16 Nov 9 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your New Custom Home

With you new home completed, you decided on hosting Thanksgiving in your new custom home. Congratulations on your first holiday in your new home.

But Thanksgiving is next week and you realize that this year is different than planning any other Thanksgiving festivities.

Here are 9 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving This Year to Make It Special

1. LOGOSTICS:
   Will Thanksgiving be a sit-down meal or buffet style? What will show off the features of your new custom home best? This will impact where you want to set up food and where you want guests to sit. Do you want guests to move from the kitchen area to a dining room as festivities progress? How will the menu affect the flow of your Thanksgiving Day. Will adults and children be in the same room? At another table? Will guests retire to a great room or media room to watch football for dessert and coffee (great change to showcase this part of your new home)?
2. MENU:
   Are guest bringing anything? Chances are they will want to bring a side dish at a minimum. Share the menu with them and recommend a complimentary side dish or dessert. If you have family members who are Vegan or Gluten free, share the menu so they can bring a dish that works for them and the rest of the group.
3. ORGANIZE YOUR PREPARTION:
   This is crucial to having a stress-free Thanksgiving Day and a showcase home that is not a mess from scrambling to get everything ready right before guests begin to arrive:
   • Define a timeline schedule for the day. Guest arrival / hors d’oeuvres time and location; Lunch time and location; afternoon family gathering / football viewing location, libations/snacks; Thanksgiving Dinner time and location; post dinner gathering location.
   • Make a list of everything you need to do for your meals
   • Create a complete shopping list before you head to the grocery store (A good tool in the AnyList app)
4. COOK IN ADVANCE:
   Don’t stress yourself attempting to cook everything on Thanksgiving Day. With the timeline schedule in number three ready, figure out what items can be prepared ahead of time. Casseroles, pastas, vegetables, desserts can all be prepped in advance, and ready to heat up or serve. In fact, most everything other than Turkey can be done ahead of time.
5. SERVE SOMETHING FUN:
   Classic Thanksgiving calls for Turkey, mash potatoes, and cranberry dishes, but adding something fun and new is a nice way to celebrate your first Thanksgiving in your new home. Grandma’s amazing coffee cake recipe or Aunt Diana’s world class cheese cake recipe could be fun, for instance. It’s your show – think of something fun and make it a celebration your new home.
6. TABLE SETTINGS IN ADVANCE:
   There is no reason to rush around getting the table settings ready on Thanksgiving Day. Unless you have kids or pets who will impact your table settings, set it up in advance of Thanksgiving Day (This will allow for maximum showcasing of your new dining room or other eating areas).
   • Get a tablecloth that is clean and fits your table(s).
   • Get out your best china.
   • Count the flatware to make sure you have enough.
   • For place cards, cut up index cards, and glue on fake autumn leaves. Or attach name tags to mini pumpkins, pears or pomegranates.
7. PREPARE EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE:
   You are going to show off your new home right? Plan like you are showing a home for sale. Start by cleaning your kitchen. Empty the dishwasher and trash cans. Be sure all bedrooms are clean and nicely arrange (with kids clothing in its proper place – not on the floor!) Clean all bathrooms and put decorative paper hand towels in trays near the sinks.
8. ROCK THE DECORATIONS:
   Gather mini pumpkins or gourds or various colors. Find branches of holly, crab apple or bittersweet berries. Arrange where hors d’oeuvres will be placed with these decorative Fall / Thanksgiving accoutrements. Pumpkins make a nice centerpiece. Consider adding pomegranates and other seasonal fruits for visual interest.
9. OFFER SNACKS:
   Thanksgiving is all about food and family. Have some tasty snacks ready for grazing by your guests. Keep them munching while you finish that Turkey and heat up the rest of the pre-prepped dinner.

Now you are ready to host your very first Thanksgiving in your new custom home. And remember, no stress – just enjoy sharing your new home with your family!