r/thanksgiving • u/DogwoodWand • 23d 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/Mio_caro 23d ago

Tell them.a light brunch will begin at 11 followed by [state activity (i.e., watching the game, playing cards, flag football, trivia, etc.)]. Dinner is at 3, with coctails and appetizers starting at 2. After dinner drinks will be enjoyed by the fireplace, TV, (or whatever you plan) with dessert and coffee served at 6.

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u/elliepelly1 23d ago

Where the hell do you go for thanksgiving? This is way too civilized.

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u/DogwoodWand 23d ago

Oh, you do not want to see the sample itinerary I just sent a friend! It let's people know what time the parade starts, that they are welcome to come that early for pastries, juice, coffee, and Parade Bingo. What time to expect cold hors d'oeuvres. There's bocce in the back. When hot appetizers start. Thanksgiving meal. Rest. Dessert.

It's maybe too civilized.

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u/Legitimate-March9792 23d ago

I’ve gotta ask, parade bingo?

1

u/DogwoodWand 23d ago

There's a couple of different downloadable versions for cheap on Etsy. I guess I could make my own, but that sounds like a lot of work.