The cold breeze is finally starting to stir. After a seemingly extended summer, the leaves are turning colour in an array of yellow, orange, purple and mahogany. As the leaves start to float off their branches, we know the season has finally begun – fall. That means Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Our heads start to spin as we start thinking about all the preparation and work involved to host a successful Thanksgiving dinner.
Not to worry though, we have all the tips you need to survive your 2016 Thanksgiving party.
1. Be Prepared
As Charles Dickens once said, “Why do tomorrow, what you can do today?” He couldn’t be more right, especially when it comes to event planning. Start by creating a thanksgiving party planning list of all the things you may need. Base this list off the amount of people attending, and the amount of space you have to work with. This will ensure you will be able to judge the appropriate amount of food, drinks and sauces – without overcrowding.
Once this is all done, it’s time to start the cooking. Let’s start with the most tedious of tasks when it comes to meal prep – vegetables. The night before is the perfect time to chop, dice and peel vegetables so they are all ready for the next day. Make sure to store these veggies in sealed containers to sustain ultimate freshness.
Let’s not forget about the main course, turkey. This is another item you can get ready the night before. This gives you substantial time to defrost, clean, stuff and season your turkey. Once this is all done, you can pop it in the oven to slow roast overnight. Make sure you keep it at a very low setting, that way your turkey will not only taste better, but it will be ready by the morning without being dried-out!
2. Use Shortcuts
Time is of the essence, so there is no time to waste! Some shortcuts are as easy as buying pre-made foods. Corn and cranberries can be found canned, without lacking the quality. Pour it into one of your favourite serving bowls and your guests won’t even think twice. Boxed stuffing is also a great tasting alternative to homemade stuffing – unless your family already knows your signature recipe!
Potatoes are another must-have addition to a Thanksgiving meal. To shorten prep time, use your dishwasher to rinse them instead of running water in the sink. This will allow you to wash triple the amount of potatoes in half the time. If you prefer to boil your potatoes, then you can skip the peeling process. The heat of the water will allow the potatoes to naturally peel on their own. Not picky on the cooking process? Peel the potatoes before hand, but stick them in the microwave. The potatoes will cook faster this way versus boiling them in water.
Another idea that is often overlooked is event staffing. You can hire a server from an event staffing company to help you set up, serve, and clean up your meals. Not only will you be able to spend more time with your guests, but it will also save you the hassle!
3. Don’t Forget About Drinks
Finding the right drink to serve doesn’t have to be as challenging as you thought. Keep it simple by limiting your selection. One kind of beer, a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine will cover the basics. When it comes to non-alcoholic choices, stick to water and pop. This way, you can come up with your own creative fruit punch. This can be your signature drink; after all, you did make it right in the comfort of your home. Make a non-alcoholic and alcoholic punch so both parties are accommodated. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but at least this way guests have a fun cocktail to turn too.
Bar service is another variable to keep in mind. If you’re going to do-it-yourself, make sure you buy enough coolers that can be stored outside to keep your drinks out of the way, but still cold! Try lining them up outside your back door, and have a sign indicating to guests where they can find a drink. Willing to step it up? Hire a bartender from an event staffing company to set you up with your very own bartender for the night. This will create a professional serving experience, and less stress for you!
Hosting any sort of dinner or event is a big task – especially when it’s at your home. Make sure to use these hacks to ensure you last all-night, without the headache. Use these tips freely, or contact us if you would like to take advantage of our event staffing and bar services!