Thanksgiving is one week away. ONE. It’s super early this year which has me feeling a bit rushed, but thankfully my mama is coming to spend the entire week with us next week before the rest of my family arrives—so I’ve got all the help (and wonderful company) I need. We’ve hosted Thanksgiving more times than I can count now and I’m not mad about it at all. It’s actually one of my favorite holidays to host and I look forward to it! Since our very first year of hosting, I have built my own little guide that has lived in an email draft for years now (would I be completely Type A if I transferred it to a Google doc?!). It’s my lifeline to staying on track for all of my to dos, supplies and recipes. So, I think it’s safe to say I have learned from experience what not to forget. I hope these will be friendly little reminders for you if you are hosting! Is there anything not on the list that you have forgotten in years past?

Design: Studio McGee | Photography: Kate Osborne

Door Mat

While your mind is most likely on your recipe list and day of timeline, it can be easy to forget to spruce your home up before guests arrive. Set out a cute door mat with a style that can transition well into December and the New Year.

Iron the Linens

Don’t make your grandmother iron the tablecloth an hour before the feast (I may or may not have done this!). Now, I always iron my linens the day before and set the table so I don’t have to worry about fold creases.

Taper Candles

In my opinion, no holiday is more deserving of tapers on the table than Thanksgiving. They just elevate the mood and set the sofest, glowy ambiance. This year, I’m lusting over these wooden beauties.

Serveware

Nothing is worse than preparing a gorgeous Thanksgiving meal to realize that you forgot to break out the serveware. Take it from someone who has made that mistake! As you’re planning out the list for each dish involved, write out a corresponding list of serveware needed for each item, including the knife and fork for the turkey.

Cheese Board

Typically, Thanksgiving “dinner” is served in the afternoon. Keep your guests belly grumbles to a low by putting out a light cheese board 2-3 hours beforehand.

Pitcher

I think pitchers are underrated. These little hostess helpers make sure you can enjoy your full meal without having to get up to fill glasses. Keep a couple of wine carafes on the table as well for convenient pours.

Extra Seating

You don’t want to be pulling out extra seating while you’re supposed to be whisking the gravy (true story and lesson learned from a Thanksgiving past). Getting all of the extras ready to go the day before is always a good idea.

Centerpiece

I like to set our table the day or eve before Thanksgiving to really enjoy it’s full beauty—to me, that’s just as fun as eating the meal itself! A beautiful centerpiece in a statement vase usually makes it’s way into the mix, or several smaller bud vases with blooms.

Light Layer of Holiday Decor

I might love the day after Thanksgiving just as much as the day itself. We head to our local tree farm to cut down our tree, deck the halls and indulge in allll the leftovers. But, I do like to get a head start on the decorating before Thanksgiving arrives and will typically go with a light layer of neutral holiday items like wreaths and bells.

Ice Cream for the Pie!

Guilty! I have totally forgotten to get ice cream at past Thanksgivings I’ve hosted. Thankfully, my guests picked some up on the way. Oh, and don’t forget to have your ice cream scooper on hand for the perfect servings. How cute is this vintage one?

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