Hosting Thanksgiving? Tips from Liz Francis  

Here are a few things to think about and prep in your home ahead of time. These go beyond grocery lists, menu decisions, and oven schedules. Start considering them now. 

Do you have everything you’ll need in your home to host? 

Not just plates, silverware, wine glasses, and chairs (though those definitely matter), but space for all the winter gear your guests will probably bring with them. Do you have enough space for the coats and extras everyone will wear and then shed once they walk in the front door? Now’s the time to grab boot trays, extra rugs, and maybe a coat rack if needed. 

Clean your oven.  

A clean oven improves safety, energy efficiency, appliance lifespan, and it boosts cooking performance. Built-up grease inside an oven can cause extra smoke heating (which may affect food taste) and uneven interior heating; in extreme cases, it could even cause a fire. Tackle this early in November before you’re overwhelmed by the house cleaning, shopping, and food prep. 

Declutter and stock up.  

Clear areas you can, especially kitchen countertops and main walkways through the house. Stock up on essentials like paper towels and trash bags for the kitchen, extra soap, hand towels, and toiletries for the bathroom. If you’re planning to use disposable plates, utensils, and napkins to make clean-up easier, buy them ahead of time. 

Deep clean the other areas of your home.  

This is a personal preference; it depends on which areas your guests may use and what you choose to focus on. Many folks focus on the kitchen (and yes, while you’re cleaning the oven, it’s a great time to tackle the fridge!). We also suggest checking out the pantry and clearing out any unexpired items you’d like to donate, since this time of year is full of food drives. For us, the main areas are the dining room and bathrooms. Dining rooms often get overlooked amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, and maybe haven’t received much attention lately. Bathrooms? Plan to deep clean one day ahead of time or, depending on your house layout and family, do a full deep clean the weekend before and then leave it off limits until the big day. 

Entertainment.  

Maybe you’ll watch football or another big game, and if that’s set up, you’re good to go. But if there will be kids (or mixed-age guests) at your gathering, consider adding a table with a few easy card games or board games that anyone can learn . (Probably skip Monopoly!) Loser does dishes. Winner gets the first slice of pie after dinner. 

Plan for leftovers.  

If you like to send home leftovers with your guests, stock up on extra food containers so you’re not scrambling for fridge space the next day. And speaking of leftovers, you’ll find some fun ways to reinvent them beyond sandwiches, check out the Simply Local story on  A New Twist on Thanksgiving Leftovers 

Have your HVAC serviced.  

Honestly, this should be one of the top maintenance tasks for any homeowner in the fall, whether \you’re hosting a holiday event or not. The HVAC system is one of the most important in a house and can’t be overlooked. In addition to changing the filter regularly, we strongly recommend having a professional service it once a year. This boosts energy efficiency, extends the system’s lifespan, prevents potential issues, enhances safety (like avoiding a carbon monoxide leak), and improves your home’s air quality. No one wants their furnace to quit in the middle of winter, and you definitely don’t want that stress when you’re preparing to host a big event like Thanksgiving! 

Not hosting but still contributing to a Thanksgiving meal you’ve been invited to?

Even if you’re simply bringing a dish for a potluck, it’s thoughtful to bring something extra for the host. After all, they did most of the cleaning! Wine, beer, or a bottle of their favorite liquor is a classic for a reason. But if your group prefers to stay dry or you want something a little different, consider options like flowers (or a cute houseplant), a beautiful candle (something decorative they usually wouldn’t buy for themselves), a party game everyone can play, or something relaxing for the host after the guests leave, like bath salts or shower steamers. 

Here are a few Simply Local favorite recipes to round out your Thanksgiving menu. 

• Make This: Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Roasted Pumpkin & Spinach – A cozy fall dish perfect for smaller gatherings. 
• Sips and Spreads: A Fall Hosting Guide with Local Flavor – Charcuterie ideas and cocktails that make entertaining simple and stylish. 
• A Modern Twist on the Classics: Thanksgiving Dinner Elevated – Inspiration for side dishes and updated holiday staples. 
• Make This: Pumpkin Mousse with Biscoff Crumb Base – A light, no-bake dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser. 
• Perfecting the Foundation: An Exploration of Pie Crusts – Tips and tricks for the perfect crust, every time. 
• Apple Pie Gets a Makeover – A modern take on a timeless favorite. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time with family, friends, and everyone you’re thankful for. 

Sincerely, 

Liz Francis and the Francis & Co. Real Estate Team 

(Looking to buy or sell a home, or want to connect? Contact Liz anytime here.) 

More from the Blogs

Featured Events