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Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and to show thanks to all the people you care for. But it can be a huge production for whoever decides to host all of the family. Planning, coordinating, decorating, preparing food, drinks and hosting can be quite a bit for one person. That’s why it’s essential to be a proper guest when you go to someone else’s house for the holiday. Anything you can do to help take pressure and stress off of the host is another step towards a successful Thanksgiving. So if you’re planning on spending Thanksgiving at a family member or friends house, and you want to know how to be a good Thanksgiving guest, follow these guidelines.
1. Make Sure to RSVP Ahead of Time
The biggest stressor for those hosting Thanksgiving is planning for a large amount of people. Having to coordinate food, drinks and everything else for a group is a big task. That’s why letting the host know you’re coming ahead of time is incredibly important. The more notice you give, the more time they have to plan for you and every other guest. When you RSVP, consider asking the host what you can do to help for the day as well. Bringing appetizers, drinks, plates or napkins can all be something that can help take stress off the host.
2. Bring Wine, and Ask the Host Before
It’s courteous to bring a bottle of wine to any party, and Thanksgiving is no different. One staple when thinking about how to be a good Thanksgiving guest is bringing a nice bottle of wine to a get-together. Before you bring your favorite merlot or pinot though, make sure to ask the host what they need. You don’t want the same type of wine stocked up at a Thanksgiving party, so asking if there is a specific type of wine you can bring that no one else is bringing would be great etiquette. If you’re not sure about which wine is the perfect one to bring, take a look at Vivino, on top of having any possible wine rated in their system, they also match you with ideal wine based on the food you’re eating, and you can order directly from there!
If you want to up your gift game and go with something bigger, consider gift basket. Harry & David have a type of basket for each occasion or taste, you can include fruits, treats, decorations, wine and so much more!
Better yet, bring dessert! The host may tell you that bringing something isn’t necessary. But truth be told, it’s an unspoken rule that guests should still show up with something. Wine and gift baskets are great choices, but if you really want to get something everyone will love, try ordering Cheryl’s Cookies ahead of time. Choose Thanksgiving cookies to fit the occasion and watch them disappear from the dessert table!
3. Plan With the Host on the Dish You’re Bringing
If you are planning on bringing a dish, whether it’s an appetizer or main course, coordinate this with the host. Especially if this is a dish that needs to be refrigerated or set in the oven. Your host will appreciate you bringing food to help, but it’s important to coordinate so they aren’t scrambling once you arrive.
If you’re in charge of the Gravy or the Stuffing check our amazing recipes to wow all your friends and family!
4. Show Up on Time, Not Early or Late
Hosts set the arrival time for their guests for a number of reasons. They’ll be planning the day around the time that guests arrive, so it’s important to respect the time listed on your RSVP. Unless the host asks you directly, do not arrive to the party in advance of the listed time. It’s okay to be a little late, as many guests will likely be showing up within’ the hour after the listed start time. If you need time to bake your dish, either do it at your house and do your best to keep it warm on the drive over, or coordinate with the host so they can allot time for you to bake your dish.
5. Don’t Bombard the Host and Crowd the Kitchen
A big mistake well-intended guests always make is crowd the kitchen and attempt to help the host on arrival. By the time you arrive, the host may be a bit stressed, or extremely focused on the dinner. Do not attempt to small talk the host if they’re still prepping and cooking, and don’t spend time in the kitchen where you might be getting in their way. The best thing to do on your arrival is let the host know you’re there, ask to help (once) and then mingle with guests if no help is needed. Be courteous, but don’t be overbearing.
The key on how to be a good thanksgiving guest is to be communicative, help out and not be too pushy. Offering to bring food, wine, utensils, set the dinner table or greet guests or all things you can do to help. But if the host declines, don’t take it personally! Most of all, to be a good Thanksgiving guest means to enjoy yourself and to bring a good attitude and energy! Doing your part to make sure everyone is having a good time is something any host will appreciate.
