So it’s your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner, huh? At first glance, hosting Thanksgiving can seem overwhelming. From roasting the bird to mashing the perfect potatoes to mastering Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie — there’s so much to do and so little time.
But don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Whether it’s your first, second, or tenth time hosting Thanksgiving, we’re here to help. As the Thanksgiving prep begins and the big day approaches, check out these tips for a seamless Thanksgiving celebration.
Finalize The Guest List
First things first — figure out who you’re inviting. Consider how much space you have, who’s coming into town, and how many guests will need a plus one. Factor in any kids, friends (if you’re having a Friendsgiving), and anyone else that should be there.
Keep in mind certain guests that always make for a “memorable” time. Like the uncle who has a little too much to drink and makes his strong stance on politics that no one asked for and there’s the aunt who comments on the one piece of cat hair that has managed to find its way onto the sofa since you cleaned it (an hour ago).
Send Invitations
Once you’ve got your guest list sorted out, send out invitations! Whether that means sending out simple emails or getting creative and creating custom Thanksgiving Dinner Invitations – make sure to encourage your guests to RSVP.
Pro Tip: To avoid any last-minute stress on the day, ask your guests to include any dietary restrictions. If you expect to host extended family or have a large gathering, you’ll want to anticipate any food restrictions, allergies, and food aversions in advance. It’s always a smart idea to plan ahead in case someone requires a gluten-free or vegan Thanksgiving dish.
Select The Menu
Now that you know who is coming, you can decide how much of each dish you’ll want to prepare. Salads are always a staple for gatherings, and big feasts are no different. Get creative with toppings! You can make the salad in advance or let your guests customize their own by setting out toppings on the side.
Plan on cooking about 1.25 pounds of turkey per person. So, if you’re expecting 15 guests, plan for a 20-pound bird. If you have a large number of kids coming, simply round down when calculating your Turkey. The kids usually go for the rolls and Thanksgiving side dishes anyway. If you have some really picky eaters (we feel you!), try serving pigs in a blanket, cream cheese celery, and cheese-stuffed turkey meatballs. You will thank us later! Also, don’t be shy when it comes to stuffing, mash potatoes, and Turkey-themed platters.
Want to impress your guests with your fun kitchen gadgets? DLK’s Serving Friends Flowers wooden spoons are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner table. Ready to bring joy and whimsy, so no matter what you’re having, they’ll always be there to serve up smiles!
Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly, quick and easy, traditional, or an all-star potluck, there are several favorite Thanksgiving menus that are sure to please!
Thanksgiving Drinks
Pattern Glasses (available in black and white)
No one needs to know the real reason you or your guests need a drink, haha! If you’re sipping to celebrate or just to steel those nerves against Uncle Ed, these festive Thanksgiving cocktails will get you in the spirit.
For a unique touch, our Areaware Collection has really cool Pattern Glasses, great for serving cocktails! They’ll make a nice addition to your fall table setting and are versatile for hosting guests anytime of the year.
Thanksgiving and football are about as synonymous with the holiday as turkey and dressing… And you can’t forget about the beer! Picking the best beer for Thanksgiving will elevate the flavors in your dishes, all the way from the turkey to the stuffing, to the dessert. Here are some tips on Thanksgiving beer pairings that are sure to boost your holiday feast, from craft beer experts themselves.
Once picked out, you can enjoy your favorite brew in sophisticated style with this double-wall insulated growler, featuring hand-finished metal touches for a distinctive look. This 64 oz. growler is dishwasher safe, sustainable, and features a threaded cap that clips to handle with a leak proof seal. It’s so popular that it’s currently sold out of all major retailers! We look forward to using ours this holiday season.
You and your guests are definitely going to need a boost after all those carbs. We highly recommend Starbucks’ Thanksgiving coffee blend, which compliments the entire meal, not just the after-dinner dessert. This fan favorite can be enjoyed from beginning to end with the sweet and savory. The blend is rich and smooth, with flavor that “explodes” after taking a bite of the herb roasted turkey.
Depending on how many guests you’re hosting, you may want to have more cups on hand, so there’s enough for everyone. Just in case — it’s always better to err on the side of caution and you’ll feel less stressed knowing you’re prepared. Consider serving with our coffee cups, chic and simple in design, yet thoughtfully created. They feature a matte exterior and ivory glazed interior, which creates a stunning finish.
Fun fact: They’re designed in the Netherlands! How cool is that?!
Incorporate Thanksgiving Decorations
You don’t need to go all out with a floor-to-ceiling Pinterest worthy Thanksgiving decor plan (feel free if that’s your thing though!). A few seasonal touches will go a long way.
Decorating the front door (or back if that is your main door) is a nice gesture to spread holiday cheer to passersby and give your home some extra curb appeal. Why not add a little sparkle to brighten the mood?
If you’re really into the gold glitter accents, you can even pair it with our matching chandelier, which is simply stunning. Sure to add a touch of style and charm to any room! Your guests won’t be able to stop staring as the stars glisten against the light.
Set the scene at your Thanksgiving dinner table with our handmade oak and brass candle holders. Perfect for so many settings — warm and neutral, rustic-yet-modern, dark and dramatic, and more! And paired beautifully with our handmade beeswax dinner candles.
Pay homage to the very first Thanksgiving. Our Snufkin figure, a contemporary design piece, handmade from solid oak, could definitely pass for a pilgrim! I mean look at his hat and adorable outfit! He even loves to travel and explore, just like our first settlers. You never know… he might wander to the mantle to keep an eye on everyone, or the Thanksgiving table, for a closer look, to make sure Aunt Carolyn doesn’t take an extra helping of mashed potatoes!
We can’t believe it’s not butter! Leave this unlit on a plate next to the rolls and you’ll really fool your guests, LOL! Just make sure they don’t actually eat it.
Fun fact: It’s handmade in London and lightly scented – jasmine, neroli, and orange blossom. Smells SO good!
Pair with our other realistic food candles for the ultimate fake out.
These sensational surprise balls will definitely delight your holiday guests. With their fabulous colorful 3D turkey designs they are an excellent way to decorate your Thanksgiving table. Each surprise ball contains an orange tissue paper party hat, two stickers, a joke and an eraser.
Let’s be real… you and your guests are probably going to be in a food coma after Thanksgiving dinner. It happens every year and there’s no stopping it. You’re going to need comfortable seating arrangements for your guests. Why not make it cozy too? This lightweight throw blanket makes a great addition to any sofa or armchair and elevates the style of your home! Not to mention, this soft cotton blend is perfect for the fall and versatile enough to fit any season.
Lastly, we’d thought we share these super cute fall leaf crowns and animal masks you can make for any little kids you have coming. They’re quick and easy to make. Kids will love wearing these and your wallet will thank you for this budget-friendly idea!
Choose a Thanksgiving Activity
Even if dinner is the main event, it’s a good idea to have something fun to do together too!
Play a game: Games like Heads Up, Bingo, and Pictionary are always crowd favorites. Have a few options handy and ask what your guests would prefer! Here’s some of our favorites for inspiration:
The much-loved Yahtzee just got a retro makeover. Play with your family and see who can get the highest score. The perfect mix of skill and luck. This beautifully designed box is one that you do not have to pack away once you're done. Leave it on the coffee table or bookshelf.
We're in love. Have you ever seen a more unique version of Connect 4? Neither have we! This piece makes for a gorgeous decor staple and cool game for your guests. Play while munching on appetizers, catching up, or waiting for dessert!
Sorbet Wooden Mega Jumbling Tower
This lightweight solid natural timber stacker is sure to become a family favorite in no time! Hold your breath, steady your hand and plunge in - it seems easy at first but once you start stacking it becomes an entertaining delight as the blocks come tumbling down. It's a sure-fire way to test nimble fingers and stack up the good times.
"Minim" is a deck of regulation playing cards that considers how much "design" you can take away while still maintaining a playable deck. Simple, geometric symbols are reductive versions of hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades. A deck of cards for the minimalist lover. There are so many great card games you can play at Thanksgiving and all occasions. You may even find a new family favorite.
Do a puzzle: Puzzling is a social event, and it’s always fun to see different people’s personalities and strengths, such as problem solving, leadership qualities, and their ability to work together. You can even make it competitive by getting two of the same puzzles (or two different with the same number of pieces) and split your guests into teams to see who can finish first!
Little Puzzle Thing: Cherry Pie
We can’t think of a better way to get in the Thanksgiving spirit than putting together this cherry pie puzzle, which can be completed in 20 minutes or less. Looks good enough to eat too!
Make pretend pies: This is great for kids because it involves playdough but can be for anyone!
Making pretend pies has never looked, felt, and smelled so real! The super silky, sensory doughs model like a playdough, but are softer, more pliable, and far longer lasting! Your guests will love this super cute activity. I mean… who doesn’t want to make miniature pies?!
Includes: Scented Pumpkin Playdough, a jar of Pie Crust with charm, a mini jar of orange dough, wood rolling pin, wood rolling wavy pie cutter, jar of spices, decorative leaf plunger, pumpkin form, and wood knife.
Family slideshow: Put together a bunch of family photos and display them after dinner! It's a great way to look back on memories together and remind each other why these gatherings are important. If nothing else, you'll probably get a few laughs in!
Plan for Leftovers
To some, Thanksgiving leftovers are better than the feast. There’s something about a leftovers sandwich eaten in the quiet of a house that was once recently crowded and noisy, maybe pair it with a glass of whole milk or bourbon punch, depending on the mood and time of day.
Whether you’ve got enough for days or simply want to send guests home with pie, you’re going to need to find a way to store them or give them away. We’ve found the best containers for keeping everything from stuffing to pie fresh following Turkey Day.
Get Favors
People love receiving gifts any time of year, especially around the holidays. You can make your guests feel extra special by giving out a favor of some kind. They can be cute and easy, just to show a small token of your appreciation – for coming and for being a part of your life. Or use as a host gift when you’re not hosting yourself!
Make a lasting impression and show your gratitude by sending each guest (or family) home with our Thank You Candle. Very fitting for the occasion, if we do say so ourselves. They will love the delicious aroma that embraces scents of fresh produce from the valley.
Keep in mind: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show you care. Handmade items can make it really affordable and make your guests feel even more special. From fall soaps to caramel apples, there’s so many fun ideas you can try.
Find even more Thanksgiving activities to make your gathering one for the books.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Collection
Get your holiday dinner off to the right start by shopping our Thanksgiving Party Collection, full of festive decor, party plates, and more. Let us know what your favorites are and be sure to tag us on Instagram @designlifekids and #designlifekids.
