Holiday Traditions: HOSTING THANKSGIVING

SO YOU VOLUNTEERED TO HOST

THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR???

With all the hustle of shopping for presents and scheduling every moment of your life to get everything done, someone has to volunteer to host Thanksgiving. No need to fear though. When that time comes, raise your hand and volunteer to do the honors with pride. Pay attention to this post and get a lot of great information to help you make it through TURKEY DAY or any day that calls for a great dinner party!

TIP #1

Think VERSATILITY

• If you know you'll be hosting lots of holiday parties, invest in one good set of dishes that can go with everything.

My dish of choice: a nice, classic white square plate. Simple colors like white are good because you can virtually pair them with any other dishes in any other color and get a completely new look.

• If you must buy a tablecloth, buy one that can be used during different times of the year.

I chose a muted green that will work great for fall and the holiday season.

• Folding chairs are a good investment if you entertain often. Buy them if you can and you will save yourself money for future events. If buying isn't an option, I am willing to bet you have some friends who would be willing to let you borrow theirs.

TIP #2

Do-It-Yourself Traditions

• Color the mashed potatoes every year in a different hue.
• Start the Christmas season with a bang by having your own "tree-lighting" ceremony at home. (I wrap Santa Hats for my guests in some brown wrapping paper and tie it with raffia ribbon. Then, I use their place card as their entry ticket to see which lucky guest will get to light the tree this year.)

TIP #3

Save Time and Save Your Sanity

• Set the table ahead of time. I'm starting mine a few days before Thanksgiving.
• Put the bowls, plates, and containers for all the foods you plan to serve on the table in advance. Then, put a label on them to show what food you plan to serve from that container.
• Next, make sure you have enough serving utensils for all the food you will be serving. This may seem to be a silly reminder but I promise you will thank me for this one.
• Make the place cards in advance.
• Make sure you get an R.S.V.P. with at least 3-5 days notice so you can make all the proper accommodations for each guest.

TIP #4

Don't Sweat It!

• Remind yourself that you are also allowed to enjoy the party. Planning ahead helps make sure you can have fun too!
• In the end, it isn't about the pretty decorations or the way you cooked "The Bird." It is all about the way you make your guests feel. Remember that and you'll be golden!

All it takes is a little planning to turn to-do into to-the-table.

Above all else, Thanksgiving is the time of year when we start the holiday season and spend more time with our loved ones... at least I hope you do.

Do a few things I have mentioned to help you relax at your next Thanksgiving dinner, or use these tips to help you plan for any dinner party you are hosting. Planning makes perfect and although we can't always be perfect, we can try to come close. Good luck to you in all your holiday meal planning. We wish you a very Happy Holidays from the Events By Layla team.

Layla Crouch, CWP

Events By Layla

Holiday Traditions: INTRO

Fall is the time of year when I feel the need to pull out all the cranberry and vanilla scented candles and deck every inch of my home in decorations nothing short of warm and inviting. The holiday season is finally upon us and the crisp, cold chill in the air has made its appearance and finally decided to stay. With all the changes that happen in every fall season, I have been inspired to create new traditions this year for Thanksgiving.

You see, this will be my first time to actually cook a Thanksgiving dinner. Most memories I have of Thanksgiving include the years I traveled to New York with my high school drama department. To me, Thanksgiving was always about putting on the warmest tights, bundling up in several scarfs and a heavy coat, and walking several blocks to a chic French restaurant with several of my closest pals and about a hundred other strangers, not to mention catching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade next to Times Square. There is something very cool about New York City during the holidays. It simply transforms before your very eyes and becomes a magical playland for holiday shoppers and sight-seeing tourists. Ahhhh New York... such an amazing city. But alas, this Thanksgiving will be one of only a few I remember spending close to home, and this year I am starting my own traditions which I hope I can carry on for years to come.

With a cup of something warm in my hand at all times, I am beginning my quest to finding the perfect traditions and whimsy to add to this special holiday. Throughout my journey, I will share some of the ideas and tips I find so you can make your holiday season special, too.

Happy Planning!

L.C.