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9 Thanksgiving Essentials You Need to Host Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than a month away.  As crummy as 2020 has been it certainly has flown by.  If you are hosting dinner this year then you have probably already at least thought about what you wanted to serve and what you need.  Serving Thanksgiving dinner is no joke!  I did it last year and it isn’t for the faint of heart.  We ended up with over 15 people, so there were quite a few mouths to feed but no matter who you are having over there are a few things that are essential for hosting Thanksgiving.
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The first thing I want to say is that you should ALWAYS delegate.  Let people help you!  Have guests bring items to dinner and be specific.  

I have found that people always want to contribute and letting them know what you need makes it so much simpler for everyone.

I also have this Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet that will totally take the guess work out of planning.  Use it and let yourself enjoy the whole process.  This cheat sheet has everything you need to plan the perfect dinner.

The one thing I realized when it was time to start planning was that I didn’t have everything I needed.  So I headed to Amazon and did a little shopping…here are my favorite suggestions.

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9 Thanksgiving Essentials You’ll Need 

1. Roasting Pan

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: roasting pan
 You can’t roast a turkey without a roasting pan.  I will admit that the disposable version is a nice and inexpensive option.  I also love the turkey bags!  They keep everything so moist and delicious…plus they help with clean up.

If you are in charge of the turkey, you are going to need one of these versions.

2. Turkey Serving Platter

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: turkey serving platter

It is always important to have a large serving platter for serving your turkey.  I am in love with this white one!  The scalloped edges and etched turkey are gorgeous.

The perfect back drop for your glorious roasted turkey.

3. Fat Separator/Baster Set

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: baster set

My mom gave me a fat separator like this one right before I hosted and it was a life saver.  Pour the juice from the turkey into this separator and it will separate all by itself.

Then it is just a matter of pouring out the part that isn’t fat.  So awesome!  The baster is also great for cooking the turkey if you aren’t using a bag.

4. Cake/Pie Slicer

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: pie slicer

I just ordered this pie slicer because how genius is this?!  It not only cuts the pie into a great size but when you squeeze the sides it also removes the slices.

You can also use it for cake…I can hardly wait to get it.  These pie slicers would also be a great hostess gift.

5. Cranberry Serving Dish

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: cranberry serving dishWhile a cranberry server might not be “essential”, I think it is definitely a fun addition to your Thanksgiving table…it is so cute.  Take your cranberry sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.

I mean seriously…look at just how adorable this dish and server is.

6. Pie Plate

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: pie plate
 Thanksgiving isn’t complete without pie.  So having a pie plate is important.  The best part is that you will be able to use the pie plate all year long.

White bake ware allows your food to standout and this one is perfect.

7. Thanksgiving Scratch Offs

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: Thanksgiving scratch offs
 Thanksgiving is all about sitting around the table with family and friends, so why not make it extra fun.  These scratch off tickets will give an extra special touch.

The winner will be excited to go home with the prize you choose.  Plus, everyone loves a scratch off ticket.

8. Folding Table & Chairs

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: folding table and chairs

For so long I was borrowing a folding table and chairs for big dinners.  I finally decided to order one for myself and I am so glad that I did.

I have used it a handful of times over the year and it is so nice to have it right at home.

9. Charcuterie Board

Thanksgiving Essentials You'll Need  featured by top US food blogger, Practically Homemade: charcuterie boardA Charcuterie Board is such a great starter to have out while guests arrive.  This board is the perfect size to fill up with all of the necessities. 

You could also use it as a serving tray for cookies or cupcakes.
 

The most important thing about Thanksgiving is to enjoy yourself.  If you are hosting be sure to take the time to have fun with guests and eat all of that great food you made.

Hosting can be a huge chore but it is also an awesome tradition that family and friends will remember forever.  Did I miss any Thanksgiving essentials? Let me know in a comment below!

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