Oh, Thanksgiving. While it should feel like a warm celebration with family and friends, its mention is usually followed by a flood of anxiety and stress. You’re tasked with everything from planning meals to cleaning the house to making sure your cable bill is paid for the big game. How will you pull it all together? We have some tips for a truly stress-free Thanksgiving gathering.
Plan a simple but savory menu
Thanksgiving is all about comfort foods! And luckily, those are pretty easy to make. But you don’t want to skimp on the flavor, either. This year, make your menu a little easier to handle. You can always recruit some help from your guests and make it a potluck, too. Don’t be afraid to ask for something specific!
The recipes below are simple (and shareable) for your stress-free Thanksgiving meal. Of course, the easiest way is to hire a caterer, but if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll love these ideas.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans
The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving menu is to make things before the big day. This sweet potato casserole with maple pecans only has three ingredients and can be made up to two days ahead of time. Knock out this Thanksgiving staple first, and check one more thing off your list.
Traditional Homemade Stuffing
Stuffing is a staple of any Thanksgiving table. But let’s face it, those stuffings from a box are basically flavored mush. This year, make this traditional homemade stuffing from Le Creme de la Crumb! Like the casserole, this dish can also be made in advance or the morning of and reheated in the oven for the big meal.
Simple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is often overlooked and prepared last-minute from a can. And while still delicious, let’s put in a little more effort this year. Though not too much effort, as this super simple cranberry sauce recipe only calls for three ingredients. No excuse not to add this to your stress-free Thanksgiving menu!
Easy Turkey
Ah, the headliner! Something about cooking a turkey is terrifying for first-timers. It can be a bit intimidating to imagine cooking such a big piece of meat. But this turkey recipe from The Cookie Rookie is easy enough to keep your anxiety level low and your nap levels high. So, don’t be scared and get to roastin’!
Pumpkin Pie with a Twist
They say you can’t have Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. But not everyone is a fan. Do you know what everyone does like? Cheesecake! With this easy pumpkin pie cheesecake, you can satisfy both sides of the pumpkin pie debate. This dessert will be the talk of your stress-free Thanksgiving gathering.
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Use simple but festive DIY decor
Hold off on those Christmas decorations just a little bit longer and create a beautiful autumnal atmosphere for your stress-free Thanksgiving. These DIY centerpieces can be put together in a snap, and they look like they belong in a dining room on an HGTV show.
Pumpkins and Candles
Made with, you guessed it, mini pumpkins and candles! Grab white pillar candles from the dollar store and line them up on anything from a serving board to scrap pallet planks. Weave some vine throughout for an added touch.
Glittery Pumpkin Place Cards
Add a little glam to your Thanksgiving decor! These glittery gourds are super easy to make and can even serve as party favors for your guests. All you need is a little glue and glitter, then do some printing and cutting, and you’re all done!
Fall Centerpiece Box
This is a tad more ambitious than the crafts above, but it can still be done in under an hour! If you don’t feel like building a box, there are other creative ways to achieve the same look. Fill a basket, or hey, just arrange the jars and gourds in the middle of your table. You really can’t go wrong with these simple and rustic items.
Thankfulness Centerpiece
White pumpkins are so chic and pretty. This idea adds a bit of heartfelt sentiment to your Thanksgiving table. Set out a white pumpkin and let your guests write what they are thankful for directly on the pumpkin as they arrive. Talk about the perfect addition to your stress-free Thanksgiving decor. Literally, plop a pumpkin and marker on your table!
🥰 You might also like: Host a Grateful Get-Together with These Friendsgiving Ideas
Keep the kiddos occupied
While you’re focused on playing hostess this Thanksgiving, make sure the little ones have something fun to do! Here are some quick and easy crafts to keep the kids busy (and ensure your stress-free Thanksgiving).
Fall Coloring Pages
Everyone loves to color, so it’s the perfect relaxing activity for a stress-free gathering. Even the adults will want to get in on the action! Just print a stack of Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages with varying levels of difficulty so all ages can participate.
Craft Paper Tablecloth
Keeping on the coloring theme, this effortless idea only requires a big roll of craft paper and some markers and crayons. Though, you could add some extra flair by decorating it first if you’d like. The kids’ table might be the place to be this year!
Hand Print Turkey Hats
Turn your little Pilgrims into turkeys with just a few simple art supplies. This kid-friendly Thanksgiving craft is easy to do and a great way to keep those little hands busy while you put the finishing touches on the dinner. Not to mention the adorable photo opportunities they create!
Gratefulness Rocks
Being grateful is an obvious theme around Thanksgiving. So, help teach some thankfulness to your kiddos with this creative rock-painting craft! All you need is some smooth rocks and paint markers. Nothing makes a stress-free Thanksgiving like seeing your little ones show gratitude for all you do!
Turkey Bowling
Everyone loves a little healthy competition at a holiday gathering! With some simple supplies, you can set up a bowling game that will have the children squealing with delight as they knock down turkey cups with mini pumpkins. We bet some of the older kids and grown-ups will want to play as well!
🎶 Add some music to your celebration! If you’re planning a corporate dinner or a huge family gathering, consider hiring a live pianist or guitarist to provide instrumental music as everyone dines and mingles.
As you begin planning your Thanksgiving gathering this year, remember the point of the holiday is to spend time with your loved ones and give thanks for all you have. So, don’t sweat the small stuff, and just focus on the things that truly matter. That’s the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving! 🦃
Want to hire some help for your stress-free Thanksgiving? Find local caterers, waitstaff, bartenders, and more on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.