HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Maybe you've just moved in to your new abode and you're loving family is still headed to your house for Thanksgiving dinner. Perhaps, you've unexpectedly had dinner duties thrust upon you and there's no way you can cook all that food mom usually does.
If for any reason you find yourself hosting Thanksgiving this year and just can't manage the dinner on your own, don't despair! The internet is your friend and you can find a number of alternatives to grandma's pumpkin pie that taste just as good but take only a click to get.
Follow our tips to help you organize a bountiful feast with the click of a mouse!
By Lara Shriftman Co-author of Party Confidential,Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining, Fete Accompli! The Ultimate Guide to Creative Entertaining, and Fete Accompli! Workbook - The Ultimate Party Planning Guide
Wine is a must for a Thanksgiving!
Provide both red and white.
Order it online from Ambrosia Wine. It is an easy site to navigate and allows you to choose wine by type, by varietal, and by price.
- There is so much to choose from when it comes to wine, but this website makes it easy to narrow down your selection. It is perfect for someone who is knowledgeable about wine, but who's not yet an expert.
- A great feature of this website is that there is a section dedicated to
Thanksgiving that includes recipes and pairing suggestions for your
traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
- Another feature that is super helpful
is the company's phone number that is given right on their site. You can speak
to an expert if you have questions and they'll help you figure out which wines will work best with your party.
- The Rosso & Bianco 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir, Clos Du Val 1999 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvigon and X Winery 2006 Chardonnay are great picks from Ambrosia Wines and range in price from $25-$58.
- Wally’s, is another company you can shop with. I ordered bottles of Vuevue Cliquot which were brought directly to my house.
- For dessert, keep it simple and offer tea and coffee.
So you receive the news that your sister can no longer host Thanksgiving like she normally does a week from the big day. Have no fear! Here we offer you a quick guest list guide, invitation ideas, and tips on how to serve.
Thanksgiving Festivities
- Try out these 5 Tips for a Perfect Turkey this Thanksgiving.
- Make a Stunning Seasonal Centerpiece that will dazzle.
- And, find tips to make sure your Side Dishes come out on time.
GUEST LIST
INVITATIONS
- Figure out how many guests will attend your Thanksgiving dinner.
- As you write up your guest list keep in mind that you can't count on every person you invite to attend.
- By adding a few extras, you are assured of a full table.
- At my party there will be 6 guests (so I will be inviting 2 extra people just in case).
- Since it is Thanksgiving it is important to be flexible with your guest list, since some guests may also wish to bring a guest of their own.
INVITATIONS
- For a small dinner party I usually make phone calls to invite people personally.
- Call and confirm with your guests two days before the date; it is a polite reminder. Or you can send an evite reminder but remember to Blind Carbon Copy.
- Guests will move into the dining room for dinner.
- The main course and sides will be served family style on large platters and chargers.
- Dessert will be placed buffet style in the living room.
LIGHTING
Use lighting that already exists in your home. Put lamps and ceiling lights on a dimmer to set the mood for the party. If you have candles of any kind, use them on the table. You can also order candles online from Creative Candles, but make sure they are all the same scent so that the smell does not overwhelm the guests.
MUSIC
Low background music is a perfect option.
CENTERPIECES AND TABLE DECOR
Use lighting that already exists in your home. Put lamps and ceiling lights on a dimmer to set the mood for the party. If you have candles of any kind, use them on the table. You can also order candles online from Creative Candles, but make sure they are all the same scent so that the smell does not overwhelm the guests.
MUSIC
Low background music is a perfect option.
CENTERPIECES AND TABLE DECOR
- The table setting for Thanksgiving can be traditional, chic and easy. By putting out your fine china and using Thanksgiving themed tablecloths and linens you can create a festive table. Candles will also lend a festive touch to the table.
- Centerpieces should be easy and simple. Figure out what you want first and then plan it out. I purchased a ceramic rooster from Williams Sonoma which was a perfect and easy centerpiece for me.
- My kitchen table is white marble and my dinning room table is black so I wanted to create a different look by using a pumpkin colored tablecloth that I found in the Williams Sonoma Home catalog.
- The tablecloth goes perfectly with my monogrammed black and white cocktail napkins from Elegant Settings. An inexpensive alternative would be to go to a fabric store to buy a runner and accent your table to bowls of pears or other holiday fruits.
- I also purchased black Calvin Klein plates that I placed on top of the larger William Sonoma rooster inspired plates. The Rooster inspired chargers are great for serving the sides on in small silver Calvin Klein bowls.
- Keeping with the theme I purchased black placemats and napkins that have roosters on them from Williams Sonoma.
- Fill glass cylinders with pinecones, colored candles and different types of fruits for a festive centerpiece.
- I never like to place bottles on my table, it makes it look clustered and doesn’t go along with my theme. Instead I place everything in different types and sizes of decanters. All my beverages are placed in decanters, and I even put my breadsticks in a lowball glass.
- If you do not have enough plates and settings for all of your guests, you can rent dishware just for the occasion.
I ordered all of the food for dinner from Williams Sonoma online.
The collection includes:
- Rustic Golden Mashed Potatoes with Leeks and Sour Cream
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Apple-Glazed Autumn Vegetables
- Chestnut & Fennel Dressing with Wild Mushrooms
- Cranberry Sauce with Cider and Cinnamon
- If the Thanksgiving party will feature traditional Thanksgiving food. You can order from Ralphs or your local grocery store.
- For my Thanksgiving party I ordered from Williams Sonoma. I ordered a Willie Bird Free Range Turkey that weighs around 18lbs which was the perfect amount for my guests and comes straight to my door.
- I also ordered the Complete Menu of Side Dishes from Williams Sonoma. These pre-made sides are prepared with the finest fresh ingredients and arrive ready to thaw, heat and serve.
- Ordering online was so easy. When it arrived I unpacked it, and put it in the freezer. Now all I have to do is heat it up and plate it for my guests.
- CHIC TIP Make sure you have something fun for your dog to eat, I always have something special for my dog Lulu Flynn on Thanksgiving!
- For dessert I want to serve something that is really simple to prepare.Vanilla Haagen Dazs ice cream with seasonal berries is perfect and delicious.
- A pre-made pumpkin pie and apple pie to serve alongside.
Pre Thanksgiving
Dinner Party
Dinner Party
Top 5 Party Drink
Recipes
Recipes
Turducken: Turkey,
Duck and Chicken In
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Duck and Chicken In
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