Thanksgiving is a time to gather, express gratitude, and celebrate the warmth of family and friends. This year, I’m hosting 24 guests, and I’ve curated my best tips and ideas to help you create a Thanksgiving that’s as beautiful as it is heartfelt. With a little planning and care, your holiday can be memorable and stress-free.
1. Set a Table Worthy of the Occasion
The Thanksgiving table is the centerpiece of your celebration—a stage for your feast and the stories shared around it. Bring out your best china, silverware, and linens, or add new pieces to refresh your look.
Where to Start:
If you’re short on table settings, rentals are a lifesaver. Try Party Rental in NYC or MTB Rentals in Los Angeles. Explore my curated Amazon Thanksgiving Shop for beautiful and functional accents for thoughtful additions.
A Thoughtful Touch:
Rather than traditional place cards, consider writing personal notes for each guest. Tell them why you’re grateful for them and what they mean to you. These heartfelt letters, placed at each setting, will set a warm and intimate tone for the evening.
2. Flowers & Centerpieces: Effortless Beauty
A well-chosen centerpiece instantly transforms your table into something magical. For a quick and affordable option, start with a ready-made garland and add your touches. Consider this Lighted Fall Garland for an extra cozy, glowing effect. Tuck in mini gourds, pumpkins, or seasonal fruit for a lush, organic look. Finish with fresh flowers in your chosen color palette for added elegance. Pair it with simple candlesticks or hurricanes for a layered, inviting tablescape.
Pro Tip: Arrange everything the day before so you can enjoy the process and avoid last-minute rushes.
3. The Menu: A Labor of Love (or Not!)
Cooking for loved ones is one of the most sincere ways to show gratitude, but there’s no need to do it all yourself.
If You Love to Cook: Focus on a menu of classics with one or two new dishes to keep it interesting. Guests will appreciate the personal touch of your family recipes. I recommend this Williams Sonoma Thanksgiving cookbook for recipe ideas that are as delicious as they are elegant.
If You Need a Hand: In New York, Marcey Brownstein Catering offers beautifully curated holiday menus. In Los Angeles, Erewhon Market provides gourmet options to take the stress out of planning.
4. Raise Your Glass: Celebrate with Style
The bar sets the tone for a lively gathering. Begin with a glass of champagne—it’s festive, sophisticated, and universally loved. My favorite: Billecart Brut-Rose: Effervescent and celebratory.
For a personal touch, serve a Thanksgiving-inspired cocktail, such as an Apple Cider Whiskey Sour (see recipe below). Pair it with beautiful whiskey tumblers like these DeeCoo Whiskey Glasses for an elevated experience.
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
8 oz. bourbon (swap the bourbon for orange juice if you want a mocktail)
16 oz. apple cider
Juice of one lemon
Brown sugar for rim
Step 1: Grab a pitcher and your favorite bourbon
The Thanksgiving cocktail recipe starts with a pitcher filled with 8 ounces of bourbon. We like Michter’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, but use whatever you love and have on hand.
Step 2: Add lemon and apple cider
After adding the bourbon and apple cider to the pitcher, Martha grabs a citrus juicer to squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
If you want it cold, shake it with ice instead of stirring, but remove the ice before serving so you don’t have a watered-down drink.
Step 3: Add a sugary rim
Make the drink festive by dipping the rim in lemon juice and then rolling it in brown sugar for a holiday-ready garnish.
5. Dessert: Make It the Grand Finale
The Thanksgiving dessert table is your chance to impress and indulge.
What I’m Doing This Year:
I’ve ordered a giant chocolate turkey from Houses and Parties as my showstopper, along with themed turkey cookies to frame my pies. These playful yet elegant touches bring personality to the table.
Round out your spread with seasonal pies, a creamy element like custard or ice cream Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has delightful seasonal flavors (in regular and non-dairy options), and of course, fresh whipped cream.
6. Coffee, Tea, and Warmth
Coffee is non-negotiable at the end of a rich meal. Starbucks has delicious holiday blends. Brew a pot (decaf works fine) and pair it with a selection of teas. Don’t wait for guests to ask—simply offer and serve. It’s a gesture that feels generous and welcoming.
7. After-Dinner Fun: Keep the Joy Flowing
Put the football game on the TV. A sing-along is the perfect way to bring everyone together after the meal. If there’s a musician among your guests, ask them to lead the group with guitar or piano accompaniment. Choose songs everyone knows—classics that spark connection and joy. A lively round of charades or trivia is another wonderful way to keep the evening spirited and fun.
8. Remember the Heart of the Holiday
Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Focus on the love and laughter shared around your table. The effort you’ve put into hosting will be felt, and your guests will leave with hearts as full as their plates. With care, planning, and these thoughtful touches, your Thanksgiving can be both stunning and heartwarming. May your holiday be filled with gratitude, beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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