First Time Hosting Thanksgiving? Easy Ways To Prepare

Don't stress over the holidays! Use these tips to make your event organized.

By: Anne Reagan, Porch.com

Is this your first time hosting Thanksgiving? The act of preparing a large meal (including a large bird), welcoming lots of people into your home, and trying to have everyone’s favorite dish on the table is definitely fodder for stress. To put your mind at ease we’ve rounded up our best (and simplest) tips for preparing yourself, your kitchen and your home for Thanksgiving.

The turkey

Buying, defrosting and roasting the turkey seems to be the biggest intimidator for most first-time Thanksgiving hosts. It’s really not a complicated dish, and preparing it seems like it should be in our DNA. But most of us aren’t in the habit of baking a turkey and could use a little help. There are a multitude of turkey experts across the web to answer any and all turkey-related questions. No matter which brining, roasting or stuffing method you choose, you’ll want to understand the general turkey timeline and work backwards from when the guests arrive.

1. Decide your method of turkey roasting.
2. Calculate size needed and purchase the turkey.
3. Allow time to defrost.
4. Prep and roast.

Get the kitchen organized

No matter how many guests you’re expecting, Thanksgiving dinner traditionally requires several courses and a more formal table setting. Several weeks before the big day is the best time to get out pen and paper and create your master kitchen to-do list (here’s one version from a professional organizer). Writing down both the overall menu as well as a general timeline will help you understand the basic timing of events – especially important if you’ve never hosted a multi-course meal before. Read through your recipes so you know how long everything needs to cook and avoid the issue of trying to bake five dishes in the oven at the same time. Delegate as much as possible and ask guests to bring items like beverages, desserts or a specific side dish. If there are food items to make right before the meal (such as whipping the cream or stirring the gravy) consider asking someone to do it for you so you can play host.

Here are the tasks in and around the kitchen you’ll want to organize:

1. Thoroughly read through your recipes beforehand.
2. Create a general event timeline so you know how much time you need to chop, cook or bake everything.
3. Create a shopping list and shop 1-2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving. Be sure to include all necessary items plus specialty goods like ice or candles.
4. Sharpen knives and gather tools, serving platters, table linens and equipment for the big meal.
5. Set up a compost area so the garbage disposal doesn’t become overloaded.
6. Check your oven and stove and make sure they are clean and ready to use.
7. Clean out the refrigerator so it’s ready for extra food.
8. Delegate as much as possible.

Get the home ready

Thanksgiving puts a lot of focus on food and table settings, which is important, but you can’t forget the other tasks that need to be done around the house. Hosting means putting your guests at ease and making them feel welcome in your home. You’ll want to provide a safe and healthy environment and make sure that everyone from baby Tommy to great-aunt Sue are comfortable in your home. Taking the time to do the little things, like sweeping leaves off the front walk, providing space to hang coats, and ensuring that your bathroom has toilet paper, will go along way in hosting your first Thanksgiving.

Here are some basic home-prep tasks you’ll want to focus on:

1. Make sure your smoke alarms are working (holidays are prime days for accidental fires).
2. Sweep and clear away front walk.
3. Check outdoor lights and make sure they are working.
4. Clean and stock bathrooms.
5. Temporarily put away items that are delicate, breakable or not needed.
6. Stock firewood and sweep out fireplace.
7. Consider borrowing additional chairs or folding tables.
8. Clear out a space for jackets and coats.
9. Have the pre-dinner items (like a beverage bar and appetizers) set out and ready. When guests arrive and you’re still busy cooking, they can help themselves.
10. If storms or power outages are common for Thanksgiving, have flashlights and batteries ready.

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