In order to help you manage the stress of all there is to do, let’s talk about what not to do as the host/hostess with the mostess.
- Don’t wait! Cook as much as you can beforehand. There’s nothing worse than walking into someone’s home and seeing a frazzled cook in a messy kitchen. I suggest finding recipes that can prepped a day in advance and then you can just pop them in the oven the day of. Thanksgiving should be spent celebrating with friends and family, not being glued the oven.
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A major pet peeve of mine is when the host begins franticly cleaning the minute dinner is over. Please don’t start cleaning until the last guest leaves! Although seemingly productive, it can be disruptive and puts your guests in a position of either feeling rushed out the door, or even worse, like they need to help you clean. It’s important to let your guests know that their presence was a joy, not a burden. Relax with your friends and family and clean up after everyone heads out (a glass of wine and a little music helps the process goes by much faster!).
- Do not stress! Holidays should be a delight, not a dread. At the end of the day no one remembers who was late or whether the rolls were a little toasty. The best holiday memories are made simply by being together.