by Nancy Houser

Created on: October 25, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

There is never a time when simple tips for hosting a Thanksgiving dinner party do not come in handy, no matter how many dinner parties a host has under their belt. Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy the day filled with guests-family members, close friends and neighbors, co-workers who are alone on Thanksgiving, and extended family members. Spending all day in the kitchen cooking and cleaning can easily prevented by following some simple ideas and short-cuts to prevent a hectic and stressful meal. Thanksgiving dinner party tips can help make this happen.

*Who Is Going to Have the Meal?

Sometimes people get into a rut over the holidays. Sometimes the same person will have Thanksgiving dinner year after year after year. This is usually followed by another family member always having Christmas, another one having New Years Eve, and so on. It has its advantages, as they can shop throughout the year for their holiday decorations when it comes on sale or make them early in the year. It becomes a routine over time and some of the stress is lessened in its preparation.

Some families say to heck with it and go out for the Thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant. Today the larger restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals at decent prices, requiring reservations to guarantee placement. This is good for taking a break for those who enjoy getting waited on at a sit-down restaurant and not having to go through the hassle of preparing the Thanksgiving meal. Some restaurants also offer all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffets which are more informal but allow each person to enjoy their favorites as much as they want.

If you find yourself alone for Thanksgiving because the children are spending the holiday at their in-law's home, a charitable Thanksgiving is to help serve the poor or homeless people who have no family. With the recession hitting so many people this year, organizations like Salvation Army are always needing help delivering the Thanksgiving meal to the shut-ins, the disabled, or delivering boxes of food to those less fortunate. Other shelters are full, and in need of supplies, hygiene items, food, and need help serving up food for the Thanksgiving meal or or helping prepare the meal.

Deciding annually who is going to have the Thanksgiving and Christmas meal is another choice for some families who takes turns. Also, a majority of families meet at the parent's home every year or the grandparent's home. But regardless where it is held.....tips hosting a Thanksgiving

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