Imagine this: after year of after having Thanksgiving dinner at loved ones' homes or tons of potluck friendsgivings at their places, it finally happens. Thanksgiving dinner is set to be at one's home, for the first time. It's exciting! Playing host can be fun. But it can also be scary. Thanksgiving is a big deal. It's one of the best holidays of the year and people truly put so much time and energy into it.
There's planning the actual meal and the guest list and then prepping the home itself. That's the obvious part. But what exactly goes into planning? And what does prepping the home mean? Utensils and cups and things would just show up at other places.
What are some things a first-time host will need? Then there are the traditions to uphold, or new ones to make. Well, friend, we have it covered. We've created a list of all the things a host who has never hosted Turkey Day before would need. It contains the things that are somewhat obvious and others that are not, but will be much appreciated by guests. For some, it can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be if one thinks ahead. No Thanksgiving horror stories are welcome here. Just remember to keep the kids busy during the process and it'll go off without a hitch.Â
We've listed the priority items needed to host a stress-free Thanksgiving. From the flatware to the items of food (and ice) that are often forgotten, it's all here in one place. Keep it handy as the day inches closer. Thank us later! (Pun intended.)
Turkey Pan
While it's obvious that one would need a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, it's a little less obvious that they would also need a big enough pan to cook it in. There are throwaway aluminum pans and also ceramic ones.
Electric Slicer or Sharp Carving Knife
Believe it or not, not everyone has sharp knives readily available to carve the bird that is likely much bigger than the usual cuts of meat. Having a sharp, or powered, tool can get the job done more efficiently and quickly, and giving even, neat slices, rather than hacked-up chunks.
Plates & Napkins
Another seemingly obvious one, but sometimes there aren't enough plates and napkins to go around. People tend to use more than one throughout the evening, so stocking up is a smart idea.
Flatware
Flatware or silverware is also crucial, especially making sure everyone has at least a knife and fork to eat their food. Stores sell one-time use ones that look real and will make doing the dishes a lot easier.
Tablecloth
This isn't just any old dinner. This is a Thanksgiving dinner. Napkins can spice things up, but having a seasonally appropriate tablecloth or runner will take it up a notch.
Glasses (Wine & Water)
Depending on the size of the dinner party, there may not be enough cups and glasses for all the guests. Given that people may want to drink from both throughout the night, it's a good idea to make sure there are enough!
Ice
OK, no one likes to get that call on the way to the dinner asking to pick up ice. Get it ahead of time and store it in the freezer or a chest cooler so it's ready for the drinks it will cool on Thanksgiving day.
Leftover Containers
Thanksgiving is all about abundance and indulgence. Don't let the inevitable leftovers from the meal go to waste. Friends and family will appreciate being able to have a clean and easily transportable container for their take-home food.
Music Playlist
Eating in silence is just weird. Don't forget to create (or choose) a playlist for guests to enjoy while food is being prepared and during the meal itself. Just make sure its appropriate for the occasion.
Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are amazing because they save a lot of time and energy. Prepare a side dish to cook, or simply keep warm, in the cooker while the turkey is cooking (or other people who bring food use the oven to warm their dishes up). If a ham is on the menu, the slow cooker can perfectly heat one, leaving the oven free for a turkey.
Aluminum Foil
Big dishes of food are easier to transport home (or store) with tinfoil. For example, if the cookies are ready at the start of the meal, keep them covered with tinfoil until the end so they don't get hard.
Appetizers
Thanksgiving is traditionally centered around a turkey, so it can be easy to forget that the meal needs other parts. If food takes a little longer than planned, guests will appreciate being able to munch on appetizers before the main course.
Extra Chairs
Picture this: The table is set, the food is steaming and looking delicious. Everyone sits down to eat except for, oh no, two more seats are needed, but the host doesn't have them or they're covered in dust in the basement. Avoid this by breaking out extra chairs ahead of time or having guests bring a folding chair or two.
Dessert
OK, whoever forgets dessert may not be in their right mind, but we're all human, it can happen. Don't forget to prepare or buy some sugary teats for the guests.
Greens or Vegetarian Options
OK, same with the greens. Yes, Thanksgiving is about comfort foods, but that doesn't mean a salad can't lighten things up. Or a side of green bean casserole. The vegan and vegetarian guests deserve options, too.
Serving Utensils
There's nothing more annoying than setting the perfect Thanksgiving table only to realize there aren't enough serving spoons. A little plastic fork in a big bowl of mashed potatoes just won't cut it. Don't forget to plan for serving utensils.
Extra Salt & Pepper
Some people won't touch salt or pepper on the table, while others want their food swimming in it. Having more than one of each condiment can eliminate the "can you pass the…" phrases.
Bread
We just like bread. It's filling and can sop up the more liquid dishes on the plate. Plus, kids can have some if they're too picky for much of the main courses.
Butter
From the bread to the green beans to the corn, some people just prefer to have butter. They're like the salt and pepper people. Remember to provide butter for them.
Time to Get Ready
Last but not least, preparing a Thanksgiving day or dinner can take a lot of time. Hopefully this list will help, but remember to schedule in some time to get dressed in something festive before the guests begin to arrive. Have an apron on hand to keep that party outfit clean while doing kitchen duty.
