Countdown to Turkey Day—Let’s Make It Fun!

Thanksgiving is so close you can taste the mashed potatoes! This week, we’re skipping the stress and diving into the fun stuff.

From festive table decor to keeping the kids entertained (so they don’t “help” too much), we’ve got you covered.

Let’s make this holiday your most stylish and stress-free yet.

That Time We Tried Way Too Hard to Be Martha Stewart

A few years ago, we got it in our heads that Thanksgiving had to be perfect. We spent hours crafting napkin rings out of acorns (who does that?), agonized over the “right” shade of cranberry sauce (homemade AND canned, just in case), and even ironed the tablecloth (why?!).

By the time guests arrived, we were exhausted, half the food was cold, and the kids were staging a coup because we forgot to make mac and cheese.

Lesson learned: Thanksgiving isn’t about perfect centerpieces or gourmet dishes—it’s about laughter, love, and eating so much you need stretchy pants.

Now we focus on enjoying the day, not just surviving it.

Simple DIY Decor Ideas for a Gorgeous Thanksgiving Table

Your table is the heart of the holiday—make it shine with these quick, budget-friendly ideas:

• Nature’s centerpiece: Gather pinecones, mini pumpkins, and fall leaves for a rustic, chic vibe. Arrange them down the center of the table with string lights or candles.
• Personalized place cards: Grab some cardstock and write each guest’s name. Bonus points if the kids decorate them with stickers or doodles.
• Layered linens: A table runner on top of your regular tablecloth adds dimension (and hides any last-minute spills).

Hack: You don’t need to match everything perfectly. Mixing textures and colors gives a warm, cozy look.

Pre-Dinner Activities to Keep the Kids Busy

The turkey’s in the oven, and the kids are bouncing off the walls. Here’s how to channel that energy:

• Gratitude Crafts: Have them make a “thankful turkey” by writing what they’re grateful for on paper feathers and attaching them to a paper plate “body.”
• DIY Placemat Fun: Set out blank paper, crayons, and stickers for kids to decorate their own placemats.
• Thanksgiving Bingo: Create a bingo card with items like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” and “family hugs.” Winner gets first dibs on dessert!

Why it works: Happy kids = happy parents.

Mocktails Everyone Will Love

Move over, pumpkin spice—these drinks will make everyone feel festive:

• Cranberry Fizz: Mix cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, and soda water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for fancy vibes.
• Apple Cider “Mules”: Combine apple cider, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime. Serve in mugs for that cozy holiday feel.
• Sparkling Pomegranate Punch: Blend pomegranate juice, sparkling water, and a handful of fresh berries.

Mom bonus: Add a splash of something stronger for yourself after the kids go to bed.

How to Actually Enjoy Thanksgiving

A holiday isn’t a holiday if you’re too stressed to enjoy it. Here’s how to stay cool:

• Prep as much as you can today: Chop veggies, set the table, and even measure out spices so you’re ready to roll tomorrow.
• Say yes to shortcuts: Store-bought rolls or pie? Totally fine. No one’s judging.
• Ask for help: Hand off easy tasks like peeling potatoes or greeting guests. It’s a team effort, not a solo show.

Reminder: It’s about the memories, not the menu.

That’s it for this week’s holiday prep session! Next Tuesday, we’ll help you tackle the post-Thanksgiving reset with tips for cleaning, decorating for the holidays, and starting December off right.

Until then, enjoy the moments, savor the food, and don’t forget to sneak a little pie for yourself.