4 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving
Whether it is your very first time to host Thanksgiving or you are a seasoned hostess, cooking this great American meal is a big milestone, but it can also be a time of high anxiety. If you are going to be the Thanksgiving host this year, we have you covered with four important tips that will get you through the big day.
Keep Breakfast Simple
I am not suggesting you starve your family, but with all the pre-planning and prep in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, do not make it harder on yourself by adding the task of cooking a full heavy breakfast Thanksgiving morning (and subsequently washing all the dishes). Anything that can be eaten without adding to the dishwasher is a plus. If you have in-town guests who prefer a full breakfast, have your spouse or child take them out for a simple, early meal. This will also give you some alone time during peak prep hours.
Give Everyone a Job
Thanksgiving is often a potluck affair, and that is the beauty of it. Let friends and family bring things and be shameless about delegating the parts of the meal that stress you out. Also, if you assign each guest a simple responsibility, it makes them feel important, needed, and involved. You can ask someone to say the blessing, fill the water pitcher, or set out a bowl of nuts for snacking.
Make-Ahead
From gravy to potatoes to homemade croutons, there are many dishes that will hold up and, in some cases, will taste better if you make them in advance. Even if you are preparing for four or are only planning for one dessert, this is something that can be checked off the list early.
Get Chopping
Never underestimate the power of a pre-party prep to ensure smooth sailing come game day. Professional chefs call this mise en place, the technique of ‘putting in place’ certain foods to ensure maximum efficiency. By chopping, measuring, and washing ingredients for your side dishes the day before, you will save valuable time.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be stressful. With a few tricks, a little planning, and a game-day strategy, you can keep your cool on the big day.
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