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

Tips for Thanksgiving Hosts

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Are the visions of a delicious turkey perfectly roasted with an afternoon of football and pumpkin pie superimposed with images of squabbling relatives who can't make it through appetizers without arguing? 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.

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 cannot tolerate each other's presence for more than a few hours, ask Aunt Mary to arrive at noon 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.

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 or 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.

Tip #3: Assign Seating at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table