Once the spooks of October have retreated back to where they came from after Halloween, Thanksgiving is at the top of the mind for many. It's a holiday that combines family and food, so there isn't much not to love about it. But there's a difference between attending a Thanksgiving gathering and hosting one. There are pros and cons to doing either. On one hand, attending Thanksgiving somewhere else means that there is no mess to worry about or food to buy and prepare. But hosting is fun for lots of people and its an opportunity to cook for family and throw a truly awesome event. Sometimes, for folks, this doesn't always go well and there are Thanksgiving horror stories. But for the most part, as long as a host has Thanksgiving party essentials, the day will go off without a hitch.
So what exactly are these essentials to throw a successful Thanksgiving? Well, lots of things, and luckily, Target has them all. We're talking everything from a Turkey toaster and baster, to serving spoons, casserole dishes, napkins, cutlery, and even crafts for the kids' table. These are the things that may seem obvious for hosting a dinner, but they're easy to forget. Think about it: How many times does a host frantically text the last people to arrive asking if they can go out and get a bag of ice. It's always good to think ahead and be prepared, and Thanksgiving is no different.
We also tried including things that aren't so obvious. Those things include a speaker for background music (Bluetooth of course). Others include a tablecloth, candles, and place cards for the table. The best part? They're all available from Target, all in one place, because let's be honest, a host is bound to end up there while planning anyway.
Disposable Napkins
No dinner party is complete without napkins. They're small parts of the overall meal, but make a huge difference. Everyone expects a napkin, and they ought to be festive.
Disposable Napkins ($3)
Assorted Disposable Flatware Set
Arguably more important than napkins, though important they are, is the cutlery. We don't always have enough place settings for everyone, so why not use disposable ones? These plastic sets come in fancy colors to match the decor.
Assorted Disposable Flatware Set of 60 Pieces ($4)
Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Ambiance is essential to a fun day or evening with family or friends. Play music for guests to enjoy using this portable Bluetooth speaker from Sony.
Sony XB01 Bluetooth Portable Speaker ($35)
Turkey Print Disposable Plates
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to Thanksgiving plates. Some people use ceramic plates, while others opt for paper, especially for the kids' table. These cute disposable plates fit the bill.
Turkey Print Disposable Plates ($3)
Coloring Disposable Tablecloth
Speaking of the kids' table, protect the piece of furniture from spills and stains as well as keep kids occupied all in one shot. They can color in this tablecloth and its easily disposable when the night is over.
Disposable Tablecloth ($3)
Turkey Headband
While the adults eat, drink, and be merry, kids can color their own turkey hats. Set up a coloring competition to really get the kids interested.
Turkey Headband ($3)
Mini Metallic Painted Harvest Pumpkin
Dress up the Thanksgiving dinner table with mini painted pumpkins. It creates a fall harvest mood while everyone chows down.
Mini Metallic Painted Harvest Pumpkin ($6)
Burlap Table Runner
Dressing up the table doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. This burlap table runner can get the job done and bring the decor together.
Burlap Table Runner ($6)
Stoneware Dinner Plates
For those planning to host Thanksgiving well into the future, these Stoneware dinner plates are an affordable and chic choice.
Stoneware Dinner Plates set of 4 ($24)
Ecolution Roaster
Cooking a turkey for the first time is a bit scary, it's a big job after all. But it can be made easier with a sturdy roaster like this one.
Ecolution 17"x12" Roaster ($15)
Ayesha Curry Round Casserole Dish
Side dishes deserve love, too, as far as presentation is concerned. This engraved dish from Target is perfect for veggies, potatoes, or other dishes.
Ayesha Curry Round Casserole Dish ($30)
Ceramic 9-inch Pie Dish
Some people only come for Thanksgiving dinner for the dessert! Most people will expect a pie and that will be a non-issue with this ceramic 9-inch pie dish that can be used for other holidays for years to come.
Ceramic 9-inch Pie Dish ($30)
Pumpkin Place Card Holder
Make guests feel welcome and special by putting place card holders at their seats at the dinner table. These holders are gold pumpkins with the stem holding the card itself.
Pumpkin Place Card Holder Gold set of 12 ($10)
Celeste Stainless Steel Serving Spoon
Thanksgiving means there will be tons of dishes on the table, but it'll be hard for guests to serve themselves without a large spoon. This stainless steel one is both affordable and chic.
Celeste Stainless Steel Serving Spoon ($4)
Unscented Taper Candle Set
Candles are easy ways to set a mood or decorate a table. They just create a "dinner party" ambiance and at a low cost. Unscented is best for the dining table.
Unscented Taper Candle Set ($4)
Candle Holder
Long candles can set the ambiance and make the room extra home-y, but they can't stand on their own. These silver holders will bring the look together.
Candle Holder ($13)
Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush
Cooking the turkey is one of the most important aspects of throwing a Thanksgiving gathering. Getting a baster is the first step to ensuring it gets done right.
Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush ($10)
Wine Glasses
Kids can have juice and adults can have wine. These affordable glasses are a smart purchase to make for parties and an alternative to using the ones passed down from grandma.
Wine Glasses set of 6 ($11)
Glass With White Dot Ice Bucket
Ice is the one thing everyone forgets to get at their own parties. Having an ice bucket as pretty as this will make it easier to remember to get that ice. Guests will be happy to serve up their own ice from this one.
Glass with White Dot Ice Bucket ($30)
Standard Aluminum Foil
Last but not least, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without leftovers and lots of leftovers wouldn't be possible without aluminum foil. Target has a standard pack for a good price.
Standard Aluminum Foil ($10)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
