My Thanksgiving Menu and Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

This will be my second time hosting Thanksgiving, and while I’m no pro yet, I definitely learned a few things from my first go-round. If you’re hosting too, here are my go-to tips and what’s on our menu.

1. Collaborate with the Cooks

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Gather the top-tier cooks in your family and assign dishes based on their specialties. My Aunt Joyce is the queen of mac and cheese, so that automatically goes to her. And I make the best string beans, so that’s my lane. My mom will get a lot assigned to her lol because ain’t nothing like mama’s food!

Now, if you’re that girl in the kitchen who truly loves to cook it all, consider inviting a couple of your family’s culinary stars to be your sous chefs. It turns prep day into a little kitchen party with good music, good conversation, and extra hands to make the magic happen.

2. Finalize the Guest List (Early!)

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27th this year. I recommend getting your guest list together and sending out invites by November 6th, three weeks out. Have everyone RSVP by November 20th, so you know how many people to prepare for.

And while I’m all for not wasting food or money, Thanksgiving is not the day to underestimate portions. Make just a little extra because we all know no one leaves without a to-go plate.

3. Don’t Forget the Essentials

Beyond food, make sure you’ve got all the hosting basics covered. Think:

  • Chafing dishes

  • Plates, cups, napkins, and flatware

  • Drinks and ice

  • Foil, to-go containers, and trash bags

  • Guest towels for the bathroom

  • Extra chairs or folding tables if needed

And remember, you don’t have to buy it all yourself. Assign a few of these items likes drinks to guests.

4. Set the Vibe

The food will be amazing, but think about how you want the day to feel. Do you want cozy and intimate? Fun and festive? Maybe a little bit of both?

Here are a few ideas to set the tone:

  • Add a fall-inspired tablescape with candles, place settings and floral arrangements.

  • Create a playlist for background music.

  • Plan a gratitude circle before dinner.

  • Set up an activity or game area for the kids.

  • Turn on the football game or a good holiday movie afterward.

It’s those small details that make everyone feel welcome and make the day memorable.

5. Plan Ahead to Stay Sane

Call up your cleaning lady for Tuesday or block off time to clean yourself. I’m keeping my Wednesday clear this year, so I can focus on food prep and nothing else. It makes a huge difference when you wake up Thursday morning and can just cook, decorate, and enjoy.

Our Tentative Thanksgiving Menu

Entrees:

  • Salmon

  • Turkey

  • Ham

  • Fried and Baked Chicken

  • Braised Short Ribs

Sides:

  • Collard Greens

  • String Beans

  • Macaroni & Cheese

  • Corn Pudding

  • Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Stuffing

Desserts:
An assortment, because it’s not Thanksgiving without options.

Hosting is definitely work, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, a solid menu, and help from your family, you can actually enjoy the day you worked so hard to create.

Here’s to full plates, full hearts, and a Thanksgiving to remember.

Until next time, keep going, growing and glowing!

Shalyce

Shalyce Tyson2 Comments