6 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in an Apartment

#1: Lay Your Plans

Hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving in your apartment requires coordination. Use the weeks leading up to the holiday to:

• Declutter and clean your apartment
• Create your guest list
• Decide what dishes to serve
• Make seating arrangements
• Shop for supplies

Doing those tasks early on prevents you from scrambling to find that last-minute ingredient or throwing seating together. You may need to limit the number of people you have in your apartment to optimize your space and keep everyone comfortable. Determine how you want to serve the food, as buffet- and family-style dinners have different logistical requirements.

#2: Prep Your Kitchen

If you’re working with limited counter space, put away appliances like coffee makers, toasters and blenders. Assess your menu and decide which foods to prep early to save room to cook on Thanksgiving Day. You can also ask guests to bring a side if your oven can’t accommodate multiple dishes.

Instant pots, crock pots and air fryers provide more options for preparing food like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and gravy. Disposable pans and dishes make cleanup easier, and reusable containers allow guests to take leftovers, so you can save space in your refrigerator.

#3: Make the Most of Your Space

Consider the flow of your living room, dining area and kitchen to determine how your guests will get to and from their seats. You may need to move furniture to accommodate your seating arrangement. Store unnecessary items in a guest or master bedroom so you can set up foldable tables or bring in chairs.

Hosting Thanksgiving in an apartment may require you to be creative with seating. If your home doesn’t allow for long tables, you may try smaller options, foldable tables and even coffee tables.

Rollaway carts and tiered trays allow you to stack and move dishes based on your serving style. You could even set up stations for the main course, beverages and dessert, or switch them out on one surface to save space.

#4: Set the Scene

Use festive décor to create a cozy, welcoming environment for your guests. Here are some suggestions:

• Minimal décor: You can use simple table runners and seasonal placemats to add a festive touch to your tablescape without taking up too much space.
• Ambient lighting: String lights around windows and light candles to add a soft glow.
• Seasonal scents: Aside from the mouth-watering cooking smells, seasonal aromas like cinnamon, pumpkin spice and apple can amp up the holiday atmosphere.
• Background music: Instrumental and acoustic music provide a mellow background for your party, while jazzier alternatives can boost the energy in the room.
• Warm tones: Incorporate russets, burnt orange, mustard yellow and rich browns into tablecloths, placemats, napkins, blankets, pillows and rugs to add a touch of warmth to your gathering.

#5: Be Considerate

It’s important to maintain a reasonable noise level when hosting Thanksgiving in your apartment. You still have neighbors, after all, and not everyone celebrates at the same time. Provide your guests with estimated start and end times, so they know when to start packing up for the evening. Explain parking guidelines and recommend carpooling to avoid taking up too many guest spaces. If your company stays later than anticipated, be prepared for more relaxing entertainment, like watching a movie, or find another location for rowdier activities.

#6: Set Realistic Expectations

The pressure of making a perfect meal can detract from the joy of gathering with your loved ones. Even the most thorough plans can go awry, so don’t let any deviations prevent you from enjoying your holiday.  Roll with the punches and use your support system if you require assistance with setup, meal prep and cleanup. You can use a mixture of homemade and store-bought dishes to simplify the cooking process. For example, purchasing premade appetizers allows you to focus on the main course and dessert.

Spacious Apartments Fit for Hosting

Come home for the holidays at an Ardent Communities apartment or townhouse in Columbus, Ohio. Our spacious single- and multi-bedroom suites offer living and dining areas that are effective for hosting seasonal parties. View our properties and contact us to schedule a tour.