Photo: Flickr, Dinner Series
Thanksgiving is an exceptionally busy holiday and with so much going on it can be easy to forget what is ready...and what still needs some work. Also, who really feels up for thinking of creative ideas when all that stuff is going on?
To help lessen the stress, we've done the thinking for you with the ultimate Thanksgiving checklist for entertaining, cleaning and decorating. Take a look to make sure everything from your table setting to your family survival skills are good to go.
Thanksgiving Entertaining Ideas Thanksgiving is about more than just food and a great table setting -- it’s an entire atmosphere. These are great entertaining ideas for both hostess and guests alike. - Before buying a tablecloth for the holidays, find out everything you need to know for one that works best for your table. - The right wine glass will enhance flavor, but the wrong one could mean disaster. Check out this buying guide before shopping for glasses for your wine. - If you are visiting friends or family for Thanksgiving, remember to give your hostess a thank you gift for all of the hard work. - Serving Thanksgiving soup or sauces in a pumpkin bowl will make your table look even more festive. - Sometimes, there just isn’t enough seating to go around, which is when these amazing folding chairs will come in handy. - This might be the only occasion you'll need place card ideas, so live it up.
Thanksgiving Tablescape IdeasThe hardest part of Thanksgiving is making sure your tablescape measures up to all the amazing food being served on it. Whether you are looking for inspiration or finishing touches, these links below will help you create a fabulous table setting for the evening. - If you need inspiration, check out these five fantastic Thanksgiving tables. - Try a rustic approach like this alfresco Thanksgiving table. - For an artsy accent to your table setting, take a look at these colorful napkin rings made from paper. - Bring a personal touch to the table with these DIY place cards. - An alternative to buying placemats is to make your own. It's fun and budget-friendly. - Quickly turn glasses and stemware into elegant votives. - Try these seven creative ways to use bottles and vases while entertaining.- If you are having trouble setting your table, here’s some expert advice. - Linen tablecloths are great, but these are other options to keep in mind. - Inspiring tablescapes that are simple to put together. - Not sure what to use as a centerpiece this year? Try out one of these seven unexpected ones. - Elegant serving platters will greatly enhance your tabletop decor. Take a look at our favorites. - Another favorite Thanksgiving tablescape idea: Turning wine glasses into cloches.
Napkin FoldsIf you can, knock this out of the way in advance. Otherwise, it's a good last-second stress-reliever/excuse to hide from relatives. Some are so simple that kids can take care of them. - Looking for a beautiful napkin fold that you can do in seconds? Try the Rose napkin fold. - It's all about effortless elegance when it comes to the Fan napkin fold. - Get the elegant look of the Japanese kimono in mini form with the Kimono napkin fold. - Tuck silverware into this pocket napkin fold to instantly dress up your table.- Hide some treats inside this Three-Pocket napkin fold to surprise your guests. - The Bishop’s Hat napkin fold will add a classic, sophisticated look to your table. - For something with a little more personality, this Men’s Shirt napkin fold will suit you perfectly.
Flower Arrangements Arrange your flowers the day before or the morning of Thanksgiving for the freshest bouquet. For a centerpiece, be mindful of size so the flowers do not block people's views and make conversation difficult. - This autumn arrangement might look stunning, but is actually pretty simple. - Turn even cheap grocery store blooms into an amazing centerpiece with this spiral arranging technique.- Here's a quick centerpiece made with something different: Gourds and artichokes.- Another secret to an interesting bouquet: Combining color and texture.- Tired of flowers? Try this unexpected arrangement instead.
Thanksgiving CraftsIf you’re low on decor, these easy Thanksgiving crafts will give your home a quick holiday makeover. - Dress up your glass votives with sticks for a rustic and romantic look. - Copper leaf a glass hurricane and light a candle inside to create a warm glow around the room. - Infuse your room with Thanksgiving spirit guests with a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner that is easy to create. - Temporarily dress up your everyday napkins with a washable holiday stencil. - Wrap foam pumpkins in yarn to create unique, and long-lasting, holiday decorations. - Turn patterned paper into a work of art with an artsy and festive look. - Give candlesticks a rustic, aged look with this simple project. - Believe it or not, you can turn brown paper bags into lovely flowers to hang on your wall. - Bring the outdoors in by preserving fall leaves and using them as Thanksgiving decor. - These leaf-shaped fabric bowls are perfect for holding snacks during a party. - Use crayons to make custom pillar candles to match your decor.
Wreath IdeasWreaths look fantastic on the front door or over a fireplace mantel. Just remember that wreaths made from synthetic materials, such as yarn, will keep better indoors.- Turn a traditional leaf wreath into something amazing by using an unexpected color scheme.- There's nothing like the natural and organic look of a rustic pine cone wreath. - For an artsy alternative, use old fabric scraps to make a delightful holiday wreath that your children can help you put together.
Thanksgiving Crafts for KidsYep, more ways to keep little ones (who might be extra...fun...due to having to wear formal outfits) occupied.- A simple but charming pinecone owl.- Remember all the positive things going on around you and your family with this Thanksgiving tree. - Your kids will have a great time putting together this felt leaves garland for your mantel.
Holiday Cleaning TipsFrom how to clean your crystal glassware to organizing your spices, these set-up and clean-up tips will make sure that the prep work and grunt work involved with entertaining this season will be painless and stress-free. - Food shopping for Thanksgiving is stressful, but keeping a super comprehensive shopping list will help you remain calm.- The leftovers is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner, but storing all of those containers can be tough. Here’s some advice on how to do it. - If you’re cooking a feast on a tiny countertop, try some of these easy tips for making more space. - After your china is washed, be sure to store it properly so it is ready for your next holiday party. - Try organizing your cookbooks online so finding those favored family recipes is easier than ever. - Follow these organizing tips so all of your spices are easy to find when cooking the Thanksgiving meal. - When everyone is full and it’s time to clean those plates, just be sure that these seven things do NOT go inside the dishwasher by mistake. - Fine wine goes hand-in-hand with the holidays, and here’s how to store it for the best flavor.
Coping With FamilyNo, we totally don’t have a problem putting up with relatives. Nope, not at all. Never. But just in case we ever did, here’s some party hosting know-how to get you out of any situation.- If you have multiple Thanksgiving dinners to attend, here’s a survival guide to help you fit in all those meals. - If you’re worried about in-laws playing favorites, here are some ways to make sure no one feels left out this Thanksgiving.- Not sure if you want to introduce your significant other to your family this Thanksgiving? Try asking yourself these questions first.