Ah, Thanksgiving—the time of year when the air is filled with the delicious scent of roasted turkey, the sound of laughter, and the warmth of family and friends. But before you can kick back and enjoy the feast, there’s a little dance you need to do: the Turkey Day Tango. Follow these simple steps to transform your humble abode into a Thanksgiving haven that will have your guests giving thanks for your hosting prowess.
Step 1: Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Before you embark on the grand journey of Thanksgiving preparations, channel your inner minimalist. Take a look around and bid farewell to the unnecessary clutter that has slowly but surely made its way into your home. Remember, a clutter-free space is a stress-free space. There are some great “how-to” blogs and videos online to help with this project, as in some cases, this can be quite the undertaking. Here are some places to start:
Making Lemonade
Frugal Family Times, she divides it up by weeks to make it a bit more manageable.
Domestic Genius, a quick 5-minute video offering suggestions.
Step 2: The Great Gobble Gobble Clean
Armed with a feather duster and a spritz of multi-surface cleaner, take on the Great Gobble Gobble Clean. Give your living room a once-over, banishing dust bunnies and ensuring that every nook and cranny is ready for prime time. Pro tip: Don’t forget to clean your guest bathroom; you wouldn’t want Aunt Mildred discovering your the thick layer of dust on your baseboards or secret stash of neon-colored bath bombs, while she’s “taking care of business”, would you?
Step 3: Dress to Impress
No, I’m not talking about your Thanksgiving outfit (although that’s important too). It’s time to give your home a little wardrobe change. No need for brand new furniture, but swapping out those everyday throw pillows for seasonal ones will scream “fall vibes.” Toss a cozy blanket over the sofa, and voila! Your living room is now dressed to impress without breaking a sweat.
Step 4: Set the Stage for Feast-ivities
Not every dining area has to be Instagram-worthy (because, let’s face it, who has the energy). Invest in small things that will make a big impact… a festive tablecloth, “fancy” disposable plates, and a decorative centerpiece. A simple flower arrangement you picked up at the neighborhood grocery store will do the trick. Don’t worry about folding the napkins into turkey shapes. Your guests come to see you, not your table setting. Keep it simple!
Step 5: Tune Up Your Tunes
Craft the perfect Thanksgiving playlist to set the mood. A mix of classic tunes and some contemporary favorites will have your guests tapping their feet while they wait for that turkey to roast. Just make sure to keep it at a volume where Uncle Bob can still share his epic turkey-carving tales without shouting. Spotify and Pandora have many options, specifically geared towards Thanksgiving. Of course, you can create your own playlist as well.
Step 6: Embrace the Scent-sational
If there’s one thing that can transport your guests straight into Thanksgiving mode, it’s the aroma wafting through the air. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or apple pie, light up some scented candles, bake some pies or cookies or even simmer a pot of potpourri on the stove. Your house will feel like a Thanksgiving wonderland in no time.
And there you have it—the Turkey Day Tango decoded. With these simple steps, your home will be the talk of the Thanksgiving town. So kick back, relax, and get ready to enjoy a day filled with gratitude, laughter, and perhaps a second helping of pie. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🦃
It take a lot of energy to get ready for guests at the holidays… mental energy and physical energy. Solicit help from your family. No one says you have to do it alone. Keep it stress free and easy on yourself. It’s your holiday, too.
