Hosting your first Thanksgiving together is kind of a big deal right? You have to carefully include all the usual suspects and the family regulars. All the in laws have to be included, especially if you hope to receive props for your delicious cooking. The pressure to decorate and bake can be a lot to handle for a newlywed couple. That is why we have put together a list of how to survive hosting your first holiday together! We were influenced by a terrific article we found on Huffington Post and wanted to add a few additional pointers.
Gourds are a great conversation piece. These candy corn gourds from familycircle.com can be filled with votive candles or festive candy.
- Guest List: Make sure you invite everyone. Even if you’re unsure whether your in-laws can handle your outspoken opinionated family, you’ll have bigger problems if you forget to invite a crucial guest who has been invited to every holiday event for the past twenty years. Be aware your guest list might grow and duplicate but a slight can really hurt your chances of hosting in the future.
- Incorporate Your Personal Traditions: Now is your chance to show the in-laws what you bring to the table. Family traditions from your family will blend into your new family so incorporating both into the big day will help show both mothers that you’re including them.
- Decorate With Conversation Pieces: Incorporating candles into your festive centerpieces is only the tip of the iceberg. Use glass vases filled with artificial leaves to represent fall, then decorate with cinnamon pinecones in the entryway to lure guests in. Transform an pillar candle by wrapping twigs and other found nature objects around the outside with a rubber band. Then cover the rubber band with ribbon or rhinestone ribbon wrap.
- Potluck Style Is Okay Too: Letting the in laws help with a small side dish or an appetizer is a great way to make them feel welcome. Plus, ask them to bring a recipe card or special family dish that has meaning. This way you have a conversation starter for when things get a little quiet. Ask them to share a special story about past Thanksgivings or holidays.
- Plan an Activity: A wishing tree is a great way to show your friends and family that you’re thankful and appreciative for their support and love. Decorate a manzanita tree centerpiece with silver glitter or crystal garland. Then hang things you’re thankful for on wishing tags. Guests can opt to add their own before the meal. This is a great activity to show the children that giving thanks is an important part of getting together for the holidays.
Here’s a great idea by Kate Crowle that she shared with us on Pinterest!
Happy holidays and everyone at Koyal Wholesale is wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!
