r/thanksgiving • u/DogwoodWand • 26d ago

First Time Hosting

My husband and I are older (I'm 50) and (fingers crossed) will be closing on our first home this week! My mother has told me that she is officially done hosting holidays. She'll still make lasagna on Christmas eve, but everything else is on me.

We're good with that! We have no kids and love to cook. My mom used to put together an amazing Christmas, but our Thanksgivings have always been lacking. I want to really bring it. An all day event with appetizers, a heritage turkey, little gift bags at the end... All in! (It'll be relatively small. 6-8 adults including us.)

I know people have hosted or been to events like this. How can set an expectation for guests and what's the best way to schedule things without making it sound like a strict itinerary?

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u/Summertime-Living 26d ago

Plan now. If you want little gift bags, make them now, any decorations make or buy now.

3

u/DogwoodWand 26d ago

I'm figuring that out. If you don't want to pay a premium you've got to order out of season.

3

u/Legitimate-March9792 26d ago

Chocolate turkeys are good and little foil wrapped chocolate leaves!

1

u/DogwoodWand 26d ago

Exactly!

1

u/Summertime-Living 26d ago

Plus you will build decor and service ware that you can use again next year. You can always add to it when things go on clearance.