Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target. All opinions are my own.
Thanksgiving is a weird time for most brand new couples, but Chris and I were one of those couples who KNEW from the first moment that August that we’d eventually marry.
But our first Thanksgiving? It was a bit rough and tumble.
Chris and I decided to go skiing our first Thanksgiving together – or rather, he wanted to go skiing and I wanted to try. Actually, I probably just wanted to impress him, because I don’t do with heights, extreme cold OR sporting activities! But Thanksgiving morning, we drove up to Vermont and soon found ourselves on the slopes. Some friends were hosting dinner so all I had to worry about was ski lessons. My square-shaped feet didn’t exactly fit in the rented boot, and by the 4th trip up the bunny trail with the instructor, my foot was quite numb.
I was already panting from the heights and the lack of oxygen, but as the tingling of a sleeping foot worked it’s way up my leg, I panicked. I wanted to go back and refit my boot. The lift operator, against all common sense, let me ride the lift back down the mountain, alone and with all my gear, poles included but I had to HOP on because she couldn’t stop it. I did and nearly got my butt on the chair, but as it descended the mountain, I slid off. Pretty soon I was hanging by one hand – the other was still holding my poles because they had essentially made us sign away our first child if we damaged or lost any equipment.
You know what’s coming right?
Well, I couldn’t hold my weight so I fell. Did you ever watch Bugs Bunny, when one of the cartoon characters goes head over heels down a mountain? That was me. All I could see was snow, sky, snow, sky as I rolled down. I suddenly had the thought that I’d SMASH into one of the poles that held up the lift and break my neck. No sooner did I think that, then my arm shot out of its own free will, stopping me cold.
And badly breaking my wrist.
Several hours later, I was back in our friend’s lodge, with a cast everyone was just itching to sign and loaded so full of Demerol I could care less about a meal that I normally drool over. My future husband, however, took really good care of me that Thanksgiving and for the next six weeks as my dislocated bone healed. We grew very close and year’s end, I knew we’d one day marry but that was a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget even if I have no idea what we ate.
Nowadays, if I want a memorable Thanksgiving, I’ll have to craft it with food. As a dairy-free, gluten-free family, Thanksgiving poses more challenges than usual! But this year, I’m all set. First off, I purchased my first organic turkey! Ok, it’s my first turkey EVER. I know, scary – but the thing is, I’m ready for the challenge. I’m going to make my immediate family Thanksgiving on Wednesday and then take a trip to visit my relatives – although, with the pending storm, I’m not sure we’ll even make it.
So Wednesday’s dinner needs to be special. But my family doesn’t like fancy schmancy. One year, I made Acorn Stuffing Muffins and they were out of this world – but no one else would try them. Even Chris is Mr. (Turkey) Meat & Potatoes.
But dessert? That’s another story. Who doesn’t love trying new desserts? I’ve asked Chris what he wants and he asked for apple pie. I just got a new cookbook, “OATrageous Oatmeals,” and it has an insanely delicious looking recipe for Oatmeal Cookie Crusted Apple Pie. What goes better with apple pie than oatmeal? And it’s both gluten free and good for your family, so outside of all that junkie food you can maybe feel good that they are getting something healthy too!
I’m going to need some tools for this dinner though! A lot of our dish ware has broken or chipped, so that is definitely on the list, like the Threshold Bistro Ceramic 16-Piece Dinnerware Set. And it is clearly time to get started with Christmas music – what? No? You’re tired of that? OK, no worries, you can load whatever music makes you feel festive with the SONOS PLAY: 5 Wireless HiFi System, which allows you to stream all kinds of online music. (Pandora has a WEALTH of Christmas stations, surely you can find one you like?)
In fact, those sweet gifts are on my Christmas list. If you know someone with a wedding or vow renewals coming up – or who has had one in the last year, check out their Target Wedding Registry to find that great gift they’re still waiting on. Although take it from me, you may want to pass on buying any ski gear that’s on the list!
Carrie says
be the best hostess by asking all your guests about food allergies 🙂
Mami2jcn says
Keep the kids busy with Thanksgiving crafts. That way they’re not running through the kitchen while you’re trying to cook.
livivua says
Buy food serving warmers for an easy buffet style setup
Elle says
Get your family in on the cooking. Make it fun for everyone and try new recipes each year!
HS says
Don’t try to cook EVERYTHING by yourself if a large crowd of guests are expected. Ask mom, dad, sisters, husband to help in any and every way.
Tammy Woodall says
Just enjoy the day – don’t worry so much if everything is perfect.
Jessica Beard says
Have everyone bring a dish to pass for the gathering. I have my kids help me make crafts for the name cards and centerpieces. Make it as simple as possible. Accept help cleaning up, so when everyone leaves you can relax.
heather s says
Let everyone bring a favorite dish or an appetizer
Kelly D says
My tip is to use crock pots to keep the sides warm.
Rachel says
Try to prepare some of your dishes the day before to reduce the amount of stress the day of your celebration.
Deb Jackson says
My tip is to prepare boiled eggs for salads when cooking maccoroni or potatoes by placing them in a plastic bag. No pan , no peeling no mess.
Nicki Joseph says
Create a different, fancy place setting each year. People will remember!
shaunie says
To prepare in advance, goes easier on the actual day
Carol says
Use your ironing board for a food table.
Jacqueline says
My tip is never be overly concerned with what time you show up or what time your guests show up if you’re hosting. I like to just enjoy the day 🙂
tara darity says
Plan ahead and find activities to keep the kids busy while cooking!
Maggie Wong says
plan ahead and have stuff done before (ready to warm up) so you don’t stress and enjoy
chris z says
have everyone help
Kristen Cantwell says
Start with PIE first!
Sumita Dalmia says
I think it is most important to have a table setting that accents your food. Presentation is everything, even if you cant cook!
Amanda Sakovitz says
Bake pie crusts two days before
shirley says
My tip, do all you can and don’t get upset if something goes wrong.
Donna L says
Cook as much as you can and do your prep work the day before.
tina m says
I make a list and plan ahead.
Charlotte W says
My tip is to only make the favorites and only enough for a couple days worth of leftovers to avoid wasted food. I like to keep it simple so I can relax and enjoy the holiday.
Cathy French says
My Thanksgiving tip is to try to stay calm. If you are hosting/cooking take breaks to avoid getting anxious. If you seeing relatives/friends you don’t usually associate with, think before you speak or react. Remember you don’t have to see them all the time.
Birdiebee says
Not that this is original but I start two days before and do all of the chopping and prep work that I can so when Turkey Day arrives, I am not stressed out.
Ruth Griffeth says
I do have to say the best one I can give is plan it out, and don’t try to do it all at once or all yourself.
Natalie says
My best tip is to exercise early in the morning before anyone comes over. It relieves stress and makes you feel less guilty to eat.
Samantha says
If you’re a blogger, take good pics so you can use them next year lol
nannypanpan says
my tip is to have everyone bring a pie for dessert and just supply the whip cream, so you can focus on the meal
Christie Mullen says
Start cooking a couple of days early so you don’t have to do everything at once.
Alyson says
Bring a fun, interactive board game to play after eating. It gives everyone a chance to settle their stomachs and really connect to each other.
Valencia says
Do not beat yourself up if things don’t turn out perfect. It’s usually never as bad as you have made it out to be.
Kristen says
Go out for Chinese!
Susan DeVaux says
I always make candied cranberries and give them as gifts in mason jars for my guests to take home! Easy to make and they love it.
Darlene Carbajal says
Take a break from hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and go out to eat instead!
Deb p says
Home made stuffing is the best.
Terri Moore says
Put the turkey in the oven and find a recipe to let it cook overnight, no getting up so early. It’s the best.
Katy Glynn says
My tips are to take away the wine from Auntie Dottie and remember to actually take out the packaging and guts out from the turkey. Needless to say Thanksgiving is always a “fun” time in my household!
Dawn Keenan says
Convince your sister to host Thanksgiving! That’s what I did this year, and it was a welcomed break.
Elizabeth says
Don’t be afraid to buck the system and make new traditions if that works best for you. My family has done pizza for Thanksgiving a few years because it worked best for our schedules and the time of our lives then. I have good memories of those years, and it was a real blessing not to have to roast a turkey those years. Do what works! 🙂
Susan Christy says
Use a countertop turkey roaster to free up oven space for all of your delicious side dishes.
Dianne Hall says
My favorite tip is to make something for everyone to take home. Maybe a box with a piece of pie to go or some fancy chocolates!
lonnie hutchinson says
each year try a new side dish or dessert be creative and do something you have never tried
al says
Have it on a different day, like Fri or Sat.
Evelyn says
If you are like me, and have multiple food sensitivities, bring options for yourself, so everyone else doesn’t have to stress out figuring out what to feed you.
Melissa L. says
My Thanksgiving tip is to have a good variety of food so everyone has something they like.
Kenny Hall says
We always set everything up like a buffet. Makes things easier!
Janell Poulette says
I like to make things the day before so I don’t have to do so much on Thanksgiving.
Madonna says
my best advice would be to remember this day is about family and friends. Yeah the food is a bonus but no one will remember it wasn’t perfect next year but they will remember the joy of being together. So don’t get caught up in the trap of staying in the kitchen fretting about the food.
Carly D. says
For Christmas, always have a few “extra” gifts like gift cards in the event that unexpected guests show up.
Carly D. says
For thanksgiving, preparation always makes it easier. I like to have all the sides and desserts done a day ahead to make it easier the day of!
Denise Konkel says
We always use our crockpot buffet warming station and it keeps all our food warm!
Elizabeth says
Listen to Christmas music while you prepare
Olivia Hamilton says
Dont sweat the small stuff! Thanksgiving is always high stress for me but you have to keep cool and dont sweat the little things.
Matteo Mazur says
I love to get the whole family involved with the dinner
Roxanne K says
Make freezable meals with the leftovers before you get completely sick of turkey sandwiches!
wanda says
For me (and I know lots of other people do this too) is I cook all the big time consuming items the day before. That way, hubby can cook the turkey on THurs and the other foods just go in the oven the last hour before we eat.
Gives me freedom to hang out and enjoy my guests.
Ashley Tucker says
Prepare in advance and have family help.
Stephanie Phelps says
My most original tip is to stick with simple sometimes those are the best dinners!
Missy says
Always brine the turkey, it guarantees a moist bird.
Julie says
we have thanksgiving potlluck style-everyone brings a passing dish thanks
Brenna says
We keep things really simple for our Thanksgiving. My best tip is to have as many good cooks working! Note: this is not me. 😉
laurie says
my tip is everyone bring a dish and it makes it alot easier for everone
Lauren Becker says
You can always celebrate with friends AND family, and pot luck Thanksgiving could be cheaper if you are low on funds!
Kristin @littlemamajama says
Make the pie the day before!
Donna Teller says
Make sure you have activities planned to keep the kids busy that way they stay out of the kitchen and don’t slow down the cooking.
Amber Rae says
Do a seating arrangement, with name place cards. On each place card, write down one reason you’re thankful to have that person in your life. Last Thanksgiving the place cards I did were shaped like fall leaves. 🙂
Kecia says
Potlucks are always best! My family divides the cooking responsibilities so there is less stress and more time to spend together!
Pam A says
Keep a tablecloth that your guests can write on year after to year to remember what they were most thankful for that year.
lauren says
Don’t over do it, have everyone help prepare food.
Nathan says
Wrap the turkey in bacon to keep it moist!
Thomas Murphy says
Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible.
Heather Kelly says
Start baking a few days before Thanksgiving. Cook the Turkey the day before, leaving room for cooking the sides.
steve weber says
cook baby carrots with honey and olive oil.. huge hit even the kids will love them!
Samantha Daleo says
Bake/Prep everything that you can at least a day ahead of time. There is no shame in re-heating, especially when it takes stress out of your life.
Jemelene says
Keep it small and intimate!
Kristin Goodson says
I get my meat from my fave bbq place! So much easier to handle doing just sides and desserts. Plus i like to support small businesses!
Jessica Whitehouse says
Delegate! Give everyone a job, so one person is not doing all the work. Divide the cooking and cleaning. Kids can set the table, guys can help in the kitchen.