Thanksgiving, like any other holiday only comes once a year. If you're lucky enough to be hosting this year's occasion, there's a lot of pressure to make everything perfect. Ensure the turkey is not too dry but not underdone. Round up the troops. Whether they're driving into town or flying, you want to make sure everyone makes it to your house on time for the big event!
We here at Homesessive know that it can be stressful! So we've compiled a list of the top 18 mistakes to avoid this Thanksgiving. From huddling over the oven all day and not giving yourself a break, to underestimating the amount of work it takes to prepare the meal, we've got you covered. These common mistakes will surely put a damper on your holiday. Steer clear of these, and you'll be on your way to a calm happy celebration with your family and friends, just as it should be.
Entertaining this Thanksgiving? Take a look at 28 Simple Thanksgiving and Fall Decorating Ideas, and Easy Fall Pumpkin and Candle Centerpiece for some festive decor ideas.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
1. Forgetting to make appetizers
People often don't eat much for breakfast on Thanksgiving, they feel the need to save lots of room for the massive dinner. If things go wrong and you need to push dinner back an hour or two, make sure your guests aren't starving in the mean time.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
2. Waiting until the last minute to grocery shop.
This is definitely not one of those holidays where waiting until the last minute is a good idea. Don't be stuck without a turkey, or having to go to a million different places to find just the right ingredients for your world famous stuffing.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
3. Leaving the turkey in the freezer till noon
We all know the turkey takes forever to defrost and then bake. Don't underestimate the time it will take for you to make everything. You're guests will prefer eating a bit earlier than expected, over having to wait all night to dine.
Photo Credit: Alamy
4. Seating your uncle Johnny next to his ex-wife and her new husband
Where everyone is seated around the table can greatly impact the mood of your dinner. Simply assigning everyone a seat can make a world of difference. Turn the seating assignments into a crafty project. Create thanksgiving themed place cards like at wedding receptions.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
5. Neglecting getting the cable fixed
The cable has been broken for a little while now, which doesn't bother you since you're strictly a Netflix and Hulu watcher yourself. Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the football game are two honored traditions of the holiday. Make sure your guests are able to watch t.v. or things may get ugly.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
6. Not providing enough pillows or sleeping areas.
If your family is one of those where 50 family friends and relatives all come and crash in your home for the weekend, make sure you actually have enough space and bedding for everyone to sleep comfortably.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
7. Forgetting that you have to entertain them for more than just a few hours.
Similarly, if your entire family is bunking up for the weekend, make sure you think about Wednesday night and Friday. Don't let Friday catch you off guard because you spent all of your time planning Thursday's dinner. You definitely don't need a bunch of bored family members on your hands.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
8. Neglecting to give yourself a break
So many people wake up at the crack of dawn to start cooking, and you disappear into the kitchen for the entire day. Remember to take a break this holiday and enjoy your family and friends.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
9. Over-eating
Too often we feel the need to stuff ourselves to the point of explosion. We know it's hard to limit yourself, but you also don't want to make yourself sick. If you love everything, ask for the host to package up some leftovers for you to take home.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
10. Trying to be a Top Chef when, we're sorry to say this but. . .you're not.
Don't plan the most extravagant meal possible. Most likely, guests will prefer more traditional meals. Limit how many challenging new recipes you include. Preparing a Thanksgiving meal is such a challenge; a million complicated recipes will be impossible to pull off successfully.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
11. Expecting everything to be perfect
This is a very common mistake people make on Thanksgiving. Don't expect everything to be perfect. Yes, it would be lovely if every item was delicious, the conversation was constantly witty and entertaining, and everyone went home decided that this was the best holiday ever! But not everything will turn out as expected, and that's OK!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
12. Drinking too much
The wine at dinner was some of the best wine to ever grace your lips. Although alcohol can indeed help loosen everyone up, don't let yourself go overboard.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
13. Not letting yourself indulge at all
Even if that new fad diet you've been trying out is working wonders on your figure, it is Thanksgiving. Let yourself enjoy eating things that you normally wouldn't.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
14. Casually inviting the world
Make sure you're not caught off- guard and under prepared. Don't throw invitations out there to co-workers, or single friends and not expect them to show up at your doorstep.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
15. Eyes are bigger than your stomach
As we said with overeating; we know it's hard to control yourself. Don't load up your plate to the breaking point just to realize you can't eat it all. You may not even like everything. Tossing out plates full of food is very rude. Pace yourself, and taste things before really loading up your plate.
Photo Credit: Alamy
16. Spending all your time in front of the TV or stove
This holiday is all about family and friends. Remember to be social! Bring everyone into the kitchen with you if necessary.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
17. Trash-Talking too much
Don't tell everyone who will listen how much you hate all the pumpkin pie this year, you never know who brought it.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
18. Sweating the small stuff
Don't obsess over forgetting to add salt to the mashed potatoes, or slightly over cooking the collard greens. You might be the only one who notices.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Before you reach for the stuffing this Thanksgiving, grab a camera and send us a great image of your Thanksgiving table décor for a chance to win...
StyleList Home
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy AOL Corporate Site | Advertise With Us
Copyright © 2013 Homesessive | All Rights Reserved | Part of AOL-HuffPost Home
