Focus on the Space
The secret to hosting family and friends in your home is planning early; and even more so for a holiday like Thanksgiving. First, take an assessment of your home and the spaces and the activities that will be happening, then make a list of what needs to be done to welcome guests. It may be as simple as adding more seating or as major as replacing flooring. Once you have a clear picture of what needs to be done, you can start prioritizing. If you recently moved into a fixer-upper and you have many things on your to-do list, don’t be discouraged. Focus your energy on the spaces of your home that will get used the most when you have company, like the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
Focus on the Meal
Once you have the space under control, it’s time to think about the food. Will you be making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings? Or hosting a more casual meal? The food will dictate where you will have guests sit, how much serving space you will need when (or if) you will need to start thawing the turkey. You should also start planning on how much food and drink you should purchase for your party size and don’t forget the ice, trash bags and toilet paper!
Focus on the People
And lastly, remember, that while your new home may have some imperfections, hosting Thanksgiving is more about the people than it is about the space or food. Becoming a homeowner is a significant life event and sharing that moment with the people that care about you most is irreplaceable – and made better with an extra serving of pie!