Learning how to host a family Thanksgiving dinner as a single parent can seem like a challenging task. Between all the shopping, prepping, and cooking, it can be hard to manage everything on your own. But even if you are a single parent, there are still ways to make this a fun and memorable event for everyone at the table.
If you want to throw an unforgettable dinner for your loved ones, these stress-saving strategies can help.
How to Host a Family Thanksgiving Dinner as a Single Parent
Plan Your Meal Ahead of Time
Waiting until the last minute to plan your Thanksgiving dinner can add unnecessary stress. Therefore, you’ll want to make a list of all the dishes you want to prepare ahead of time.
Start looking up recipes and writing your shopping list several weeks before the big day. If you are making a turkey, keep in mind that you might need to order one in advance. With so many people celebrating Thanksgiving, grocery stores and butchers tend to sell out of turkeys quickly. The same thing can be said for turkey fryers. If you want to deep-fry your bird, make sure you have the right equipment before it sells out.
Look for Simple Recipes
You don’t have to prepare an entire smorgasbord of food to have a nice dinner with family. After all, it’s the time spent with your loved ones that really matters. Instead of whipping up a variety of complicated dishes, look for simple recipes you can make instead.
For example, you can roast a turkey breast or legs instead of a whole bird. Or you can choose things like instant mashed potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, or stove-top stuffing to save on kitchen time. Delicious food doesn’t have to take ages to cook!
Start Prepping Days Before
Depending on your menu, there may be some dishes that you can make ahead of time. This will reduce the amount of cooking you’ll need to do on the big day itself. Things like desserts, side dishes, and appetizers can be made a day or two before. You can also look for recipes that can be frozen, so all you have to do is defrost and cook when it’s time for dinner.
Get Your Kids Involved
Even though you’re the parent, you don’t have to do all the cooking on your own. Getting your kids involved can be a great way to get them into the Thanksgiving spirit. Little kids can plan the menu or set the table, while older ones can take part in the prepping and cooking.
Make It a Potluck-Style Dinner
If you are inviting other people to your Thanksgiving, consider making it a potluck. This way, you won’t have to be solely responsible for cooking everything on your own. While you may provide the turkey or main course, feel free to ask others to bring a side dish or dessert. That way, you’ll know how to host a family Thanksgiving dinner as a singe parent without feeling too much stress!
Another option is to have a Thanksgiving cooking party. Invite your guests over early and enjoy spending the day prepping and cooking with each other. This can be a really fun way to celebrate as a single parent and to start new traditions for your family.
Save Time with Pre-Made Dishes
Pre-made dishes can be a lifesaver for those who don’t have time (or the skill) to cook a full Thanksgiving meal. If the idea of roasting an entire turkey seems overwhelming, simply purchase one that just needs to be reheated. Or you can order an entire Thanksgiving dinner, which comes with a whole turkey, a green bean casserole, red potatoes, baguettes, and a pumpkin pie.
Stick with What You Are Comfortable Cooking
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with cooking traditional dishes we often associate with Thanksgiving. Since this holiday is about family, it ultimately doesn’t matter what you decide to cook! Therefore, you can make meal prepping easier on yourself if you stick with dishes you know how to make.
If you’re more comfortable cooking steak on the grill, for example, you can skip the turkey altogether! Or you can order a delicious smoked brisket or baby back ribs and not worry about grilling at all.
Plan Activities for Kids and Guests
Planning a fun Thanksgiving activity can really transform your dinner into a memorable event. Not to mention, it’s also a great way to keep your kids and little ones occupied. You can do a puzzle together, read stories, or watch a movie about gratitude and giving thanks.
If there will be adults at your dinner, you can still plan something they will enjoy too. Whether it’s watching the big game on TV or crafting a tasty Thanksgiving day cocktail, doing something together can make things more fun.
Don’t Forget About Decorations
A Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just about the food you serve. As an important fall holiday, you can invest in a few festive decorations to create a warm and inviting space for dinner.
You don’t have to go all out with elaborate décor items or a cornucopia centerpiece. Although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing that! However, some nice placemats and napkins and a couple of candles can really add to the festive atmosphere.
We understand that being a single parent can be difficult during the holidays. But with these tips, you should now know how to host a family Thanksgiving dinner as a single parent. It doesn’t matter if you keep with traditions or make your own (after all, there are so many different ways to celebrate!). As long as you’re spending time with the people you love, you’re bound to have a Thanksgiving you won’t soon forget!
