How to Host a Successful Thanksgiving Dinner

As I looked at the calendar yesterday, I was shocked to see it was November already. Where did the year go? I also realized, with much trepidation, that it was my turn this year to host the annual family Thanksgiving Dinner celebration. Instead of panicking, I decided to make a to-do list and assess the situation. As I looked at the list, I came up with a few way to reduce the stress involved in feeding 16 adults and 7 children.

Don't worry about being fancy.
I am blessed with a very laid-back family who doesn't care much about the "finer things" in life. Our yearly Thanksgiving celebration is all about family getting together and enjoying one another. There is no need to stress over making everything fancy and perfect. Your family won't care about all of that. Nothing every goes perfectly when you are cooking for that many people. As long as the food is hot and reasonably well prepared (I'm picturing the turkey exploding in the Griswold's Christmas Vacation Movie) your guests will be happy.

Ask for help.
There will be plenty of people willing to help with the cooking and the set up for the day. Maybe your sister in law happens to make fabulous broccoli and cheese casserole. She would probably be honored if you asked her to bring a dish of it. After all, you are saving her from having to cook the entire Thanksgiving meal like last year! Your dad can supply the folding chairs if he doesn't cook. Your older kids can organize some activities for the younger kids in attendance to keep them occupied while you're trying to cook. The other moms will be appreciative of five kid free minutes to enjoy a glass of wine without a toddler pulling at their pants!