--- title: Five Ideas for More Fun & Less Stress this Thanksgiving description: We have a few great ideas to help make your Thanksgiving all fun and no stress! image: https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/image.jpeg --- ![ThompsonWhite.png](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017%20Site%20Images/ThompsonWhite.png?width=315&name=ThompsonWhite.png "ThompsonWhite.png") [![ThompsonSimpleLogo.png](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017%20Site%20Images/ThompsonSimpleLogo.png?width=314&name=ThompsonSimpleLogo.png "ThompsonSimpleLogo.png")](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com) ** Gallery ** contact # Five Ideas for More Fun & Less Stress this Thanksgiving Posted by [Ben Thompson](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/author/ben-thompson) on 11.22.16 Turkey Day is coming and we are super excited! I'm sure all of you have your plans underway for visiting family or hosting a Thanksgiving feast at your own home. The gathering of multiple family generations and friends is great fun, but can also be a bit stressful for the hosts who have to plan and orchestrate the big event. We have a few great ideas to help make your Thanksgiving all fun and no stress! 1. Say Yes to the Kid's Table. Take it to the next level by covering it with craft paper and placing bowls or cups with crayons or makers on it. Have a contest where each child creates their own Thanksgiving themed placemat. Place a few card games like Old Maid or Uno on the table after the main meal is over to keep them entertained while the adults socialize. And if some of the adults want to sit at the kid's table and join in the fun - why not?! 2. Take a Break on Bread and Dessert. Go to your favorite bakery and pick up bread, rolls and desserts. Who doesn't love fresh bread from the bakery? This will cut your prep list down quite a bit. 3. Set the Table on Thanksgiving Eve. Gather all of your dishes, utensils, glasses and serving ware and set your table early. Grab a few post it notes and label the platters and bowls with the dish you'd like to serve in it. This way you have it all planned out and someone else can even help you get things ready very easily. 4. Plan Your Cleanup. Make things easier on yourself by lining the roasting pan and baking dishes with aluminum foil. Have leftover containers and ziplock bags pulled out and ready before serving dinner. Designate a large bowl or jar for all the dirty utensils and stack all dishes with like dishes to make loading the dishwasher faster. 5. Plan for After Dinner Entertainment. Fight the urge for for taking a nap by playing some fun games like charades or Pictionary. Another great game for a crowd is Apples to Apples. Or, watch a great holiday movie like Elf, A Christmas Story, or Home Alone. 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