In November, as a host, I start to plan the entertaining components like the guests, menu, and the table setting. One of my favorite styles for the holiday is to host a potluck dinner by asking the guests to each bring a dish so that all the shopping, cooking, and expense is not all on me.
If you decide to do a potluck dinner, be sure to tell the guests first about bringing a dish before they accept the invitation. You might say that you will make the turkey or main dish, and ask guests to bring an appetizer, vegetable, salad, or dessert. Let them select what they want to bring.
As a guest, I once told a host that I would bring a vegetable dish, and she proceeded to tell me how she wanted it prepared and cooked – not a good idea for hosts to say. Certainly, at a potluck dinner, the host should ask if anyone has special dietary needs, such as being a vegetarian. Then, the host can ask that guest to bring a vegetarian dish.
When planning your menu, another factor to consider is how many dishes will need to be cooked or reheated in your oven. Obviously, you can’t realistically have six dishes in your oven at the same time. This also applies to stovetop cooking. If you only have four burners, you can’t simultaneously cook six dishes.
So, plan accordingly when discussing the menu with guests. Ask who will be bringing a dish that may need to be heated in the oven or stovetop. Also, please remember to ask the guest beforehand if they will be bringing a serving plate and utensils for their dish or not. It’s best if they do which will be less work for you.
At a potluck holiday dinner, since the guests are bringing most of the dishes, you can spend the time setting the table in advance. Q: What is the most important component that will make your table attractive? A: Color. The more color you use, the prettier the table will be. If you use a seasonal centerpiece, please keep it below eye-level, so guests can see each other when talking. Or, you may use tapered or votive candles, always unscented, at the table.
Perhaps use an Autumn-colored wreath as a centerpiece. Also, colorful napkins, mini pumpkins, gourds, or colorful artificial Autumn leaves will add a nice touch.
I like to use place cards at a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. It may sound too formal, but then I have more control of who sits next to whom, and that may greatly improve the conversations.
A fun project that I do with my grandchildren is to decorate the place cards with crayons, markers, and glued-on leaves. To make Thanksgiving truly about gratitude, we write another guest’s name behind each place card. At dinner, we go around the table and the person on the front of the place card says why they are thankful for the person on the back of the card.
Also, decide in advance where the drinks will be displayed, and have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Remember, the guests will usually gather where the bar is located, so be sure that area can accommodate the number of guests. Do not display the beverages in the kitchen because it will interfere with the heating and serving of the food.
I always like to be ready 30 minutes before the guests arrive, so I don’t feel rushed and I’m ready to welcome them at the door. Then, I will be ready to host a very festive Thanksgiving dinner from the heart.
By Maureen Molé
Molé is a lecturer, product spokesperson, and the author of The Book of Entertaining at Home. Email any questions or comments to MaureenMole@gmail.com.
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