With the heat of summer fading away, many of us are turning our minds to all things family. Cozy nights spent around the fire, long chats with teenagers and little kids, board games, laughter and making memories. Some of us are busy simmering batches of elderberry syrup to keep our health intact during cold and flu season.
Most of all, our minds have turned to the holidays, and how to make them fun and memorable for each member of the family. Approaching faster than should be possible, the often overlooked holiday of Thanksgiving is almost here. For those of us who love this time of togetherness and a great meal, there are some things that make it easier for it to happen.
It can be tempting to buy one of those throwaway roasting pans, made of flimsy metal. After all, the less dishes you have to do when stuffed full of turkey, the better. However, if you’re someone who plans to host the feast more than once in your lifetime, a high quality stainless steel roasting pan is a must have on your shopping list. Make sure to get one strong enough for a huge bird, that way you can feed all your loved ones.
A Beautiful Tablecloth or Runner
Hosting Thanksgiving can be stressful. You want everything to look perfectly put-together. If it’s important to you that your guests are satisfied not only with the food on their plates, but also with the decor of the room, a seasonal tablecloth or elegant table runner can be enough to set the scene. Paired with a perfect centerpiece, it will look like you took hours to make everything look just so.
High Quality Dishware
Speaking of making things look nice, ditch the paper plates this year and go all out. Pick up a set of china plates or golden silverware. You don’t have to spend much at all: the thrift store is a great place to find unique finds for hardly any change at all. This is a great deal and will save you a ton of money. Make everything at your dining table look great, and all your guests will remember it for years to come.
Containers For Leftovers
Unless your guests are famished when they arrive for dinner, it’s likely you’ll have leftovers to keep you tided over for a day or two at least. Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of storage containers: they’re a must have. Glass dishes with lids work particularly well and are good for the environment.
An Electric Carving Knife
Carving the turkey doesn’t have to be a pain if you purchase an electric knife. There are many on the market to choose from, some of them remarkably quiet. Not only can these bad boys carve your turkey perfectly, they can also be used to slice anything you can think of.
Freshly sliced bread, anyone?
A slow-cooker.. or two
If you’re like the average holiday enthusiast, you’ll be cooking up many dishes at once. From the big bird to stuffing, mashed potatoes, and casseroles, you’ll have the oven and stove top full. Utilize a slow-cooker or two and let it do some of the cooking for you.
Large Pots and Pans
If you’re not used to cooking for a crowd, it’s possible you won’t be able to fit enough food in the pans under your cupboard. If you’re serving twenty people mashed potatoes, you’re going to need a large pan. Try to get dishes that are anti-stick and easy to clean to make cleanup a breeze.
Potholders
With your dining table nicely decorated and fit for royalty, the last thing you’ll want to do is scorch it with hot dishes of food. Make sure you have enough potholders to accommodate the different dishes you’ll have on display. Try some cute crocheted ones if you’re into working with your hands.
Candles
The holidays are about being with those we love in a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Candles can help make this happen. Scented or plain, the warm light of a flickering fire brings joy to the most stubborn of souls. Plus, it’ll last long past the holiday and can provide peace throughout the cold days of winter.
Cleaning Supplies
Once the day is done, you’ll spend a few hours at least cleaning up from the festivities. Save yourself time and stock up on cleaning supplies ahead of time. It will be a sanity saver when you’re looking at the mess, wondering where to start.
These items aren’t needed to have a great dinner, but they can help. Look for a good deal and get what you can. In the end, what really matters is the time spent with those you
