Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips

Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips

Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips
It’s Turkey time in less than a week! Are you ready to host the big dinner? Sometimes the grand event you had originally planned for has not exactly fallen in line with time restraints or budget realities. However, where there is a will there is a way and you’ve still got several days left to get everything pulled together. When the going gets tough, the desperate use these last minute Thanksgiving tips:
 

• TABLE RUNNERS –

If you need to spruce up your table, consider a table runner to make it pop! It doesn’t have to be expensive. An easy (and economical) craft paper runner may be just the ticket–especially at the “kids table” (include markers for some real fun!). Alternatively, you can create a “natural” table runner out of pine sprigs (or ivy or whatever pretty foliage you have access to), along with an assortment of pinecones, acorns or oranges (just be sure to clean them of any pests before placing them near food!)


 
 

• LAST MINUTE CENTERPIECES—

The guests will arrive any minute and you forgot to pickup fresh flowers? It’s time to get creative! Find a pretty container or bowl and arrange fresh vegetables, fruit or mini pumpkins into a festive arrangement. If all else fails, a few apples, pears or pumpkins placed on a table gives a feeling of intentional fall decorating!

Cheap AND beautiful! via Better Homes & Gardens

• CREATIVE PLACE CARDS—

Add that “pinterest touch” with a place card and keep your crazy Aunt twice removed across the table at the same time with place cards. You can use a pear as the centerpiece of the plate and pin a place card onto it or spray paint leaves in metallic tones and then use a permanent marker to delicately scroll the guest’s name onto the leaf—or just keep it simple with a folded note card in front of each place setting.

• NAPKIN RINGS IN A PINCH—

If you find yourself in need of napkin rings at the last minute, consider non-traditional supplies such as a coordinating ribbon, twine or wire. You can customize the size and add as much frill as you’d like and still pull off a designer look without having to own dozens of matching napkin rings!

• LAST MINUTE HOUSE PREP—

In the final hours before your guests arrive, don’t forget to pre-mix some drinks (tea, sangria, whatever you are serving) so you aren’t running like a mad person when guests arrive. Also, don’t forget to designate a space for guest’s coats and bags. Seating may be at a premium, so you don’t want the coats to take up the valuable real estate on game day!

The good news is, even if you do none of these things, it’s not what Thanksgiving is about anyway. This is the season for family, friends and food and no amount of decorating (or lack thereof) should take away from the spirit of the season. Just remember to restock the toilet paper in those precious last few hours of prep time and never forget that the best decoration you could ever hang is a smile.
 
Lisa E. Priest doesn’t plan to be last minute but has a plan if she is and is a local REALTOR® and Property Manager with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or at BuyPalestine.com.