November 7, 2023

Holiday Entertaining: We are here to help you succeed this Thanksgiving.

November 07, 2023

Did you make it through the time change? We certainly did, but now I find myself yearning for sleep as early as 5:30 p.m., thanks to how dark it gets. The perpetuation of this practice baffles me! Nevertheless, we wish everyone a wonderful time in the remaining weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break. Be prepared for tons of invaluable hosting tips, the latest on holiday deals to watch for, and a whole lot more.

  • Holiday Entertaining: We are here to help you succeed this Thanksgiving.

  • Four-Legged Companions: Things to consider when adopting a dog.

  • The Secret to Happy Kids: It's probably not what you initially thought.

ENTERTAINING

Just call me the hostess with the mostess.

Okay, so I've never actually hosted a Thanksgiving by myself. 

Thankfully, I've had years of watching my mom and aunt flawlessly execute our Thanksgiving dinner for a very large family for many years (no, I won't disclose my age 😉).

If you're hosting for the first time, creating a clear plan in advance can help minimize the initial overwhelm.

A quick disclaimer: you might still feel a bit overwhelmed no matter how well-prepared you are, but that's just part of the experience!

Weeks leading up to Thanksgiving

🦃 Guest List. Determine the number of expected guests, including children. If it's over 8, consider a buffet-style setup. If you have guests staying with you, prepare for their stay during the week leading up to their arrival.

🦃 Menu. Opt for trusted recipes. When making your shopping list, categorize it into perishables and non-perishables. If you're ordering items for pick-up, do so promptly and note the pick-up date on your calendar

🦃Gobble Gobble. Buy your turkey 2-3 weeks before and freeze it! You’ll need 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds.

🦃 Table Preparations. Get your table aesthetic ready as early as possible – this includes the kid's table!  At Home with Shannon offers fantastic ideas for decorating the kids' table with engaging and time-consuming activities.

🦃 Sunday Funday. Start cooking on the Sunday before the big day. Many dishes, including casseroles, gravies, and veggies, can be prepared in advance.

Come Thanksgiving day, you'll be fully prepared. The key to a successful Thanksgiving is to rise early ☀️, set a schedule, and dive into your tasks!

Extra Tips for a Successful Day

  • Embrace assistance - ensure you don't shoulder the entire burden of the Thanksgiving meal. Delegate desserts, appetizers, drinks, or any tasks to ensure a smooth day.

  • Leverage your slow cooker - initiate dishes like mashed potatoes or green beans in advance and proceed to the next item on your to-do list

Most importantly, don’t stress and enjoy the day!

FAMILY

Is it time to choose your fur-ever friend?

A popular gift for the holidays is getting a family pet. 🐹🐟🐱

If you are on the fence about getting a pet this year, consider…

Pet ownership is a commitment, regardless of the type of pet. Dogs, for instance, demand more care than hamsters, so take a moment to reflect on whether you have the time to dedicate. Overall, pets offer a range of benefits for kids, including:

  • Promoting mental and physical well-being

  • Fostering emotional regulation 

  • Social skills

  • Responsibilities in children

What about adopting a dog?

🐕 There are endless reasons why you should adopt a dog - if you need a few more for your pros list, here you go!

🐕 Good Housekeeping has a thorough list of suggested breeds to adopt for families.

🐕 Keep an eye out for these red flags if you are adopting a dog.

❤️ Personal note: Surprising our kids with a trip to a reputable dog rescue, was one of the best decisions we ever made. We love our 9-year-old mutt, Bailey!

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CHILDREN

I found the secret to raising happy, healthy kids.

And let me tell you, you’re going to love the answer. 🧹🧽✔

A pediatrician recently highlighted a 75-year Harvard study on his TikTok, which claims that implementing chores in your child's life increases the likelihood of them being happier, more empathetic, and more successful in their careers as adults.

Though chores might face resistance, or doing them yourself may seem easier, initiating them at a young – even with smaller tasks – imparts a valuable lesson that persists into the teenage years and beyond.

Check out this example chore chart, breaking down tasks for different age groups from 2 to 18 years old. 

📚Here is a list of great kid's books to help jumpstart your chore journey! 

💲Take it a step further with this app that helps assign, track, and reward chores for the older kids.

Ember Mug 2
$129-$149

If I had one wish…
It would be for my beautiful children to understand the necessity of hot coffee in the morning. That lesson isn’t quite sticking ☕︎→❄️. And, for some reason, microwaved coffee just doesn’t hit the same.

Problem solved, mamas! Cold coffee stands no chance against the ember mug 2. Not only is it very highly rated, but it keeps your drink at the exact temperature you set it to be for more than 1.5 hours. $129 - $149.

The ember mug is on the pricier side, so if you are looking for a good alternative, check out the ion mug and charging coaster for $38.

SNIPPETS

Recall Alert. Tyson has recalled dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets due to metal pieces in the product.

Take a closer look. At what you are putting in your eyes. FDA is warning against 26 drops that can cause infection.

Turn it down. The AAP has issued a warning to a favorite registry must-have: the sound machine.

It’s the only list that matters. Oprah’s 2023 Favorite Things list has been revealed!

You’re breaking records, baby. Mom gives birth to a 14.5-pound baby in Canada.

Let the shopping begin. Walmart has released its Black Friday deals for toys, electronics and more. 

Quishing is the new phishing. QR codes have now begun to be used in cybercrime. Make sure you're informed.

Curl up with a good book. Barnes and Noble made it easy with a list of the best fiction and nonfiction books of 2023.

🍔 An Easy, Quick Dinner Recipe the Entire Family will Love

If you're in search of a weekly culinary staple, look no further. These turkey burgers are a resounding hit in my household, and they're incredibly simple to prepare. I typically pair them with a pre-packaged salad or some veggies.

Pro Tip: I've found an even more convenient method than the stovetop cooking suggested in the recipe. To streamline cleanup, I preheat the oven to 400 degrees, place a cooling rack on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, position the patties on the rack, and bake for 10 minutes on each side. In the last minute or two, add the cheese. Viola!

Low-maintenance kid’s table ideas
I don't want to add more to your Thanksgiving plate, so here are some simple ideas:

Corn Craft: What food says “Thanksgiving” more than corn? This ornamental beaded craft is an excellent way to get your kids into the Thanksgiving spirit. With only two supplies needed, it creates a unique decoration for the kids' dinner table. Just make sure to let the little ones know it’s not edible! 😆

Coloring Pages and Placemats: Add adorable Thanksgiving placemats to the table and/or provide these free coloring pages to keep the kids entertained while you handle all the cooking. You can also take a shortcut and purchase them in advance. Don't forget the crayons!

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

✨ Christen and Karin ✨

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