Having a Peaceful Thanksgiving with Relatives Who Don't Get Along

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Are the visions of a delicious turkey perfectly roasted with an afternoon of football, pumpkin pie and an enjoyable holiday superimposed with images of squabbling relatives who can't make it through appetizers without arguing and effectively ruining the holiday for everyone? If you are hosting the family Thanksgiving dinner this year and have qualms about what the day will turn out to be, here are some tips to make the holiday pleasant and stress free for everyone.

How To Celebrate Thanksgiving With Relatives Who Don't Get Along Tip #1: Stagger Arrival Times. If dinner is at three and you typically ask guests to arrive at one to enjoy appetizers and pleasant conversation before the turkey is served, consider staggering your guests' arrival times. If Aunt Mary and cousin Joseph simply can not tolerate each other's presence for more than a few hours, ask Aunt Mary to arrive at twelve to assist you in the kitchen while letting Joseph know that dinner will be served promptly at three. This will reduce the amount of time that your quarreling relatives have to spend in each other's company while not leaving anyone out for Thanksgiving dinner. If Aunt Mary decides that she has had enough of Joseph, she can leave after dessert while still having enjoyed several hours with her family. The less time squabbling relatives have to be in each other's company, the less time there is for tensions to mount with the possibility of an eruption.

How To Celebrate Thanksgiving With Relatives Who Don't Get Along Tip #2: Limit The Serving Of Alcoholic Beverages. Many family arguments are fueled by the consumption of too much alcohol. Alcohol can loosen inhibitions and cause people to say things they would otherwise keep to themselves. By only keeping a bottle of two of wine or a small amount of beer in the house, you can be sure that your guests will not overindulge while still being able to enjoy a drink with their dinner.