Serve a memorable feast with our cheap Thanksgiving hosting ideas

Whether hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or you’re an old pro, putting together a feast for your family and/or friends takes real effort. And we’re not just talking about the hours of food prep.

If people are heading to your house, you won’t want to miss our Thanksgiving hacks, Utah friends. We have 10 ways to make your hosting day a little easier — and cheaper. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

1. Rent tables and chairs

While it may sound cozy to squeeze everyone onto the same table, it’ll be less charming once people try buttering the rolls. Give everyone some space by spreading out the tables. Place a folding banquet table or card table next to your regular table to lengthen it, or arrange several to accommodate multiple people in a tighter space.

Need a few extra chairs too? Instead of asking everyone to BYOC, consider renting extras for Thanksgiving day. 

Rent tables and chairs on KSL

Is your holiday table going to be a little too cozy this year? Rent tables and chairs to give everyone some extra elbow room.

2. Dine on eclectic dishes

If you don’t have enough dishware for 20 — and who does? — consider using a variety of styles. Set the table with plates and cups in different patterns, then use a nice tablecloth and matching napkins so it feels cohesive. This works especially well as a Friendsgiving idea for Utah gatherings.

Find secondhand holiday hosting dishes on KSL

3. Set up in advance

Adopt this Thanksgiving mantra: If you can get something done early, do it. Several days before the feast, find and wash the once-a-year platters and iron tablecloths, if necessary. The day before, set up and decorate the tables, complete with dishes, silverware and napkins.

Decorate the table with items that can be set out in advance, saving you time on the big day.

4. Choose effortless decor

Fresh flowers are nice, but who has time for last-minute shopping? And if you buy them too early, they could wilt. Instead, decorate the table with items that you can collect and set out early. Line the table with a bit of greenery or fall leaves, then use mini pumpkins and mandarin oranges for a pop of color. Add a few tapered candles to add some height variation. Your table is ready to go, long before the guests arrive.

Shop secondhand greenery on KSL

5. Keep guests entertained

No matter how well you plan, there will inevitably be delays. Keep your guests entertained with a few games. If the weather allows, set up an outdoor game such as bocce or cornhole. Inside, set out some simple board or card games that can be played in just a few minutes — so no one gets too involved to come to the table.

Search games on KSL Classifieds

Provide a few easy games to keep guests entertained, and out of the kitchen, so you won't feel rushed.

6. Label serving dishes

Finding the right sized bowl to hold your mashed potatoes at the last minute? Stressful. Planning out which dish you’ll use for each item? Stressless. Write down the name of each item you’re serving on a sticky note or piece of tape, then slap that label onto the platter, bowl or board you want to use. Now when Aunt Myrtle steps into the kitchen to help, she actually can.

Find serving dishes

7. Cooler your condiments

Your fridge magically fills up pretty quickly once you start filling it with Thanksgiving dishes. Give yourself maximum space for the day by removing all your non-essentials — pickles, jam, salsa — and store them in an ice chest. Remember to fill it with ice packs to keep everything cool.

Search coolers on Classifieds

Select your serving dishes ahead of time and you won't be scrambling when it's time to plate the food.

8. Turn a slow cooker into a food warmer

To leave your oven free for baking, rely on other appliances to keep foods warm. A slow cooker set on low will keep your mashed potatoes smooth for hours. Stir in some heavy cream to keep them extra moist.

Find slow cookers on KSL

9. Store gravy in thermos

You don’t need to be worrying over lumpy gravy at the last minute. Perfect your sauce when you have more time, then store it in a thermos to keep warm. If you’re really in a time crunch, gravy can be made a day or two ahead of time, then reheated just before serving.

Search for a thermos on KSL Classifieds

Store-bought snacks can serve as quick appetizers, so you can focus on the main meal.

10. Be OK with premade extras

While Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be the same without all the homemade dishes, a few store-bought items can save you precious time. Quickly make a charcuterie board with crackers, precut veggies and cheeses, premade dips and toasted nuts.

Find a charcuterie board on KSL

11. Plan for leftovers

Give guests a fun and convenient way to take home leftovers: disposable large muffin tins. Let each guest fill their tins with different foods, a bit like making their own TV dinner. And because the tins are made of aluminium, they can be warmed up in the oven — because microwave reheated turkey does not taste the same.

Shop disposable muffin tins

Get a little help to make your Thanksgiving holiday hosting easier with finds from KSL Classifieds.