Thanksgiving Tips for a First-Time Host

I will never forget my first-year hosting Thanksgiving. It was something I had always wanted to do since before my husband and I were married. We didn’t host our first few Thanksgivings as a married couple. Once we moved into a larger house and had more space, we felt the time was right. My mom had also reached the point where she was happy to give up the reins so off we went to be crowned the new host and hostess of Thanksgiving.

But as time got closer and reality set in, I remember realizing the idea of hosting was exciting but actually hosting was going to be a whole lot of work I wasn’t quite sure I was cut out to do.

If you are heading into your first Thanksgiving with a little uncertainty and maybe thinking you’ll just hide in the pantry for a breather, you are not alone. These tips are designed to help you not totally freak out and enjoy the holiday versus being a ball of stress the entire time.

Get an Accurate Count of Guests

Confirm who would be in attendance. It makes it much easier when deciding how many potatoes to buy and how many chairs you need to set out.

Ask Guests to Bring Something

One of the reasons it will be important to know who is coming is so that you know how to appropriately split-up side dishes (if asking others to bring an item). I never mind bringing a side dish and I guarantee you your guests won’t either.

I have been hosting for several years and have decided some years to not have guests bring anything and to do all the cooking. This goes without saying but it is significantly more work. This year I am shifting back to asking guests to bringing a specific dish.

This could be key in order to not overwhelm yourself the first year of hosting.

Be Strategic in Assigning Side Dishes

Don’t ask your friend or family member who is notoriously late to bring an appetizer. If you have people you know will struggle with this, ask them to bring something simple like a bottle of wine.

Start Now

Here is an awesome guide to coach us newbies through what day you can start prepping what item. This is mainly if you are doing it all yourself but the list really helps to take a step back and think through what can be done ahead of time.

Make a Complete Shopping List

The prep list also helps think through the decor, household goods, or kitchen/serving items you will need and put them on your shopping list.

Shop For What You Can Now

After you have made that list, think about items you can check off now. This is probably going to be more décor items. For me, I made sure I purchased all I will need for my table like napkin rings, and fake pumpkins and candles for the tables.

Do a Test Run

Perhaps try making some of the dishes ahead of time if this is your first time. You might be sick of them come Thanksgiving but it could help ease your stress.

I also set my table at least a full day prior to Thanksgiving to have one less thing to do the day of.

Have Your House Professionally Cleaned

If budget allows, take this stress off of you by having your house cleaned a couple of days prior. My husband and I both work full time including the day before Thanksgiving. This really limits the time we have for things like prepping to host. Knowing cleaning won’t be on my list is going to be a huge relief.

Don’t Clean Everything

If you are cleaning yourself, keep these tips in mind for what actually needs to be cleaned prior to hosting. Once the house fills with people and food, you will see that a nice surface clean will suit just fine.

Assign Family Members to Welcome Tasks

One stressor for me when hosting is when everyone arrives and you have coats and purses and people needing drinks all at once. For us, that is also coupled with dogs barking. I ask one of my kids to manage the dogs or to ensure they are crated at the time guests arrive. I then ask my oldest to help with directing guests where to put coats and purses. I always have beverages out for people to grab but ask my husband to also point guests that direction and to offer to pour drinks and to encourage they start eating appetizers.

The first several minutes of hosting, for me, can set the whole vibe of the night. Do what you can to calm yourself and not get stressed from the get-go.

Let Yourself Enjoy

It is so easy to be stressed about hosting and cooking that you forget to enjoy the holiday. Do your best to remind yourself to take moments to breathe and visit with family, don’t worry about everything being perfect. I promise your guests are not looking for perfection. Honestly, they are probably just thankful that you are hosting!

Are you hosting Thanksgiving for the first time ever? Have any tips for us new to this adventure? We’d love to hear!

Related: