It's early October and some of us are already excited for one of our favorite holidays; Thanksgiving! We love this holiday because it involves food, family and gratitude! However, if you're the one that will be doing the hosting this year, we know that the holiday can stir up some anxiety too. So we've compiled a list of some tips to encourage and excite you; and maybe even take away some of the stress that might be setting in this October!
1. Settle On Travel Plans Soon!
NOW is the time that family should be booking flights or setting time aside from work if they will travel over the long Thanksgiving week. So, have those conversations with loved ones as soon as possible so that you can plan your calendar, decide how many meals will need to be coordinated, and see whether you might need to take some days off of work yourself!
2. Start Tackling House Projects Now!
Most of us have cleaning and organizing projects that we want to tackle before company arrives. Perhaps we need to clean out a guest room, re-paint a bathroom, or finish some minor repairs in the home. Either way, giving yourself at least a month to complete some of these larger projects will save you from a pile-up of tasks and stress in November.
3. Simplify A Few Meals!
When visitors will be in your home for days in a row, food is a huge topic of consideration. With all of the planning and work involved in Thanksgiving dinner, give yourself a break and simplify meal plans for the days surrounding Thanksgiving! Our extended family likes to take turns preparing breakfast when we're all in the same house. You could also consider having a pizza night, or you could schedule to eat out for a meal at least once! Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to ask your family members for help! Together, the pressure of constant food preparation can be alleviated so there's more time to enjoy the quality time under one roof!
4. Consider Easy Welcome Gifts!
Make a fun "Welcome Basket" for the kiddos (or adults!) coming over! For kids, I love ordering festive Oriental Trading crafts in advance, to give the kids something to do immediately upon arrival. The Dollar store is a great place to find craft items and goodies for children too! For adults, (especially those who live out of state) we love buying inexpensive gift cards to In&Out Burger or our local coffee shops so guests can explore nearby! Welcome gifts are not about lavish gifts, but small tokens to make your guests feel loved!
5. Delegate Thanksgiving Dinner Responsibilities!
This may be our most important tip: Take your loved ones up on their offers to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner! Even for those traveling a long distance, you can delegate drinks, store-bought items, or simple side dishes like salads and simple veggie sides!
6. Plan Yourself A Break To Regroup!
Another important tip for the leader of hospitality in your home: Plan one family outing for everyone but the host during the weekend. Because our space can get messy FAST with a house full of people inside, we always plan an afternoon when one of us can stay behind to pick up, re-group, and maybe get a load of laundry done! You'd be surprised how valuable and rejuvenating just a few hours can be for the homeowner!
If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, we hope you are able to let go of the pressure of perfectionism, and embrace the chance to love on family members in a way that brings you joy and gratitude. Flooring Direct Temecula wishes you a happy Fall and an even happier Thanksgiving!
"The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements but rather with the things we do for the people we love and esteem." - Walt Disney
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