Thanksgiving is almost here! Although it will look different in 2020, there are some traditions that you would like to remain the same – such as the seemingly ceremonious setting of the Thanksgiving Day table. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed with menu planning and guest coordination, take the pressure off of yourself by checking out our dos and don’ts for setting the Thanksgiving table.
DO: Set your table early.
Even though your Thanksgiving gathering will be a lot smaller this year, it’s always ideal to get a head start on your preparations. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed once the big day arrives. If you have a separate dining area in your apartment home, consider setting the table a few days in advance and use your eat-in kitchen for the meals prior to Thanksgiving. Then, it’s time to plan and arrange place settings, strategize where platters will sit, and break out the serving utensils. Once all is said and done, you will be glad that you took the necessary steps to set yourself up for success.
DON’T: Use paper plates and plastic utensils.
While we’re all for mix-and-match place settings and flatware, you will want to avoid using paper plates or plastic utensils at your gathering. We understand the convenience of these items, as it lessens clean-up and headaches. However, paper plates and plastic utensils cannot be recycled and are wasteful overall. Not only that, but they detract from the effort you put into your table setting. So, take the extra step in your planning process and use the real deal. Sure, you’ll have a stack of dishes in the sink later, but it will be worth it for all the beautiful memories you created with your pretty Turkey Day table.
DO: Source your table’s centerpiece from the great outdoors.
Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration, so why not use natural elements to tie your dishes and decorations together in a cohesive way? You can do this with a naturally made centerpiece! If you have time, head out for an afternoon stroll in your favorite nearby park to collect fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, and even a wildflower or two. You can easily tie these items together with a vessel from your local craft store to make the ultimate eye-catching centerpiece. Just make sure that the colors of your centerpiece tie in with the other elements on your table, such as dishes, placemats, and so forth.
DON’T: Worry too much about the planning.
Finally, we suggest that you don’t get in too much over your head with setting your Thanksgiving table. When all is said and done, your family, friends, and loved ones will appreciate any effort that you put into the holiday. Plus, you already have enough to worry about with the extensive menu of appetizers, main and side dishes, and desserts. We’ve all had a stressful year in 2020, and you don’t want to make things harder on yourself by holding yourself up to some unrealistic standard. It’s okay if you’re feast is not at the caliber of Martha Stewart or Chrissy Teigen – just remember to have fun and enjoy yourself.
Oxford at Santa Clara Apartments in Pflugerville, Texas goes out of our way to ensure that you live the lifestyle you have always desired and deserved. These helpful tips go beyond the scope of services we offer in our community, in order to provide you with a more efficient routine.