How to host a STRESS FREE and FABULOUS Thanksgiving dinner.
Are you having family and friends over for Thanksgiving this year?
Are you looking for ideas and tips on how to host a fabulous dinner party?
Are you so busy with your life, that planning a dinner party sounds like a punishment?
If you answered YES to any of the questions above, you are in the right place, at the right time!
Read along, it will be your best party ever!
I love to entertain, be around people and make them feel welcome when they come to my house for the holidays!
I always want to give them the best quintessential experience they can have.
And even though it seams effortless, there is a lot of work that goes in to hosting a great dinner party.
Making the guest list, decorating, creating the menu, cooking, and adding the special touches that make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door, is no easy task.
Today, I am going to share with you some tips to help you plan your party,
look fabulous and have time to mingle with your guests.
Don’t let the date daunt you, rather, let it inspire you to get planning!
There are plenty of details to attend to when hosting a dinner party, to make sure everything is just right. Here are my simple steps to make sure you cover all your bases and make entertaining effortless
(image by pinterest)
PLANNING YOUR DINNER PARTY:
The key to effortless entertaining is organization. Having a solid plan to ensure success is vital.
WHEN: what is the date and time?
WHO: who are the guests you want to invite?
WHAT: What kind of dinner party are you planning to have? It will help you decide the date, time, location and guest list. A sit-down meal, you may have to buy or rent; dishes, flatware, glassware, linens, seating, and serving pieces. A buffet is a little more versatile and may be more tailored to fit your space or budget.
BUDGET: How much do you want to spend? Set Your Budget and stick to it! Consider liquor, food, rentals, service, music/entertainment, flowers, and decorations to establish your initial budget. Think drinks, alcohol can be a major expense. Don’t feel as though you need to be as well stocked as a bar or restaurant; consider serving a signature drink, and be creative with your food choices to limit costs.
Once you’ve answered these questions, the structure for your party is now in place.
Now use this information to figure out the details.
The type of party will dictate what you need for equipment.
Outside of that, be creative and tailor your dinner party to your personal style.
SOMETIMES BEFORE YOUR DINNER:
This would be a good time to decide if you want to prepare your dinner yourself or order items out.
If you hire a catering company, you want to make sure to go ahead and schedule them immediately.
Send everyone an invite, an email or a simple text with date, place and time of the event.
Take a good look at your home and decide what needs freshening up.
Don’t forget the fabulous YOU!
Schedule your hair, nails and start thinking about your outfit.
(image by pinterest)
THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR DINNER:
Finalize your menu. Check for dietary restrictions.
Confirm your guest list.
Create a detailed shopping list and cooking schedule.
If you are doing a pot luck, let people know what to bring.
Prepare a beverage list.
Place an order with the local butcher, order turkey, fish shop, baker.
Decorate your home: bring out all the fall/holiday décor items and get decorating.
Decide on the table decor.
Finalize your outfit.
A DAY BEFORE
Last minute shopping. Make sure you have everything on your list.
Buy fresh flowers . They add a splash of color to your decor.
Do as much prepping and cooking (dicing, marinating, etc.) as possible.
Prepare or buy cranberry sauce.
You’ll want to tidy up the house so you won’t have to stress on the day of your party.
Create the seating plan.
Clean out your fridge and freezer to make room for the feast.
Set the table and put out all your decorations and candles.
Arrange the furniture as you’ll want it for the party, remove clutter.
(image by pinterest)
THE DAY OF YOUR DINNER PARTY
Make sure the dishwasher is empty, this will make clean-up easier.
Add pump soap, candle, and individual guest paper napkins in the powder room.
Fill your turkey with prepared stuffing.
Put the turkey in the oven to roast.
(image by pinterest)
ONE HOUR BEFORE
Light the candles and turn on the music.
Set up the bar area, uncork the wine, stock your welcome drinks.
Toss the salad and set out the appetizers.
Make sure you eat something light.
Have a drink before anyone arrives.
If you are having fun, everyone will have fun.
Make yourself beautiful, change into your party clothes and enjoy .
Your job the day of the party is to add the finishing touches, look fierce,
mingle to keep your guests happy, and enjoy the party!
Remember , Thanksgiving is about being thankful of all the people in your life.
I am very thankful for all of you, for the opportunity to do what i love and enjoy it every single day!
So Love and cherish one another and have yourselves a Happy Thanksgiving!
With love , Yelena:)
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