From making pies the night before to relaxing after dinner, a little planning can help you enjoy Thanksgiving as much as everyone else.
Thanksgiving Begins the Night Before at Our House
At our house, Thanksgiving actually begins on Wednesday evening.
My husband and I, along with whichever of our children are interested, spend the evening making pies. It's a tradition I carried on from my mother. She had a much larger crowd to feed, so her reasons were probably a little more practical. For me, it's simply part of what makes Thanksgiving feel like home.
Everyone gets to choose a favorite pie, even those who aren't home to help make them. That means nine pies these days!
We make them all, enjoy what we can on Thanksgiving, and freeze or send home the extras.
There was even a time, before our family grew quite so large, when I let each child choose two favorites. I'm not sure what I was thinking!
It's a lot of pie, but it's also one of my favorite parts of the holiday.
From Lounge Pants to Thanksgiving Dinner
My Thanksgiving mornings usually begin with coffee, lounge pants, and a kitchen full of things to do.
My husband and I work together throughout the day, but there are certain preparations I enjoy doing myself. They're part of my Thanksgiving tradition, and I actually look forward to them.
I like to get most of the messy work done early. Then, while my husband keeps things moving in the kitchen, I take a little time to get dressed.
I enjoy dressing up for Thanksgiving. Not because anyone expects it, but because the day is special to me, and I want to feel that way, too.
Of course, getting dressed doesn't mean the work is finished. There's still the final plating, serving, and eventually the cleanup.
That's where a good apron comes in handy!
What Should You Wear When Hosting Thanksgiving?
I think the best Thanksgiving outfit is one that lets you enjoy the entire day.
You want to feel comfortable moving around the kitchen, sitting down for dinner, and perhaps relaxing on the sofa afterward.
But comfortable doesn't have to mean giving up on looking nice.
A few things I consider when choosing my Thanksgiving outfit:
Start with a lightweight top. Kitchens get warm when the oven is running and everyone is gathered around. A pretty blouse or lightweight knit can keep you comfortable without feeling too casual.
Choose bottoms you can actually enjoy dinner in. Comfortable denim, trousers with a little stretch, or a relaxed pant can look polished without feeling restrictive.
Think about your sleeves. Long, loose sleeves can be a nuisance when you're preparing food or washing dishes. Choose something you can easily push up or roll back.
Add a layer for later. I love having a cardigan or cozy sweater nearby. The kitchen might be warm during dinner preparations, but later, when I'm sitting on the sofa with the kids, I usually appreciate an extra layer.
Keep jewelry simple. A pretty necklace or earrings can finish an outfit without getting in the way of everything you're doing.
And don't forget the apron. I put mine back on for those last-minute preparations and again when it's time to clean up.
Don't Let a Gravy Stain Keep You from Dressing Nicely
One thing I've heard from women over the years is that they hesitate to wear their nicer clothes when they're cooking or hosting.
And I understand why.
Between butter, gravy, salad dressing, and everything else that ends up on a Thanksgiving table, there's always the possibility of a stain.
But I have a little trick I've used myself and shared with other women, and they've had good results with it, too.
For a fresh oil or grease stain, try cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Gently blot away any excess grease without rubbing it into the fabric. Sprinkle the powder over the spot and let it sit for a while so it can absorb some of the oil. Then carefully brush it away.
You may need to repeat the process.
I especially like that arrowroot powder is something many of us already have around the house. It's also an ingredient in our body powder at Her Happy Place.
Of course, always check the garment's care label first, particularly with delicate fabrics. This trick won't work on every stain or every material, and washable garments may still need proper stain treatment afterward. Avoid putting a stained garment in the dryer until you're satisfied the stain is gone.
It's a simple little trick, but sometimes those are the most useful ones!
And if wearing something pretty makes you feel good on Thanksgiving, I don't think the possibility of a gravy spot should be the reason you leave it hanging in the closet.
A Little Something for the Hostess
Now, if you're fortunate enough to be a guest at someone's Thanksgiving table this year, here's something else to consider.
Hosting takes time, planning, and plenty of preparation. Even when someone genuinely enjoys doing it, a thoughtful little gift can be a lovely way to say thank you.
It doesn't need to be expensive or elaborate.
I particularly like gifts that the hostess can enjoy after everyone has gone home.
A pretty kitchen towel paired with a gourmet treat makes a useful gift. A cocktail mixer and a couple of special glasses can be something to enjoy on another evening.
Or consider something that has absolutely nothing to do with cooking!
A soft towel, a lavender foot mask, or a few little pampering favorites might be just what she appreciates after a busy holiday.
The nicest hostess gifts aren't necessarily the biggest. They're the ones that show you've thought about the person receiving them.
And if you're the one doing the hosting this year, there's nothing wrong with picking up a little something for yourself, either.
Remember to Enjoy the Day, Too
I think those of us who enjoy hosting sometimes get so involved in making everything wonderful for everyone else that we forget to enjoy what we've worked so hard to create.
The food doesn't have to be perfect.
The table doesn't have to look like a magazine photograph.
And you certainly don't have to spend the entire day in the kitchen.
Some of my favorite Thanksgiving moments happen after the meal, when the dishes are mostly finished, everyone has settled in, and I can finally sit down and enjoy the company.
Maybe that's when I pull on my cozy cardigan, put my feet up, and enjoy a glass of wine.
And there's usually pie left.
Quite a bit of pie, actually!
However you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I hope you make a little room to enjoy it yourself.
Wear something that makes you feel good. Keep the traditions that make the day special. Accept a little help, and don't worry if everything isn't perfect.
After all, the best part of Thanksgiving isn't how much we manage to accomplish.
It's the memories we make along the way.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lisa
A Little Thanksgiving Inspiration
Some comfortable holiday looks and thoughtful hostess-gift ideas from Her Happy Place.
Dressed for Thanksgiving
A pretty satin blouse, comfortable denim, and a delicate necklace. Just enough polish to make the day feel special without sacrificing comfort.
Cozy After Dinner
A Fair Isle cardigan is an easy layer to slip on when the kitchen cools down and it's time to relax.
A Gift to Share
An Old Fashioned cocktail mixer, two beautiful glasses, and a kitchen towel make a thoughtful gift for someone opening their home.
A Little Time for Herself
A fluffy towel, lavender foot mask, body brush, and rose quartz facial tools offer a little pampering after a busy holiday.
Visit Her Happy Place in historic downtown St. Peter, Minnesota, for comfortable holiday fashion, thoughtful gifts, and a little inspiration for making the season special.
