your thanksgiving hosting cheat sheet
the hostess hotline is here help this thanksgiving
ring ringgggggggggg
Hello? Hello? Oh — hello!
It’s the Hostess Hotline here to help you this Thanksgiving.
I know this week can feel like a billion things are happening at once today: the cooking, the cleaning, the decorating, the shopping… all of it. It piles up fast. But do not fear, because I asked my lovely people for the real questions they needed help with on this fine holiday.
So if you’re trying to get everything in order and need some extra guidance, take a quick look at these short “calls” and see how the Hostess Hotline helped out today.
call #1
how do i make the night feel intentional without being too extra or cliché?
“I’d start with one tiny moment where everyone pauses and leans into the feeling of the night. You can ask something simple like:”
“What are you looking forward to this season?”
“One thing you’re grateful for today?”
“I also love having one quick photo moment. Pick a corner with soft lighting and get a group photo before dinner. It gives everyone a memory to take home and makes the night feel warm and special without doing too much.”
call #2
“how do i make the table look nice without buying anything new?”
“You don’t need anything new to make a table feel lovely.
“Gather whatever you already have: mismatched candles, jars, little bowls, old tea lights… they all work. Cluster them together for a warm, soft glow.”
“Use your plates and glasses in a simple way, then add one small intentional touch: ribbon around a wine glass, a handwritten place card, even a sprig of herbs on each plate.”
“Tiny details go a long way.”
call #3
“what’s a simple dessert that isn’t pie?”
“You can keep dessert very simple. Pumpkin tiramisu is my go-to (and I shared an easy recipe). You can also bake apples or pears with a little cinnamon and sugar and serve them with vanilla ice cream. It takes ten minutes, tastes like fall, and requires zero stress.”
call #4
what’s a good last-minute appetizer for people who don’t love to cook?
“Go for something that looks put together but takes almost no effort.”
“A simple cheese board is always a win: one soft cheese, one harder cheese, crackers, and a little honey or jam. Done.”
“If you want something warm, “fancy” pigs in a blanket are the easiest thing ever. Brush them with butter, add everything seasoning or herbs, and serve with mustard. They always disappear fast (ask my friends).”
call #5
how do I create a cozy vibe for thanksgiving?
“Keep the lights low so everything feels soft and inviting. Light a few candles and let the room glow.”
“Have something simple cooking so the house smells warm the second people walk in. Set a cozy table with whatever you already have. Mix a few textures, add candles, and don’t overthink it.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of dim lighting, a good smell and a cared-for table!”
call #6
is it weird to ask guests to help with chopping, plating, or setting the table?
“Not weird at all.”
“Most people actually like helping; it makes them feel included and shows appreciation for everything you’ve already done. You don’t have to hand off anything big, but letting someone chop something small, plate a dish, or help set the table makes the night feel shared and relaxed.”
Well, that’s all for today on the Hostess Hotline.
Thank you to all of my “callers” for chiming in and helping our lovely people out there who might be frantically getting their evening together. Never fear — the Hostess Hotline is always here.
Until next time….
xoxo,
avalon