What a delight the Thanksgiving holiday is. Centered around family togetherness and gratitude for all the blessings we enjoy, it’s a lovely start to a joyous season. Special details can add that extra magical touch to the day and bring out the inner meaning of the celebration. Here are some simple ideas to consider this year.
Thanksgiving Playlist
Create in advance a music playlist to set the tone for the celebration ahead. Whether you prefer cozy classical, instrumental jazz, or a variety of popular songs centered on the theme of family, gratitude, and freedom (i.e., “This” by Darius Rucker, “Home” by Phillip Phillips, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “America” by Neil Diamond, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver), a well-chosen music collection playing in the background primes guests for warm hearts and celebration.Recipe Swap
Every family has special dishes that have been passed down through the generations. If guests are bringing their own dishes or treats to Thanksgiving this year, request the recipes and give everyone a collection to take home, keeping the culinary traditions of your family alive.Share Thanks
Set out a basket or jar aside slips of paper and pens, and ask your guests to write down different things they’re thankful for. During dinner, pass it around and read out the different sentiments.Turkey Place Cards
Enlist the children in your family to craft a turkey-shaped place card for each Thanksgiving guest. Not only will this be a fun activity for the young ones, but it will also make every guest feel especially welcome and appreciated.Kids’ Craft Table
Along those lines, if you’re hosting a number of children, set out some craft supplies at a separate table just for them. Items might include construction paper, crayons, glue sticks, Thanksgiving stickers, leaves for leaf rubbings, or recycled objects.Phone Faraway Loved Ones
Take time during the day to phone loved ones who are far away or couldn’t make it. Pass the phone around and let everyone wish them a happy Thanksgiving.Wishbone Prize
Take part in the ancient tradition of snapping the wishbone. Have a simple prize on hand, like a small box of chocolates, or declare that the winner gets the first slice of pie!Family Picture
Take a moment to gather everyone for a group photo. Moments like this are rare and precious and worth capturing. Send the phone to everyone that was there at the end of the night.Leftover Boxes
Have extra giveaway storage containers on hand to pack up leftovers for guests as they leave. Consider two per guest—one for dinner items and one for desserts.Little touches like this can go a long way in making special occasions even more memorable.
