Thanksgiving is a time to come together with loved ones, cook together, feast together, and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Every family celebrates differently. Some go all out, inviting neighbors and friends to a formal sit-down dinner. Others keep it simple, grabbing takeout and prioritizing quality time over elaborate cooking. No matter how you celebrate, every host knows that Thanksgiving can also be a stressful time.

Let’s be honest, this holiday can sometimes feel more like a circus in the kitchen than a relaxing holiday. From juggling multiple dishes to keeping everyone happy, the pressure can sneak up on you. But it doesn’t have to! To help you enjoy a smoother, more relaxed Thanksgiving, I’ve compiled tips from some of the world’s most renowned chefs:

1. Let guests experiment with appetizers – Martha Stewart
   Instead of putting all the pressure on the main course, encourage creativity with appetizers. Guests are often more willing to try new flavors in small bites, making the meal more enjoyable and interactive. Plus, it keeps everyone happily snacking while the main dishes
   are being prepared in the kitchen.
2. Help yourself, help the host – Alpana Singh
   Make your life easier by setting up food, drinks, and utensils so guests can serve themselves.
   A relaxed host makes for a happier holiday.
3. Beverage Bar – Arthur Gold & Robert Fizdale
   The first thing any guest wants when they walk through the door is a drink. Setting up a station for guests to pour their own water, cocktails, and soda keeps everyone hydrated and happy, allowing you to focus on enjoying the day instead of constantly refilling glasses.
4. Stick to a schedule – Ina Garten
   A simple timeline can make the day feel less chaotic. Ina Garten writes out exactly when to start preparing the turkey, when to slice the vegetables, and when to pop the desserts in the oven.
   Even though it might feel like overkill, knowing what comes next reduces
   last-minute stress and keeps the day flowing smoothly.
5. Plan ahead – Padma Lakshmi
   If you’re ambitious, consider prepping parts of your meal well in advance. Some chefs, like Padma Lakshmi, even cook the turkey the night before at 1 AM to make the day itself more relaxing.
6. Get creative with presentation – Julia Child
   Simple touches—like serving a side dish in a hollowed-out pumpkin—elevate your meal without adding stress. Presentation can make ordinary dishes feel special.
7. Break tasks up – Melissa Clark
   Remember, a turkey is just an overgrown chicken. Dividing big tasks into smaller ones makes cooking feel less intimidating and more manageable; you can apply this tip to other dishes as well.
8. Build excitement – Anthony Bourdain
   Build excitement by clearing your fridge ahead of time and making space for leftovers. The anticipation of a delicious meal is part of the fun, and a tidy kitchen helps you stay organized.
9. Keep it laid-back – Jeremiah Tower
   Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overly formal. Sophistication can coexist with comfort and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests will appreciate the easygoing vibe more than perfectly matched decor.
10. Set yourself up for success – Sara Moulton
    Simple prep steps make the day go smoother. Think about setting the table days in advance; small preparation efforts like this will leave you more time to enjoy your company.
11. Choose dishes that work at any temperature – Nancy Silverton & Mark Peel
    Since Thanksgiving meals can be leisurely, pick menu items that taste great hot or at room temperature. Guests will graze for hours, so this flexibility ensures everything is delicious, even if dishes sit out for a while.

With a little bit of planning, creativity, and perspective, Thanksgiving can remain the warm, joyful holiday it’s meant to be. Follow these chef-approved tips, and you’ll find yourself spending less time stressed in the kitchen and more time making memories with the people who matter most.

Here’s to a happy, relaxed holiday! I’m thankful for all of you!

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes