Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and—let’s be honest—a touch of chaos. But who says you have to be a frazzled host running on caffeine and sheer willpower? This year let’s trade the stress for some smiles. Here’s how to keep things light, easy, and actually fun this Thanksgiving.
Start with a Game Plan (But Keep It Real)
Think of your Thanksgiving menu as a potluck disguised as a feast. Write down what you really want to cook (hello, grandma’s stuffing recipe!) and delegate the rest. Aunt Carol loves her marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes? Let her shine. Guests bringing food = fewer dishes for you. And maybe a new recipe or two to discover.
Prepping Is Your Best Friend
The night before Thanksgiving, channel your inner chef…or at least your inner list-maker. Chop those veggies, measure out ingredients, and set the table early. Bonus points if you recruit a kitchen helper—bribery with wine or pre-dinner pie is encouraged. Something my mom and I share each year, Mo too. He makes sure to catch anything that hits the floor or in some cases catches it before it can reach the floor.
Lower the Bar on Perfection
Repeat after me: It’s okay if the turkey is a little extra crispy. Thanksgiving isn’t about culinary perfection; it’s about the people (and the pie). So what if your gravy’s lumpy? Call it “rustic” and move on. A good laugh is worth far more than a flawless side dish. I’ve had more lumps than I care to remember which is why my mom stopped me from making the gravy.
Embrace Shortcuts Shamelessly
Store-bought rolls? Pre-made cranberry sauce? A pie you “accidentally” didn’t bake yourself? Go for it! No one’s handing out awards for sweating over scratch-made everything. If it tastes good and keeps your sanity intact, it’s a win. I like to make pies ahead of time and freeze them. Check out my blog post on To Freeze or Not to Freeze Pies.
Entertainment = Peace
A bored crowd is a cranky crowd. Set up games for the kids (turkey-themed bingo, anyone?) and park the adults in front of a feel-good movie or football. A happy group means fewer interruptions while you handle the main event. When you have three brothers, it’s football all day long.
Laugh Through the Oops Moments
Burnt rolls? Dog swiped the turkey leg? Someone brought tofu instead of turkey? Thanksgiving disasters make the best stories and memories. Embrace the mishaps—they’re part of the charm. And you can’t avoid them.
Focus on the Fun
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about being with loved ones and enjoying the moment. Whether you’re sipping cider, swapping stories, or sneaking extra pie, let the gratitude (and the gravy) flow freely.
So, this year, let the turkey do the sweating. Keep it simple, keep it light, and most importantly—keep your sense of humor.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pepper