Planning your Thanksgiving as a first-time host can be both exciting and overwhelming. Hopefully you’re already well into your Thanksgiving planning, but if not, don’t worry! We’re going to go through everything you need to do so you’re prepared and can sit down, relax, and enjoy Thanksgiving Day. 

Start by writing out your menu, including which guests are bringing what dishes and beverages. Go through all the ingredients you need and do a final fridge and pantry inventory before you leave for the grocery store. Once you have the food, create a timeline. Figure out what foods can be made ahead of time, what needs to cook the longest, and what can be made right before you eat. If you know you’re eating at 7 pm, work backwards from there to figure out when and what you need to start cooking. Vegetables and herbs can be pre-cut and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook. Also, make sure you have enough utensils, crockery, and serving plates, as well as Tupperware and baggies for anyone who wants to take home leftovers. 

Set your table in advance. This gives you time to rearrange and make adjustments without guests at the table. It also gives you a few days to enjoy your centerpieces before you put away your fall decorations. Should great-aunt Mildred be kept away from cousin Casey at all costs? Placecards are a fantastic and subtle way of putting guests where they- and everyone else- will be most comfortable. Having this planned ahead of time also saves you from getting things sorted the day of while food gets cold. 

Accept help! Whether it’s setting the table or helping cook, take help when it’s offered. It gets others involved in the Thanksgiving mood and lifts the burden of doing everything off of your shoulders. After the meal, say yes to anyone who offers to help clean up. Hosting doesn’t mean you can’t sit back and relax with your guests.

At dinner, go around the table and share something you’re grateful for. Especially with a larger group, it’s a great way to learn more about each other and embrace the spirit of giving and thankfulness. And remember: it’s a holiday. Your guests are happy to be spending time with you and not hosting themselves. People are always more forgiving of holiday mishaps than we are of ourselves. 

If you’re a guest this Thanksgiving, you can offer to bring dishes, and help out with set up, clean up, food prep, or with kids. It’s always nice to bring a host or hostess gift in addition to any sides or beverages. Make conversation, engage with others, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!