Plated turkey dinner on a decorated autumn table

4 Easy Thanksgiving Hosting Ideas, Plus a Bonus Tip

It’s almost time to gather the family together for the holidays! Need some Thanksgiving hosting ideas to take your special family dinner to the next level? Here are some of our favorites:

 

woman making thanksgiving list

1. Make a Game Plan

First, it helps to take some time to get organized. It may seem easy enough – buy the food and make it! – but taking 15-20 minutes to make a menu, shopping lists, and prep outline will help cut down on stress later.

 

woman passing green beans at thanksgiving table

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate

Just because you’re hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to cook every single thing. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to contribute. For example, you could ask them to bring their favorite dessert or you could assign every guest a side dish to bring.

 

Close-up of shopping list

3. Make Your Grocery List

Don’t assume you’ll remember everything you need to buy at the grocery store! If you don’t make one big list you may get distracted – and have to make multiple trips. One of our most important Thanksgiving hosting ideas is to take the time to make a grocery shopping list in order to be most efficient.

 

Autumn White Small pumpkins on plaid background with Baby breath flowers

4. Decorate Your Home

Luckily, Thanksgiving is one holiday where the food is the star of the show. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some tasteful decorations! For example, pumpkin centerpieces, unique place cards, and apple candle holders are all easy ways to make your home more festive.

 

Homemade Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich

BONUS: Plan for Leftovers

Finally, as much as everyone eats on Thanksgiving, there are (thankfully!) always leftovers. Be sure to have a plan for packing up these extra meals and treats for you and your guests. You can invest in some disposable containers to send home with your guests or think of some delicious leftover turkey recipes so no food goes to waste!

 

Small girl having fun while about to bite a roasted turkey on Thanksgiving.

Imagine Using These Thanksgiving Hosting Ideas in Your New Challenger Home

Challenger Homes has a number of new homes and quick move-in homes available! Host your next Thanksgiving in a new home at any one of our Colorado Springs or Northern Colorado communities. Contact us today to learn more.

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Our advertised estimated lowest payments use a 30-year VA loan example for an eligible buyer with full entitlement and 0% down. The featured payment option is 3-2-1 Buydown. Advertised amounts are year-one estimates; payments increase in years 2, 3 and 4. The note rate is fixed at 6.5%. Home price, estimated taxes, and HOA/metro charges vary by property and community. Open the asterisk beside a payment for that home’s figures and assumptions.

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Principal and interest are calculated from the modeled loan amount, selected payment rate, and loan term. The model uses 8.661% combined 3-2-1 buydown cost and an assumed 2.15% VA funding fee financed into the loan. It includes a $8,000.00 closing-cost allowance, modeled through a higher contract price and seller credit. Points and any temporary buydown funding are modeled through a higher contract price and seller credits, subject to lender approval and appraisal support.

Property taxes use the community mill levy and an approximate assessed-value calculation; they are estimates, not an actual tax bill. Homeowners insurance is estimated at $180.00 per month. Applicable community HOA/metro charges are included. Upfront tax and insurance escrow deposits are excluded. A zero down payment does not guarantee zero cash due at closing.

3-2-1 Buydown payment assumption notes

The advertised amount is the Year 1 estimated payment. A builder-funded 3-2-1 buydown reduces the buyer's principal and interest payments during the first three years; the underlying note rate remains fixed. Payments are based on a rate 3 percentage points below the note rate in Year 1, 2 points below in Year 2, and 1 point below in Year 3. Full note-rate payments begin in Year 4. Taxes, insurance and HOA/metro charges are estimates and may change. Interest rate is not APR. Financing costs are modeled through a higher contract price and seller credits, subject to lender approval and appraisal support. Contact the lender for a complete Loan Estimate.

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