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Writer's pictureSideofGlam

Thanksgiving Hosting Made Easy: My Top Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Updated: Nov 13

Hosting Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, it can also be a fun and memorable experience. This will be my second time hosting! Whether it’s your first time or you're a seasoned pro, here are my go-to tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving. From simple decor ideas to organizing a potluck and some of my favorite recipes, including a delicious dish featuring Medium Italian Sausage, these tips will make your holiday one to remember!

1. Decorating Made Simple

You don’t need to go all out with expensive decorations to create a warm, festive atmosphere. Some of my favorite simple, yet effective, ideas include:

  • Pumpkin Centerpieces: Use mini pumpkins in different colors (white, orange, and even green) arranged down the center of your dining table. Pair them with candles for a cozy touch.

  • Fall Leaves: Scatter real or faux fall leaves across the table, or use them as placemats. You can even write guests' names on larger leaves for a personalized touch.

  • Natural Elements: Incorporate seasonal elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and dried oranges for an earthy, rustic look. I love the smell these bring to the space!

These decorations take little time to set up, and you probably have many of the elements already around the house!

2. Organize a Potluck

Thanksgiving is a big meal to tackle on your own, so why not make it a group effort? Organizing a potluck takes the pressure off you and adds variety to the meal. Here’s how I like to keep it simple:

  • Assign Categories: When sending out invitations (I love doing this by email for convenience), assign each guest a category—side dishes, desserts, or drinks. This way, you’ll have a good spread without ending up with five pumpkin pies!

  • Create a List of Suggestions: Some people struggle with ideas, so provide a list of potential dishes. It helps avoid the classic “What should I bring?” question, and it also ensures there are no duplicates.

  • Set a Theme: If you want to shake things up, consider a theme like “family favorites” or “a twist on tradition,” where everyone brings something unique.

This approach not only lightens your load but makes for an even more interesting meal!

3. My Favorite Go-To Recipes

I love cooking a mix of traditional dishes with a little twist. Below are some of my tried-and-true favorites, including a fan-favorite recipe featuring Medium Italian Sausage that always gets rave reviews.

  • Stuffing with Medium Italian Sausage This recipe is a must at my Thanksgiving table. The sausage adds such great flavor and makes the stuffing extra hearty. Here’s how I make it:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb Medium Italian Sausage

    • 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed

    • 1 onion, chopped

    • 2 stalks celery, chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 2 cups chicken broth

    • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

    2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

    3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until softened.

    4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh sage.

    5. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and toss until well combined.

    6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

  • Roasted Veggies with a Twist Roasted vegetables are always a hit, and they’re so easy to make. I love tossing carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of thyme before roasting. They come out perfectly caramelized and delicious!

  • Cranberry Relish This is an easy one you can make ahead! All you need is fresh cranberries, a little orange zest, sugar, and water. Simmer them together until the cranberries pop, then let it cool. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

4. Set the Mood

Don’t forget to set the mood! I like to play soft background music (think acoustic or jazz) and dim the lights for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Having a playlist ready to go is a small but impactful touch that your guests will appreciate.

5. Prepare Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to avoid stress on Thanksgiving Day is to prepare as much as you can ahead of time:

  • Prep the Night Before: Cut up veggies, make your cranberry relish, or even bake your pies the day before. This will free up oven space and give you more time to enjoy the day with your guests.

  • Set the Table Early: I always like to set the table the night before. It’s one less thing to worry about on the day of, and you can ensure everything looks just the way you want it.

6. Enjoy the Moment

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the day! Hosting can be busy, but take a moment to step back and appreciate the friends and family gathered around. After all, Thanksgiving is about being together and feeling grateful.

I hope these tips help you have a fun and stress-free Thanksgiving! Let me know if you try any of these ideas or recipes—I’d love to hear how it went.


Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo,

Sideofglam

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