Gathering for Thanksgiving
Embracing Traditions, Changes, & New Memories
Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart, a time when we come together to celebrate family and all that we’re grateful for. Over the years, the way I host Thanksgiving has evolved—as our family has changed, and we’ve lost a few beloved faces around the table. Yet, what remains steadfast is the joy of gathering together, celebrating, and making memories with those we hold dear.
Hosting Thanksgiving has become a tradition of its own in my home. When my husband and I first got married, we began the custom of welcoming both my family and his family to our table. Those early Thanksgivings were grand, filled with laughter, stories, multiple turkeys, and enough leftovers to last the weekend. The preparation was a labor of love—I balanced work, cleaning, prepping, and cooking, all while anticipating the joy of gathering. Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I managed, but I always felt confident with a few hosting strategies I developed along the way. If you're hosting this year or thinking about taking on the Thanksgiving tradition, here are a few tips that have helped me keep things organized and enjoyable.
1. Create a Guest List and Give Everyone a Role
Hosting a large group can feel overwhelming, so don't hesitate to give each guest a job to help ease the load. Ask family members to bring their favorite dish—desserts, appetizers, and drinks can all be wonderfully handled by guests. Not only does this lighten your workload, but it also brings variety to the meal and makes everyone feel involved.
2. Make It Personal and Infuse Your Style
One of my favorite parts of hosting Thanksgiving is setting the table with pieces that have meaning. My mother and mother-in-law gifted us beautiful china as a wedding present, and each year it’s a joy to bring out these pieces and set the table with fine china, silverware, and glassware. Adding a personal touch—whether through favorite family recipes or a unique table setting—makes the day memorable. Let your style shine, whether it’s through vintage table linens, quirky place cards, or family heirlooms.
3. Plan Ahead with Manageable To-Do Lists
Preparing for Thanksgiving is all about pacing yourself. A few weeks before, make a checklist of everything from groceries to linens to seating arrangements. Then, break it down into manageable tasks: what you can do a week before (setting the table, prepping non-perishable ingredients), the day before (making desserts, preparing side dishes), and on the day of. Ticking items off a list helps keep the stress at bay and ensures you’re not overwhelmed as guests arrive.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected and Embrace Imperfections
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace any little hiccups, from a forgotten ingredient to a last-minute seating change. These unexpected moments often turn into the stories everyone remembers fondly the next year. Each Thanksgiving brings its own quirks and mishaps (like the year everyone salted the veggies), and learning to roll with them is part of what makes hosting so rewarding. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that flexibility is key—life happens, and it’s perfectly fine to step back, take a year off, or adapt the celebration to what works for you.
5. Remember Self-Care and Enjoy the Day
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and togetherness—try to let go of perfection and simply enjoy the gathering. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a breather. Pour yourself a glass of something special, put on some music, and savor the moment. Hosting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own joy. A relaxed, happy host sets the tone for a relaxed, joyful gathering.
6. Post-Celebration Clean-Up Tips
Finally, when the day winds down, make cleanup as easy as possible. Enlist help from family members—many hands make light work. And remember that it’s okay to leave a few things for the morning. After the festivities, taking a moment to rest and reflect on the day is just as important as preparing for it.
As I reflect on Thanksgivings past, I’m filled with gratitude not just for the meals and gatherings, but for the moments of connection, laughter, and love that we share around the table. Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder to cherish the people around us and celebrate the traditions we create together, even as they evolve and change over time. No matter what shape your Thanksgiving takes this year, remember that the most important part is being together, making memories, and feeling grateful for the time you have with those you love.
So, whether you’re hosting a grand event or a small family meal, I hope these tips bring you a sense of calm and confidence. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with joy, love, and wonderful memories.
