Top Tips for Hosting the Perfect Thanksgiving in Your Taber Home

The holiday season is a time to gather with all your loved ones, celebrate gratitude, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal together, and hosting Thanksgiving in your new home can make the occasion even more memorable. Homes by Taber ® offers floor plans with thoughtfully designed spaces that make entertaining easy and enjoyable. As Oklahoma’s Favorite Builder ®, with over 20 years of experience, Homes by Taber ® creates exceptional living experiences for all homeowners. From open-concept kitchens to spacious living areas, new homes in OKC are ready for any occasion, so read on for top tips to help you host the perfect Thanksgiving this year in your Taber home. 

Get a head start on the decorations

Setting up any of your specific Thanksgiving decorations early can reduce your stress and help create a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for the entire day. Use your Taber home’s spacious entryway or living area to add in seasonal touches like garlands, pumpkins, or wreaths, and consider accentuating the dining room with a rustic table runner, candles, and a centerpiece made of autumn leaves or pinecones. Homes at Homes by Taber come with stunning light fixtures as well, so use these to create the perfect ambiance with dimmed lighting, or even include candles throughout your space. Additionally, you can consider placing name cards or small decorative plates at each place setting to add a personal touch for your guests. 

Plan your menu and cook ahead where you can

Hosting Thanksgiving means you’re in charge of the main courses during the meal, and the menus for this holiday can sometimes seem overwhelming. For this, planning ahead is key to reducing your stress and making sure that you have plenty of time to spend with your guests. For your side dishes, choose a few that can be prepared in advance, such as desserts, casseroles, and cranberry sauce. With open-concept kitchens at Homes by Taber, you’ll have plenty of room to set up cooking stations and extra counter space for meal prep, and you’ll be able to make good use of your state-of-the-art appliances to bake, roast, or even slow-cook dishes as you set up other areas. As guests arrive, they’ll be able to see, and smell, the delicious meal you’ve made. 

Set up a self-serve station 

Creating a self-serve drink and appetizer station not only adds convenience for both you and your guests, but it can also be a stylish addition to your Thanksgiving gathering. By designating an area, like your large kitchen island or a bar area, you allow guests to help themselves while freeing up your kitchen for any last-minute cooking. Decorate the space with festive fall touches like small pumpkins or cozy candles, and arrange a variety of drink options, including sparkling water, cider, and seasonal cocktails for a personal touch. Pair the drinks with easy-to-grab appetizers like cheese, spiced nuts, and bite-sized pastries, and your guests will feel right at home in the relaxed atmosphere.

Make use of your outdoor spaces

With cooler temperatures and crisp air, fall is still a wonderful time to enjoy some final outdoor gatherings, so if you’re hosting a larger group this Thanksgiving, consider extending the event outside if the weather allows. Floor plans at Homes by Taber come with spacious backyards, giving guests plenty of room to spread out comfortably and set up seating areas with blankets and throw pillows. Some of our floor plans, like The Mallory and The Shiloh, even come with outdoor fireplaces and beautiful covered back patios, creating the perfect overflow space for appetizers and desserts. With this option, your guests have a chance to take in the outdoor ambiance while spending time with each other, and it can be the perfect spot for kids to run around and play. 

Set up kid-friendly activities

Thanksgiving should be fun for everyone, including your youngest guests, so try and dedicate a corner of your living room or play area as a kid-friendly area. Bring out coloring books, puzzles, or small crafts that keep children entertained. Give parents a chance to relax, and you can even incorporate Thanksgiving-themed crafts, like making turkey hats or decorating mini pumpkins. Having this dedicated space will not only keep them happily engaged throughout the day, but it also provides parents with a bit of relaxation time to talk with all your other guests. With plenty of space in your Taber home, you’ll easily find an area that would be perfect for this. 

Create cozy guest spaces

If you have any guests staying overnight, you’ll want their experience to be as comfortable as possible. Prepare your guest rooms with fresh sheets, an extra set of pillows, and a soft throw blanket for added warmth. You can also consider adding in thoughtful touches such as snacks, bottled water, and travel-sized toiletries they may have forgotten to pack. A few magazines or books on the bedside table can make the room feel even more personal. Homes by Taber offers floor plans with an abundance of versatility, allowing for the creation of guest spaces that feel like a true retreat and make overnight visitors feel right at home during their stay.

Enjoy the memories in your Taber home

When Thanksgiving day arrives, try to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible. After all, this holiday season is about creating lasting memories with your loved ones, and your Taber home provides the perfect setting. With its thoughtful design and spacious layout, hosting becomes less about stress and more about enjoying your time this holiday season, so take some candid pictures, reflect on the moments you’re grateful for, and feel the warmth of a home filled with love and laughter.