This shop, How to Host the Ultimate Thanksgathering,  has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Prep4Gathering #CollectiveBias

Be the Hostess with the Mostess this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just days away, and with it comes the anticipation and joy of the holiday season, and the task of hosting the family gathering.

I think a lot of families, mine included, are a lot like fudge – sweet, with a lot of nuts! It certainly makes for some interesting holidays, but that’s no reason to stress about your upcoming hostess gig.

Prep like a pro with these simple, yet impactful tips for being the hostess with the mostess at your upcoming Thanksgathering celebration.

Personalize your gathering by prepping a simple, but thoughtful gift for your guests a week before your soiree. Sure, it’s traditional for the guests to bring a hostess gift, but you’re no rookie! Make a batch of Salted Caramel Sauce, pour it into pretty jars, and refrigerate until your Thanksgathering. Tie with baker’s twine and add a festive gift tag, like this one I’m offering as a free download!

Lighten the mood with a fun playlist. Music is a proven mood-booster, so pull together your favorite background tunes and play them on repeat. Crank the volume when Uncle Bob tells one of his famous stories for the 100th time, and let the music carry you away. (See? Instant mood boost.)

No time to pull the right mix together? No worries; I’ve got the perfect Thanksgathering tunes here:

 Clean House – It goes without saying that your home needs to  be squeaky clean for entertaining. Grandma’s coming, and she’ll tell you exactly how she feels about your housekeeping skills!

Set the tone with scents of the season. I love using scented candles for entertaining, and the holidays are no exception. This Glade® Apple Cinnamon Candle not only smells amazing, but it adds color and light to my fall centerpiece. Bonus points for masking the smell of Aunt Mary’s mystery casserole with apple cinnamon goodness!

Add special details like an Instagram-worthy place setting. I covered the table in butcher paper and some unused mirrors as the base of my centerpiece. I added pumpkin gourds and candle pedestals to create height.

It’s easier than you think to create a customized table setting. I took these simple burlap placemats and customized them with iron-on letters, adding words like “Thankful” and “Family.” These take just 15 minutes to finish, but make a big impact!