This year’s Thanksgiving celebration is already looking different from last year’s as people are venturing out and gathering more. As we all get our sea legs back for entertaining and hosting bigger gatherings, I thought you might need some fresh ideas or reminders on how the heck to throw a party. I know if I were hosting this year, which I am not, I would need to retrain my brain on what I should be doing and when.
This post will be a compilation of older posts to help you access info in a pinch. It’s going to be chock full, so snuggle up with warm cup of tea, or a bottle of scotch, and notebook in hand. I also figured that everyone prepares the main meal their own way and has tons of turkey, stuffing, mashed potato recipes already at hand. You don’t need me for those. But maybe you need some ideas in these other areas.
Hosting Tips & Prep Ideas | Table settings | Napkin Folding | Florals | Appetizers | Salads
Start your engines and prep, prep, prep.
While you’re prepping, grab a glass of vino and chill.
Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
List Making and Prep
I can’t stress this part enough. Whether you handwrite, type or send voice memos to yourself, the important thing is to make a list, and keep organized. Especially with Thanksgiving because there are so many moving parts. As you can see, sometimes I handwrite, sometimes I type it out nicely in bullet points but I ALWAYS have a list.
Clearly without typing and spellcheck errors are made.
Sure this list may not be for Thanksgiving but it serves the point of always making a list.
The below link was originally written with Christmas in mind, and so some of the references point in that direction. However, it definitely has tips for general holiday hosting, as well as a good refresher for Christmas, which quite frankly is just around the corner. Skim through the post to find what you need, or take the time to digest it in its entirety. It might help get you ready for large consumption on Turkey day. Ha!
Holiday Hosting Tips - Less Stress
Table Settings
Now once you have figured out your menu, guest list and overall game plan it’s time to focus on the table setting. I know I’ve said it before, but it warrants repeating, especially now as we re-welcome our loved ones back into our homes in larger groups. Setting a welcoming table sets the tone. It doesn’t have to be glammed out it just needs some love. Even the slightest of care taken to enhance the table shows your guests how special they are. The below links give a variety of ideas from the casual to the elegant. No excuses, just do it!
Create a mood
Burst of Burnt Orange - A Fall Landscape
The below link is the mother load of table settings and floral ideas for a special fall occasion.
Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant
Florals
I get it, some you might think flowers are a waste. But gosh darn, they do bring a smile when you enter a room. I know for a fact that you don’t have to be creative to make a great floral display. A while back one of my mom’s friends helped me to organize a luncheon for their group. When I asked if she could arrange the flowers she quickly replied, Oh, I am not good with that. Well, all it took was an example for her to follow, her confidence grew and then she used her own creative eye. And just like that she gained a new skill. And so can you. If you go to the store and stare at the flower section and can’t imagine something from nothing then simply take a look at the images and links below for some ideas. I know you can do it!
This might not be a typical Thanksgiving arrangement, but it screams fall. The big cabbage heads are fun and bold while the baby’s breathe fills in the gaps and adds whimsy.
Florals can be big and make a statement or a single flower with a simple burst of beauty. Whatever your style there is an arrangement for you. The first link is one that requires some planning, various size vases and a variety of floral items to pull off. But it’s worth it, and best part, it will last you through the fall season.
There are floral examples in the Thanksgiving Table setting link above, but below are two more links for inspiration.
Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray
Maybe you don’t want to break the bank on florals. Mums are ubiquitous, affordable and come in a variety of colors.
Napkin Folding
What can I say about napkins that won’t sound like I’m a broken record? Ok, hit the replay button. It doesn’t take much to make a napkin look a tad more special than just plopping in down on the table. Sure there are oodles of videos on how to make a turkey or pumpkin out of a napkin. If you have the time and wherewithal, knock yourself out. I’m all for simplicity with a touch of pizazz. The link below demonstrates 5 basic folds then gives a variety of ways to enhance each. Hope this helps convince you that it doesn’t take but a moment more to fold a napkin.
Maybe you don’t need a place setting or napkin folding ideas because you are hosting a less formal, more casual buffet style meal. Here’s an easy way to corral utensils with an item that we all have stuffed in the back of our cabinets. The ever present florist vase.
Florist Vase = Useful Utensil Holder
Appetizers
Now here is a category I can really sink my teeth into. Pun intended. I love being creative with apps. I feel like this is where you can break from tradition and be a bit more adventurous with your offerings. As a matter of fact, one Thanksgiving, JuanCarlos and I decided to turn the holiday on its head, literally. We made the appetizer portion the main attraction serving 12 different offerings ranging from cold to hot which lasted 3 hours. Then the main meal was much simpler, and didn’t even include turkey! Extending the appetizer ‘hour’ allowed our guests to relax, eat leisurely and mingle to their hearts’ content. I think it was our best hosted Thanksgiving ever. So with that in mind, here are some appetizers that might stray from the norm for this holiday. Pick one, pick them all. Go crazy, it’s meant to be appetizing.
Contrast colors and texture to excite the palate.
Amuse Bouche literally means to amuse the mouth. And that’s what your first offerings should do. They should get the palate ready. An announcement to: Start Your Engines. Below is a variety of ideas that do just that.
Amuse Bouche…That’s not English, Right?
Pickled Offerings: I love serving quality store bought pickled items such as mushrooms, garlic, cornichon. These add a tangy punch to get the palate ready for more.
Marinated mushrooms with roasted red peppers
Skewers: This idea might feel more summer time but it doesn’t have to be. You can have warm skewered items or cold. They are easy to pick up and eat. And the best part about some of the below examples is they use store bought items plus can be made ahead, plated and placed out when guests arrive.
Potatoes & Pulpo (octopus) Skewers with alioli dipping sauce. Quality canned octopus skewered with boiled new potatoes.
Romaine Lettuce wraps with tinned Spicy Sardine and Grape Tomato/Cucumber Skewers
Boquerones (fresh anchovies) on Cucumber Ribbons
Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Endive Boats with yogurt cucumber dip
Sautéd Potatoes & Pulpo with parsley dressing on Endive
Oven Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Fresh Ricotta topped with herbs & olive oil.
And then there is the infamous Charcuterie/Cheese Platter. Sometimes putting this together can feel overwhelming. We’ve all seen them and they look amazing. But how do we compose an appetizing platter? Sometimes a simple step by step and visual helps us to create what may seem daunting. Here are some guides from me and a link from another master, That Cheese Plate.
The Art of a Charcuterie & cheese Platter
You can never, and I mean NEVER, go wrong with serving a charcuterie/cheese platter. There is always something for everyone. The beauty of it is that you can arrange it with anything and everything. Make it an appetizer platter, like the one below, filled with a variety of flavors and textures.
Boqueron/olive/cucumber skewers, roasted red peppers, spiced nuts, asparagus baked in puffed pastry, palmiers all mingle nicely among cheese and dry cured meats.
Abundance. Fill the platter and block each item in sections. It makes it look organized and appetizing. You WANT to dive in.
And now for even more appetizer ideas…
I love this one because it’s a different take on crudité. And the dips are so flavorful that will keep on dipping.
This dish is an absolute winner. My customers love it as much as my guests. It is so versatile, creamy and tangy, spicy and delicous.
Fried Polenta Topped with Mushrooms & Goat Cheese
These fried polenta rounds are also a great vehicle for the above marinated feta. I’ve often made that combo and had not a single one left.
5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress
Maybe you have the task of figuring out what to serve a vegan during a holiday that rarely has offerings that will suffice. Here’s an appetizer that is hearty, earthy and fits the vegan bill.
And for our last category, because I’m sure by now your tea has gotten cold or you’ve run out of scotch. Either way, it was a boat load of info. But this last section is much needed and short.
Salads
Ok, let’s admit it. We all make the effort and serve them up on Thanksgiving. But how many of your guests actually eat it? I say offer up a salad that counters all the heaviness of a traditional Turkey dinner. Crunchy, refreshing salads will be a palate and belly cleanser. Try any of these.
Cucumber Ribbons, Chunks & Cherry Tomatoes
Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons from an English cucumber. When you get to the middle section after peeling, cut it into chunks. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mix with a herb vinaigrette.
Ok, that’s it for now folks. I hope these helped you and provided some ideas. I wish you all a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. May we each find health through nutritious food and spiritual love. Gobble Gobble.
