Thanksgiving is here, and that means spending time with friends and family.
Whether you’re having a small gathering of close relatives, a large feast with extended family, or an intimate Friendsgiving meal with a few of your closest buddies, entertaining can be stressful.
Chamblee City Lifestyle checked in with Jenny Ochotnicky and Jana Bitton of Perry Price Interiors for some holiday tips and easy decorating ideas, so everyone from the host to even the youngest guests can focus on the time together and the sentiment of the holiday – Giving Thanks.
Planning and Prep
Jenny and Jana suggest assigning guests a specific dish to bring to lighten your load and to ensure variety without overlap.
Make a cooking schedule and create a timeline for oven use, stovetop time, and prep throughout the day to stay on track.
They also suggest making what you can ahead of time. Dishes such as mashed potatoes and stuffing reheat well. Also, this isn't a time to experiment. Cook what you know, so you can execute confidently.
If you've never cooked a turkey, they say to consider roasting a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. It's easier and faster. And stick to the familiar – it’s not the day to try complicated, untested recipes.
The day can get hectic, so it helps to have pre-set cooking stations. Lay out all baking and serving dishes in advance with the recipe, the ingredients list, and cooking time. This helps to make Thanksgiving Day cooking easier and more efficient.
Don’t be shy about asking for help or to have an event catered, if needed.
Table Setup and Décor
A beautiful table setting can set the mood for any holiday event. Here are some tips from Jenny and Jana for easy but festive table settings.
Set the table on Monday to ensure you have enough chairs, plates, and flatware when there's still plenty of time to get anything that you may be missing.
Use place cards for seating. It allows you to decide who sits where and adds a special touch.
When it comes to tableware, Jenny and Jana stress that it’s fine to use what you have. If you have fine china, use it. If not, that’s okay too. Don’t worry about matching or staying traditional. Paper plates and plastic utensils are also fine for a fun and casual vibe, with colorful, seasonal options available at many local grocers, boutiques and gift shops.
For decorating, they say you don’t have to get fancy. Mini pumpkins, grocery store flowers, or even backyard branches and leaves can be used for unique centerpieces. Jenny and Jana suggest keeping centerpiece arrangements low to allow for easy conversation flow. And use items such as pitchers, glasses, or jars as makeshift vases for a unique touch.
While there can be a time and place for a kids’ table, Jenny and Jana suggest letting the kids sit with the adults. It can provide teachable moments for encouraging manners and let them feel included. Save adult conversation for dessert or post-dinner.
Tips for guests
If you’re the guest, Jenny and Jana point out these important tips.
Do your best to be on time, but if you find you're running late communicate with the host.
Offer to help. They may or may not take you up on it, but the offer is always appreciated.
And above all, remember this - Your house doesn’t have to be perfect. They stress that a sock on the floor or a spilled drink won’t ruin the day. Thanksgiving is about the people around you and having gratitude, not perfection.
For more information about Perry Price Interiors, visit perrypriceinteriors.com.
Your house doesn’t have to be perfect.