Hosting your first Thanksgiving together is a huge deal. You want to get it right and impress your extended family, but you also don’t want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. After all, you do want to enjoy the company of your guests.
Our matchmakers here at New Jersey Singles have some expert tips on how to host your first Thanksgiving together. And always remember that glitches will come up whether you like it or not. Whether you burn the buns or the turkey comes out a little dry, remember that your friends and family are there with you to enjoy this wonderful day.
It’s in the Details
Who should you invite? You should always limit the invitations to close friends and family members, especially if you don’t have a lot of space. If you have more space, then go ahead and invite a few more—although that will mean more work on your end to prepare the Thanksgiving meal.
If this is your first time making a Thanksgiving dinner, you might want to keep it small. Invite close friends and family members and ask each of them to bring a dish (be sure to specify what dish everyone should bring). The last thing you want is everyone showing up with dessert. It is absolutely acceptable to ask guests to bring a dish, so don’t feel bad about this one. Everyone will be more than happy to pitch in and lighten your work load; after all, you’re offering your time and space to host a fabulous dinner.
Get the Right Wine
Wine is a Thanksgiving essential that you need to have available. Thanksgiving foods are rich and heavy, so keep that in mind when you choose your wine. Our advice is to keep some Old World white wines ready to go. White wines go well with Thanksgiving meals. If you prefer red, then opt for Pinot Noir or a Gamay because these also pair well with Thanksgiving dishes.
Never Turn Down Help
Thanksgiving is often a potluck affair, and that’s the best thing about it. Let friends and your partner help you out, and don’t be afraid of delegating the parts that stress you out. Delegate, delegate, delegate. Just because you’re hosting doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. The best way to survive your Thanksgiving party is by dividing and conquering. Whether it’s your partner, family members, or friends, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help where you need it.
Prepare Ahead of Time
The most stressful part about hosting Thanksgiving is the last-minute rush. If you want to make it less stressful, you want to prepare as much as you can ahead of time. You and your partner can prepare a few things the day before, such as casseroles and pies, which are perfect to reheat the day of Thanksgiving. Cranberry sauce can also be made in advance. And don’t forget to pick up all the essentials ahead of time, especially those Thanksgiving wines we just talked about.
Laugh the Disasters Off
Everyone makes mistakes, especially on a frantic day like Thanksgiving when there is so much rushing around. Instead of letting it get to you, laugh it off. Remember that you’re in the company of your friends and family who love you no matter what. Whatever happens, take it in stride, and remember that in a few years you’ll look back at your first Thanksgiving dinner and laugh at all the memories you and your partner made that day.
Good luck hosting your first Thanksgiving as a couple. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones – sincerely, the matchmakers at New Jersey Singles Dating Service.
The holidays are chaotic and leave little time for dating. If you’re single and wishing for a special someone to spend the festive season with, let our matchmakers take over the dating burdens for you. If you’re single and ready to meet that special someone, contact our expert matchmakers and let us help you find them. Call 1 (888) 417-0020 to book your FREE matchmaking consultation today!