Hosting Thanksgiving: Tips for Homeowners

Hosting Thanksgiving can be a very exciting, yet very overwhelming task. From making sure you have enough space for everyone, enough food for everyone, making time to tidy your space before your guests arrive, and managing the dynamics of various personalities during the event – there is a lot to consider!

The Food

First, let’s start off with everyone’s favorite part of Thanksgiving, the food! There’s a reason why potlucks are so popular – it allows guests to get involved and be excited to share their dish, while also taking a load off on you, the host.

Make a spreadsheet with a list of the attendees’ names on one side, and a list of the needed dishes on another side. Create your menu. Then write your name next to all the dishes you will be providing, likely the turkey. Don’t forget to have spots for appetizers and desserts too! You’ll need some food for people to snack on upon arrival and while the finishing touches are being added to the main course dishes.

Reach out to all of your guests, ask them what they are bringing, and mark it down on your spreadsheet. Have someone who doesn’t cook? No problem. Assign them paper plates, napkins, and disposable utensils for easy clean up. Other family members who can’t cook or have no time to? Assign them drinks, rolls, desserts – other easy things they can just pick up from the store and bring over.

The Space

Making sure you have enough space to host everyone is a key piece in making sure your Thanksgiving get-together goes off without a hitch. Don’t worry if you don’t have a long dining table that can fit everyone – you can be creative with the way you use your space. For example, you could set up a second table in the living room or even put the kids’ table there.

The Dynamics

Any time there is a family gathering, there is potential for the dynamics of everyone’s personalities to cause tension. Going into the event, it's important to remind yourself of a few things.

1. 1. It’s okay to need a break during the event. It is a lot of hard work and mentally draining to be hosting so many people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step away for a moment to yourself.
   2. Don’t mention touchy subjects – politics, religion, family planning. Just don’t.
   3. If it doesn’t go exactly how you’re imagining it in your mind, it will be okay. It doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be a fun time.

So, this Thanksgiving, prepare your turkey roasting pan, get out your extra folding tables, and take a deep breath. Hosting in your own home can be so rewarding!

If you’re looking to host a holiday in your very own house, but need help getting started, reach out to a Ruoff loan officer to get pre-approved today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

About Ruoff Mortgage

At Ruoff Mortgage, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments – not just as a financial decision, but a personal one. For more than 41 years, we’ve proudly helped families turn their dreams into reality. From our roots in northeast Indiana to now serving homebuyers throughout the Midwest, our focus has stayed the same: delivering exceptional service rooted in care, speed, and community. With an average 15-day clear-to-close time, our team is here to make your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.