Yes, it’s all about gathering and being with family and friends! Thanksgiving has taken on new significance this year since we have been separated so much lately. So, what makes one year better than another? Why do we remember one year more than another? How can you make this year’s gathering one to remember?
I wish I had the answer to this, but I don’t.
Like most people, it’s a huge effort for me to get dinner on the table at a reasonable hour. As the host, I strive to serve a delicious meal on a beautifully set table. I dream of a gathering where the salad isn’t wilted, ice is not melted in glasses, side dishes served while still warm, and the turkey is perfectly cooked! Oh, and as the host you’re able to change out of cooking clothes and aren’t so frazzled that you need a nap!
Years ago, we hosted 29 people for the Thanksgiving weekend. It was a ton of fun and everyone pitched in to pull it together. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was memorable!
Here’s how I get ready for a big holiday gathering:
- Plan and prep. Do as much as you can ahead of time. Then try to relax and go with the flow of the day. This is the key to success – plan and prep! Do as much as you can ahead of time and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If there are specific things that I would like to incorporate into the day, I either save them as my tasks to complete or I ask for help and provide a guideline. This can be a specific recipe, image of what you envision, or a list of items needed.
- Orchestrate and delegate. Assign people to help with all aspects of the day. Identify a general schedule for the day to achieve your expectations. Pulling together a big meal while entertaining the crowd can be overwhelming if you try to do it by yourself – solicit help and ask people to do things that are show off their strengths.
- Relax and enjoy. There is more fun in the kitchen, at the table and afterwards, when people are helping. Thanksgiving is a community effort. Most people want to have a hand in preparing the meal and coordinating festivities for the group. As the host, it’s your job to identify the overall order of the day but allow for flexibility so that everyone savors the day.
Ultimately, as the host, you want everyone to enjoy themselves, relax a bit, eat well, have fun, and remember the holiday as a good one. From my family to yours, best wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving!
