Whether you celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving or partake in a more casual holiday dinner, Thanksgiving is undoubtedly a time to spend with loved ones + reflect on all we have to be grateful for.
For us there is no set family that hosts turkey day each year, it’s usually whoever feels like doing a majority of the work! This year with two little ones + my husband working that day, I was originally going host but decided that this is a good year to for us to lay low + stay at home instead of rushing all over with two wound up kids. We will certainly be missing our extended family but I feel a big pull to not overdo it.
That being said, the entertaining + event side of me still believes in setting the right atmosphere, even if it will be just the four of us. And if you are hosting a larger family gathering, these elements should definitely not be overlooked for tying together your holiday. Here are my entertaining essentials to help round out a delicious meal + set the atmosphere for a cozy, love filled Thanksgiving.
1. TABLETOP + DECOR
In the catering + event world we always stressed the importance of atmosphere + a beautiful table setting because after all, people eat with their eyes first. I prefer a more casual approach to the setting with minimal flatware + glassware to avoid cluttering the table. For us, it’s not a formal sit down dinner but more of an upscale regular night with a lot more food.
When setting the table with minimal pieces, the ones you do have should make a statement. Having a basic white porcelain dinner plate with an accent of color or pattern from a salad plate on top makes enough of an impact without being overbearing. Beautiful serving pieces + platters in addition to drinking glasses with a little personality will brighten up the table. Keep centerpieces minimal so guests can see each other; a singular floral or fruit centerpiece with a few candles can achieve just this.
TIP: To avoid interfering with meal enjoyment, make sure the florals aren’t overpowering in smell + choose unscented candles.
When it comes to fall decor, I don’t tend to over-do it {I save that for Christmas!} Usually it is limited to a few pumpkin accents + wooden baskets + bins but having some fall elements throughout the home helps round-out the warmth.
votives // S+P shakers // napkins // table runner // serving platter // taper candle holder // salad plate {gold} // salad plate {thankful}
2. MUSIC
Nothing is more awkward than walking into a silent house, even if it is your own family. The right music really gets me in the mood to cook + entertain, plus my kids LOVE to dance along, which keeps them entertained. Last year we got a Bose speaker that is water resistant {so we can have it by the pool} + it’s so small, light and portable that you can put it almost anywhere. Of course the sound is also amazing + you can seamlessly switch between Bluetooth connections.
There is a Thanksgiving Day station on Pandora that plays great dinner music. On a side note, T-Day clean up music is immediately switched to the Michael Buble Christmas station. {Don’t judge}
3. SCENT
No doubt once all the food arrives you will have an array of delicious aromas filling up the air but in rooms where they may not reach I like to have a small candle burning that complements the food. This is sometimes hard to achieve in a bathroom/powder room because it’s a place most food smells should probably not be. But I have found a crisp apple or clean herbal scent is perfect to continue the fall holiday feel but still fresh + clean enough for the bathroom.
In the living room I cannot get enough of Illume’s Bolangerie Pumpkin Souffle. It smells absolutely amazing! Choose to place it in an area that is away from where people are going to be seated because the scent carries really well + may be a little overpowering right under nose. As always, be aware of your guests + if they have allergies or sensitivities {SCENTSitivites??}
4. SPECIALTY COCKTAIL
Image Source: Bon Appetit
One of the things we always included at the weddings I managed was a signature cocktail + whenever we are hosting a holiday at our home I love to have one that reflects the occasion. I suggest making a large batch that is alcohol-free then having a few spirits that can be added to it. Cider based beverages are an obviously good seasonal pick + they are easy to add vodka, bourbon or whiskey to. No need to make a ton- think of it as a cocktail hour. Guests will probably have one or two then move on to something else. Here are some of my favorite autumn cocktail round-ups from Food + Wine, Bon Appetit + Martha Stewart.
I also like to have an after dinner drink set-up as well. Brew coffee before dessert then switch out the signature cocktail with some cordials.
And as a standard have some wine, beer, tea {iced +hot}, water + juice for kids available. Encourage guests to bring their favorite beverage instead of buying a variety of items that may get little use.
5. GUEST BOOK
It may seem silly to have a guest book at a small gathering of family but it’s something that I have been wanting to incorporate into our holiday + even birthday get-togethers {I really regret not having a guest book or object to sign for the first birthday of each of our sons}. We received a guest book for our housewarming + I thought it was a bit ridiculous to have out but kept it out anyway. I’m so glad we did because now we can look back at it + remember all the love we shared that day.
When I had my little home store, I carried these guest books + they sold out so quickly! They are great to use year after year + it’s fun to go back to see what people wrote. And don’t let guests just sign it…they have to say what they’re most grateful for!
Giving Thanks Guest Book
What are things that you include in your Thanksgiving Day?
Here’s wishing everyone a happy, safe holiday, no matter where or with whom you spend it!