I know that this may sound crazy but … THANKSGIVING is just around the corner!!! WHERE did September go!?!?! I can’t believe I am already back to work full time filming Love It Or List It Vancouver in just one week. I guess that also means Leo is almost TWO MONTHS old!!! I cannot believe how fast the time flies …
Back to what you came here for … tips on hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at your house!!! I thought I would get this post out a little bit early so that you can start planning and organizing for your OWN Thanksgiving dinner (in less than two weeks). I have almost become a pro at simplifying holiday events at my house. I absolutely love having all of my friends and family over for dinner and have slowly learned where to splurge and where to save … not just in terms of money, but also in decor and time!!! My number one tip to give you is you don’t need to spend ANY money if you don’t want to …. other then on the food of course (or get even smarter and go potluck style if you wish). Grab your coffees and lets tackle this Thanksgiving hosting game together …
1. Use What You Have: You’re probably all thinking … finally she’s not selling us something lol!!! But seriously less is more when it comes to holiday dinner parties and it’s the perfect time to get creative with things that you already have. Throw in some additional miss matched chairs from around your house to accommodate a few more guests. Use different glassware and vases as your table decor. You can even use Christmas lights to create warmth around your pumpkins! Light some candles around your home to set the mood and get the space feeling fresh. Put on some good music for when your guests arrive and let the good times roll ….
2. Let People Help You: I wanted to make a note of this, for this year in particular … with little Leo in tow I might not be able to “do it all” like I normally do!!! I am going to be getting ALL the help I can get. Don’t be ashamed if someone offers to bring a salad … let them!!! It’s one less thing that you need to worry about!! When Bella offers to make her famous dinner rolls … you bet I will take her up on that!!! If you haven’t tried these … I recommend you do. Check back next week for my full list of Thanksgiving recipes including Tori’s secret buns!!!
3. Keep It Simple: You don’t need to go all out if you’re hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Your friends will love you all the same!! Just make sure the turkey’s in the oven and some of the food is prepped. But keep it simple!!! You don’t need to be the gourmet chef if you aren’t one. Don’t go overboard on the Thanksgiving decorations either … keep it simple!!! Instead, make a fun day trip to a pumpkin patch and throw pumpkins on your front steps and throughout the house to create simple and festive decor!!
4. Fresh Flowers and White Pumpkins: This year I’m keeping the decor SIMPLE!!! There will be a lot of pumpkins to keep things festive and I can’t host a dinner without some fresh blooms. For my tablescape this year I am using pumpkins as the centerpiece and intertwining twinkle lights in between. Scattering some fresh flowers around the house … and that’s it!!!
5. Dressing The Table: I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I love LAYERING …. and no I’m not talking about your outfits … I’m talking about setting your table. Simply layer your plates, bowls, cutlery, and napkins. Get creative and include festive pieces throughout the layers. Try starting at the bottom with an EXTRA large plate … I tend to lean towards a simple white, neutral or metal!! Work your way to the top getting smaller and smaller … you can even finish it off by putting a pumpkin on the top plate under a cloche for that extra pop of simple Thanksgiving decor.
6. Make An Easy Festive Cocktail: I created this extremely easy fall sangria that was so delicious and a definite crowd pleaser. Nothing beats making something personal and festive that your guests can enjoy to put them in that holiday cheer. It can be something as easy as wine with a pumpkin charm or hot toddies with fresh fruit … you don’t need to go all out … just get creative!!!
Happy early Thanksgiving my loves! If you have any other tips that you want to share … leave them in the comments below!
xo
Jilly
Where is the cutlery from?! So beautiful!
Get all you non perishable food at least two weeks before it will save time and it won’t feel like you spent so much when you go for the fresh groceries!!!! A lot of things are on sale also!!!!! Bogo…….
Remember the most important guest you will ever serve are you Family!!!!!
???? and Remember to pass the Sweat Pants!!!!!!! lol
I love all of your suggestions, reminding people that Thanksgiving can be simple! And that the “gathering” and reflecting on what we’re thankful and grateful for is the most important part of that day! That’s what it’s all about! Health and happiness to you and yours. ?