Thanksgiving Hosting Hacks That Work!

Here are a few of the top Thanksgiving hacks I’ve discovered over the years, my personal favorites are the simmer pot and a simple signature drink! Having the ability to hold some food hot is also a game-changer, something I had never even considered until I met my husband. He shared that life hack with me, and it works like a charm! Bonus: it’s great for keeping delivery pizza warm too.

Full list of my favorite hacks is below!

Set the Mood with a Simmer Pot

Nothing welcomes guests like the smell of fall in the air. A simmer pot is easy: combine water, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and a few cloves in a pot, and let it simmer gently. It fills your home with a cozy, festive aroma with almost no effort.

Pick a Simple Signature Drink

Choose one drink - cocktail, mocktail, or punch - and premake a pitcher. This keeps guests happy, makes serving easy, and keeps you from feeling like a bartender all day. Garnish with fresh fruit or herbs for a festive touch.

Hold Food Hot Without Stress

Slow cookers, warming trays, or even your oven on low heat (around 200°F) are perfect for keeping dishes warm while you finish cooking the rest of the meal. I swear by this trick, it removes the stress of timing every dish perfectly. 

Make-Ahead Menu Items 

Many dishes taste just as good (or even better) when prepared ahead:

• Mashed potatoes: prep the night before, then reheat with a little cream or butter.
• Salad: just wait to dress it until you serve it.
• Stuffing: assemble ahead, refrigerate, then bake the day of.
• Cranberry sauce: make a few days in advance.
• Desserts: pies, cakes, and cookies can be baked a day or two ahead. Or just order those! 

Simple Table & Cleanup Hacks

Line baking sheets with parchment or foil, use easy-to-clean trays, and keep plenty of serving utensils on hand. For your table, fresh greenery, candles, or small pumpkins make a simple but beautiful centerpiece.

With these hacks, you’ll spend less time stressed in the kitchen and more time enjoying the people (and the food!) around your table.