Do you need new house slippers?
For Small Joys & Hosting Thanksgiving
Hey Party People!
As the year winds down (and it’s dark in the middle of the day), I am all about prioritizing the things that make me feel good and staying cozy. So right now I am relishing cuddles with my dog and living in my house slippers. My favorite pair are these UGG slippers. I love that these keep my feet warm and I think they pair nicely with my hosting outfits. And yes, I do wear my slippers while I’m hosting because I am firmly a “no outside shoes” past the doorway type and I never shy away from a whimsical accessory when I am hosting! (My slippers, affectionately named Leticia and Riley do not like to be left out.)
Slipping into a fluffy slipper at the end of a long day is one of the micro thrills I’m savoring. I find that it’s the small joys that are really mood boosting. And because I know that my fellow hosts with the most will also appreciate a good house slipper, I got a few pairs for my subscribers! To enter the giveaway, complete the brief entry form. Winners will be selected at random and notified on December 1st!
Now that we’ve prioritized a bit of comfort and joy, let’s get to some quick tips for hosting Thanksgiving with ease.
Happy Weekend!
Half the battle of being a host is to be present and to be cool. And the number one thing that makes this part challenging for hosts, is juggling the menu preparation. I have a pep talk for you.
When in doubt, don’t do too much. I recommend 4-5 dishes and 2-3 desserts maximum.
Prep in advance and do not make everything from scratch.
Make a list and time it right. Beyond the turkey or a big main protein, I like to start with dishes that reheat well. Then, I move to dishes that can be served chilled or at room temperature. I finish with any dishes that are best served immediately after preparation (the ones that I can finish just as guests arrive or are seated).
Spice up your cranberry sauce and make it in advance. [Soirée School Tutorial]
Make fun invitations. Partiful is my favorite digital invite platform for casual invites. You can add a festive theme, keep tabs on your guest count, collect dietary restrictions or start potluck sign ups.
You will always need more ice for the cooler, for serving water, drinks, the chilled foods on the menu. Make sure you have enough ice.
Speaking of water, don’t forget it. Bottled, filtered, infused, whatever you prefer, just make sure you have it and make sure it is chilled.
Remember to clean out your fridge and freezer and make sure you have enough space for leftovers.
Speaking of leftovers: pick up to-go containers to share with guests or neighbors in need.
Start preparation early and serve dinner early, too. I think 4pm is the perfect time, so people can hang out, ease in to the big dinner, go back for seconds when the conversation is buzzy and be ready for dessert and entertainment around 7 or 8pm. But I want to know what you think about this, too!