Thanksgiving Party Details You Haven’t Thought Of
Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or your fiftieth, you know that the recipe for a smooth, memorable Thanksgiving is heavy on the planning. But in the midst of considering the menu, extending invites, and cleaning up the house, is there something you’re forgetting?
Read on to discover the oft-missed details that transform good Thanksgivings into a festive night not to be forgotten. Move over, Martha Stewart.
The Playlist
To attend a holiday party devoid of cheer in the form of music could be akin to overcooking the turkey, only with a little more awkward silence. But there’s no need to torture guests (even the less likeable in-laws) with “Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer” on repeat.
Use tunes to create the mood. The right playlist can make or break the party, so it’s worth taking time to consider what will suit all the personalities attending. Make sure you have enough music to last the entire night. And, when assembling, consider moments when you’ll want the music to serve a background to conversation, like during dinner, and when you want it to be more forward, such as during pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
The Decor
From table settings to the wreath on your front door, decorating adds elegance, festivity, and brings the warmth of the season to your home. To simplify your task list, consider where guests will be throughout the course of the party and focus on the areas where they’ll spend the most time.
Simple, budget-friendly additions like dressed up candles on the mantle, acorns, pine cones, and branches in vases on coffee tables, and a chalkboard menu can do wonders. And the table, of course, deserves attention. Check out these centerpieces and settings for ideas.
The Seating
Speaking of the table, have you considered seating arrangements? A well-thought-out plan can put family members and friends at ease. Think of it along the lines of facilitating enjoyable conversations, rather than making sure Uncle Bob stays off of Grandma’s nerves (though it’s useful for that, too).
The traditional etiquette of seating according to age might be worth throwing out the window for the sake of keeping the peace and making the night more enjoyable, here. Seat shy or unfamiliar guests near someone who will make them comfortable. Would couples be better of seated separately, to encourage mingling, or seated together? Will enough children be present to have a kids’ table?
There are as many ways to go about this as there will be dishes at your meal. The most important thing to keep in mind is keep guests happy, and make sure you have easy access to the kitchen!
The Yard
With your playlist, decorations, menu, and seating arrangements settled, what’s left? The outdoors.
Yes, your yard makes a first impression on guests before you can even answer their knocking. Focus on clearing the yard and driveway of fallen leaves and debris. Trim back bushes, and consider potting pansies or mums for the porch or front steps. Remove any dead bulbs from ornamentals, and leave your final mow of the season for just a few days before the party.
If your lawn isn’t in the shape you’d like this year, don’t fret. On the contrary, dress your yard up with the accents mentioned, and consider a long-term approach to improving your lawn. Year-round applications of essential nutrients are key to getting a stunning lawn for your next Thanksgiving party.
And just like that, you’ve covered the hidden details that will bring your Thanksgiving Party from great to grand!