How to Impress Your Guests for Thanksgiving

As of today, we have eighteen more days until Thanksgiving!   If you’re like me, you have much to do and very little time to do it. But, why go through all that work and planning only to have the same old, boring get together?

If you’re in need of some suggestions that will surely impress your guests this year, than look no further than today’s blog post. The following are eight ideas on how to spice things up for your Thanksgiving dinner!

• Idea 1:  When your guests arrive, serve them glasses of a delicious “Kiwi-Orange-Mango Juice” from a decorative tray. See recipe at the bottom of the page.
  • SUGGESTION: Have one of your least clumsy children or grandchildren to serve the drinks (Mama, I guess that counts me out huh…LOL!)

• Idea 2:  Turn off the TV (at least until the game comes on).  Play some soft Jazz for background music.
  

• Idea 3:  Set up your Christmas tree the weekend before Thanksgiving. On the day of the gathering, while you’re waiting for the remaining guests, have the children who are already there to take over decorating it.  Be sure to present this to the kids as a fun, voluntary project. You won’t get anywhere if you force it on them.  This will certainly keep them from being bored. In addition, it will help you out as well.
  • SUGGESTION: Start pulling your decorations out this weekend. That way, you’re sure not to forget  anything (make sure your tree lights work) and you’ll have everything in one place long before the festive day.

• Idea 4:  On a small decorative table, set up featured pictures of loved ones who have passed on to go home with the Lord. On card stock paper, print out (in calligraphy font) a brief description of each person. Cut them out, with enough space to create a tent nameplate. Place each one in front of the appropriate photo. In this way, your guests will be able to see and read about your beloved loved ones, based on their picture and summary.

• Idea 5:  As each guest arrives, hand him or her a strip of paper and pen. Have them write down what they are most thankful for.  Afterwards, have them fold the note and place it in a decorative box. While everyone is eating desert, elect someone to pull out the folded pieces, and read them to the table.  Then have fun trying to guest who said what!

• Idea 6:  Give out tiny gift bags to each guest as a way of showing your appreciation for them attending your soiree.
  • SUGGESTION: You don’t have to break the bank…the Dollar Tree (not the Dollar General) is an excellent source for cute trinkets.

• Idea 7:  Have some carryout trays available so guests can take home food.
  • SUGGESTION: These can be purchased in advance from Sam’s Club or Costco.

• Idea 8:  Last but certainly not least, have the food ready when everyone arrives. Nothing will impress them more than not having to wait to eat.   Hope these tips prove helpful to you, Dear Heart.  Just remember to make time to enjoy!

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Kiwi-Orange-Mango Juice Recipe:

Prep Time – 10 minutes

Ingredients:

4 large kiwis, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 large mangos, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 pint orange juice

3 cups of cold water

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Directions – Using a blender, puree the kiwis, mangos and orange juice. Pour into a pitcher, add 3 cups cold water and stir.

Serve in small cups or glasses

Decorate with a cherry on top or strawberry with a small slit at the point; settle on the rim of the glass.

Yields: – 8 Servings