Your Thanksgiving Dinner Prep List
Sure, it’s Halloween…but Thanksgiving is so close that we can almost smell those pumpkin pies baking in the oven. Here at Flemington Department Store in Flemington, NJ, we’re about to start preparing our homes (and our tables!) for one of the most delicious holidays! We know preparing for Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first time hosting the holiday in your home. We’ve compiled a list of simple tips to help you set up the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. So, this Thanksgiving, prepare to dazzle your friends and family with your savvy hosting skills!
Preparations
A month or so before Thanksgiving, evaluate the condition of your home. Make a cleaning checklist and prepare to complete one task on the cleaning checklist per day. Consider having your carpet and other flooring professionally cleaned, and plan for touch-up paint throughout the house to cover nicks or scratches on the walls. Display some fresh pumpkins and mums by your front door for a festive entryway. Preparing your home will make you feel calm and confident on the big day.
A week before Thanksgiving, confirm your Thanksgiving menu and create your shopping list. To ease cooking stress, it’s always helpful to ask your guests to bring a side dish and a bottle of wine to share.
Centerpieces and Place Settings
Setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table is a task that can be completed a few days before the holiday. The table covering is the foundation of the Thanksgiving table, so choose wisely depending on the style you’re going for this year. A formal table linen will create a traditional Thanksgiving table. If you’re not a fan of formal table linens, consider using a burlap table runner and stylish placemats.
Once the table covering is in place, it’s time to focus on the centerpiece. Place foam bricks in a wooden dough bowl or trough. Next, add small pumpkins and gourds on top of the bricks, and place different size candles in the bricks. Cover the bricks with greenery, pinecones, berries, and fall foliage.
Do your best to make each guest feel welcome by creating a special place setting. Write each guest’s name on a place card and place it at his or her seat in an adorable gold pumpkin place cardholder. When creating your Thanksgiving seating arrangement, consider family relationships for a stress-free meal.
Now, you’re well on your way to the best Thanksgiving dinner ever. If new carpet or flooring is part of your Thanksgiving preparations, Flemington Department Store would love to help. Reach out today to get advice, ask questions, and more. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
