It seems like every year retail stores manage to stock their shelves with holiday decorations earlier and earlier. Well you can deny it all you want but the holidays are rapidly approaching, which means presents to buy, parties to attend, and preparations to be made. If your house has been designated as the destination for Thanksgiving festivities, there are a number of things that require your attention prior to the day of the feast.
Being the host house on Thanksgiving comes with some benefits and some downfalls. One of the pluses being that you are in the comfort of your own home the entire day and will not have to deal with the stress of traveling. The pitfall to hosting Thanksgiving in your home is the extra effort that goes in to all the minor home improvements, day of decorating, and other various preparations. If you are expecting over night guests, then you have even more work cut out for you, but it is the perfect opportunity to spruce up your beloved home. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Curb Appeal – The outside of your home is the first thing that guests will see when they pull into the driveway. Make sure that the landscaping is refined and consider adorning the front door area with warm and welcoming fall décor.
2. At the Door – Once your Thanksgiving Day guests enter your home, make sure they have a place to put their belongings – shoes, coats, purses, etc. The benefit of having guests remove their shoes at the door is that it makes everyone feel more comfortable throughout the day.
3. Seating – Since more people will be in your home than usual, make sure there is ample seating, both in the dining room and in other areas of the home where people congregate. If necessary, purchase additional bar stools for the kitchen and comfortable ottomans for the family room.
4. Guest Bathroom – Obviously, you want the main guest bathroom to be spotless, but it is also a good idea to provide extra guest towels or disposable cloth napkins for hand drying purposes.
5. Around the Table – The table setting for Thanksgiving is a big deal, since the day revolves around the meal around the dining table. Make it look festive, but don’t go overboard. Too much clutter on the table will negate conversation and will make your guests feel cramped while they are trying to eat.
6. Build a Bonfire – If you have the space in the backyard, consider building a bonfire in the backyard for everyone to enjoy. The kids can roast marshmallows and the adults can relax with a holiday cocktail.
