How to Host Your Most Meaningful Thanksgiving Yet

The holidays can be hectic. You have to brine the turkey, clean the house, and try to keep the football game from distracting everyone once you finally do sit down. One secret to a Thanksgiving you'll truly be thankful for: Aim for connection, not perfection. By channeling Southern hospitality, you can make your guests feel like family, whether or not you're related. Here's how to do it.

By Sister Schubert's

November 1, 2018

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Bring out the heirlooms

Even if you didn’t inherit your grandmother’s china, chances are you or someone in your family has at least one serving platter, set of silverware, or gravy boat that’s been passed down. Pulling out heirloom pieces for Thanksgiving can serve as a reminder of previous generations and help dinner guests of all ages reconnect with their past.

Use an old family recipe

It can be as simple as ham and cheese pinwheels, as long as it’s something you grew up eating. If you don’t have anything written down, call up a relative and ask her to walk you through how she makes her favorite dish, or better yet, schedule a one-on-one cooking lesson so you can learn from her firsthand.

Give thanks

Before everyone digs in, go around the table and have each person name one thing they’re thankful for, whether it’s the birth of a grandchild or a recent promotion at work. Cultivating gratitude for what’s good in life can help your loved ones feel more connected to their past, more positive about their present, and more hopeful about their future. You can kick things off with a toast thanking everyone at the table for helping make the holiday special.

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Be present

It can be difficult to share heartfelt moments when you’re trying to frantically fold napkins. To help free up mental space, get as much out of the way beforehand as you can. This might mean setting the table the night before or serving punch or a batch cocktail. And instead of spending hours making rolls from scratch, pop Sister Schubert’s dinner rolls in the oven for homemade taste in minutes. Nearly 30 years ago, Sister Schubert made pans of Parker House Rolls for a church fundraiser from a recipe passed down for five generations; they were so popular, she began selling them in local grocery stores. They’re still made with real butter and eggs today, and you can find them in your grocer’s freezer (click here to find the nearest store). Also look for Sister Schubert’s Dinner Yeast Rolls, made with simple ingredients.

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Warm up

Maybe you encourage a shy niece by sharing a warm smile or show a little extra kindness to an elderly relative. Or maybe you light a toasty fire everyone can sit around after dinner or prepare a batch of mulled wine guests can dip into throughout the evening. Regardless of how you spread warmth, doing so will make your guests feel welcome and cared for.