Thanksgiving Planning Guide
Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away, which means it’s time to start planning your holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a grand family feast or a cozy Friendsgiving, it’s essential to plan ahead. After all, between setting the mood and organizing a delicious menu with fun activities on the side, there’s plenty to do before Thanksgiving arrives. Don’t worry - you can pull off a turkey day to remember with this step-by-step guide designed to make your celebration joyful and stress free!
Choose a festive theme
One of the easiest ways to make your gathering feel special is to choose a theme that sets the mood for the day. Whether you go with a classic autumnal look, a cozy rustic feel, or even a fun turkey vibe, sign up themes bring an extra layer of personality to your celebration. If you plan in advance, it’s easy to color coordinate this theme with your table settings and decorations.
For instance, if you’re hosting a family-focused Thanksgiving, try a nature- inspired theme with autumn leaves, warm candlelight, and earthy tones. For a Friendsgiving, consider a more laid back, playful design with colorful decor and whip up some personalized place cards. Explore our fall sign up themes to get inspired and set the stage for your event.
Plan a delicious and inclusive meal
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a meal that brings everyone to the table. But planning a feast that meets everyone’s needs can be tricky, especially when balancing family favorites with modern dietary restrictions. To make it easier, try preparing a few versatile dishes that can be adjusted for various preferences.
For example:
- Appetizers: Offer veggie trays, dips, and cheese boards to accommodate guests who may be vegetarian or gluten-free.
- Main Course: The turkey is the star, but why not add a plant-based option like a stuffed acorn squash? This way, everyone has something to enjoy.
- Side Dishes: Consider making a gluten-free stuffing and using dairy alternatives in mashed potatoes or casseroles so everyone can dig in without worry.
Looking for more ideas to simplify meal planning? Our Thanksgiving meal planning tips can help you create a spread that satisfies everyone while keeping the stress level low.
Use icebreakers to spark conversations
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness, and icebreakers are a great way to get conversations flowing. Whether your guests are old friends or family members who don’t see each other often, a fun icebreaker can make everyone feel more connected.
Try placing a “question bowl” at the table where guests can pick a slip with a question or prompt, like:
- “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving memory?”
- “If you could invite any historical figure to dinner, who would it be?”
- “What are three things you’re grateful for this year?”
You could even incorporate fun trivia about Thanksgiving to spark some friendly competition! For a full list of ideas, check out our list of Thanksgiving icebreaker games and questions that are sure to warm up any room.
Keep guests entertained with fun games
When it comes to hosting, keeping guests engaged and entertained is key, especially if you’re cooking or handling last-minute preparations. Games are a wonderful way to bring people together, encourage a little friendly competition, and keep guests (especially the kids) happily occupied.
Consider options like:
- Turkey Tag: Before or after dinner, try the Thanksgiving version of flag tag with clothespins or another easy-to-tear item! By the time you’re finished, even the adults will feel like a kid again.
- Scavenger Hunt: If you’re hosting a large group, a Thanksgiving- themed scavenger hunt around the house or yard can be a huge hit.
- Team Trivia: Divide your guests into teams and challenge them to answer Thanksgiving-related trivia questions. For an extra twist, make it kids vs. adults or mix the teams for some fun bonding.
Get even more inspiration by checking our roundup of Thanksgiving game ideas and make sure there’s no shortage of fun!
Stay organized with a checklist
Thanksgiving hosting involves a lot of details, from meal prep to decorations to last-minute arrangements. To help you manage everything without stress, a Thanksgiving checklist can be a lifesaver. It can keep you on track with tasks like grocery shopping, setting the table, and confirming the guest list, all the way to post-dinner cleanup.
Our downloadable checklist allows you to keep your planning all in one place, so you won’t miss a step in creating a wonderful experience for your guests. Print it out or keep it saved to your phone - either way, your checklist is close by when you need it!
Download your Thanksgiving checklist here to make sure you’re ready for every step of the celebration.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a Thanksgiving celebration that’s festive, well-organized, and full of joyful memories. From setting a welcoming theme to organizing delicious, inclusive dishes, sparking fun conversations, and entertaining guests, this guide is here to ensure you can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving, and here’s to making this holiday one to remember!
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