Thanksgiving, that time of year when you gather with loved ones and take a moment to be thankful for all of your blessings, is almost here. Planning a huge get-together of family and friends, with most traveling across the country, is a big undertaking. There are decorations to be planned, assembled, and hung up; an exquisite menu to prepare; and of course, a delectable wine and bar list to impress even the most discerning of palates.

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To prevent yourself from feeling too overwhelmed by all of these holiday preparations, it is vital that you separate the event into three main categories. This way, the tasks are all compartmentalized, allowing you to accord sufficient attention to every detail. Here are a few tips to help you get on your way to planning the perfect Thanksgiving party:

Décor

Proper party décor bolsters the mood of the space. Before you start decorating, think of the ambiance that you want your party to exude. For something elegant yet full of familial warmth, decorate with a color palette featuring warm tones such as orange, brown, and warm red; these colors beautifully complement most Thanksgiving menus. Contrasting these colors against off-white dining sets elevates the elegance of your gathering and provides a backdrop for your dinner table.

If you’re looking for décor rooted in casual sophistication, juxtapose brighter color palettes against autumn’s muted scenery; colors such as gold, blue, pink, peach, and green work beautifully to convey a more laid-back atmosphere.

Once you’ve identified your color palette, you can start assembling décor items to pull the look together. No matter what colors you choose, decorating the space with charming seasonal items, such as these Mini Brown Acorn decorations, is enough to highlight the beauty of fall.

Food

The menu is what ties the party together; it is what makes Thanksgiving such a special treat for everyone in attendance. Since Thanksgiving is a tradition, ensure that the party’s menu consists of expected dinner favorites such as stuffed turkey, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. Don’t forget, however, to incorporate new and exciting dishes alongside the more traditional offerings, thereby offering your guests a variety of dishes for the night. For instance, instead of a typical leafy salad with a creamy dressing, prepare a fresh autumn-inspired salad flavored with figs and nuts, with a side of berry vinaigrette. It’s a wonderful recipe that will be a great accompaniment to the stuffed turkey. Food Blogga has amazing recipes that you may want to try.

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Wine & Bar List

No party is complete without a carefully selected wine and bar menu. Keep in mind that the drinks should enhance the flavors of the dishes you’ll be serving. So when planning the party’s refreshments, take note of the main dishes in your menu and pair drinks accordingly. Ideally, you would want a special cocktail as an aperitif, a decent offering of wine, and a digestif or an after-meal drink. For more ideas on wonderful autumn-inspired drinks, you may want to read our blog post on Essential Fall Holiday Drinks.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with your family and friends, so give yourself some breathing space and apply this categorizing technique to minimize the stress that comes with party planning. Keep the love for your family and friends at the center of the event, and you’ll have a perfect Thanksgiving that everyone will treasure.