looking for a great way to send guests home with food, opt for disposable cupcake tins. Guests can add their food to each section and pop the tin into the oven to heat it up (shoutout to Brunch with Babs for this game-changing idea)! Be sure to keep some for yourself, too!
11. Create a Plan for Cleaning Up
Having a plan for cleaning up after the meal is almost as important as the meal itself. First, make sure that your dishwasher is empty in preparation for the evening. You can also make things easier on your guest by placing labeled trash and recycling bins where guests can see them so they can help themselves. Clean as you go when possible; soapy water in the sink makes it easier to drop in utensils and non-breakables while cooking. After dinner, enlist a few helpers for quick cleanup before dessert.
12. Don’t Be Afraid to Accept Help
Even if you prefer to handle the cooking, allow guests to lighten your load. Whether they bring a dessert, help carve the turkey, refill drink stations, or monitor the oven, it all contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable day for you. Hosting doesn’t mean doing everything alone.
13. And Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself
This is perhaps the most important Thanksgiving hosting tip. Remember, the holiday is an opportunity to connect with loved ones. Pause to chat, savor the meal, and appreciate the atmosphere you’ve created. You don’t need perfection. Warmth, good food, and good company are what make Thanksgiving memorable.
What are some things you do to prep for the holiday season? Let us know if you try any of these tips and tricks for hosting Thanksgiving, or have any of your own, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok by tagging us and using #SharpHome!
