Tips to Hosting a Thanksgiving Party

Hosting a successful Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to be overwhelming. Planning and preparation are the keys to create beautiful and memorable gathering.

Make a to-do list. When doing so, keep the following in mind:

Invitations (if needed)
Decorating
Grocery shopping
Food and beverage
Meal service
House cleaning
Entertainment

If you need to send invitations, be sure to mail them at least one month before the day. Of course you don't have to do something as formal as mailed invitations. If it is more of an informal gathering, you can invite people via e-mails, telephone calls or word of mouth. Whatever way you choose, be sure your guests let you know if they will be attending or not so that you will not be short on seating and food.

Make sure you have enough seating to accommodate all of your guests. You may need to rent or borrow chairs. It would be a good idea to inquire about rental about a month before. This also applies to tables you may need.

Plan your menu. Know your recipes and what ingredients you will need for them. Make a grocery list with everything you need. Go ahead and purchase the food and drink at least one week before the day of the party.

Will you be eating your meal on china or paper plates? What kind of flatware will you use? You will need enough plates, glasses and flatware for everyone. Also make sure that you have enough serving trays, bowls and spoons for the food you will serve.

Look at your recipes. What can be prepared a day or two earlier? Pies, cakes and other desserts can be baked one or two days ahead. Potatoes can be peeled and chopped a day ahead (be sure they are covered with water), as well as other vegetables. Whatever can be done before the day should be. And do remember to take the turkey out of the freezer so it will be thawed.

Make a cooking schedule and know exactly (or as close to) how long it will take to cook everything. This will ensure that the dinner will be finished at the same time. For instance, don't bake the rolls when you start the turkey, don't wait to cook the potatoes until the turkey is done, etc. With a precise schedule, you will know when to do what.

Housecleaning should be done a few days before the party. If you need to rearrange furniture and set up the tables, do these one or two days before (if you can stand a bit of inconvenience). Also, go ahead and decorate at this time, if you need to.

Although your guests will spend a great deal of the party socializing and catching up, it doesn't hurt to plan some entertainment. Put out a few tables so guests can join in playing board games and cards. Plan some activities for children to keep them occupied. If the weather is still warm where you live, set up a volleyball net outside or have a corn hole or horseshoe tournament.

If you plan and prepare, your party will go off without a hitch, and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests.