We usually host Thanksgiving and Christmas. And although it’s maybe not ideal, we’re hosting this year, even with my due date fast approaching. I love to keep things exciting! 😜
Here are a few hosting tips I plan to follow so everything goes smoothly! [ As smooth as a newborn will allow! ]
Have A Plan
My number one tip for hosting is to have a meal plan and grocery list a week out – with or without a newborn!
Manage Expectations – Keep It Simple
I’m not planning on reinventing the wheel this year. We’re going to stick with the basics. Bake a few of our favorite treats and maybe try and make our own orange garland again if I’m feeling fancy!
Get Organized
A simple [seemingly silly] tip that always helps me: a few days before you start cooking – pull out all your dishware & bakeware and put a post-it note in the dish with the name of the actual food going inside. Do the same with serving utensils.
About a week before: I look at my table linens. I ensure everything was cleaned properly after it was last used, wash again if needed, smooth out wrinkles, and count out what you need for this year’s guests.
Prep What You Can Early
Pick a few dishes that can be made ahead of time!
I always make gravy & cranberry sauce a few days early & sweet potato casserole too!
Outsource!
We usually order our turkey online and it’s delivered to the house. This probably costs a little more – but the convenience is worth it. We order an organic turkey from Willie Bird via William Sonoma – you can even purchase a pre-roasted turkey.
Maybe my biggest tip: let someone else take on the bigger parts of meal prep when you have a newborn or you are super pregnant. I’m usually Queen of the Kitchen & I absolutely LOVE IT most years. But this year, I’m excited to pass the reigns of the turkey to my husband and I can just be back up. I’m asking guests to bring their favorite side dish and drink this year too.
It may not be your favorite hack, but there is always the option of buying food that has already been prepared and simply reheating it for the holiday feast! No shame in that game!
Keep Baby’s Schedule
Prep baby’s space and plan to stay on whatever “schedule” feels right for you and baby. Guests will survive without you when you need to tuck back into your room or the nursery. Ask your spouse or siblings to fill in for you if you’re worried.
End The Night Early
Have a generally expected GO HOME TIME – thank you for coming, bye-bye!
Make Memories!!
Ask someone else to make sure and take pictures of everything and everyone this year – it’s not about things being perfect, it’s about holding on to the memories.
PRO TIP: Cook more than needed! That means more leftovers and fewer meals for you to cook in the days following Thanksgiving! 😉
