A few days ago I read an article on what not to do at Thanksgiving dinner. I started thinking of things to do to make holiday dinners successful. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Arrive on time
2. Begin the dinner with a prayer of gratitude
3. Participate with an attitude of service
4. Practice the Golden Rule
5. Practice your table manners
6. Keep all conversation positive and upbeat
7. Be a good listener
8. Stay flexible
9. Practice thoughtfulness
10. Offer to help with clean-up
11. Respect the home of the host
12. Remember: Relationships are more important than opinions!
***What positive holiday dinner tips can you add to the list?
Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.
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22 comments:
Nothing really springs to mind except enjoying being with your family/friends. As you probably know, we do not have Thanksgiving here. That is solely an American holiday.
And after all is said and done--give thanks that you were able to be there and share blessings!
If you're a guest, bring a side dish or dessert to help the host.
The only thing I can think of is to relax and have a good time. We too often stress over making everything "perfect". That's not what the day is about.
Blessings
After a wonderful family dinner and sharing the blessings, visit someone who has no family or a "shut-in" who might need someone to share a momemt with (or maybe a piece of pumpkin pie).
Everyone gave such good comments! I would say be sure to invite someone who is alone at the holiday. Too many are and it can be pretty lonely! We ate out last year in a strange town in a restaurant without family and it was the saddest holiday I ever spent! This year,we get to be home and I know I will invite someone who needs to be so they aren't alone.
*Purchase or make ahead the bigger items, so the big day is more relaxing.
*Drag out the board games to have a little inter-generational competition.
*Echoing Willa here, but do some sort of community service or other "giving back" activity. Nothing goes further in creating family traditions!
*Keep the menu short and sweet.
*Have plenty of leftover containers on hand, or get someone to bring them if you're the host(ess).
*One year, I put small pieces of paper with typed questions inside the dinner rolls. Kinda like an American fortune cookie. Each person had to fill in the blanks. It led to some great discussions and "I'm thankful for..." contributions.
*We've sometimes rented out a state park cabin and had a whole Thanksgiving weekend together. Fun! There were lots of crafts for the kiddies, nature hikes, etc.
*I'll stop now. :)
Thanks for the inspiration and suggestions.
Good suggestions. As the hostess I try to prepare as much as I can ahead of time so that I can be pleasant and not rushed on Thanksgiving day. I also try to involve as many guests as I can in the preparations--if they are willing--make them feel a part of the celebration.
Don't forget those with special diets (vegetarians, diabetics, etc.):
-If you are the host/hostess, be sure all diets are accommodated
-If you're a guest on a special diet, bring dishes to share
-Another idea if you are a guest on a special diet and bringing food is not appropriate ... eat before going to dinner and spend Thanksgiving enjoying everyone's company.
Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com
I think everyone has pretty much said it all. Have a great week! Blessings, Karen
Jeannette- Family and friends..that's the best!!
Donna- Yes, I'm just thankful to still be here and enjoy the day with family.
Joanne- A side dish or dessert is always a good gift for the party.
Patty- Yes, stress will kill what could have been a wonderful time.
Willa Fae- That's a great sharing idea!!
Terri- Yes, it's so easy to forget the ones who are alone.
Angie- I especially like the board game idea!!
Pat- I'm with you. I think that when everyone participates, the party is a bigger success.
Footprints- I almost forgot those special diets. Thanks for the reminder!
kkjd1- You, too!
My idea has been here already. don't forget someone who has no family. It not only blesses you but them too.
Lea- I'm so proud of all you ladies for thinking about other people!!
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