If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you might be anticipating the week with a tinge of dread. Never fear! We know you’re already doing a wonderful job, and we just wanted to share a few tips to help this Thanksgiving go as smoothly as possible. You deserve it!
Don’t Take It Too Seriously
Hosting a holiday gathering is an honor and a responsibility, but it should also be a source of joy. Be sure to make a shopping list, a decoration list, and a to-do list, but if you find yourself fretting about which shade of burnt orange the napkins should be, step back and remember that you’re hosting loved ones, and that means the first thing on everyone’s mind will be simply sharing time together. (Or, maybe, the turkey. If you’re going to spend time worrying about anything, make sure it’s your main course.)
If it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving, be sure to stay on schedule by keeping it classic—don’t try to experiment and go the traditional route with little details, to avoid overthinking.
Prepare Your Relaxation Moments
Hosting a big day—or week—like Thanksgiving might make you feel like taking a nap or running away to the forest to breathe by yourself for awhile. Unfortunately, your guests would notice if you made a grand escape. That’s why it’s important to set aside the time and the tools to keep yourself energized while being the world’s greatest host.
Maybe all it takes is a few moments sipping a calming beverage—take a trip to Boise’s Basque DIstrict and pick up your favorite wine or stop by Form and Function for some specialty coffee before your guests arrive. That way, you’ll be ready to treat yourself to a relaxation break, even if it only lasts 5 minutes.
If your family will be at your place all week, you may want to budget time for a bath—be sure to pick up some calming soap or bath bombs at the Boise Co-Op—or a solo hike in the foothills. Don’t be afraid to claim a few hours for yourself; you and your guests will be much happier if you do!
Have a Backup Plan
We’ve all had a Thanksgiving that didn’t go precisely according to plan. It happens. Give yourself the chance to laugh it off and seamlessly transition to a backup plan by knowing where to go if you need to eat out for Thanksgiving dinner, or what fun events to attend to get everyone out of the house for a few hours. Favorite Treasure Valley Thanksgiving Day events include the Festival of Trees and the TD5k Marathon.
You may also want to have a stack of board games or holiday films at the ready, in case the group wants to enjoy some mediated fun together after dinner table discussions or a rowdy football game.
Be Grateful
This may go without saying, but Thanksgiving is about gratitude. As you ramp up your preparations and start greeting family and friends at your perfectly decorated front door, reflect on all of the things that are wonderful about this gathering. Build a list of little things that you’re truly thankful for—write them down if you need to—and any time you start to feel the stress bubble over, remember what you put on your list and smile instead.
If, as you’re enjoying your happy Thanksgiving, you look around your home and wish you had space to host a larger party next year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help you create your dream family gathering space!