Count your blessings rather than your to-do list tasks with these fun ideas for hosting Thanksgiving.
Hosting Thanksgiving might seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be.
Ourvegetarian Thanksgiving menuoffers straightforward recipes (like these Hasselback Potatoes) to cater to every allergy and food preference.
Credit: Blaine Moats
If you need only small substitutions, just pick-and-choose the Thanksgiving dishes that best fit your holiday celebration.
Make a Giant Pumpkin Pan Pie
Don’t stress yourself by making multiple pumpkin pies this year.
Instead, make your traditional pumpkin pie go even further by baking one extra-large version with double the portions.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Prep Overnight Refrigerator Rolls
The best tip for creating a delicious Thanksgiving feast, sans excess stress?
Rely on make-ahead options for the big day!
For a special touch, customize your carbs with whole wheat, Parmesan-herb, and salt and pepper varieties.
Credit: Hannah Bigot
Stick to White Plates
Crisp white plates are our entertaining secret.
No matter the dish, your Thanksgiving feast will shine on simple dishes.
Embrace a Store-Bought Shortcut
Our favorite store-bought shortcut?
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Simply unwrap and fillno one has to know you didn’t make the base of thisspiral-topped sweet potato pieyourself!
We like to set them out and label each one by dish with a sticky note.
Or, to make clean-up even easier, you could purchase one-time-use pans at the grocery store.
Credit: Adam Albright
Cover Your Turkey in Bacon
Worried about a dry turkey ruining your holiday meal?
Cover yourThanksgiving birdin bacon and relax.
The flavorful bacon will baste the meat and crisp the outside to succulent perfection.
Credit: Blaine Moats
better than a big hugand a big mug of a warm drink.
wine, spices, fruit, liquor, and fruit juice.
Just follow our ratios for a ridiculouslytasty punch recipefor the 21+ crowd.
Credit: Scott Little
With this method, everyone will get the perfect combination of crispy edges and a creamy center.
If your guests favor a savory Thanksgiving stuffing, try our apple, bacon, and onion recipe.
If you prefer a sweet kick, we recommend the rosemary, ham, and cherry-based cups.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Let Guests Play Mixologist
There’s no need to play bartender at Thanksgiving.
Set up a well-stocked bar cart and let your friends and family do the rest.
Everything comes from the grocery store, so you might unwrap and assemble in minutes.
Credit: Rebekah Molloy
Assemble theseThanksgiving centerpieceslightening-fast with just a few sprigs of grass, autumn gourds, and pillar candles.
This easy dessert recipe will quickly fill your home with the sweet smell of traditionalThanksgiving desserts.
Or Try a Make-Ahead Trifle
Can’t decide between a cake or a creamy custard?
Credit: Andy Lyons
Combine both into one simple yet showy trifle that brings the best ofpumpkin breadand (bourbon-spiked!)
cream to the table.
Build it up to eight hours ahead, then refrigerate until it’s time to serve the sweets.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Love Your Pressure Cooker
Hello, Brussels sprouts with just 3 minutes of cook time!
And with zero requirements on oven space.
Cover the Table in Kraft Paper
This shortcut Thanksgiving tablecloth is perfect for hosting the holidays.
Credit: Carson Downing
When it comes time to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner, simply remove and toss it away!
Skip Fancy Silverware
Keep the silver stored until you’re hosting a small holiday gathering.
It will save you time handwashing andpolishing the silverand keeps the look casual yet chic.
Credit: Blaine Moats
We like to mix and match everyday utensils for the Thanksgiving feast to meet the needs of a crowd.
The jars are inexpensive and easy to clean, and can be used year-round!
Fill them withperked-up water, hot chocolate, or punch; you’re able to’t go wrong.
Credit: Kathryn Gamble Lozier
Place your turkey on top, and you’ve got ourfavorite way to roast.
One-Pan Good Gravy
Don’t even think about dirtying another dish.
Just make yourgravy reciperight in the roasting pan!
Credit: Matthew Clark
Simply skim off the turkey fat using a spoon, and add any flavorings you like.
(We’re looking at you, tahini!)
Finally, a reason to use the savory seasoning blend for more than the bird alone.
Credit: Carson Downing
Dress Up Frozen Cranberries
Can the can this year.
But instead of worrying about if your fresh cranberries are, well, actually fresh, opt for frozen.
Wake up overnight guests with the enticing scent of brunch.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Thesecozy and warm recipeswill fuel everyone up for a day of travel or shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should invite guests over 1-2 hours before you plan to have dinner ready.
This way, guests will have time to arrive and greet each other before the meal.
Credit: Lucy Schaeffer
If possible, place benches around the table instead of chairs for fit more guests.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Credit: Amy Allen
Credit: Andy Lyons
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Andy Lyons
