Category: Thanksgiving

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Guest Etiquette | Day 5 of 60 | Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

How Long Should You Stay as a Guest During the Holidays?

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebration. But how long is it appropriate to stay as a guest at someone’s house during Thanksgiving and Christmas? Let’s break it down!

How Long is Too Long?

When visiting during the holidays, 2 to 4 hours is generally a good timeframe for a daytime visit. If you arrive for dinner, staying until dessert is served is usually acceptable. Leaving too soon, like right after the meal, can seem rude.

If you’re not staying overnight, aim to leave by 9 or 10 PM. This way, you won’t overstay your welcome, and your hosts can wind down their evening.

Guest Etiquette for the Holidays

As a guest, you should:

  • Help out: Offer to assist with setting the table or cleaning up.
  • Be polite: Thank your hosts for their hospitality.
  • Engage: Participate in conversations and activities.

As a host, you should:

  • Make everyone comfortable: Ensure guests have a place to sit and feel welcome.
  • Provide food and drinks: Keep the snacks and beverages flowing.
  • Plan activities: Have games or entertainment ready to keep the mood lively.

How Long Should You Stay?

For holiday gatherings, 3 to 5 hours is a good rule of thumb. This allows you to enjoy the festivities without feeling rushed or overstaying your welcome.

Gift Ideas for Your Hosts

Bringing a small gift is a thoughtful gesture. Here are some ideas:

  • For family: A homemade dish or dessert.
  • For friends: A bottle of wine or a festive candle.
  • For overnight stays: A cozy blanket or a fun board game.

Music Playlist for the Holidays

A good music playlist can set the mood for your gathering. Aim for a 2 to 3-hour playlist to cover the duration of your visit. Start playing it about 30 minutes before guests arrive to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Navigating holiday visits can be tricky, but with these guidelines, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without any awkward moments. Remember, the key is to be respectful and considerate of your hosts while making the most of the festive season!

Here is a playlist on YouTube that is 11 hours long and will get you through Christmas Day!

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Suggested Menus for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Menu Planning: How Many Dishes for Your Guests?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! Planning the perfect menu can be tricky, especially when it comes to deciding how many dishes to prepare. Here’s a guide on how many stuffings, entrees, and desserts to serve based on your guest count, along with example menus for different regional styles.

How Many Dishes to Prepare?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how many dishes you might want to prepare based on the number of guests:

Guest CountStuffingsEntreesDesserts
4111
61-211-2
122-322-3

Example Menus by Regional Theme

Southern Cooking Thanksgiving Menu

  • Entree:
  • Mustard Honey-Glazed Turkey
  • Stuffing:
  • Cornbread Stuffing with Chicken Sausage
  • Sides:
  • Collard Greens
  • Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Desserts:
  • Apple Pie
  • Red Velvet Cake

Southwest Cooking Thanksgiving Menu

  • Entree:
  • Chipotle-Glazed Turkey
  • Stuffing:
  • Corn and Black Bean Stuffing
  • Sides:
  • Roasted Corn Salad
  • Green Chili Mashed Potatoes
  • Jalapeño Cornbread
  • Desserts:
  • Pumpkin Flan
  • Tres Leches Cake

Midwestern Chicago Thanksgiving Menu

  • Entree:
  • Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
  • Stuffing:
  • Traditional Bread Stuffing
  • Sides:
  • Creamed Spinach
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Cranberry Bread
  • Desserts:
  • Apple and Cranberry Pie
  • HoneyNut Squash Bars with Vanilla Ice Cream

New York Thanksgiving Menu

  • Entree:
  • Herb-Roasted Turkey or Vegetarian Chicken Thighs
  • Stuffing:
  • Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing
  • Mushroom and Cranberry Stuffing
  • Sides:
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Butternut Squash Soup
  • Classic Stuffed Mushrooms.
  • Desserts:
  • Pumpkin Bars
  • Lemon Meringue Pie

No matter where you are, Thanksgiving is a time to gather and enjoy good food. By planning your menu based on the number of guests and choosing a regional theme, you can create a memorable feast that everyone will love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Gift List | Day 2 of 60 | Holiday Prep Thanksgiving & Christmas

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, gift-giving! Creating a Christmas list can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t go over budget. Let’s explore how to make your list, stick to your budget, and understand gift etiquette in various settings.

Making Your Christmas List

Start by writing down everyone you want to buy gifts for. This can include family, friends, coworkers, and even service providers like mail carriers and garbage collectors.

  • Tip: Use a spreadsheet or a simple notepad app to keep track of names and gift ideas. This way, you won’t forget anyone important!

Staying Within Budget

Setting a budget is crucial to avoid overspending during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you stick to your budget:

  1. Set a Total Budget: Decide how much you can spend overall. This will help you prioritize your spending.
  2. Allocate Funds: Assign a specific amount for each person on your list. This ensures you don’t overspend on one person and leave others out.
  3. Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey can help you find great deals.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the average American planned to spend about $998 on holiday gifts in 2022. Setting a budget can help you manage your finances better and enjoy the season without stress.

Gift Etiquette in the Workplace

When it comes to giving gifts at work, it’s important to be thoughtful and considerate. Here are some guidelines:

  • Know Your Company Culture: Some workplaces have strict policies against gift-giving, while others encourage it. Always check the rules first.
  • Keep It Professional: Choose gifts that are appropriate for the workplace. Items like coffee mugs, plants, or gift cards are usually safe bets.
  • Consider Group Gifts: If you want to give something more substantial, consider organizing a group gift with your coworkers.

Gift Etiquette for Neighbors and Service Providers

When it comes to neighbors and service providers, a small gesture can go a long way. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Neighbors: A homemade treat or a simple card can show appreciation. If you’re close, consider a small gift like a candle or a festive decoration.
  • Condo Building Employees: A gift card or a nice basket of goodies is a thoughtful way to thank your building staff for their hard work.
  • Mail Carriers and Garbage Collectors: A small gift or a card is a nice gesture. The U.S. Postal Service allows mail carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20.

Gift Etiquette for Teachers

Teachers play a significant role in our lives, and showing appreciation is always a good idea. Here are some tips:

  • Group Gifts: Consider pooling together with other parents for a larger gift. This can be a gift card to a local restaurant or a nice gift basket.
  • Personal Touch: A handwritten note from your child can mean a lot. It shows that you value their hard work and dedication.

Gift Etiquette for Friends and Family

When it comes to friends and family, the rules can be a bit more relaxed. Here’s how to navigate gift-giving:

  • Set a Spending Limit: If you have a large family, consider setting a spending limit for gifts. This keeps things fair and manageable.
  • Personalized Gifts: Think about what each person would truly appreciate. A thoughtful gift shows you care and pay attention to their interests.

Creating a Christmas list and understanding gift etiquette can make your holiday season much more enjoyable. By staying organized and mindful of your budget, you can spread joy without the stress. Happy gifting!

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Day One | Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to get organized! Today, we’ll focus on setting budgets and planning menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Step 1: Set Your Holiday Budget

  1. Review Last Year’s Spending
    Look back at your credit card and bank statements from last year. Write down what you spent on food and drinks for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you do not have a budget set already, decide how much you want to spend on each person per day, that is your budget.
  • Thanksgiving Dinner: $____
  • Black Friday Snacks/Meals: $____
  • Saturday Meals: $____
  • Sunday Meals: $____
  • Total Food/Drink Expenses: $____
  1. Create a New Budget
    Based on last year’s spending, set a realistic budget for this year. Consider any changes in your guest list or menu that might affect costs. Health Storey does not believe in snacking, Can you add more food to the meals and eliminate grazing from each holiday?
  • Thanksgiving Budget: $____
  • Christmas Budget: $____
  • Total Holiday Budget: $____

Step 2: Plan Your Menus

Next, let’s think about what you want to serve. Here’s a simple outline to help you get started:

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

  • Appetizers: Cheese platter, veggie tray, or stuffed mushrooms
  • Main Course: Roast turkey, Roasted and stuffed Squash
  • Sides: Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing / dressing
  • Desserts: Apple crisp with Ice cream, Cranberry pound cake,

Christmas Menu Ideas

  • Appetizers: Bruschetta, chicken sausage bombs
  • Main Course: Vegetarian fried chicken
  • Sides: Roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce,
  • Desserts: Stolen bread, Christmas cakes,

Step 3: Meal Prep with the Instant Pot

To make meal prep easier, Health Storey suggests using an Instant Pot for making rice potatoes, steamed vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Here’s how to incorporate them into your meals:

  • Rice or Potatoes as a Base: One cup of steamed rice or potatoes can be the foundation for various meals throughout the week.

Example Meal Ideas

  • Rice Bowl: Top with grilled vegetarian chicken sausage, veggies, and teriyaki sauce.
  • Stuffed Squash: Mix rice with ground turkey, spices and place inside of baked or grilled carnival squash.
  • Potato Casserole: Layer potatoes with cheese, broccoli, and ham in an oven safe dish.

Step 4: Grocery Shopping

If you only shop on weekends, consider buying a 2-pound bag of rice per person per week for about $5.00 each.

By setting a budget and planning your menus today, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free holiday season. Remember to keep track of your spending and adjust your budget as needed. Happy prepping!

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For Planners | Week One Schedule For 60 Day Holiday Prep.

Week 1: Planning and Preparation

1. Day 1: Create a Christmas budget.

2. Day 2: Make a list of gifts you need to purchase for friends and family.

3. Day 3: Research and choose a theme for your holiday decorations.

4. Day 4: Start a holiday planner or journal – For Americans, one month to Thanksgiving – Plan the Menu for the four days. A sample menu which is Health Storey Friendly will be available for you to use.

5. Day 5: Set up a holiday playlist with your favorite Christmas songs on Youtube to play over the holidays.

6. Day 6: Plan your holiday card list, e-card list and designs.

7. Day 7: Decide on your Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day menus.