How To Host The Best Thanksgiving Dinner

I am going to share all my tips and tricks with you for how to host the best Thanksgiving Dinner. Everything including the perfect Thanksgiving recipes, beautiful table settings and easy DIY projects for Thanksgiving place cards!

How To Host Thanksgiving Dinner

For years my mom has always hosted Thanksgiving dinner. But, a few years ago I volunteered to take over that task. And not to toot my own horn, but I have figured out how to host the best Thanksgiving dinner ever!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cooking dinner for a crowd, take a deep breath! One of the best tips I have for you is to plan ahead. If you organize and plan out when you need to tackle each task, the entire process will seem like a breeze!

Print out this Ultimate Thanksgiving Planner and feel assured that you will be organized and ready! This will make it so easy for you to host the best Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Table Ideas

Now, since you know how many people will be coming, it’s time to figure out where everyone will sit.

If you can comfortably seat everyone at your table this is great news! But if you need more room, you will need to move some furniture around and maybe even rent extra tables and chairs.

One of my favorite parts of hosting Thanksgiving dinner is being able to decorate my tables for the great feast! This year I created this Golden Thanksgiving Table and I loved how simple the centerpiece was using foraged materials!

If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive centerpiece idea, my DIY Fall Table Garland is so beautiful and can be made ahead of time, making day-of prep that much easier! 

And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you are probably looking for an easy DIY place card. These Printable Place Card Banners are perfect glued onto the stem of a pear, apple or even pumpkin!

If your vibe is a little more casual, this Simple Thanksgiving Table with White Pumpkins is perfect with rustic feel and neutral setting.

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner: Menu Recipe Ideas

So, now you have your guest list and table decor figured out. Let’s talk about the menu.

In order to host the best Thanksgiving Dinner, you need to have some great recipes! I have compiled some of my favorites for you. Everything from appetizers, to side dishes and even how to smoke a Turkey!

I also want to share with you this Definitive Pounds-per-Person Guide to Turkey and Potatoes. This is such a handy tool in determining how much food to buy when planning your menu.

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Let’s talk about what recipes you can make ahead of time. There is nothing worse than slaving away in the kitchen all day when you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Choose some recipes for your menu that can be prepared fully or partially beforehand. If you are making rolls, feel free to freeze them beforehand.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

Apple Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Bread

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Mason Jar Apple Pies

Mason Jar Pumpkin Pies

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner: Appetizers and Drinks

You will for sure want to greet your guests with a festive drink and some light bites to eat! These are my go-to recipes when entertaining.

Charcuterie Board

How To Make A Charcuterie Board

Rosemary Cashews

Baked Cheese, Pear and Prosciutto Crescents

Thanksgiving Non-Alcoholic Punch

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

Moscow Mule

Spanish Gin & Tonic

How To Smoke A Turkey

Have you ever smoked a turkey? My brother-in-law is bringing one this year for Thanksgiving dinner and I can’t wait.

Check out this guide for How To Smoke A Turkey if you are thinking about trying it for this year’s Thanksgiving feast!

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

The Instant Pot is a great time saving tool and can really come in handy when it comes to hosting Thanksgiving dinner! There are some great recipes out there but here are a few of my favorites.

Instant Pot Turkey Gravy

Instant Pot Sausage Stuffing

15 Minute Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Instant Pot Curried Lentil Soup

The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Don’t forget the side dishes! From veggies, to breads, these recipes will help round out your Thanksgiving dinner menu.

Layered Arugula Salad

Carmelized Brussel Sprouts

Pear Goat Cheese Salad

Thanksgiving Stuffing

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Some say that dessert is their favorite meal! And Thanksgiving is known for it’s desserts so you don’t want to skimp on this category! Check out these favorite Thanksgiving Desserts.

Mason Jar Pumpkin Pies with Free Printable Tags

Mason Jar Apple Pies

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Apple Crumble Dessert

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mini Apple Pie

Apple Pie Recipe

Thanksgiving Menu Planner

Now, here is a handy list of all the recipes I have included in the post, sorted by category so you can start planning how to host the best Thanksgiving Dinner!

Just click the links to find the full recipe.

Thanksgiving Appetizers

How To Make A Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board

Rosemary Cashews

Baked Cheese, Pear & Prosciutto Crescents – Julie Blanner

Thanksgiving Drinks

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

Thanksgiving Punch

Moscow Mule

Spanish Gin & Tonic

Condiments & Gravy

Instant Pot Gravy

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

Apple Cranberry Sauce

Side Dishes

Layered Arugula Salad

Pear Goat Cheese Salad

Carmelized Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Thanksgiving Stuffing

Instant Pot Sausage Stuffing

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Bread

Turkey

How To Smoke A Turkey

Thanksgiving Desserts

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Mason Jar Pumpkin Pies

Mason Jar Apple Pies

Apple Crumble Dessert

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mini Apple Tart

Apple Pie Recipe

Enjoy this time with friends, family and loved ones. There is joy in the planning a special meal for those you love, but don’t forget the real reason for gathering!