Holidays at Home and Ideas for Thanksgiving Outfits
I won’t be cooking for Thanksgiving this year, but I know many of my readers will be hosting, so let’s chat about things to wear that work as hard as you do and will keep you looking stylish. I’ve rounded up three different Thanksgiving outfit ideas depending on your activities for the day.
If you’re the hostess doing all the heavy lifting for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a great idea to change outfits before your guests arrive. I’d love to think I could start my day in one outfit and look great to sit down to dinner with my guests in the same outfit, but that’s not realistic for me. I’d probably be splattered in yams before the first guests arrive.
For all the messy things you do in the morning, start with a pair of comfy leggings or stretch pants with a lightweight short-sleeved or 3/4 length sleeve top. No one needs sleeves getting in the way, and now is not the time to wear a sweater because the oven is going all day! Choose colors that can handle a splash or two without staining and a fresh full-coverage apron. Comfy footwear is the name of the game here, so wear supportive flats that will help prevent foot and back fatigue. That means a comfy pair of sneakers during the day, probably instead of your best slippers.
BTW- here’s myĀ Killer Pecan Pie Recipe… yes it looks like a child’s art project, but tastes better. š
Right before guests arrive, change into the outfit you’ll continue to cook in but want to be seen in. If you’re anything like me, another apron is mandatory at this point, and I like ones that coordinate with your outfit. Spills and splashes happen to the tidiest cooks, so don’t wear a precious silk blouse that you’ll be devastated to destroy. Short sleeves are still helpful here, or at least ones you can roll up and have them stay up without adjusting.
CASUAL THANKSGIVING OUTFIT WHEN YOU’RE HOSTING
CASUAL AND COLORFUL THANKSGIVING OUTFIT FOR THE HOSTESS
HELPING TO SERVE THE THANKSGIVING FEAST
The bottom line is you want to look and feel good while you’re preparing and/or serving the meal. Make sure you plan for moving around, getting warm, and being on your feet for an extended period of time. No matter what you choose, your family will really be focusing on the memories you are creating. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Are you hosting, sharing duties, or serving this Thanksgiving?
Hi,
I love reading everything that you post and shared with many friends.
For some reason, when I went to the link for Boll & B… sheets, put in my info and order, Bolt & B… have no info of an order. Have there been link issues for others?
Best wishes
Susan
We are on our own this year. As I am not fond of turkey or pumpkin pie we will have apple pie and roast chicken that is for me. My husband is vegan. He is on his own for meals. We are together cooking and talking but eat different foods. The only son and DIL in state are still a long drive requiring an overnight trip and Iām disabled and canāt do stairs at all. They have a large gathering at their house with the other side of the family.
Now that I’m 147 years old (which I feel like today) I don’t do the feast. But over the decades, I’ve cooked more turkeys than I can count. I had it down to a science, and if I tried to change anything, I heard howls of complaint. “Where are the deviled eggs?” This year, the husband I are going on a cruise.
A cruise sounds like a fabulous idea! Enjoy
I no longer host. That chore, and it is a chore, has been given over to my two daughters and daughter in law. They are young and can be on their feet all day, without being completely wiped.
Iām Canadian so our Thanksgiving was the 9 October. Iām fully decorated for Christmas at this point. We are going away for two weeks over the Christmas period so I wanted to enjoy the festive spirit in my home before leaving.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with family. A new grandbaby will make it extra special.
I cooked for years for many and always had to change quick, but now we travel to be with family and get to play with grandchildren while they do the cooking.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
After 45 years of cooking and hosting for Thanksgiving my son and his love have taken over the duties. Yeah! And they do a marvelous job! This year we will be having our dinner out on the desert RV camping (we’re in Arizona) so it will be very casual and probably quite a bit different from previous years. The best thing is to be together and enjoy the day and the family.
I agree!
Love all the outfits! We have a large blended family and we’ve hosted many Thanksgiving meals but this year we are on our own. This is really a nice break. We’ll just keep it simple.
I always look like Iāve been wrung through the wringer when I cook.. I always giggle at movies where the host carves a single piece of turkey to serve to his guests, based on their preference.. in our house the electric knife is going, juice is dripping , the dog and whatever wayward bachelor friend my hubs has invited are waiting for a taste.. š¤£.. I barely have time to change into something before peeps start coming.. I wish I could dress cute, but Iām such a messy cook, and dirty Thanksgiving dishes are right up there with dirty spaghetti ones..I do change into something somewhat presentable, but old! The outfits ts are adorable though!
I love this Jenn! Your Thanksgiving sounds perfect.
Your Holiday sounds like the best!! Hope you have a great one.
Great selection of outfits ranging from casual to a bit more dressed up. This Thanksgiving my son and DIL are hosting 18 people and giving me a break! I’m so thrilled and thankful about that! BTW your pecan pie looks delicious and a piece of it would go perfectly with my cup of coffee right now. š YUM!
I really like the floral blouse and the brown jeans but cant get the link to work. And Im terrible I never wear an apron but you showed some really cute ones. .
Sorry. I fixed it
We will be at a NFL football game this year. Canāt wait to relax that way this yearš
How exciting!
What a great and helpful post! Thank you!!
I have learned to make it easy on myself by preparing everything, but the turkey, the night before. Then you only have to pop the serving dishes into the oven a little before dinner to heat them up. Makes life much easier and you can visit with your guests.
I do almost all my side dishes the day before too.
I’m with Anita as always prepped what I could in advance with also one rule; it was buffet style and everyone (often 23+) were expected to serve themselves. Now fast forward; my children currently do the hosting/entertaining and I am now just the guest bearing the desserts. All said; super tips Jennifer for those who are doing it.
-Brenda-
As I am not American have never hosted Thanksgiving, but have been to several Thanksgiving dinners when visiting family in America. The food has always been sensational, and a wonderful time, but (hope I donāt upset anyone), pumpkin pie is beyond the pale. Looking forward to my sisterās Thanksgiving dinner here in South Australia next week, but will be giving it an Aussie twist by baking a pavlova – alas, pumpkin pie will be on the menu. Enjoy the holiday season with your family and do wear one of those fantastic outfits featured. I will be in a summer dress due to a predicted forecast of 33C that day
Thatās hot! Enjoy
All great ideas and great outfits !
I like the looks of the harvest apron but the like takes me to the sneakers.
Sorry, itās fixed!