7 Last Minute Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

An Autumn Entry: Decorating the front door is often forgotten. Simply hang a wreath on the front door for an inviting an festive entry to welcome your guests into your home. For a Fall Wreath tutorial, check out the burlap wreath that I had made.

Festive Cocktail Hour: Start of the the party with one of my favorite seasonal drinks, a Honeycrisp Apple Sangria. Spice up your regular sangria with cinnamon sticks. Follow the recipe featured on Sally's Baking Addiction.

(Image via Sally's Baking Addiction)

Fall Flower Arrangement:  Dress up your table with with a Fall Centerpiece. For casual dining, create a simple flower arrangement with autumn flowers. When you are ready to serve the food, you can easily remove the centerpiece to make space or if you would like to keep it on the table during the meal - make sure it is low enough for guests to see each other.

Create your Own Place Cards: Whether you are hosting a formal or casual Thanksgiving, place cards are great to have at any type of gathering. Avoid the award “Where do I sit?” moment. Create your own last-minute place card setting by editing the template provided by Blooms Designs. Visit the link to create your own place cards.

(Image via Bloom Designs Online)

Share Why Your Thankful: On the Back of the place card, encourage your guests to write why they are thankful for, besides Turkey. You can take turns going around the table to read what you are most thankful for.

Simplify Hosting Duties: As the host, often times we are caught up in the kitchen, catering to guests, and tending to the party. The best way to enjoy your company is to keep your hosting duties light so you can enjoy the party too. Here are two ways to serve food:

• Buffet style - Set up a feast near the table and allow guests to help themselves to their favorite Thanksgiving foods.
• Family Style - Serve dishes family-style, allowing guests to interact and share much more than a buffet does. Set the table with large serving dishes and serving spoons down the table and let guests pass them along during the meal.

Save Room For Dessert: Since most of us will be eating more than what we are typically used to (or at least in my family), it's important to save room for dessert because Grandma makes the best pie and you can't miss out on all that goodness! If you want a light dessert, consider making these fruit cone-copias featured on Target's blog (along with some other great treats).

(Image via Target)

Overall, Thanksgiving is about spending time with your loved ones and appreciating the people and the abundance around you. Regardless of how your table is decorated, everyone will still have a great time... even if your Turkey comes out dry. I hope that you have found these tips helpful and incorporate at least one example during your feast.

Wishing you the happiest Thanksgiving with tons of love, laughter, and memories.

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