Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Even though I am not hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my home this year. I thought I would share a few tips to ensure that you have a very pleasant holiday.

1. Location

I know, this might sound a little strange to some people who know in advance who's hosting Thanksgiving dinner. However, many people host Thanksgiving dinners and brunches last minute. Confirm who's hosting, and where it's being hosted at. 

2. Travel

If you're visiting family/friends out of state. Triple-check your travel plans. Make sure your car maintenance is up to date. Make sure your plane tickets are all set and you have your rental car reservation taken care of. Pack everything in advance! Know what that states current guidelines, and mandates are. 

Road trip essentials (example)

• Snacks
• Puzzles
• Movies
• Books
• First Aid kit

3. What to Wear

Now is the perfect time to figure out what you and your family are going to wear. Budget if you're going to purchase new clothing for everyone or you're going to wear something you already have. Make sure that everyone try's on their clothing in advance. Don't wait until the day of to find out. The kiddos grew out of the pants that were too big last year or your favorite dress has a stain on it. Trust me. Have a try on the day to decide if you're going to be matchy and to ensure that everything fits properly, once you decide on what your family is wearing. Iron everything in advance to ensure that you're not running around last minute the day of. This is also the perfecct time to take your holiday photos or back up photos since everyone will be dressed. 

4. Agenda/Schedule

Thanksgiving at times is one of those holidays that you can house hop as I would like to call it. Start creating a list of what your day will typically look like. It's super easy to lose track of time while you're having a great time. However, set the alarm on your phone when it's time to go. It's best to enter each event on your phone and add reminders.

Example

• Thanksgiving Day parade at...
• Brunch at Grandma's
• Football

5. Hosts Gift

If you're visiting friends/family you should bring something. For the adults, I like to bring a nice bottle of wine. You could even bring a bottle of sparkling cider. The suggestion is to bring something. The person that's cooking will most likely appreciate it. Ask them first, though. If you're unsure bring a nonalcoholic beverage, you do not want to offend anyone. When you're invited to someone's home for Thanksgiving the first thing you should ask is “what shall I bring” if they have nothing “I would like to bring a bottle of wine if that's OK...” if they say no, no one drinks wine. Don't bring anything. You just want to make sure that you've offered.

6. To-Do List

Create a To-Do list with a time frame of when everything needs to be done. You can easily create a To-Do list on your phone or you can use the template on the number section on your iPhone or Mac products.

Example:

• Confirm dinner time
• Iron Clothing
• Purchase hosts gift
• Car maintenance
• What's your favorite holiday tip?

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