8 Ways to make Thanksgiving Memorable for Everyone

Now that the last months of the year have seemingly arrived out of nowhere, we might start to feel a slight panic trying to take up space in our mind. It can be so easy to lose sight of what the holidays are about.  With the right approach we can keep that panic in check.  

Take a step back, take a deep breath, and think about what the holidays mean to you.  

We invite you to take the time to light candles or put on soft music and close your eyes for a few minutes.  Clear your mind with a few deep breaths, and imagine what a love filled holiday would look like. What does your vision look like? How do you want your guests to feel?  What does this holiday mean to you?  Each of us will have a different answer that is correct to us!

Thanksgiving is a holiday for many people in November. Thanksgiving itself is made up of two selfless words regardless of what our beliefs are.  “Thanks,” and “giving;” one meaning gratitude or appreciation the other meaning sharing what one has.

With the sentiments of thanks and giving, it is a heartfelt and genuine place to begin from and to have as a touch base point to always refer back to.  (When the panic or stress start to creep in, ask yourself where in thanks or giving does this fit in?  If it doesn’t, do your best to let it go.)

Now, let’s get started! Here are 8 ways to make your Thanksgiving memorable.

1. Place cards

            These can be hand made and done with your kids, or it can be something special that you choose to do on your own. There is peace in doing something creative! Write the name of each person written out beautifully.  You can also print out the name in a font that you like.  You can decorate with stickers, glitter, or you can mount it on a festive piece of paper.

            For the Cherry on Top: One year my sister-in-law wrote a quote about the Biblical name of each of her guests on the cards.  It was very touching.  Another option would be to write the origin of the name you are writing or what the name means.

2. Candles

            What is not to like about candles?  On dinner tables, I once read that the candles should not be scented.  I guess that is probably not to take away from the smell of the food!  So many options here.  If there are children opt for battery operated ones.  There are votive sized or pillar, or even candlesticks.  Whatever your preference is.

For the Cherry On Top:  Can use lanterns as well, to encase the candles, and add fall deco like a flower or leaves, or a color or from your theme.

3. Place Settings

           Whether you are doing formal plates, or paper plates jazzing up each person’s space adds something special to the meal.  This can be a colored napkin, fun napkin rings~perhaps ones that the children helped make, or napkins folded in a special way.  Make sure there is also enough silverware for the meal. Using special glasses or cups for drinks adds to the festivities. Always have extra utensils for dessert, too!

             For the Cherry on Top:  Having a party favor can really add to the occasion. It can be mints wrapped in tulle with a ribbon; or a seasonal craft.

4. Tablescape

            Think of the table as a canvas.  The table settings are a part of the “canvas.” Don’t forget to use the middle of the table.  With so much food, it may need to be simple, or the design can simply flow in between the items in the center.  A table runner can add to the design!  The candles can be placed intermittently on the table.  Also, don’t be afraid to bring the outside in! Some options would be to bring in beautiful leaves, or acorns or even small twigs. Or, if you have a roll of ribbon, it can be weaved through the middle of the table and candles.

          For the Cherry on Top:  Battery operated lighting can add to the display. Try to hide the part that holds the batteries in one of the decorations, to add to the awe of the scene!

5. Labels

            Most people know what mashed potatoes look like so who needs a label for that, right?  I love mashed potatoes!  But if I bite into garlic mashed potatoes, it isn’t what I was expecting!  A label can not only add to the special touches, it will also be appreciated by your guests.  At different people’s homes we might not know what the dish is in front of us, and it helps to keep people in the know!

            For the Cherry on Top:  They can match the place cards. There are also reusable ones that can be written on with chalk.

6. Menu

             An option would be to print the menu out.  It can be just one, and in an acrylic stand, or in a frame for all to see.  Or, it can be printed out and put at each place setting.

7. Recipe Card.

             There is bound to be something that everyone loves!  How special to send them home with a copy of the recipe of a new dish you served, or a family favorite that was served. 

            For the Cherry on Top:  A handwritten recipe card is precious.  I have some of my grandmother’s recipes in her beautiful writing, and it fills my heart each time I read one.

8. Thankful For

             Have an area with small cut out leaves with a hole punched in them for a ribbon, and pens or markers. Have each person write down something they are thankful for, or even a special thought or quote.  Have a small plastic tree, or even a branch from outside, and have each person hang their thought on the tree with a ribbon.  

2 BONUS IDEAS:

• Have “to go” containers or zipper baggies or foil and plates so that people can take extras home if you desire!

• Festive music playing in the background.
  

Any or all of these simple ideas will add a special touch to your day with family and help make your Thanksgiving memorable to all. We hope you have a Happy Thankgiving filled with love and joy! Let us know if you have any other special touches that you do for your holiday!

EVENTually yours, Amy & Olivia