As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, the season of Thanksgiving beckons, and what better way to celebrate this cherished holiday than by hosting a gathering that dazzles not just the taste buds, but also captivates every sense? For event planners, orchestrating a Thanksgiving feast is an opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity. In this blog post, we'll explore how to elevate your Thanksgiving hosting game with the finesse and flair of a seasoned event planner.
Set the vibe:
2. Invitations that Impress:
As an event planner, you understand the importance of first impressions. Craft elegant and personalized invitations that set the tone for the event. Now you may be thinking, Anne, that's way too extra, and I get it, it may just be you and your small family at your Thanksgiving feast like mine, but start a group text and let people know what to expect. Have fun with it- set a loose agenda and have some bonding opportunities available!
3. A Culinary Masterpiece:
Whether you cook family recipes or do a less traditional Thanksgiving, the food is the start of the show! Have fun with what you serve, because after all, Thanksgiving is about gratitude and of course, the GRUB! Below is what I served on Thanksgiving:
SIDES:
SWEET POTATOES
Ingredients:
butter
sweet potatoes
brown sugar
Directions:
Boil sweet potatoes in water until tender and the skin is breaking a bit.
Remove from boiling water, and allow to cool in cold water.
Peel sweet potatoes and then slice the sweet potatoes into rounds.
Using a cast iron skillet, melt butter and brown sugar and add sweet potatoes in a single layer in the cast iron skillet to caramelize. Be sure to flip each sweet potato round so they are completely coated.
Remove the potatoes into the dish you plan to serve them in. Repeat until all your rounds are cooked and add the remaining melted butter and brown sugar to your dish.
If you think you are using too much butter and brown sugar, you're not! The more the better!
DRESSING
Ingredients:
dry bread cubes
celery
onions
Bell's seasoning
apples
raisins or cranberries
butter
sage sausage
eggs
Directions:
Cook the sausage and break it up in your pan. Remove from heat and add to a large bowl.
Add the chopped celery and onion to the pan you cooked your sausage in and cook until soft. Remove from heat and add to your large bowl.
Add your dried bread crumbs to the sausage, onion, and celery mixture along with some melted butter. Combine. Add Bell's seasoning to taste as well as your cranberries or raisins, and apple.
Once it's to your liking, add the egg, and then put it into the pan of your choice for the oven. My family makes stuffing muffins with large muffin pans like THESE so everyone gets crispy parts.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
BREAKFAST & APPS:
EASY VEGGIE TRAY
4. A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Extend your event planning prowess to the bar by concocting signature Thanksgiving cocktails. From spiced apple martinis to cranberry-infused mimosas, a well-crafted drink menu complements the overall dining experience and leaves a lasting impression. Here is a look at what I served up!
5. ENTERTAINMENT EXTRAVAGANZA
elevate the atmosphere with carefully curated entertainment. Make sure you have a playlist ready to go- even ask for input for the playlist leading up to Thanksgiving, get festive with the Thanksgiving Day parade on in the background, and even all of the iconic Thanksgiving Day TV show episodes you can think of!
6. GRATITUDE & GIVING BACK
Infuse the spirit of Thanksgiving by incorporating gratitude into your event. Consider setting up a gratitude wall where guests can write what they are thankful for. Or just share at the dinner table. Additionally, explore opportunities to give back, such as organizing a food drive or making a charitable donation in the name of your event.
As an event planner, hosting Thanksgiving is your canvas to paint a masterpiece of warmth, style, and gratitude. By infusing creativity into every aspect of the celebration, from invitations to decor to the culinary experience, you can create a memorable event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving that truly delighted all of the senses!
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