Blogger Chelsey Curtis from Housewife 2 Hostess shows us three place settings for different budgets and a couple things to make sure you remember to do before guests arrive.
1.Make a Plan
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, especially if this is your first time hosting, plan out what you will be serving (or who's bringing what) and plan out when you need it ready. The key to a low stress Thanksgiving is a good game plan and great execution.
IE: Rolls, desserts and pies the day before. Start the turkey and then potatoes as the first things to cook the day of. Prepare relish and fruit trays, set aside. Make the stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and finish mashed potatoes while the turkey cooks. Finish with drinks, reheating rolls and make the gravy. Serve everything hot at the same time!
2. Choose a Theme
Whether your theme is traditional, modern, seasonal or just a color scheme, planning ahead will ensure you have the table and all of the details just the way you want them ahead of time.
3. Mix It Up
Make sure to have different elements of hight, color and texture for the centerpiece(s) on the table. Will you be serving your food on the table? Make sure to factor that in, will it be self-serve? Make sure to have enough decor to make the tables feel full and inviting, and don't forget to mix heights and add a little candle light. Its okay to spend a little extra, nice decor is an investment, but you'll be able to use it year after year.
4. Assigned seating
I'm a huge fan of assigned seats, its just easier knowing that everyone has a seat and your able to break up cliques so they can mingle and visit with new and old friends. Its also the easiest way to to that is having named place cards. You can buy them or easily print your own too.
5. Get creative and have Fun
If your on a tight budget, look around for things to make the decor beautiful and elegant. If your not, challenge yourself by putting together your own ideas instead of buying the assembled one featured in the store. Is there a creative decor element that you could later gift as a party favor? The most important thing will be the memories that you're creating. Help the guests feel welcome and keep the day happy and fun.
Find more fun ideas on Chelsey's bloghere.
