Thanksgiving is the time of year that friends and family all gather together and celebrate the good things in life. This festive time can be a blast, but it can also become quite stressful when you are hosting it yourself. Hosting any major event comes with its set of challenges. From planning the event, meal prepping, ensuring a good time, and much more, this task can feel overwhelming. In order to have a successful Thanksgiving, you need to plan ahead of time. Here are some things you need to consider to make your Thanksgiving flow as smoothly as possible.

Prep the Night Before the Event

Any big event takes time. Try to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner as much as possible the night before the event. Set your table for all your guests and have all the groceries bought. Consider baking anything you can one day prior. The more you can accomplish before the day of the event, the better.

Consider Help

Do not pass up on the opportunity for help. You may have a couple of friends or family members willing to help cook or bring side dishes! Hosting does not mean you need to do everything yourself. Allow others to help. With everyone having different assigned tasks, you will be able to focus more time on the event itself and the people you’ve invited to sit around your table.

Relax

Stress can easily make some individuals get agitated when things are not going accordingly. Make sure you do not become a “negative Nancy” when hosting the event. The host energy can contribute to the energy of the entire event. If you are becoming stressed, your guests will be able to see this easily. Relax and have a game plan. From cooking and meal preparation to dessert and after dinner activities, all these should be thought out ahead of time. Just be sure to be adaptable as the day unfolds and make sure to relax.

Planning ahead of time is vital. Remember, your guests will most likely be drinking. It is essential to remember your guests’ safety. Have a plan in place if guests cannot return home or need a place to stay. Enjoy the opportunity to spend time with everyone, and remember to relax.