Thanksgiving—a day filled with love, laughter, gratitude, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of stress if you’re the one hosting. For many of us, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can feel like stepping into a pressure cooker. The house must be spotless, the table beautifully set, the food perfectly seasoned, and all while you’re expected to look put together, glowing, and ready to greet your guests with warmth. It’s a lot, isn’t it?
For me, Thanksgiving used to mean cooking up a storm in the kitchen—spending hours perfecting recipes, agonizing over presentation, and feeling utterly wiped out by the time everyone arrived. And let me tell you, when you’re exhausted, it’s hard to truly enjoy the day or the people you’re celebrating with. That’s when I realized something that changed the game for me: grace starts with giving yourself a break.
Why I Choose to Cater (and Why That’s Okay)
For years, I put so much pressure on myself to create the perfect Thanksgiving feast from scratch. But the truth is, cooking an elaborate meal while hosting a house full of family and friends left me drained—emotionally, physically, and mentally. I’d spend the entire day in the kitchen, making sure the turkey was golden, the sides were impeccable, and the dessert was worthy of a magazine cover. By the time dinner was served, I was too tired to enjoy the people who matter most.
That’s why I decided to pivot. Now, when I host Thanksgiving, I cater the food. And let me tell you—it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Catering doesn’t mean I don’t care about the day or the people I’m hosting. It means I do care—enough to want to be present, energized, and able to actually enjoy the celebration. I can focus on catching up with family, making memories, and looking my best, without the added stress of trying to make everything “perfect” in the kitchen.
Finding Balance: Hosting with Grace
Does catering work for everyone? Maybe not, and that’s okay! Hosting Thanksgiving is a deeply personal experience, and how you choose to approach it should reflect your needs, your personality, and your priorities. Here are a few tips to help you find that balance and give yourself the grace you deserve:
Delegate Like a Pro
Whether it’s ordering from a local caterer, asking family members to bring their favorite dishes, or keeping the menu simple, delegating responsibilities is key. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Thanksgiving is about community, and there’s nothing wrong with leaning on that.
Focus on What You Love
If you enjoy decorating, go all out on creating a beautiful tablescape. If desserts are your specialty, make a show-stopping pie but order the turkey. Play to your strengths and let go of the need to control every single detail. It’s okay to outsource or simplify the parts that don’t bring you joy.
Plan Ahead
One of the biggest stressors of hosting is the last-minute rush. Whether you’re cooking or catering, plan your menu, decor, and timeline well in advance. This gives you the breathing room to tackle any hiccups without feeling overwhelmed.
Create an Atmosphere of Gratitude
Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect turkey or the fluffiest mashed potatoes—it’s about gratitude. Focus on creating an atmosphere of love, connection, and warmth. Your guests will remember the feeling of being together far more than the details of the menu.
Set Realistic Expectations
Perfection doesn’t exist, and chasing it will only leave you exhausted. Embrace the fact that things may go wrong—a dish might not turn out, someone might spill wine on your tablecloth, or the timing might not be perfect. And you know what? That’s okay. Grace is about rolling with the punches and enjoying the day, no matter what.
Take Care of Yourself
Hosting doesn’t mean sacrificing your own needs. Make time for yourself before the big day—whether it’s getting a good night’s sleep, indulging in a relaxing bath, or simply taking a few moments to breathe. When dinner is served, you’ll be ready to celebrate with a calm, happy spirit.
Catering: A Stress-Free Option
For me, catering has become my saving grace. It allows me to focus on what I truly enjoy—decorating my home, setting a beautiful table, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I’m no longer running around the kitchen, stressing over a dry turkey or overcooked stuffing. Instead, I’m present, engaged, and able to soak in the joy of the holiday.
If catering feels like the right choice for you, here are some tips:
Research local options: Many restaurants, grocery stores, and catering services offer Thanksgiving packages. Look for one that aligns with your style and budget.
Order in advance: Thanksgiving is a busy time for caterers, so place your order early to ensure availability.
Add your personal touch: Even if the food is catered, you can still make it feel special. Garnish dishes with fresh herbs, use your best serveware, and arrange everything beautifully.
Let the Day Be About Connection
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about how much time you spent in the kitchen or how perfect the turkey looks. It’s about the connections you make with the people around you. By giving yourself grace and letting go of perfection, you can create a celebration that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful.
So, whether you cook everything from scratch, order takeout, or find a balance in between, remember this: the best part of Thanksgiving is the people you share it with. Give yourself permission to let go of stress, embrace the imperfections, and truly enjoy the day.
From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and moments to cherish forever.
See you on the next post!
Yours Truly,
Serina
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