Having family in for Thanksgiving any ideas suggestions advice?

Question

* family members flying accross the country - any advice

Answer 1

You're a brave woman.

Begin by doing a thorough cleaning in every room, over a period of days. Don't do a big binge clean, it leads to bitchiness. :-)

Decide if they are staying with you, if they are make sure you have adequate bedding and some cozy treats too. A few nice lotions, a few magazines, some nice chocolates....etc. Fluffy towels and fresh flowers complete a welcome feeling.

If you are going to decorate for fall use gourds, pumpkins, silk leaves, harvest things like grapes, etc. If you only have a few bucks or a few minutes don't scatter things all around the room. Focus on one area, the table, the mantle, etc. You can warm up a room for fall with cozy throws, deeper color throw pillows, spicy candles, etc.

Think about your menu now. Try buying staples a few at a time over the next few weeks to avoid a huge bill all in one week. Think about wine, appetizers, desserts too. Pumpkin pies can be made ahead and frozen, as can lots of appetizers. The more you prepare now, the easier time you'll have on the big day.

Since the guest will be there before and after the big meal, think about breakfasts and snacks too. Next days lunch and or dinner can be leftovers. If you're doing turkey you can whip up sandwiches with a tangy cranberry mayo (just mix the leftover cranberry sauce with some mayo--yum). Don't shy away from ordering a pizza when you need to!

Double check your recipes to make sure you have everything, don't try things more complicated than your ability to cook! Also make sure you have adequate tablecloths, napkins, glasses, and silverware.

Delegate chores if you can and lastly plan your wardrobe too, you'll have more fun if you know you look good!

I hope you have a fabulous day and make wonderful memories with your family.

P.S. Make sure you thaw the turkey properly if frozen and think about preparing the stuffing and cooking outside the bird. Food poisioning is not a legacy you want! Enjoy! Good luck!

Answer 2

Try to find them a nice hotel to stay in, rather than at your house, if it is a long or extended visit, that way nerves dont fray quickly.

Try not to plan too rigid of a schedule, allow for some flexible time- they may have travel delays, you may have some meal malfunctions, etc. Also, check to see what they hope to see while in town, if anything, and keep in mind they may need a driver, etc. to get there. Make sure when they arrive to offer a trip to the store, if you are picking them up at airport, for those last minute things they may have remembered they needed. ALSO- bring some drinks, bottled water with you when you pick them up- oike leave it in the car for them- no water on the planes, they are bound to be thirsty and not wanting to pay a fortune in the airport for a drink!

Try to have alternate activities to do- outside things, inside things, etc. so people arent feeling cramped up together.

Get as much prep work done before they arrive- cutting vegetables, etc. Make deli type trays for people to eat on through the day while you are making the dinner.

Make dinner a buffet style, where people can pick what they like, rather than everyone seeing who likes what, or feeling like they have to eat everything.

Candles always seem to mellow people out. So does nice, soft backround music.

I use disposable plates, silverware, cups for dinner- easy clean up, more time with your guests.

Try to let everyone sit where they are comfortable rather than assigning everyone seats.

Decided who will say grace (if you do that) in advance, and let the person know ahead of time, if you are honoring them by letting them to say it for your dinner.

Just a few thoughts there- we have had many Thanksgiving dinners with large groups of family and friends. I have found that the less stressful you can make it, the better things go. Oh- one more- limit the amount of alcohol served. It just works out better in the long run if there is less around to be had.

Have fun!

Answer 3

Find things to make them feel at home. Maybe bring some of their culture to them while they are in the states; i.e. : food, clothing, music, etc. It's also a great way to break the ice is by having food from their home country to welcome them.

What specifically are you looking for?

Answer 4

What information are you seeking? How to entertain them? Feed them? Get rid of them? Survive the trip?

Answer 5

family conversation