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5 Ways To Host A Safe Thanksgiving Holiday This Year

Hosting a safe Thanksgiving holiday is something that we likely never had to think of before. Beyond perhaps making sure that the turkey was cooked all the way through! But let’s face it, the Thanksgiving entertaining is going to look different for most of us this year. If you’re fortunate enough to have family or close friends to invite over there will be some important things to consider! I’m breaking down a few of them in this post, plus sharing an easy and delicious sweet potato appetizer!

beautiful flowers in a brass bucket safe Thanksgiving holiday

Like most of you, we haven’t had the gatherings that we normally do at our home. But weather permitting we do enjoy dining al fresco. It may just be my husband and me celebrating Thanksgiving this year, but we have a lot to be thankful for and I will try and make it nice!

safe Thanksgiving holiday beautiful flower centerpiece

A flower arrangement with rich fall colors in a brass bucket was my only element of fancy for the tablescape here. On the pea gravel patio out back there are hundreds of droppings from our plumeria tree that add to our Florida fall feel.

Our little loves join us outside and are so happy to be soaking up the sun and fresh cut grass!

al fresco Thanksgiving in Florida

This is the time of year that we know why we live here and we hope to enjoy inviting more friends over to be outside soon. If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, here are some things to consider…

5 Ways To Host A Safe Thanksgiving Holiday This Year

  1. Limit the number of attendees and guests as much as possible. Be thoughtful in knowing how your guests have been socializing in the last couple of weeks.
  2. When your guests/family members arrive have them wash their hands. It’s something that we don’t normally think about, but no hand shaking and be aware of social distancing guidelines. Have disposable masks available for those who feel they need them and use touch-free trash cans for tossing out.
  3. If at all feasible, sit outside. While I realize that isn’t possible for many, do it if you can. If you are able to dine outdoors you should still maintain a reasonable distance when seated. If seating your guests inside, consider having a children’s table for the little ones and have any elderly guests sit further away.
  4. No buffets and no shared utensils! Plate out everyone’s food for them and serve it restaurant style. If your guests want a second helping you should carefully dole it out onto their plate and be the only one that touches the service. Consider using disposable plates, cups, napkins, flatware. There are some beautiful options these days and I’m linking some below!
  5. Bathroom etiquette is essential and should be carefully thought out. Be sure to have pump hand soap or disinfecting gel on the counter by the sink. How about some fancy paper guest towels that can be tossed in the trash! If you have a window in the bathroom try to leave it open, weather permitting.

safe Thanksgiving holiday

The next day we were outside for more and I changed the look of the table easily with a different bucket!

Keep these disposables on hand…click images below to shop!

BONUS RECIPE!

Easy Sweet Potato & Marshmallow Appetizer Bites Recipe

sweet potato bites recipe

The easiest appetizer that you can make, because when I entertain I like to keep things simple. My sweet potato bites recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes in the oven and is delicious!

sweet potato and marshmallow appetizer

It’s enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and easy to serve to your guests, one by one this year.

Print

Easy Sweet Potato & Marshmallow Appetizer Bites

This recipe for sweet potato and marshmallow bites is the perfect fast appetizer to make for the fall season. You'll want to keep these simple ingredients on hand for more!
Course Appetizer
Keyword appetizer
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Cost $5

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes large
  • 1 bag marshmallows
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces & halves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2" rounds leaving skin on.
  • Place sweet potato slices on a large baking sheet and brush with maple syrup.
  • Bake for 10 minutes and flip, then bake for another 10 minutes or until fork tender.
  • Switch oven to broil.
  • Add one marshmallow to each sweet potato round and broil until top is browned.
  • Remove from oven and immediately top with walnut pieces then serve.

 

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8 Comments

  1. linda of no.cal. says:

    Yes…like everyone else the last ALMOST year loooooks so different.
    I’ll admit at times I am a bit cranky,,.no family gatherings or celebrating birthdays or just being with family and friends,
    Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas will be the Mr. and me… HOPEFULLY in February we can celebrate and gather for a late holiday FEAST…❣️❣️❣️ linda

  2. Great suggestions for hosting a fun and save Thanksgiving. This year has been so different, so it will be nice to have something a little normal for the Holidays. Those sweet potato appetizers look good too. That’s a recipe I will definitely try.

  3. Miche Ortega says:

    Gorgeous centerpiece, Janet. I had no idea there were so many beautiful disposable tableware available. Your recipe looks yummy. Thanks so much for sharing.

  4. Wise ideas and a gorgeous centerpiece!! Wish we had the option of eating outdoors… 🙂

  5. What great advice, Janet! And what beautiful images. You make me want to be a better photographer!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

  6. Great ideas Janet, and such a beautiful table – with both vases! Thanks for the great social distancing ideas too. This has gone on so long that we definitely have to think up different ettiquette!

    Another fabulous post!

  7. Ellen Sorce says:

    Excellent post about celebraing safely. Thank you!

    1. I’m so glad that you found it informative Ellen