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A Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving

Hosting your first Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, so we've put together a step-by-step plan that will take you from prep straight through dessert.

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Photo: Bethany Nauert

An Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Dinner

Are you hosting Thanksgiving for the first time? Hosting family and friends can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide that will help things go smoothly even if you're a rookie.

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Photo: Bethany Nauert

Make a Schedule

The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is to plan ahead. Stick to a schedule to avoid any major hassles. We recommend the schedule below for Thanksgiving week:

Monday = Inventory

Tuesday = Shopping

Wednesday = Cooking

Thursday = Assembly + Reheat Food

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Photo: Bethany Nauert

Take Inventory

Take inventory of everything you have, including serving pieces, baking dishes, place settings and cutlery. Depending on how many guests you have, you may need to buy or borrow additional pieces. To save money, follow our tips on how to find vintage pieces for a perfectly-collected tablescape.

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Photo: Bethany Nauert

Text Your Invite

Our motto for Thanksgiving first-timers is, "Choose the easy way." Skip the hassle of sending out formal invites, and send your guests a text instead. Try Punchbowl app, which has great seasonal holiday invites to choose from.

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