Thanksgiving Prep and Checklist

How to Prep for Thanksgiving

With its bright fall colors and abundant tabletops, Thanksgiving Day is a feast for our eyes as well as appetites. But since it’s a holiday that’s so heavily steeped in tradition, it tends to have lots of moving parts. Here are some easy suggestions on how to create a warm, inviting space for your guests like a pro.

First Impressions

Your chances to wow begin at the front door. Your guests won’t be able to help getting into that holiday frame of mind when they see the colorful fall wreath and harvest-themed doormat you’ve chosen for your entryway. Once inside, your carefully chosen details will stoke the mood even further. Use colorful leaf runners, pumpkins and turkey figurines to set off the front door to visually greet your guests.

Home & Hearth

The good cheer will continue once your guests see all the fine flourishes you’ve made to the rest of your home, too. Invite that warm harvest feel into every corner of your house by sprinkling in decor wherever possible. Candles and floral arrangements look great on mantels, bookshelves and coffee tables. Also consider icons that invoke the spirit of fall: small stuffed animals like squirrels, deer and owls, and nature items like pinecones, apples and acorns. And of course, always pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!

Need a little inspiration for your own fall mantle? Click here for an easy tutorial video.  

Table Time

Now it comes down to the table, the most important place to showcase your hospitality. Once you’ve set out the plates, silverware, and napkins, it’s time to add the touches that will make the meal memorable. Use a centerpiece and colorful runner to serve as a focal point for your meal.  Add in other items like candleholders, pumpkins & gourds, or fall-related figurines to complement the scene.

For a tutorial on making the perfect centerpiece, click here.

Pro-Tip: Candlelight goes a long way to set an elegant dinner mood, but avoid scented candles which can interfere with the enjoyment of food flavors. 

Don’t Forget! Have an assortment of plastic storage containers on hand to send guests home with leftovers. 

We’d love to see how you decorate for Turkey Day. Inspire us with your design prowess at #AtHomeFinds.