Become a Jedi Host With These 8 Thanksgiving Hosting Ideas

As a young Padawan it never dawned on you that you’d be the one going to war. The war against the ravenous mouths and the perfectly done turkey on Thanksgiving.

You were trained all your life for the year you’d first host Thanksgiving and it’s time to prove all your training was not a waste. If you’re intimidated, remember these 8 Thanksgiving hosting ideas to show everyone you’re a Jedi host.

Prepare for battle

1. Make a List

Preparing months in advance is excessive, but as the day draws nearer you can start making a list of things you will need to gather, prepare, and complete on or before the big day. Having a list is a foolproof way you can keep track of everything. You can check out some of these mobile apps to help ease your stress if you don’t like traditional pens and paper.

2. Borrow from friends

If you need a pan, or some extra plates and silverware, hit up your friends to see if they have some dishware they’re not using. If you want to make everything look cohesive try using plain white plates for your guests. If this isn’t possible, no one will focus on the flatware when their plates are full with your delicious food.

3. Ask for Help

Just because you’re hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you can’t ask your friends and family for help. Ask them to bring the veggie tray, or some side dishes that can easily be heated up before the meal. To ensure you don’t end up with 8 kinds of green bean casserole, dictate what you need from each person, no one will hate you for asking for a specific item.

You can also help yourself by cheating a little with some of your dishes. Take advantage of the delicious seasonal items stores put out during this time. Buy packaged stuffing and then spice it up with seasonings and veggies.

 4. Prepare food in advance

Making as many Thanksgiving dishes in advance will help save time on Thanksgiving and save space in your kitchen. Many casseroles can be mixed up ahead of time and be ready to throw in the oven on the day of. Even things like rolls, loaves of bread, or cranberry relish can be made in advance.

Day of battle

5. Stick to the basics

Since this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving you’ll want to stick to the classic foods. If you try any new recipes, especially if they’re too crazy, you’ll be too distracted to focus on the other important parts of the meal you may have not done before.

 6. Serve one signature drink

Instead of making a ton of drinks, especially a large variety of cocktails, make one drink that can easily be served to everyone. Keep in mind the youngin’s though and make a drink or two that will be fit for everyone to drink.

7. Create fun appetizers

Try making a turkey themed appetizer with your veggies, or just other awesome tasting appetizers. Having food in advance does two things. Firstly it keeps your guests happy because they won’t just be sitting around waiting for their meal. Secondly, it keeps everyone out of your way so you can focus on getting the rest of the meal prepared.

8. Save oven space

One of the biggest dilemmas you’ll run into might be limited oven space. If you prepare some of the dishes in advance it’ll eliminate part of this issue. Another way you can avoid this issue is to cook as many things on the stove and in the microwave as possible. In addition, you can cook multiple dishes in the oven at the same time.

Do or do not…there is no try

You have spent years training for this day and these tips only solidify the knowledge you already had. Just remember to do.

After you utilize these 8 Thanksgiving hosting ideas you will become the Jedi host among your friends and family.

Are you ready to become a Jedi host?