Simple Entertaining Tips for Thanksgiving

Have a Plan

We all keep grocery lists, but for holiday entertaining, it’s great to write out a full plan that includes what you will do when. So many dishes can be made in advance, and it’s helpful to write it all out so you have a full picture of what you are working with.

Measure Ingredients First and Cook Later

Thanksgiving involves a lot of baking — and with baking, our measurements need to be precise. Instead of waiting until you are frazzled, chef Mychael Bonner of Lettuce Entertain You recommends measuring all of your ingredients out BEFORE you start cooking. "It’ll take a lot of the stress out of cooking," he says.

Buy Pre-Chopped Vegetables

If excessive chopping is slowing you down, don’t be afraid to take some shortcuts. Chef and Restaurateur Katerina Coumbaros, a mom of three and the owner of three restaurants, Taverna Opa Orlando, Tapa Toro, and Kavas, in Orlando, Florida says there is no shame in that.

"Chopping onions, celery, and other vegetables is typically a breeze, but this can quickly become tedious during the holiday season," she says. "Purchase chopped vegetables, especially if you cook collard greens and cabbage."

Batch Cocktails

We have a feeling that your guests will want a drink, whether it’s to celebrate or quell the family dynamics. You don’t need to set up a full bar — instead, pick one cocktail that you can batch and make in advance. Spiced cider, perhaps? You can even make one non-alcoholic cocktail as well.

Keep the Bar Simple

You don’t need a million mixers and spirits to try and make everyone happy. Serve the festive batched cocktail and pick one red wine, one white, and a beer or seltzer if that’s what your crowd likes.

Set Up a Drink Station

And speaking of drinks, Elizabeth Van Lierde from the College Housewife blog suggests setting up a drink station.

"Set your drinks out prior to the guests arriving, so they can go straight to grab their drinks and leave you free for any last-minute needs," she says.

Delegate Dishes

Just because you are hosting doesn’t mean you have to be responsible for everything. When your guests ask what they can bring, give them a suggestion; don’t just say "bring yourself!". If you know your aunt is a fabulous baker, ask her for dessert or if you know a guest of yours can't cook, have them bring something for the table or a bottle of wine.

Enlist the Family to Help

Members of your family shouldn’t be off the hook when it comes to entertaining. Whether you have young kids, older kids, or just a significant other, anyone who lives in your house should be involved. Young kids can set the table and older kids can help with cooking prep.

Use Disposable Everything

Chef Kristen Harper from Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Chicago recommends using disposable everything. Your guests will certainly not notice, and you will have so much less to clean up.

"These days the market is saturated with beautiful items so take advantage," she says, "Who wants to be washing dishes in their holiday dress?"

Decorate the Night Before

You can save a lot of time by decorating and setting the table the night before. Spend as much time as you would like to make things look festive, but there is no need to work on that the day of. It will save you from having that last-minute scramble before guests are set to arrive.

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