How To Plan for a Wonderful Thanksgiving Celebration

Bring Your Gratitude to Life with Flowers

Hosting Thanksgiving takes skill and patience! If you are hosting this year and want to create a smooth experience that is as joyful as it is delicious, you’re in luck – we have compiled a checklist of things to keep in mind as you cook up a memorable, family-filled day.

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning well in advance. Write up a checklist and make a timeline for tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, and decorating. This will help reduce stress as the holiday approaches.
2. Guest List and Invitations: Decide who you’ll invite and send out invitations early. Knowing the number of guests will guide your food and seating arrangements.
3. Dietary Restrictions: Ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. This way, you can plan a menu that accommodates everyone.
4. Menu Selection: Plan your menu based on your guests’ preferences and the size of your gathering. Traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are staples but don’t forget to include vegetarian or vegan options if needed.
5. Grocery Shopping: Make a detailed shopping list and buy non-perishable items well in advance. Shop for fresh ingredients a few days before the main event.
6. Cooking Schedule: Create a cooking schedule, especially if you’re preparing multiple dishes. Some items like soups, casseroles, roasts, and desserts can be made or prepped in advance to save time on Thanksgiving day.
7. Kitchen Equipment: Ensure your kitchen is equipped with all the necessary tools and cookware. This includes roasting pans, serving dishes, utensils, and extra oven space if needed. If you need an additional blender, bowl, or pot, don’t be shy – ask your guests to help out.
8. Decor and Ambiance: Consider how you want to decorate your home. Seasonal decorations like fall leaves, pumpkins, and candles create a festive atmosphere.
9. Table Setting: Plan your table setting with place cards, napkins, and centerpieces. Use your creativity to make it visually appealing.
10. Beverages: Have a variety of beverages available, including non-alcoholic options. Wine, beer, and cocktails are great, but also have water, soda, and juice for non-drinkers and kids.
11. Ask For Help: Assign tasks to family members or friends to ensure everything runs smoothly. This could include setting the table, making appetizers, or helping with cleanup. Remember, kids and teens often love to have a job. Put guests of all ages to work!
12. Entertainment: Plan some entertainment or activities for your guests. You can watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, a football game, play board games, or set up a craft station for kids.
13. Dinner Set-up: Decide how you’ll serve dinner. You can serve a buffet-style meal or have a designated person serve each course. Make sure to have extra plates and utensils available.
14. Leftovers: Plan to send guests home with leftovers. Stock up on disposable containers or encourage guests to bring their own to-go containers.
15. Relax and Enjoy: Remember that Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones and showing gratitude. Don’t stress too much about the details, and enjoy the day with your family and friends.

No matter how you plan on spending Thanksgiving – or what you’re cooking up – make it an extra special event with a celebratory centerpiece. The talented floral artisans at Allen’s Flower Market have designed several gorgeous harvest-themed bouquets to add that extra special touch to your dining room table. Our Harvest Hurricane centerpiece pairs dark red and amber petals with lush foliage and a wide burgundy candle. Fall Flare is a great choice to create a warm atmosphere, with orange and bronze blossoms arranged artfully with tall, Autumnal candlesticks. For a farm-chic variation on a traditional theme, consider Allen’s Cornucopia, which combines yellow roses, orchids, wheat stalks, and more in a woven cornucopia basket. 

For generations, our family-owned business has brought a touch of beauty to holidays and special occasions. Allen’s Flower Market offers a complete selection of fresh, skillfully arranged flowers to take your celebration to new heights. We are proud to offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers locally across Southern California and nationwide. Thanksgiving is a busy day – let us make things easy for you. Arrange a floral delivery today.