Organizing To Be Thankful

What are you thankful for?
I sure am thankful for many things this year of 2015. When we think about Thanksgiving, we think about a special meal and gathering with friends and family.
​ Whether you are hosting a thanksgiving dinner or not, how about getting some things organized for that evening? 
Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, this week's post is about helping you get ready.

• Cleaning & Tidying Up •
There are many things you need to get done around the house if you are
having people over. Cleaning, tidying up, decorating, setting the
table... It doesn't matter how many guests are coming, you will want
them to feel welcome in your home {even if it's just your parents or a
couple of friends, am I wrong?}.
Cleaning is a big task, and if you are not hiring professional help 
for that {or even if you are}, you should give extra attention to
windows, corners, doors, mirrors and tables with glass tops, and
ceilings. Make sure the bathroom is clean, change the towels, refill
the toilet paper and soap dispensers, and organize the cabinets {you
never know who's going to open them}. It is smart to have a feminine
emergency kit, and also a first aid kit just in case - better safe
than sorry, right? ;)
Tidy up! If you take some time to declutter, you can add it to your
list of what you are thankful for. The kitchen is a great place to
start. Come on! You still have a few days to make it happen. Speaking
of the kitchen... Take out those pots and pans, dishes and glasses,
and the silverware you are going to use for the special night, and
make sure they are clean and ready. Don't forget to make the beds on
Thanksgiving morning!
A to-do list would help you? Ask for yours HERE.

• Decoration & Table •
This year I will host a small dinner at home with my husband and a few
friends. My decorations will be simple but festive: orange and brown
dishes, flowers, and special napkins with fall colors. The way you set
the table makes a huge difference, even if it's a simple meal. Here
are some links to give you more ideas:

• Here is an idea from Education Possible for your kids to help you with

the decoration!

• The Budget Decoration always has good ideas to decorate spending less.
• I found this on By Dawn Nicole and I just love it! This idea can be
  used for any special dinner you host!
• And here are some great inspirational ideas from Country Living - small or
  big tables, just beautiful decorations!

• Special Dishes •
Thanksgiving is about being thankful and... Eating! Celebrate the
harvest! Besides the turkey and the traditional pumpkin pie, what else
could you serve for the Thanksgiving dinner?

• How about this Thanksgiving meal plan from Blissfully Domestic?
• Buzzfeed got many options for you all together.
• If you are paleo {like my husband} or want to have an option in case
  of having a guest who is, this can be served as a dessert. Pumpkin
  spice pancakes from Healy Eats Real.
  

After picking your menu, don't forget to make a grocery list. You
might need some ingredients you don't have at home...

• Tips & More •
- To-do Lists: They are your friends that help you to get things done.
If you are estimating time, always budget for more than you think you
will need. Remember sometimes we spend more time than planned with
certain tasks, and even traffic or the phone can get us behind
schedule. If you complete the task before, it's a bonus.
Have one list for the household tasks, and another for groceries and
meals preparation.
And if you want a complete Checklist, get it here.
- Beverages: You will want to have an assortment of alcoholic and
nonalcoholic beverages. Think about which of your guests drink alcohol
and which guests don't. Often guests bring wine or beer, but don't
count on it - some guests might bring dessert or nothing at all.
Whatever you serve, make sure to have enough to serve before, during,
and after dinner {because people don't only drink during dinner}.
Calculate the number of guests + the hours you think the party might
last. I found this chart from Chickabug blog very useful {it has both drinks
and food}.
- Entertainment: how are you going to entertain your guests? If it's
just family, the old stories will probably last the night, but if
there are friends and/or coworkers coming, you should think about
options...
Besides the chatting, games are a great way to make the night. You
could also consider a movie. Remember to think about something for the
kids and teenagers too! And if there are babies coming, maybe a quiet
place for them to take a nap...
- Black Friday: of course I had to mention that here! Who isn't
waiting for the Black Friday deals? But before you swipe your card,
ask yourself: do I really need this?
I am sure you don't want more stuff cluttering your home, so think
twice before buying things just to be proud of a good deal.
I hope you got some relevant information to help you get ready for the
holiday - or for any party/dinner/gathering you are hosting!
Don't forget to ask for your checklist here! ;)

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I am Izabelle Azevedo, the Professional Organizer behind Neat-a-Holic Solutions