Five Things to do before your Guests arrive for Thanksgiving
If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving tends to sneak up on you each year! I’m amazed at how quickly summer ended here in Sonoma County, and turned into a beautiful rainy, misty fall. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year — and being Canadian, we often celebrate it once in October, and then again for the American holiday in November! It’s a wonderful time to start slowing down, spend more time with family and friends, and share food and memories with our loved ones.
I love to cook, and tend to be a bit of an over planner. This year, I think we’re going to go with a mushroom medley (my fave) as well as a braised cabbage for the mains, and then maybe some turkey legs as a side. And then probably a beautiful kale salad, along with a charcuterie plate for appetizers.
While I tend to focus on the cooking, it’s also so much fun to set the table and create a welcoming and cozy space for any guests. Being a little more thoughtful in certain areas can elevate the entire aesthetic, letting your guests kick off their shoes and relax with you.
Here are 5 things you can do before your guests arrive:
Be Warm and Welcoming
Your home should feel warm and welcoming when your guests arrive. This can start with decorating your entry with a seasonal touch, like a wreath or some pumpkins, and setting the outdoor lighting. Setting up a space for guests to put their shoes and hang their coats is a great way to make them feel welcomed. And while the meal you’re preparing should provide enough amazing smells, you can also light a candle in the entry, or in the powder room for a little extra cozy feel.
2. Be Organized and Tidy
Ok, so you don’t have to go overboard cleaning here — just more of a general tidy up of the spaces you know your guests are going to be hanging out. A clutter-free space helps everyone feel welcomed, but an overly tidy room will make them feel like they can’t relax. Focus on clearing countertops, especially in the kitchen where guests may gather, tidying up high-traffic areas like the living room, dining area, and the bathroom, and store away unnecessary items away to reduce clutter.
3. Be Thoughtful About Seating
A little planning ahead here is so helpful in getting set up for a fun evening. Besides the obvious of not sitting your vegan niece next to pro-hunting grandpa at the dinner table, you should also take the time to set up your living room or other hang out zones. Try arranging seating in a semi-circle to encourage conversation, consider adding a bench or mix and match chairs, and maybe add some more pillows if your sofa is super relaxed.
4. Be Intentional with Table Styling
This is one of the fun parts :) Your table is the centerpiece of the event, so make it special. To make it a little extra, use layers in your tablescape ( think placemats, tablecloths, or runners), add natural elements like flowers, fall leaves from your yard, or pumpkins for a seasonal touch, or try your hand at calligraphy to personalize the space with thoughtful details like place cards or napkin rings.
5. Be Ready with Refreshments
While everyone is arriving and you’re adding final touches in the kitchen, keep guests comfortable and entertained with some drinks and snacks. Ensure guests know they can help themselves, which makes them feel more at ease. One idea is to set up a self-serve drink station with wine, cocktails, or seasonal drinks like cider — but don’t forget to include a hearty snack, otherwise dinner might end a bit earlier than you wanted!
While it can be a bit overwhelming and sometimes stressful, hosting Thanksgiving is such a fun way to make memories with your friends and family in your home — so don’t forget to kick back and enjoy yourself.