A Guide to Delegating, Timing, and Enjoying the Feast...
Thanksgiving is a beautiful, bustling time of year, but the actual day is a great opportunity to slow down. We find it’s one of those rare occasions that brings everyone together, quite literally, around the table. But getting that meal planned, organized, and perfectly timed is no small feat! The key to keeping things running smoothly is a bit of planning, a dash of humor, and a willingness to delegate. Think of it as orchestrating a symphony: assign specific tasks to everyone, especially for any special dishes or jobs that require a particular touch. This is how to keep hosting Thanksgiving simple and meaningful.
If you’d like something done a certain way, be sure to provide a recipe, photo, or instructions—it’s a great way to ensure your vision comes to life. Planning ahead and coordinating all the details makes Thanksgiving hosting run smoothly.
Setting up a drink station, like our cider punch, and a designated appetizer area, such as a fall-themed charcuterie board, is a wonderful way to set the tone for the day. Make sure they are away from the main cooking area. This allows guests to mingle and snack without being in the middle of the action. We also like to let everyone know what time the main event is being served and what is on the menu. If you need additional help, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thanksgiving is a day when everyone can contribute; we want our guests to feel involved, whether it’s carving the turkey, pouring the wine, or bringing food to the table.
Make it meaningful by planning who will say grace, or if you want everyone to share what they’re thankful for, leave a gentle note with the appetizers so everyone knows to come prepared. Place cards and a printed menu are also thoughtful touches for larger gatherings, helping everyone feel welcome and in the know about what’s coming next.
As the host, you won’t be able to do everything yourself, but by delegating, you can focus on creating a beautiful and warm celebration. Set expectations early—tell guests when to arrive and the planned time for dinner.
This Thanksgiving, we’re counting our blessings, especially here in North Carolina. There are many communities in the western counties still in the initial stages of rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. We know many people impacted by this storm. Days after the storm, we helped fly supplies into Avery County. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are volunteering again this week with Feeding America and Second Harvest Food Bank.
It is in this spirit of gratitude that we are encouraging you to join our Christmas Acts of Kindness Challenge—a gentle reminder to spread kindness each week in December. We are inviting our family and friends to join our challenge. We hope you, too, will join in and spread a little more kindness in your corner of the world.
Please click the link below, download the free files, and print out the flyer and stickers to share. Together, this simple RAK Challenge enables all of us to keep the spirit of giving alive. We hope our tips help you create a Thanksgiving that is simple and meaningful. Here’s to a holiday filled with warmth, love, and a table surrounded by those who matter most!
