8 Ways to Bless Your Host on Thanksgiving

Luckily, I’ve managed to get away with not hosting the meal, up to this point.  I guess it’s one of the perks of owning a small home. 😉  Since I have no experience from which to draw from as far as hosting, I thought I’d share from my normal vantage point as the guest and offer some ways that you can bless your host on Thanksgiving Day.  {I’m talking to myself!}

1.  Bring something extra

As the guest, I would hope your host has already been willing to let you bring some items to help with the meal {delegation is fantastic!}.  Perhaps it’s the rolls, candied yams, your famous congealed salad, or your grandma’s pecan pie.  Either way, it’s always nice to bring a little extra above and beyond what you were asked to bring.  Maybe throw in an extra 2 Liter drink or some Starbucks Holiday blend K-cups* to use during dessert.

2.  Be punctual

If your host gives you a specific time, then be sure to arrive on time.  You may even want to arrive a little earlier if you are bringing items for the meal to ensure your items are set up and ready to go in time for your host’s desired mealtime.  The host may run behind, but you don’t want to be the reason for any delay.

3. Bring something for them

It’s always nice when someone thinks specifically of the host.  They may like a special dessert, drink, or side dish that you could bring specifically for them.  It doesn’t have to be anything large or expensive, but even a small, thoughtful treat or gift would be a nice gesture

4. Clear your dishes after the meal

The clean up after an enormous meal can be extremely daunting, when energy is fading and likely at its lowest. Your host may not want you in the kitchen doing dishes so be sensitive to that {although offering is still a good idea}, but you can at the very least make sure you scrape your plate and bring your items to the sink or dishwasher. As people are leaving the table, pick up any leftover dishes from others that may have forgotten to do the same.

5. Offer to help wash and put away dishes

You may have to tow the line on this one because some hosts don’t want people doing this.  They know where things go and which flat wear should and shouldn’t be washed in the dishwasher.  I totally get that, but I think you should at least offer to help a couple of times.  Or maybe you could just pick up a dish towel and start setting them aside to dry without even asking?  Gauge your host and make your decision from there.

6.  Keep an eye on the trashcans

Large gatherings produce a lot of garbage.  Keep an eye on the trashcans and take it upon yourself to empty them without being asked when you see they are getting full.  Your host will appreciate that more than you know.

7.  Label your dishes or bring disposable pans

This gesture will make it easier on your host when trying to figure out whose dishes go with whom.  You can find very affordable disposable pans at dollar stores, so you don’t even have to worry about clean up.  It might even be helpful to bring some Ziploc bags* in case you’d like to leave any leftovers with your host.  They can keep some and not have to worry about finding a plastic container.

8.  Keep your eyes open for other ways to help

Sometimes you have the best of intentions, but caught up in good conversation or a good football game.  Just being aware of your surroundings and jumping in to help as needed is a real blessing.  Often, the host may not even know what instructions to give you, so just filling a need that you see on the spot is great!

There have been years in the past {think early 20’s when I didn’t have a clue} when I have been such a lazy guest in my host’s home {Mom, I’m sorry!}.  I didn’t have those intentions but I regret not thinking about my host more.  We should still aim to be helpful and appreciative for the effort gone to host such a large meal and event.

What other ways can you bless your host on Thanksgiving?

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