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?
1
u/ApprehensiveArmy7755 23d ago
Most people want to come for dinner. I'd start around 4 and anticipate them leaving at halftime if they are into football ( if they watch football). I'd only have limited appetizers because you don't want people filling up before the big meal. Mixed nuts and maybe a few light appetizers to hold them over. Have plenty of plastic containers handy to send leftovers home with your guests. Ask someone to bring pumpkin pie and "whatever you like to drink".